Visiting Bogotá for the first time: Top attractions, tips and itinerary

Last updated on August 2nd, 2026 at 04:53 am

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Bogotá was a surprised to me and to quite a few others I spoke to while I was there. Colombia’s capital is up in the Andes sitting at 2,640 metres (8,660 feet), and that is one of the first things you notice! Bogota also has a great mix of colonial history, world-class museums, colourful street art, trendy neighbourhoods, and forest walking, all set against a wonderful mountain backdrop.

Most people skip through or skip by Bogota altogether, but I found plenty of fun and interesting things to do in this colorful city – from birdwatching, to exploring the cobbled streets of La Candelaria, to art, to playing a crazy game of teja! I visited with my niece and we ended up staying more than a week there! Even better, I met a number of people that were taking short holidays and only visiting Bogota!

In this post I give you all the information you need to make the most of your first trip to Bogota – top tours, things to see and do, things to skip, travel tips, and answers to your questions!

Trip Planning Checklist

The best things to see and do in Bogota – the gateway to Colombia!

Day trips in nature from Bogota you should consider!

Things I would skip doing in Bogota – but you might be into!

A quick 3-5 day itinerary for Bogota

Where to Stay in Bogota – for all budgets

Frequently Asked Questions about Bogota

Travel Tips for Bogota

Trip Planning Checklist

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Tours and Activities – book with Viator or GetYourGuide. My top picks for Bogota are:

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The best things to see and do in Bogota – the gateway to Colombia!

I’m starting with the two things to do in Bogota that I think everyone should have at the top of the list for Bogota – and even if you only do these two things, I think you have seen the best of the best!

1. Take a tour of La Candelaria

The top of the list, is to start your exploration of the neighborhood of La Candelaria and its buildings, museums and great street art with a tour.

This is the historic district and the oldest part of Bogotá with those narrow cobbled streets lined with colorful colonial buildings, churches, cafés, and museums, that make you love Colombia. The area feels completely different from the modern business districts to the north with their standard style skyscrapers. Most of the important museums, buildings and churches are in this area. I recommend starting with a tour then exploring and going back to the things you want to see at your leisure later You can learn a lot about the history and the area on one of these tours:

i have listed all the top things to see in Candelaria in No 5 Exploring in Candelaria – all the things to see and do below so you can use that for your own exploration once you have your bearings from the tour you choose.

2. Visit the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá!

I was very sceptical about going to this place, the entry cost seemed very high, but it absolutely blew me away! I don’t even want to try and describe it – but you are underground in an old salt mine – and it is HUGE! Make sure you have plenty of time in the cathedral – so you can walk slowly, sit and meditate (as such) and just take it all in. You don’t need to be religious to have something of a religious experience!

These are day tours from Bogota and I highly recommend you do this if nothing else in Bogota!

Bogota: Small Group Tour Zipaquira Salt Cathedral with Pickup (includes time in the lovely plaza)
LOCAL GUIDE Zipaquirá PRIVATE TOUR – Salt Cathedral and Salt Oven (includes time in the lovely plaza and a craft beer visit)
Shared Tour Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral and Guatavita Lagoon (I only recommend this one if you want to go the the Guatavita lagoon as well. I did go but in hindsight, although the lagoon is pleasant, I would rather have just gone to the Cathedral!

Tip – Try and get time to enjoy / eat at the local Zipaquirá central plaza while you are there. The cathedral is very unusual inside. But the most important thing is the Salt Cathedral!

The-Salt-Cathedral-of-Zipaquira-near-Bogota — You can see another part of the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá in the distance – its huge

3. Climb to Monserrate at the top of the world – well at least the top of Bogota!

This was actually the first thing I did with my niece – climb up to Monserrate on the Pilgrims Way! Trust me – its a tough climb if you are jetlagged from a 30 hour 3-flight trip, have come direct from sea-level, and are somewhat unfit! But if you have been at altitude for a couple of days already, its steep but you should be fine!

It will take anything from 40-90 minutes to walk up to Monserrate, and a lot less to walk down. But you are rewarded with brilliant views over the metropolis that is Bogota as you climb and a iconic white church and shrine on top of the hill to sit in and enjoy – and get your breath back!

The trail itself goes past the church a little further up the hill if you want to. You can find it on AllTrails here – which shows the starting point, close to the funicular (see 2 below). There are plenty of stairs on the way up, a number plenty of police at intervals, and plenty of resting places and lookouts! Take it easy – don’t try and rush yourself unless you are already fit and acclimatised like the locals you see running up there!

