Bogotá is a delightful city that has much to offer. Unfortunately, almost every traveler stays in La Candelaria. Of course, that is the beautiful historic center with many museums, but there is much more to see and do in Bogotá. If you want to get a good view of this city, you will have to leave La Candelaria. One of the neighborhoods very worth visiting is the also colonial Usaquén, in the north of the city. A cozy old part, with many restaurants, the famous Sunday market and much more. A must-see during your visit. Read here what there is to do in Usaquén and how to get there.
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Usaquén: a village in Bogotá
Although Usaquén is now a vibrant neighborhood in the metropolis of Bogotá, this part was a separate village in Cundinamarca until 1954. At 71 square kilometers, Usaquén was a popular spot for the Bogotan elite, who visited their mansions in this area.
Usaquén is still a separate part of the city, and although today this neighborhood has as many as 550,000 inhabitants, the center (see map) still seems like a separate village.
Usaquén, and especially the old part, is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Bogotá. And nowadays it is also a favorite hotspot among tourists.
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- The entire neighborhood of Usaquén in Bogotá
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- The old colonial part of Usaquén (where the sights and activities below are)
Sights and activities in Usaquén
Usaquén is a versatile neighborhood in Bogotá, where you can easily enjoy yourself for a while. In the old part, you can still clearly see the history. The old houses and stone streets make the atmosphere in this neighborhood that was once a village.
The central square: Parque de Usaquén
You don’t have to be in La Candelaria to admire the beautiful Spanish colonial architecture, as that is exactly what Usaquén looks like. Around the green square, you will find, among other things, the Santa Barbara church (1665), the congress center, and many good restaurants in beautiful buildings.
Simply wander the streets and enjoy this unknown colonial part of Bogotá. Some old buildings hide beautiful stores or restaurants. Fun to explore!
Click here for the location of the Santa Barbara church.
Dining out in Usaquén
Usaquén is without a doubt one of the hot spots for eating out in Bogotá. The many restaurants and variety: there is something for everyone. Moreover, in this neighborhood, you will find cute cafes and unique restaurants that you won’t encounter anywhere else in Bogotá.
Especially on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings (and at lunch time), it is very pleasant with Bogotans enjoying their free time with the whole family.
My favorite restaurants? El Altillo, Oliveto and Café Amarti, just to name a few. Don’t forget that in Usaquén you are in a more expensive neighborhood and therefore pay more for your food (still much cheaper than in the US and Europe).
Click here for the best neighborhoods for dining out in Bogotá and my favorite restaurants.
The famous market in Usaquén
The Mercado de Las Pulgas, or the flea market, is a weekly recurring event and really great fun. My parents were huge fans after the first time, and I visit regularly myself.
The market is perfect if you want to buy souvenirs or gifts for home, as you will find typical Colombian handicrafts. And how about the tastiest Colombian snacks and music and dancing in the streets?
Great for strolling around on a Sunday morning. Ideal to combine with lunch in one of the many cozy restaurants. And especially if you still need souvenirs, this is a stop not to be missed.
Hacienda Santa Barbara
Renamed a shopping center on Dec. 16, 1989, Hacienda Santa Barbara was once a large mansion. The mall is built ín the mansion, with some new sections added.
Although I personally find the center itself quite confusing, you can clearly see the old mansion reflected in it. For that reason alone, this shopping center is definitely worth a visit. Don’t expect to find cheap items here: you are still in an expensive neighborhood. Here you can find the Hacienda Santa Barbara shopping center on the map.
Read all about shopping in Bogotá.
The cemetery in Usaquén
Whenever possible, I like to visit a cemetery, to admire the often special graves that are so different from those in the Netherlands.
Also in Usaquén you will find such a typical Colombian cemetery, which you can immediately give a look while you are here.
The small Cementerio Parroquial Santa Barbara de Usaquén dates back to the year 1665, making it one of Bogotá’s oldest cemeteries.
Here you can find the cemetery on the map.
Christmas in Usaquén
What can I say? Christmas in Usaquén is simply spectacular. Not only does the shopping center turn into a festival of lights, but in the park on the central square, you can also marvel at the colorful splendor.
It is always very busy at Christmas and for good reason. Go from December 8, after Las Velitas, after 7 p.m., head to Usaquén and enjoy the Christmas atmosphere and Christmas decorations like you’ve never seen before!
Frequently asked questions about the Usaquén neighborhood in Bogotá
Where to stay in Usaquén?
Although La Candelaria is the tourist district of Bogotá, in my opinion it is actually much nicer to choose a ho(s)tel more to the north.
That way you’ll see the real Bogotá, get to know the wealthier neighborhoods and the diversity of people, and it’s much easier to go off the beaten path in Bogotá.
You can stay in Usaquén itself, or somewhere between Usaquén and La Candelaria, such as El Chicó or El Retiro. In this article, you’ll find information about all of these neighborhoods, what there is to do, and how to get there.
If you really want to stay in Usaquén, check out the hotels here. Personally, I wouldn’t look for a hotel any further north than Calle 127: the farther north you go, the longer it takes to get to the south.
How to get to Usaquén?
You can easily travel by bus from La Candelaria to Usaquén. Read here how to travel by bus in Bogotá. Or take the Transmilenio if you are coming from another direction.
If you don’t want to travel by bus, you can also just take a taxi. Always order a taxi; never hail one on the street.
Safety
Usaquén is one of the safest neighborhoods in the city and certainly compared to La Candelaria a safer area to stay.
Arriving at your hotel by bus or walking the streets after sunset (until 8 or 9 PM) should not cause many problems. Unlike La Candelaria, where you really have to be more careful after dark.
Learn more about safety in Bogotá here.
Discovering Bogotá? Don’t skip Usaquén!
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