Things To Do
in Bogotá
Bogotá, Colombia's sprawling high-altitude capital blends colonial charm with a vibrant modern urban culture. Its historic La Candelaria district features colorful facades, cobblestone streets, and world-class museums like the Gold Museum and Botero Museum. Towering above the city, Monserrate offers panoramic views and a tranquil escape from the bustling streets below.
With diverse culinary offerings, dynamic street art, and energetic nightlife, Bogotá invites travelers to explore its rich traditions and contemporary flair.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start with warm arepa breakfast at a local cafe, then wander the colorful streets of La Candelaria. Admire colonial facades adorned with vibrant murals while exploring hidden plazas. Chat with street artists and artisans at their workshops for an authentic cultural insight.
Sample traditional ajiaco at a family-run eatery before visiting the Museo del Oro to discover shimmering pre-Columbian treasures. Pause for a cup of tinto at a small corner botanica. Explore the nearby Casa de la Moneda for historic context.
Savor dinner featuring bandeja paisa in a candle-lit tavern. Enjoy a live folklore music performance at a local pena. Stroll back through the neighborhood under the glow of vintage streetlamps, soaking in the timeless charm.
Catch the cable car or hike the scenic trail ascending Monserrate. Enjoy the crisp mountain air and take photos of the sprawling city below. Stop at the shrine and gardens to absorb the spiritual ambiance.
Dine at the mountaintop restaurant with panoramic vistas. Sample local trout accompanied by a glass of refreshing Colombiana soda while gazing at the Andean foothills. Sketch or journal your impressions on a terrace bench.
Descend at dusk to watch Bogotá's lights flicker on across the valley. Treat yourself to hearty hot chocolate with cheese at a street-side stand near the base. Cap off the night by exploring the buzzing nightlife in the nearby La Macarena district.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6 |
| 🍽Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $25 |
| ☕Regular coffee | $2.50 |
| 🚕Taxi ride (5 km) | $3.50 |
| 🎟TransMilenio bus ticket | $0.60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Vibrant cultural and arts scene
- Affordable and diverse culinary experiences
- High altitude can cause discomfort
- Traffic congestion during peak hours
- "Hola" - Hello
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Una mesa para dos, por favor" - A table for two, please
Places to Visit in Bogotá
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic mountain peak overlooking the city, perfect for sunrise and sunset shots over Bogotá’s skyline.
Colorful murals and graffiti in the historic district provide vibrant backdrops and cultural storytelling.
Grand plazas framed by the cathedral, capitol building, and city hall offer classic architectural compositions.
Lush gardens and native flora create tranquil scenes and macro photography opportunities.
Food in Bogotá
Bogotá Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional chicken and potato soup flavored with guasca herb, served with corn, avocado, and capers; find it in local eateries across town.
Must-Try!
A generous platter of beans, rice, ground beef, chicharrón, plantain, avocado, and fried egg; try it at family-style restaurants like El Viejo Ajiaco.
Grilled or fried corn cakes often filled with cheese or eggs; available from street carts and casual cafés.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A vast market offering fresh produce, exotic fruits, meats, and street food stalls where you can try empanadas and fresh fruit juices.
Held on Sundays in a colonial plaza, this market features artisanal foods, arepas, and local desserts like obleas.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Start interactions with a friendly handshake and maintain eye contact; use formal titles until invited to use first names.
Colombians stand closer when conversing than North Americans; occasional light shoulder touches in friendly contexts are normal.
Social events often start 15–30 minutes late, but business meetings usually begin on time.
Avoid political debates or sensitive historical issues unless you know someone well.
Safety
Tipping in Bogotá
Ensure a smooth experience
A 10% tip is customary in restaurants but not mandatory; small change for street vendors is appreciated.
Cash in Colombian pesos is king at markets and taxis; credit cards are widely accepted in hotels and mid-to high-end restaurants.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Sunny mornings and mild afternoons make this ideal for outdoor exploration, though UV radiation is strong at altitude.
Afternoon showers are common; pack a lightweight rain jacket and plan museum visits or indoor activities during downpours.
Bogotá at Night
Hiking in Bogotá
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A steep 3 km uphill path popular with hikers seeking city views at summit.
A scenic 1.5 km hike around the sacred lake north of Bogotá, rich in legend and natural beauty.
Day-trip treks through páramo landscapes and to glacial lagoons, about two hours east of the city.
Airports
How to reach Bogotá by plane.
Main international gateway with domestic and global connections, 15 km from downtown; accessible by taxi, app-ride, or airport shuttle.
A smaller general aviation airport used for charter flights and flight training, located north of the city.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
People of mixed European and Indigenous ancestry make up the majority of the population.
Descendants of European immigrants, primarily Spanish, form a significant minority.
Communities of African descent contribute rich cultural traditions, especially in music and cuisine.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Colombians passionately support local teams like Millonarios and Santa Fe; catching a match is a cultural experience.
Road cycling and mountain biking are extremely popular; the city hosts Ciclovía every Sunday when key roads close to cars.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Bogotá.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants offer veggie versions of arepas, soups, and salads; confirm ingredients, as some broths may contain meat.
Seek out health-food cafés in Chapinero and Usaquén that specialize in plant-based bowls, juices, and dairy-free pastries.
Corn-based dishes like arepas and empanadas are naturally gluten-free; always ask vendors about cross-contamination.