Tips an important things to note:

The entrance opens at 5am but closes after 1pm – you can leave but not enter after that time. You have to leave before 4pm.
The walk is closed on Tuesdays.
It gets very crowded on weekends so avoid them if you can!

The-city-of-Bogota-below-Monserrate — The city of Bogota below Monserrate!

4. Take the easy way to get those views of Bogota!

You don’t have to worry if the Pilgrims Way in 1 above sounds a bit much. Or if you look at the hill and say “no way.” There is a fun and easy option – taking the cable car (teleférico) and / or the funicular! Jump on at the bottom of the hill and enjoy watching the city unfold before you. A few minutes later jump off at the church! Perfect!

You can choose either option to reach the summit of Monserrate, because tickets are usually valid for a round trip on either. The cable car and funicular are open from 6:30am. to 10:00pm every day except Sunday and public holidays when they close at 5pm.

The-city-of-Bogota-below-the-funicular-to-Monserrate — Bogota below the funicular to Monserrate!

You can buy your Monserrate Round Trip by Cable Car or Funicular here.

You can also go on a tour of Montserrat on this Monserrate Tour in Bogotá Including Tickets or as part of a wider tour including the Candalaria area – see no 3 below!

Tips:

Avoid Sundays if you can.
The cable car has the best views during the ascent. It is particularly good for sunset.
The funicular is a historic railway that climbs through the forest and is an attraction in its own right. Even if you have walked up, you might like to do a second visit on the cable car and funicular!
Sometimes one system is closed for maintenance, but the other will still be working.

5. Exploring in Candelaria – all the things to see and do

After your introductory tour to the area, explore on your own. These are my top 15 things to see and do in Candelaria – in a rough order of importance!

5.1. See the incredible gold of El Dorado fame at the Oro Museum

Its true and its real – the gold of El Dorado fame – well sort of. The gold artefacts have actually come from all over Colombia and are incredibly impressive. The museum has thousands of gold and tumbaga (gold-copper alloy) artifacts made by the Muisca, Quimbaya, Tairona, and other Indigenous cultures of Colombia.

Lake Guatavita and the El Dorado legend are core themes in the museum, even though the gold is not from there. The famous legend is associated with the Muisca people. When a new chief was “throned” he covered himself with gold dust and make offerings of gold and emeralds in Lake Guatavita. This ceremony helped give rise to the legend of El Dorado! And one of the museum’s most famous pieces is the Muisca Raft, which is a small gold artifact depicting that exact ritual. It was found in a cave near Bogotá but is one of the strongest pieces of evidence that the ritual actually existed!

Its free entry on Sundays for everyone, or if you are over either 60 or 62 – I couldn’t quite work out depending on what – but take your passport if you happen to be in this age bracket!

The-gold-of-El-Dorado-fame-at-the-Gold-Museum-in-Bogota — The gold of El Dorado fame at the Gold Museum in Bogota

5.2. Visit the Emerald Museum

This was another highlight for me! Its more of a story and display than a museum, and it is short and sweet which is perfect. I really really recommend you do not miss it though. It is on the 21st floor of the Avianca Building, (just across from the gold Museum) and you have to go through security to go in – unsurprisingly. You have to go on a tour which happens about every 20 minutes, and takes about 30 minutes.

First you go through a replica emerald mine tunnel. Then you get to see masses of emerald and mineral specimens – including the most incredible and rare blue emeralds that look like big snowflakes. There are also exhibits explaining how Colombian emeralds form and are mined. Finally, you see displays of butterflies (oddly), – and of course a jewelry shop with certified emeralds!

I definitely think it is worth the 45-60 minutes it will take of your time.

Emeralds-at-the-Emerald-Museum-in-Bogota — Emeralds at the Emerald Museum in Bogota

5.3. Find all the street art

If you haven’t already been on a street art tour in Candelaria – there is some impressive urban art! What I like about it is that there is a real mix of art that has some meaning. You see points of Colombian history, indigenous culture, politics, wildlife – especially birds of course, and good contemporary art. It is everywhere – not just in the back streets.

You can wander around on your own, and you should find plenty of art. Don’t miss Calle del Embudo! But I highly recommend going on a street art tour or a general Candelaria tour where your guide can explain the stories behind the murals and explain their contexs. These are the best street art tour options:

Graffiti Tour in La Candelaria Bogotá – click on the link just to see some of the amazing art work!
Graffiti Tour: a fascinating walk through a street art City

5.4. Enjoy the (free) Boltero Museum!

Honestly, I don’t generally like museums or art galleries but this one I loved! It was absolutely a top highlight for me in Bogota. Not only can you enjoy Fernando Botero’s fat-themed works of art, but you can also enjoy his private collection of other artists. This includes Picasso, Klimt, Monet, Renoir, Dalí, and Matisse. It is nothing less than impressive – and a lot of fun!

What’s more, I absolutely love the back story. Botero left all these works in Bogota to the people of Colombia. (He donated many many other works to other museums in Medellin, Monaco, the Vatican, and California etc.) But he had strict conditions:

Once the works were placed they were never to be moved, lent, sold to anyone or any institution. He also decided himself where each piece should hang.
He insisted that the museum in Bogotá must always be free of charge to ensure that people from all social classes, especially students, could experience high-level art.
Finally, (this is brilliant) the Banco de la República (Colombia’s central bank) had to agree to cover all costs for maintenance, insurance, and security!

What a great guy! I simply love it.

The-Boltero-Art-Museum-in-Bogota — The Boltero Art Museum in Bogota – and the Fat Mona Lisa!

5.5. Learn about money at the Money Museum!

In the same place as the Botero Museum is the small but really interesting Museo Casa de Moneda museum (Money museum). The museum has displays of past currency and memorial coins from throughout the years in Colombia. It also explains how coins and banknotes were produced over time. the building is actually in the original colonial mint where some of the first gold coins in the Americas were struck!!

If you are at the Boltero Museum, definitely pop in and take a look. It really is worth it.

5.6. And visit the art at Museo de Arte Miguel Urrutia – MAMU

Also right by the Boltero Museo is the Museo de Arte Miguel Urrutia -MAMU – also with free admission! This is a great one for you if you like art museums. It has Colombian, Latin American, and international art from the 16th century to the current day. It also has temporary exhibitions that often change and are often of contemporary art.

5.7. Enjoy the beautiful candy-cane church – the Santuario Nuestra Señora del Carmen!

This gothic Catholic Church is simply striking! It literally looks like someone has painted candy canes all over it – inside and out. Add to that a lovely soft blue hue and floral stained glass windows inside. I loved it.

Tip – this church is not often open and don’t trust anything you read on google or elsewhere just yet. After three tries I managed to get there in the morning between 10.30 and 12.00 when it was open – hopefully it will stay that way. But if its closed when you get there, ask the security guard – they seem to be the only ones that know when its going to be open!

The-beautiful-candy-cane-church-the-Santuario-Nuestra-Senora-del-Carmen-in-Bogota — The beautiful candy cane church – the Santuario Nuestra Señora del Carmen in Bogota

5.8. See the imposing buildings at the Plaza de Bolívar

There are four main buildings in the plaza – one on each side representing the four key institutions of Colombia. They are the:

Bogota Cathedral (main Catholic cathedral of Colombia and seat of the Archbishop of Bogotá),
National Capitol of Colombia (Government / Parliament),
Palace of Justice of Colombia (the High Court)
Palacio Liévano (the City Hall and Mayors Office)

The cathedral is easy to visit – literally just go inside – its imposing and fabulous, of course. Inside the cathedral is the tomb of Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada – the founder of Bogotá.

The Palace of Justice and the National Capitol you can only see from the outside – you cannot go in! But the Palacio Liévano you can get into the central courtyard – but only on some city walking tours! (Ask if it is really important to you.)

It is interesting to see the plaza and buildings, although in some ways the plaza is quite empty and dull – except for the pigeons!

5.9. Also at the Plaza de Bolívar – the Casa del Florero / Museo de la Independencia

The other building to note (on the corner of the plaza) is the Casa del Florero / Museo de la Independencia. Its a beautiful, whitewashed 16th-century colonial home with iconic balconies. This is in effect the birthplace of Colombia as a nation and the whole museum is based on one day in time – the Flower Vase Incident of July 20, 1810 (El Grito de Independencia)! True story – go and find out!

At the museum you will see pieces of the famous vase amongst other things – including the big role women played in getting independence. There is a great view over the plaza from the balcony. It is free entry the last Sunday of the month or from 3-5pm on Wednesdays – which is the better option because you don’t need long there. If you happen to be over 60 it is free at any time – bring your passport!

The-Bogota-Cathedral-in-the-Plaza-de-Bolivar — The Bogota Cathedral in the Plaza de Bolívar

5.10. Find out about Simon Bolivar’s life at the Museo Quinta de Bolívar

Near the funicular is a colonial house that Simon Bolivar lived in at one time. This house has been restored and turned into a museum dedicated to his life. Outside are some pleasant gardens to wander in as well.

Simón Bolívar was a Venezuelan military and political leader who played a central role in the liberation of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Panama, and Bolivia (which was named after him) from Spanish rule.

This is a worthwhile little museum for an hour or so – if you have any interest in either Bolivar himself or seeing an early 1800s colonial home and garden.

The museum is open every day except Monday from 9am-5pm. Entry is free on the last Sunday of the month, and on Wednesdays from 2-5pm for everyone, and, if you happen to be over 60 – at any time (bring your passport).

There are also free guided tours (as part of the entry cost). Spanish guided tours are at 11am and 2pm from Tuesday–Saturday, and there is an English guided tour on Wednesday at 11am.

5.11. Pop into some other beautiful churches in the city

In the historical center the Iglesia de San Francisco is a stunning 16th-century Catholic church with an ornate altar & elaborate religious artwork. This is the oldest Church in Bogota. Don’t be fooled by the outside – it is the exact opposite inside!

Another church worth seeing is the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria – a colonial Catholic church dedicated to Saint Nicholas Tolentino. The golden alter area and the frescos are all very beautiful.

5.12. Learn about ancient ceramics at the Archaeological Museum Casa del Marques!

The-Museo-Santa-Clara-in-Bogota — The Museo Santa Clara in Bogota

If you are into pre-Colombian, Andean history, then this will be a place to go. It is in a gorgeous colonial mansion with lots of amazing pre-Columbian pottery exhibits. The issue is the lack of information – its a bit sparse. So I would skip it if you don’t have a real interest in the colonial architecture or history.

5.13. Enjoy the little Museo Santa Clara!

This is a cute little place I happened to see because I wanted to see the (no longer used) observatory! The Museo Santa Clara is a former church with a gorgeous ceiling and its walls lined with artworks. It really is lovely (coming from a non-museum person, but I do like architecture to be fair, and this place definitely appeals to that part of me). It is only the one room – but take your time to browse and just sit and enjoy!

5.14. See the BD Bacata crowd funded skyscraper!

This is more a point of curiosity to notice than a thing to do in itself – but worth mentioning! The BD Bacatá is famous for being the world’s first crowdfunded skyscraper!!

Instead of being financed primarily by a few large developers or institutions, thousands of individual investors bought shares and participation rights to help fund the project. Things have gone a bit awry and it is not fully finished – but what a massive crowd funding project!!

5.15. Eat a 200 year old tamale at La Puerta Falsa Restaurant!

Well the one you get wont literally be 200 years old, but this famous little restaurant has been serving up its famous tamales for the last 200 years! Its small and feels real and authentic despite tourists getting to know it! The staff are really friendly too!

200-year-old-tamale-at-La-Puerta-Falsa-Restaurant-in-Bogota — 200 year old tamale at La Puerta Falsa Restaurant in Bogota

6. Explore the local food and / or visit the Paloquemao Market!

As for food, if you are a foodie or just want to understand and try out local dishes, then definitely go on a food tour. Local dishes you should try are:

1. Chocolate Santafereño (Hot Chocolate with Cheese)

My favorite! This is a classic Bogotá breakfast or afternoon snack / drink! Take a hot, foamy cup of local dark chocolate prepared in a traditional metal pot. Put the side of soft, salty white cheese into the drink and let it melt until a bit gooey, then scoop it out with a spoon and enjoy – delicious! Locals usually have it with buttered bread, biscuits, or pastries.

2. Ajiaco Santafereño

This is the signature dish of Bogotá – perfect for a col day or filling meal! It is a thick chicken soup made with three types of local potatoes (papa criolla, papa pastusa, and papa sabanera) that dissolve completely to create a thick, creamy texture. The unique flavor comes from an Andean herb called guasca. Ajiaco usually comes with a side of white rice, a slice of fresh avocado, milk cream, and capers to mix in.

3. Arepa de Choclo

This is a particular type of arepa which is sweet and savory and popular in small stalls and cafes around Bogotá. They are different from the white corn arepas, because they are made from fresh, sweet yellow corn and are softer. They are served folded over or topped with a thick, melting slice of salty, fresh local cheese. I’m always saying yes when it comes to cheese!

4. Tamal Tolimense

These are a special kind of tamale that is big in terms of weekend breakfasts for locals. These tamales are stuffed with a mixture of rice, corn flour, peas, carrots, chicken, pork, and boiled egg and wrapped up tight in green plantain leaves before being slow-boiled for hours. Tip: Locals usually have it with a cup of Chocolate Santafereño.

5. Changua

This is a traditional breakfast soup made made from milk and water with eggs poached in the hot liquid, along with scallions and fresh cilantro. Its not for me – but give it a try!!

6. Fresh juice

This is something you get all over Colombia, but if you are only visiting Bogota do grab a freshly squeezed orange juice from one of the street stalls while you are walking around. Its delicious!

If you want a guide to help you find the best places to go then try one of these tours:

As for the Paloquemao Market – well this is a hard one because to be fair I would only recommend going to it with a guide on a tasting tour. Unfortunately we went on our own so it turned out ok but nothing very special. We tried lots of fruits, but without someone in the know for the best places to buy, and who knows what the fruit should be like when its ripe etc, it wasn’t too successful.

This is what I wish I had done – one of these!

Don’t let me put you off entirely, but either go with a guide, or only go on your own if you have plenty of time to spare and are prepared to get it wrong in some cases!

Paloquemao-Market-in-Bogota — Paloquemao Market in Bogota

7. Go Biking!

Bogota is the cycling capital of South America! True story – it has over 500kms of dedicated bike lanes (ciclorutas). You will see people biking all over. Its is one of the things to do to experience Bogota more like a local!

A great way to go biking like a local is to go on a bike tour. These are two excellent options – both have thousands of reviews and come in at 4.8 or 4.9 stars! Fantastic!

But, the coolest thing is the Sunday Ciclovía!

The Ciclovía is a bit like a street party! Every Sunday and public holiday from 7am to 2 pm, Bogotá shuts down more than 120 kilometers of major city roads to cars, and opens them up for cyclists, runners, rollerbladers, and walkers. It turns into a bit of a party atmosphere – with street performers, live music, etc

Its also perfect for you if you are there on a Sunday. Not only can you join the party, but you can combine it with other sightseeing. For example, take Carrera 7 (La Séptima) from the historic streets of La Candelaria all the way to Zona G and Usaquén with its famous flea market – and plenty of places to drop your bike off. (MAMBO and the National Museum are also both on the route.)

Notes:

See if you can book a bike tour on a Sunday!
You can rent a bike near Plaza Bolivar from Tembici – the city’s bike-share system. Red bikes are standard bikes, blue grey ones are electric.
Use the Tembici app’s live map before you go to a bike dock – especially on Sunday mornings during the Ciclovía. Note that popular docks in La Candelaria can empty out within minutes, and docks in Usaquén can fill up quickly around lunchtime!
The roads reopen exactly at 2pm so you need to be done by then.

Colors-of-the-favela-in-Bogota — Colors of the favela – Bogota

8. Take the Cable Car to the El Paraíso Favela!

The favelas always used to be known as the poor and dangerous areas of town. But with community initiatives, a lot of paint and color, some of these favelas have transformed themselves. El Paraíso is one of them. You can go and see for yourself with a guide that knows it all, have some great snacks in the area and really learn about the past and how the community is working to change their lives – together. This is the tour I recommend:
Cable car to the largest slum in Bogotá: El Paraiso.

An alternative is this El Paraíso Favela Tour with Cable Car-CIUDAD BOLIVAR tour.

9. Visit the National Museum of Colombia!

On the edge of the historic district, the National Museum is the one to go to if you want to visit one massive museum! This museum covers all the periods of Colombias history. And this museum is cool, because it feels like you are in an old prison – that’s because you are! The walls are made of massive, heavy stone, and the museum exhibition rooms are actually retrofitted rows of old prison cells.

The other cool thing is this – don’t miss the meteorite anvil! Right inside the entrance of the museum there is a 411kg metallic meteorite that crashed to Earth in 1810 near Santa Rosa de Viterbo! The locals dragged it to town and because it was indestructible, used is as a heavy iron anvil to hammer out horseshoes – for more than 60 years!

In 1906 a US meteorite hunter bribed the town to give it to him and was planning to take it out of Colombia, but the President found out and confiscated it back – just as he was close to Bogota – it then went straight to the museum! It is crazy – you can walk right up to it and touch a piece of outer space history that was once an anvil.

Tip – make sure you have google translate if you don’t speak the lingo or you wont know what you are looking at!

10. See the art at the Bogotá Museum of Modern Art – MAMBO

You don’t have to be a modern art buff to enjoy the Bogotá Museum of Modern Art MAMBO – but if you are interested in modern art or architecture – this is a must see. It is not so huge – 4 floors and really focuses on modern Latin American and Colombian art that has a social or cultural emphasis. The minimalist modern architecture alone is worth seeing – and the prices are reasonable.

11. Get into the coffee – Colombia is famous for it!

This is only if you are only visiting Bogota and not heading off into coffee country. Colombia is of course famous for coffee, so if you are into coffee and your holiday is based in the city, then explore the coffee culture a little! This coffee workshop and coffee / chocolate tour both have rave reviews (I don’t drink coffee so can’t comment, but read the reviews yourself to see):

I would combine either of these with exploring Zona G (See 11 below) as most of a day out if you are into food as well!

You can also visit coffee farms on half day trips from Bogota, and this is great to see how it all happens. I simply had no idea about the coffee growing and making process until I did a tour. These are three top rated tours from Bogota:

Different-stages-of-the-coffee-growing-and-drying-process — Different stages of growth of the coffee plant and the bean drying process!

12. Visit Usaquén and explore the flea market

See the other side of Bogota – the boho-sophisticated side!

Usaquén is the “Colonial-Chic” village – it used to be a separate town until Bogota expanded and swallowed it up! It’s famous for its cobblestone streets, whitewashed and terracotta architecture, and a “boho-luxury” vibe.

But the best time to visit is on Sunday – really the only time to make a trip unless you are staying in the area. This is when the The Sunday Flea Market (Mercado de las Pulgas) happens – the streets turn into a massive open-air market. It is much higher quality than the standard tourist stuff you get in the historic area – handmade leather goods, high-end emerald jewelry, local coffee beans etc.

Tip – Grab a craft beer at Bogotá Beer Company (BBC) on the corner of the main square to people-watch the market crowds.

Important note: If you are staying in the historic part of the city Usaquén is far – grab an uber as a bus will take forever.

13. Wander through English Quinta Camacho to Zona G – the foodie zone

Another part of this more sophisticated side to Bogota!

Zona G (traditionally sophisticated) and Chapinero Alto (cool, boho and edgy) are the culinary heart of Colombia (roughly between Calle 65 and Calle 72). It is the place to go if you are a foodie or just want a great meal out one night (or more).

The Quinta Camacho neighborhood, which melds with Zona G is also interesting to wander – it is full of very, red-brick English-style houses from the 1940s – and many of them have been converted into these fabulous restaurants, cocktail bars, bakeries etc!

A couple of restaurants to consider:

El Chato – the king of them all!
This restaurant is officially ranked by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants and officially named the Best Restaurant in Latin America in Dec 2025!! Note: this is in Chapinero Alto – don’t expect sleek and sophisticated, rather an understated appearance. There are very mixed reviews so take note before you go.

Humo Negro – is currently ranked among the top 50 restaurants in Latin America as well! The reviews are good so its also worth considering.

Close to Zona G is the neo-gothic Catholic Iglesia Nuestra Senora de Lourdes – which is quite striking from the outside and pretty inside too. Its worth a look if you are in the area.

Important note: If you are staying in the historic part of the city this is quite far – grab an uber as a bus will take forever. Zona G is not as far as Usaquén.

English-style-houses-in-the-Quinta-Camacho-neighborhood-Zona-G-in-North-Bogota — English style houses in the Quinta Camacho neighborhood Zona G in North Bogota

14. Explore the nightlife and pub scene in Zona T!

Finally, also near Zona G is Zona T! Go out for a night in Bogotas trendiest night life area! This is again quite far from the historic center- but ubers are cheap! And you will find trendy bars, neon lights, cool cocktail bars, Irish pubs, and multi-story nightclubs (rumbas). Its where you can party the night away in a safe, completely pedestrianized T shaped party zone!

Obviously skip this if it is not your thing. But if it is, get out on a Saturday night on this great
Pub Crawl in Bogotá which starts right in Zona T and covers beer as well as cocktails and a nightclub.

These are other great options to get your night going:

15. Go birdwatching in and around Bogota!

Colombia is not only famous for coffee, it is famous for birdwatching – the no 1 country in the world! I found that at least one birdwatching tour while you are in Colombia is a great things to do – but I am into nature and wildlife. So, if that is your thing too, these tours from Bogota are perfect:

Birdwatching in Bogotá wetlands (half day)
Birdwatching day at Chicaque Cloud Forest (full day)
Hummingbirds of Colombia mini tour (3d/2n from Bogota) (if you want an extended time)

Hummingbirds-near-Bogota — Hummingbirds near Bogota – hard to get them in flight on a phone but you get the idea!

16. Bogota botanical Gardens / Jardín Botánico de Bogotá

I missed this – and wish I hadn’t. Fortunately I should be back so will get to see it soon! It is a 20 acre garden and by all accounts is fantastic! You can easily grab an uber and go on your own and just enjoy what you find, but if you want a tour with more insight, there are a number of tours you can take: Botanic Garden tours.

17. Visit the cool San Felipe Art District and play the national sport of Tejo!

So finally, a fun thing to do is play the local absolute favorite “sport” – Tejao! Effectively you throw a heavy metal disc into a clay pit, with the aim of smashing little paper targets filled with gunpowder to make them explode!

The place to go for this experience is (not far from Zona G) in the San Felipe Art District! San Felipe is a cool grass roots-art area that is getting more and more popular with locals and tourists! And a very popular spot to go there is Tejo La Embajada You can spend some time wandering all the local art galleries, warm up on some local craft beers and then head for the Teja hotspot!

If you want a local to show you the ropes in this area, there is a new tour you could try – Play and experience the tradition of Tejo, our Colombian sport!

Other tours where the locals will guide you through the Tejo game are:

Bogotá: Tejo and Beer Tour
Bogota Food Tour with over 12 Tastings & Tejo (a massively popular combo option – food+ Teja)
3-in-1 Real Bogotá: iconic neighborhoods & traditional games

An interesting note: Tejo was invented 500 years ago by the local Muisca people. It did not involve gunpowder at that time, but was a peaceful sport where the people threw stones into a bed of clay. (Although, the chiefs used to throw discs made of solid gold!) Along came the Spanish, who stole all the gold, brought in gunpowder, and over the years changed the game to the loud and rowdy sport it is now!

Tejo-in-Bogota — Play Tejo in Bogota – the board hit the gunpowder! Credit to the GYG provider.

Day trips in nature from Bogota you should consider!

Apart from the absolute must dos in the city, there are some day trips to get you out in the Andean nature that should be high on your list if you enjoy nature and hiking and or horse riding!

Things I would skip doing in Bogota – but you might be into!

There’s nothing inherently wrong with doing any of these things and some might interest you – but in general they are not what I would call highlights that you have to see:

The hop on and off bus – you are likely to get stuck in traffic. I would only do this if you are in Bogota only for a day or so and even then I think a tour will give you more value.
Simón Bolívar Park – although this is a lovely green space and you see locals exercising, having parties etc, I would not spend time getting here and walking unless I was in Bogota for a more lengthy time.
The Paloquemao Market – although see my notes on it above in no 6 of “The best and “must-see” things to do in Bogota “
Plaza Cultural de la Santamaría – a bullfighting ring – no longer used for that, but interesting to see just from the outside if you haven’t seen one before
The Planetarium – if you are into astronomy this is a “must do” and past visitors rate the experience highly even if you are not into it – but to me it is a nice thing to do if you have the time and interest!
Quiosco de la Luz – modeled after the Belvédère pavilion in the gardens of the Palace of Versailles in France, this little building was built for the 1910 Agricultural and Industrial Exhibition celebrating 100 years of Colombia’s independence. If you are nearby at the planetarium or MAMBO, then sure take a peek, but don’t go especially!
Cementerio Central – interesting if you are into cemeteries and some famous Colombians are entombed here (presidents, writers et), but otherwise give it a miss!
Parque de la 93 – I have no idea what the interest is here!!

A quick 3–5 day itinerary for Bogota

This is a quick guide to help you put things together in a way to make the most of your time – i recommend at least three days!

Day 1 – Take a tour to explore La Candelaria and its street art or the historic old town. Visit the Gold and Emerald museums in detail.

Day 2 – Visit the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá!

Day 3 – Climb or take the funicular to Monserrate. Explore what you haven’t seen in Candelaria and visit any other museums you want to see e.g. the Boltero Museum, the National Museum, MAMBO.

Day 4 – Take a half day tour depending on your interest e.g. to the Favela, a food tour, or a coffee tour. Go out in Zone T or G for the evening after exploring the local areas – Zona G and San Felipe Art District. Play Teja!

Day 5 – Go on a bike tour or another day tour e.g. to the Paramo at Sumapaz.

Where to Stay in Bogota

If you are a first time visitor, and only have a few days and want to see the historic sights, I would stay in the Candelaria area. If you are staying longer and want to try the nightlife or food scene, it can be good to split it with a stay in the Zona T or G area.

These are all highly rated places in Candelaria:

Higher End – The Orchids or Camelia by Masaya Collection

Mid Range – Candelaria House Boutique

Budget – Comfy loft in La Candelaria

Backpacker – The Cranky Croc Hostel (I went back each time I was in Bogota) or El Yarumo

These are all highly rated places in the north – around Zona G and T areas:

High End – Four Seasons Hotel Bogota or Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina Bogota

Mid Range – Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia or Four Points By Sheraton Bogota

Budget – Hotel El Dorado Bogota or Hotel Espacio 94

Backpacker – Vecinos by La Palmera

Frequently asked questions about travel to Bogota

Q: Is Bogota safe for tourists?
A: In the areas tourist visit, like La Candelaria and Zona G, during the day generally yes. But at night I would definitely not walk alone even on busy main streets. Grab an uber – they are cheap.

Q: What does “No dar papaya” mean?
A: Don’t give papaya – it means do not make yourself an easy target. E.g. walking down the street with your phone out, wearing flashy jewelry, or leaving your bag on a bar stool.

Q: Are street taxis safe to hail?
A: No! It is a safety risk for scams or express kidnappings. Always get your hotel to call for a taxi, or, use apps like Uber – they are secure, tracked via GPS, and pre-priced so no haggling.

Q: Is it safe to hike up Monserrate?
A: Yes, the trail to the white church at the top has police scattered along the path and is safe during opening hours.

Q: How do I use the Tembici share-bike system?
A: Download the Tembici app, register with your passport number, link a payment card, and scan the handlebar QR code to unlock a bike. Return it to an official docking station.

Q: When is the best time to visit Bogota?
A: During the dry season. The rainy periods are from March to May and October to November. Its handy to carry an umbrella or rain coat, as downpours can happen suddenly!

Q: How many days do you need in Bogota?
A: You can see the highlights in 2-3 days, but 4-5 days gives a fuller picture.

Q: How bad is the altitude sickness in Bogotá?
A: Bogotá is 2,640 meters (8,660 feet) above sea level. Not everyone will get altitude sickness, but you might get some shortness of breath, or mild headaches, or fatigue during the first 48 hours.

Q: What is the difference between Zona G and Zona T?
A: Zona G = food and dining, Zona T = nightlife and partying!

Q: Is Bogota expensive to visit?
A: its up to you – for example, you can spend almost nothing eating local street food, or spend premium global prices at the top-tier establishments in the north. But generally, no it is not.

Q: Can you drink tap water in Bogota?
A: Yes. But note that if you are in an old building the pipes etc may be old too which can affect the taste and quality.

Q: What is the best neighborhood to stay in?
A: For history, museums, and a bohemian backpacker vibe: La Candelaria. For dining, safety, and a hip, central base: Chapinero Alto or Zona G.

Travel Tips for visiting Bogota

Buy an e-sim before you go or grab a local Claro/Movistar SIM card immediately at the airport. I used a yesim eSim very successfully across Bogota and Colombia. You want to have data when you land at the airport so you can get an Uber. Don’t ever hail down a taxi on the street.
Before you accept an Uber (or similar) ride, check the rating and how many trips they have done – if its less than 500, cancel and try again. Uber drivers usually want you to sit in the front – this is not weird, its because Ride share apps like Uber are illegal (but flourishing) in Colombia so they don’t want to look like they are an Uber!!
Don’t wear flashy jewellery, or get on your phone out on the street. Go into a cafe or similar to call an Uber or look on maps etc – even if it means buying a coffee or small snack.
Bogota is big – really spread out and it takes time to get anywhere that you cant walk to with distance and traffic both playing a part! Be aware and prepared for that when planning your stay.
The weather changes all the time! Carry an umbrella or jacket in your daypack.
Avoid Monserrate on a Sunday – unless you love crowds. (The cable car/funicular tickets are discounted on Sundays.)
Because the famous Museo del Oro (Gold Museum) is free for everyone on Sundays, the queues get huge. Visit on a weekday afternoon – you’ll have these stunning collections almost entirely to yourself.
Colombia historically exports its highest-quality coffee beans. To taste the actual award-winning stuff, search specifically for Café Especial (Specialty Coffee) shops in Chapinero and Quinta Camacho (like Catación Pública or Café Cultor), where there is a barista culture.
For those staying near the nightlife of Zona T / Zona Rosa, the top budget food is La Lucha Sanguchería Criolla on Calle 85. Think large slow-roasted pork and beef sandwiches served with homemade sauces, it’s yum!
For an “off the beaten path” neighborhood away from La Candelaria, try the San Felipe Art District see the converted mid-century garage galleries, grab a local craft beer, and end the night at Tejo La Embajada.
Petty scammers are still trying the plainclothes detective routine, so if any civilian blocks your path flashing a badge demanding to see your money, say: “Vamos a la estación de policía” (Let’s go to the police station) and walk toward a crowd.