Bogotá Travel Guide (2026): 75+ Things to do & see

Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, is a metropolis where you can do an endless number of things. From well-known attractions and true must-sees to unknown spots. I have lived in Bogotá since 2014 (with a four-year detour to nearby Sopó) and in this article, I share my best tips. There are many: 75+ things to do and see, clearly summarized in 42 points. This way, you’ll discover all sides of this city, from culture and viewpoints to neighborhoods, nature, and delicious food. Discover Bogotá like no other!

Table of contents

Practical | Traveling to Bogotá in brief

Bogotá is the capital of Colombia and has approximately 8 million inhabitants. With 2600 meters above sea level, it is the third highest capital city in the world, after La Paz and Quito.

Currency: Colombian Peso (COP). Click here for the current exchange rate.

Time in Bogotá: UTC / GMT -5 hours.

Climate: changeable, with temperatures between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius throughout the year. Click here to read all about the climate in Bogotá.

International airport: El Dorado.

How to get from the airport to your hotel in Bogotá: with official yellow taxis, which you’ll find when you walk outside. Or book here your transport from the airport to your accommodation safely in advance.

Can you withdraw money at the airport? Yes, there are ATMs in the arrivals hall.

Are there hotels near the airport? Not at the airport itself, but here you’ll find the hotels closest to the airport.

Where is the best place to stay in Bogotá? There are many beautiful and pleasant neighborhoods to look for your hotel, hostel, or Airbnb. Consider La Candelaria (the historic center), Chapinero Alto, El Chicó, and Usaquén. These are the most popular neighborhoods among travelers. If you want to go a bit more off the beaten path, check out Teusaquillo. Check Hostelworld for all hostels in Bogotá.

How do you leave Bogotá? By domestic flight, rent a car, or by bus. Long-distance buses can be found at Terminal de Transporte. Tickets for long-distance buses can be bought directly at the station, or booked online via Busbud and Pinbus, among others.

Click here for more practical tips for your trip to Colombia.

42 tips for Bogotá: what to do and see (must-sees & hidden gems)

And there are actually many more than 42, about 75, but you’ll see that below… The sights and to-do’s are listed by neighborhood. It starts in La Candelaria and slowly moves into the rest of Bogotá. To end up in the north of the city. Enjoy!

1. Discover the historic center of La Candelaria

The historic La Candelaria in the heart of Bogotá is, of course, not to be missed. Even though it’s the most touristy, it’s also very beautiful. Wander through the historic streets, enjoy the views, take photos of the colorful houses, eat an oblea in Plaza de Bolívar (do it, it’s delicious!) and don’t forget to visit these (click on the link for the location on Google Maps):

Plazoleta Chorro de Quevedo. The most famous square in La Candelaria, where you’ll find a lot of street art. And much more beauty. Have a typical Colombian lunch at one of the terraces, such as Ajiaco.
Plaza de Bolívar. The enormous central square, quite impressive.
Claustro de San Agustín.
Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Egipto.
Santuario Nuestra Señora del Carmen. The striking red-and-white striped church.
Plazoleta Rafael Núñez.
Centro Cultural Gabriel García Márquez.
Teatro Colón Bogotá. A beautiful theater certainly worth a visit. Buy a ticket for a guided tour here.

Souvenirs can be bought in La Candelaria at Pasaje Rivas.

2. Visit the 6 best museums in La Candelaria

La Candelaria is bursting with great museums. Here are my 6 favorites, and below you’ll find a few more.

1. Museo Botero: my favorite museum in La Candelaria

Museo Botero in Bogotá: you can’t miss this one! Fernando Botero is absolutely one of, or perhaps the, most famous Colombian artist. Right next to Casa de Moneda (No. 2) in an equally beautiful house with a garden, you’ll find mainly paintings, but also a few sculptures by Botero. Everything is thick. Or chubby. Women, FARC leaders, oranges, houses, you name it. The proportions are quite extraordinary. Everything that hangs and stands here he himself donated to this museum.

His perhaps most famous work, by the way, is in Medellín: the large sculptures of fat people and animals scattered throughout the city. The museum also features paintings by Monet, Dalí, and Picasso, among others.

Here you will find Museo Botero in La Candelaria.

2. Museo Nacional (the National Museum of Colombia)

Actually not in La Candelaria, but very close… In 1874, the English architect Thomas Reed designed the beautiful building that now houses the National Museum. This makes this the largest and oldest museum in Colombia in a building that served as a prison until 1946. The museum tells the country’s history through art and objects, displayed in the former cells. It is a beautiful and interesting museum, definitely not to be missed. I’ve been there about 3 or 4 times now, and it’s always fun to go.

You can find Museo Nacional here. You can walk there from La Candelaria or take the bus.

Here are the current rates and opening hours of Museo Nacional in Bogotá.

3. Museo del Oro (the Gold Museum in Bogotá)

The most famous museum in La Candelaria is undoubtedly the Gold Museum. Here you will find many artifacts from the ancient indigenous tribe Muisca, and much more gold and other objects that offer a glimpse into the history of Colombia.

Want to know more about Colombian gold?

Search for El Dorado in Laguna de Guatavita
Visit the Gold Museum in Pasto
Or the Gold Museum in Cartagena

Bogotá’s gold museum can be found here in La Candelaria.

Click here for more information on prices and opening hours.

4. Casa de Moneda (the Money Museum in Bogotá)

In other words, the money/coin museum. The entire history of the coin is explained here, including the machines that used to mint the coins. You will also find a collection of art by various Colombian artists here.

And even if you are not interested in the history of currency, this museum is still worth a visit. Because housed in a beautiful old building with an inner courtyard including a fountain, you can see what an old house in the bustling city center of Bogotá actually looks like. Very beautiful I can tell you.

Here you will find the money museum in Bogotá.

5. Museo Histórico de la Policía Nacional (the Historical Museum of the National Police of Colombia)

The police museum is an interesting experience. The museum is housed in a beautiful building from 1923, in the middle of a drab street, where it’s yellow with police officers. It turns out that tours in both Spanish and English are given by 18-year-old boys on duty. I was there with my parents, and we had to listen carefully to follow our officer’s English, but he was very enthusiastic nonetheless.

On the ground floor, you learn all about Pablo Escobar. His motorcycle is on display here, and you are also introduced to his second wife: the pistol he used. After seeing interesting pieces from this dark Colombian period, the guide takes you upstairs. The museum is quite large, and eventually, you end up on the roof, from where you have a beautiful view of the old city center.

Here you will find the police museum.

Click here for opening hours and location.

6. Museo de Bogotá

The Museum of Bogotá is not only located on a picturesque street, but it is also a very interesting museum. You will find beautiful art there, and especially a lot about the history of Bogotá. For example, the capital once had a train that ran through its streets; you will find a part of this train in this museum. In addition, you will learn all about the contemporary challenges the city faces. In short: worth a visit. Admission is free.

You can find Museo de Bogotá on the map here.

And there are more museums in La Candelaria…

Consider:

3. Take a bike tour through Bogotá

The Bogotá Bike Tour is a popular tour to do. Discover (a small part of) the city by bike, just like many Bogotanos do. In fact: Bogotá is the cycling city of South America. It’s actually strange that I, as a Dutch person, don’t have a bike at home in Bogotá…

The bike tour leads you through the streets of Bogotá in the vicinity of La Candelaria. The exact route depends on the weather and whether there are events in the city. But no matter which route is cycled, a bike tour is always a good idea.

Book a bike tour through Bogotá here.

4. Climb Monserrate

A visit to Monserrate is a must when you’re in Bogotá. Take the train or cable car up and enjoy an amazing view of this enormous city. From 3100 meters altitude. You can walk around, visit the church, and there are several beautiful and good restaurants.

You can go up Monserrate by cable car or gondola, but you can also go on foot. There is a walking path to the top. Be aware that it is steep and you are already at 2600 meters altitude at the start. So, this is not very convenient to do if you are not yet used to the altitude.

Fun fact: when you’re enjoying the view from the top, remember that you only see about 30% of the entire city. Bizarre… An even more beautiful view of Bogotá can be found at number 6.

All information about Monserrate in Bogotá can be found here. This includes opening hours, prices, and restaurants.

5. Torre Colpatria

Besides Monserrate, another viewpoint in Bogotá is Torre Colpatria. One of the tallest buildings in the city, from whose 48th floor you have an amazing view.

With a super-fast elevator you fly up. The most fun is to go in the late afternoon and watch the sunset from the tower. Beautiful all the lights and the sunset over Bogotá.

Unlike Monserrate, you have a 360-degree view from Torre Colpatria. Additionally, the tower is more centrally located in the city, allowing you to look further north and south. Actually, only from this tower can you see how big Bogotá really is.

You can find Torre Colpatria on the map here.

Click here for opening hours and prices.

6. Visit the unknown El Paraiso for the most beautiful view in Bogotá and impressive street art (off the beaten track in Bogotá)

Do you want to see Bogotá from a different perspective? Then take the cable car (yes, Bogotá, like Medellín, also has a cable car) to the El Paraiso neighborhood in Ciudad Bolívar, all the way in the south of Bogotá. From here, you have the most beautiful view of Bogotá (even better than Monserrate), you’ll visit a part of the city that almost no one sees, and you’ll discover impressive street art.

Ciudad Bolívar is still developing and not the safest place in Bogotá. Therefore, only visit this area with a guide and security. Read all about a visit to El Paraíso and how to arrange a tour here.

Where to see the best street art in Bogotá

Where is the most beautiful view in Bogotá?

7. Guadalupe: an unexpectedly beautiful viewpoint, even higher than Monserrate

If you are in Bogotá and look towards Monserrate, you will see another striking mountain to the right opposite Monserrate: that is Guadalupe (or Cerro de Guadalupe, as it is actually called). You can recognize Guadalupe by the 15-meter-high white statue of the Virgin Mary and the church (the Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe). Although the statue naturally looks very small from the city. The first chapel was built in 1656, but was damaged several times by earthquakes. In 1945, the chapel was rebuilt, after which the large white statue of Mary was placed on top in 1946.

Guadalupe, along with Monserrate, belongs to the two cerros tutelares of Bogotá: the symbolic protective hills of the city. Unlike Monserrate, Guadalupe is completely not touristy. From there, however, you have an impressive view of the city and of Monserrate. Which is incredibly beautiful. At approximately 3350 meters altitude, Guadalupe is also higher than Monserrate, allowing you to see it from above.

You can also hike from Guadalupe. For this, you need to register here. The hike is called Guadalupe – Aguanoso and is about 5 kilometers long. You can only do it on weekends early in the morning, when there is police along the route.

Guadalupe is a well-known pilgrimage site in Bogotá and is massively visited by Bogotanos during Sunday mass.

You can find Guadalupe on the map here.

How to get to Guadalupe?

Perhaps this is one of the reasons why Guadalupe is less touristy than Monserrate: getting there is a bit more difficult. There are 3 options:

1. By car or taxi. This is the easiest option. You drive steeply uphill from the center of Bogotá along a beautiful road, following the signs to Guadalupe. There is a small parking lot where you can park.

2. By bus. No buses go all the way to Guadalupe, but they do go to this point. From there, you still have to walk 2 kilometers quite steeply uphill.

You can take the bus in 2 ways.

One way is the bus from Bogotá to Choachí (where you’ll find Colombia’s highest waterfall), which leaves from the Terminal Transoriente. Ask the driver to let you off at the road to Guadalupe. On the way back, wait for a bus going down again.

The other bus is a blue SITP bus, number 14-6. This leaves from Station Bicentenario. You can’t pay cash on this bus; you need a TuLlave bus card. You can buy this at a Transmilenio station, such as Bicentenario. Several people can use one green TuLlave card, but you need to make sure there’s enough money on it for everyone. A round trip for 1 person costs about 8,000 pesos, so do the math. Read more about the Transmilenio and buying tickets here. Again, tell the driver to let you off at the turnoff to Guadalupe.

3. With a tour. Would you prefer it organized? That’s also possible. There are several tours that pass by Guadalupe. Here’s a list:

So there are no tours just to Guadalupe, but really: the hike to the highest waterfall is no punishment…

Safety Guadalupe

It’s good to know that the route to Guadalupe isn’t the safest in Bogotá. You’ll pass several unsafe neighborhoods (which you don’t really see from the road, but they’re there), and robberies occur regularly on the route. There are police here and there along the route on weekends, and sometimes soldiers too. If they’re not there, pay extra attention. Walking up is also possible, of course, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Better to go by bus, car, taxi, or tour, and quietly enjoy this beautiful place.

8. Feast your eyes at Paloquemao, the colorful fruit market in Bogotá

Paloquemao is Bogotá’s most famous fresh market. An explosion of scents and colors, where you’ll find the strangest fruits and feast your eyes. If you want to taste local fruits, this is the place to do it. Here they have fruits you didn’t even know existed. It’s a lot of fun to walk around the market and buy and try a strange fruit here and there.

You can find Paloquemao on the map here. It is best to be dropped off by cab as the area around the market is not the safest.

Opening hours of Paloquemao

Monday to Friday from 4:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Sundays and holidays from 5 AM to 2:30 PM

9. Take a Bogotá Food Tour

Colombian cuisine is extensive and delicious. Now, you can eat fantastically in Bogotá (see No. 40), but if you really want to taste the most typical Bogota delicacies, then a Food Tour is a good idea.

Consider this Food Tour with 12 tastings and Tejo games (the typical Colombian game). Or do the Bogotá Food Experience and discover the local food in La Candelaria.

10. Street art in Bogotá

Street art in Bogotá is everywhere, in every neighborhood. The most famous street art can be found in La Candelaria, specifically in Plazoleta Chorro de Quevedo and the surrounding streets. There you’ll find the murals you see everywhere on Instagram.

However, there’s much, much more. Go out and venture outside the touristy La Candelaria and the immediate area, and look for murals in places where you don’t expect them.

Or visit El Paraíso, a street art paradise in Bogotá (still off the beaten path).

And then there are also many street art tours you can take. Among others:

Whatever you choose to do: in Bogotá, be sure to look for the most beautiful murals.

11. Drink hot chocolate with cheese in it

A typical drink from Bogotá and the surrounding area is hot chocolate with cheese. In the hot chocolate, that is. A bit strange, but delicious. In any case, something not to miss if you’re in Bogotá. Walk into any random cafe in La Candelaria and they’ll have it. The most famous places to try hot chocolate with cheese are La Puerta Falsa (see no. 12) and Pastelería Florida (see no. 13). But as mentioned, they have this in many more places.

Also fun: take chocolate blocks specially made for making chocolate milk home as a souvenir. I myself literally always give chocolate as a gift to my family and friends when I visit the Netherlands. And I also drink it at home at least once a week. They simply have incredibly delicious chocolate milk in Colombia. A well-known brand that you can find in every supermarket is ‘Corona’. And really: you DO want to take this Corona home with you. I myself always buy chocolate from smaller brands in local shops or markets. But for you as a traveler, the supermarket is easier.

12. Eat traditional onces in La Puerta Falsa

La Puerta Falsa is a tiny, classic eatery in the historic center of Bogotá, around the corner from Plaza de Bolívar. It opened on July 16, 1816, which means the café is almost 210 years old.

La Puerta Falsa is a typical Bogotá café for onces, which are a kind of small snacks in the afternoon, or a larger typical meal. Think of chocolate milk with cheese and bread, tamales, ajiaco and all kinds of sweets.

It is a very traditional place and definitely worth a visit. I used to come here regularly with colleagues for onces, but it has become so popular among tourists that there is often a line in front of the door these days. I hardly ever come there now, but it is certainly worth going to eat and drink something.

There are more of these kinds of traditional places in the same street, just not as small and old as La Puerta Falsa. But very cozy and tasty. And you can get traditional Colombian onces everywhere.

You can find La Puerta Falsa on the map here.

13. Pastelería Florida: Bogotá’s oldest bakery

Pastelería Florida is a piece of history in Bogotá, and even less known to travelers. It also looks less ‘special’ than La Puerta Falsa, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth a visit.

Pastelería Florida is a classic bakery and typical salón de onces, for eating traditional snacks. The place is known as the oldest pastelería in Bogotá and dates back to the year 1936.

All these years, Pastelería Florida has had the same function: it is a regular stop for Bogotans for both breakfast and traditional onces. This is also a good place to try chocolate milk with cheese and bread. Just like typical tamales, almojábanas and pan de yuca. In all these cases, order hot chocolate with it. You can also have breakfast there, with huevos Florida, for example. They also sell a lot of sweets, such as cookies and pastries. After all, it is not for nothing a pastelería.

You can find Pastelería Florida here on the map.

14. Take a chocolate workshop in Bogotá

Now that we’re talking about chocolate: you can also do a chocolate workshop yourself. Chocolate is an important export product in Colombia and hugely popular among the population. Not necessarily to eat, but to drink. Hot chocolate, for example, is a standard part of breakfast once a week. And Bogotans like to visit cafes (such as Pasteleria Florida) to enjoy hot chocolate with a sandwich in between.

In a chocolate workshop, you will get to know an important part of Colombian life: chocolate.

Book a chocolate workshop in Bogotá here.

15. Go on a Free Walking Tour in La Candelaria

Do you want to see the highlights of La Candelaria in a quick way? Then join a Free Walking Tour. This will take you past the main sights, such as Plazoleta Chorro de Quevedo, Plaza de Bolívar, Museo Botero and much more. Book the Free Walking Tour here.

16. Looking for emeralds in the Emerald Trade Center

Colombia is world famous for the quality of its emeralds. They are also incredibly beautiful, with that deep green hue, and they have a special origin. They come from mines in Boyacá, near Bogotá. