10 tips for staying safe in Bogotá

I regularly receive questions about the security situation in Colombia’s capital, Bogotá. Logical, since Bogotá is not exactly in the top 10 safest cities in the world. However, Bogotá is perfectly safe to visit these days. Despite Bogotá also being called “the Athens of South America,” Colombia’s capital city cannot be compared to the real Athens or any other European capital in terms of security. Still, despite some increased risks, my hometown is ideal for a fun city break or exploring. I myself, after 11 years of living here, know the city well and know what to do and what not to do to go through life here safely. If you are coming here for the first time, it is advisable to take a few things into account. Therefore, herewith 10 tips for a safe stay in Bogotá!

Tip 1: Choose your hotel or hostel in Bogotá based on safety

When booking your hotel or hostel, pay attention to four things:

1. Is the neighborhood safe?
2. Does the hotel have security?
3. Can I walk the streets safely at night?
4. Can I easily take public transportation to parts of the city I want to go to?

Have a look on Booking.com for hotels in Bogotá in different neighborhoods. On the map, you can see where most hotels are located: those are safe areas to stay in and convenient for public transportation. Safer and nice neighborhoods to stay are El Chicó, Usaquén, Chapinero (Alto) and Teusaquillo. La Candelaria is the historic center and also fine for a stay.

Are you only in town for a day or have a short layover in Bogotá? You can also book a hotel safely at the airport. Click here for hotel tips and attractions near Bogotá airport.

Tip 2: Don’t stop a cab on the street, but order one

It’s better not to just hail a taxi off the street. It is immediately obvious that you are a tourist, and if you don’t speak Spanish very well, everything becomes even more difficult. It is common for the driver to use a quick exchange trick to swap the 50000 pesos bill with the 5000 note and say you have underpaid. What is less common, but can happen, is that the driver kidnaps you to empty your bank account at gunpoint.

You can easily order a taxi through the CABIFY or DIDI apps. Or go with Uber. This is not legal in Colombia, but is widely used. Or go by bus: very doable, fun and much cheaper! Find out how it works by bus in Bogotá including a fun itinerary. Do not take the bus after 6 PM in the evening, go by cab.

Tip 3: Wihdraw cash in a safe place and spread your money over several places

You won’t be the first to be chased after withdrawing a large sum of money in Bogotá to be robbed later. Therefore, withdraw cash preferably in a safe place, such as a mall or supermarket.

Do you withdraw large amounts of money? Then it can be nice to spread your money around your body, rather than putting it all in your wallet. Put a little in your wallet, most under your clothes and a little in your jacket pocket. By the way, your bra is also a good place to keep a pile of cash.

Here you can read all about safe handling of the millions of Colombian pesos you take out of the wall.

Tip 4: Don’t give papaya, or in other words, don’t show off what you have

No dar papaya: a typical Colombian saying that basically means you shouldn’t show off what you have, otherwise you might lose it, or the risk of being robbed increases. Here are a few tips:

• Make a copy of your passport and leave your passport at your hotel;
• Don’t take too much money, only what you need and then a little more;
• Also, leave (bank) cards you are not going to use in your hotel (or at least well hidden under your clothes);
• Do not wear expensive jewelry, so also take off your watch and (wedding) ring;
• Don’t put anything in your back pocket, you’ll lose it in no time;
• Do not use your phone on the street, but walk into a store, restaurant or café;
• Dress like a local, so don’t go exploring Bogotá in shorts (or zip-off pants) with sandals (read more here about clothing tips for Bogotá);
• Leave your camera in your bag and take it out only when you want to take pictures.

Tip 5: Stay in safe neighborhoods

It’s great to visit less touristy neighborhoods, but unfortunately Bogotá is not a destination where you can go off the beaten track without the right information. Stick to areas that are known to be safe to visit. And don’t just wander into a slum on your own, and don’t go into neighborhoods where you have no business being. Want to safely see more of the city, admire graffiti and meet the strangest fruit? Then join a bike tour through Bogotá. Or take this tour to the El Paraíso neighborhood for street art and the most beautiful view of Bogotá.

There are plenty of safe neighborhoods in the city, and it’s unlikely you’ll just end up in a favela (those are the neighborhoods on the hills) or in the more dangerous areas in the south of the city. Safe neighborhoods with fun sights include (see here for a nice bus route to explore different areas):

• La Candelaria
• Parque Simón Bolívar
• El Jardín Botánico
• Palermo
• Parkway
• Galerias (during the day)
• Chapinero Alto
• Chapinero Central (during the day)
• El Retiro
• Chico
• Chico Norte
• Usaquén

These walking itineraries through more unfamiliar Bogotá are also great to do.

Tip 6: Don’t wander around Bogotá

In Bogotá, a street can be safe, while 100 meters away it is quite dangerous. If you do not know the city, it is not recommended to just wander around and see where you end up, especially after sunset in the center, when some parts that are safe during the day become unsafe.

For example, in La Candelaria, don’t just casually cross over to the other side of the Séptima (Carrera 7). La Candelaria is generally safe during the day (as long as you don’t give papaya), but it can get unsafe in the evening. Stay out of the neighborhoods and streets outside La Candelaria both during the day and after sunset.

Would you rather not go out on your own? Book a private local guide to show you Bogotá, or join a Free Walking Tour Bogotá.

Tip 7: Recognize tricks

Well-known tricks are:

• Known all over the world: drugs in your drink while going out;
• Tickets handed out (especially downtown and entertainment spots like Zona Rosa) that have drugs on them that can sedate you after which you are robbed. So be careful about accepting tickets on the street;
• Don’t let anyone touch your phone: you can get numb that way, too;
• Distraction tricks where someone spills something all over you or bumps into you and you get rolled unnoticed by another person;
• Being kidnapped in a cab you didn’t order in advance, after which you have to hand over all your money;
• Pickpockets in areas where there are many people.

Tip 8: Pay attention at Monserrate Bogotá

The tourist attraction in Bogotá is Monserrate. The 3,100-meter-high mountain in the city, on top of which is a small church. A must-see for great views! Cab drivers also know that there are many ignorant tourists here; therefore, it is best to order a cab back to the center here as well or go by bus. Furthermore, you can go up Monserrate by little train or cable car, or you can walk up. However, this is only safe if there’s security present and if you’re used to the altitude.

Tip 9: Asking for directions does not always yield the right answer

Colombians are extremely friendly people and very helpful. Therefore, if you ask someone for directions, that person will be happy to help you. In fact, they are so eager to help that, for convenience, they just never say that they don’t actually know their way around. As a result, you are sent in a totally wrong direction and you are not actually helped at all. Is not so bad in a safe neighborhood, but can be quite annoying if you end up in a back alley somewhere. Check the route with several people to be sure.

Tip 10: Use your common sense and enjoy!

Bogotá, above all, is a great city to visit, and if you simply use common sense, realize that you are not in a safe city like Amsterdam or Barcelona, adjust to the risks and stay away from drugs, nothing is likely to happen. Learning Spanish and dressing like the locals helps too! Take the above tips with you and enjoy!

Are you going to travel in Colombia? Then don’t skip the capital city! Bogotá is a very nice city where there is much beauty and fun to see and do, as well as an ideal base to explore the beautiful surroundings. For example, check out these 22 day trips from Bogotá. With the above tips, you will have nothing but a great stay!

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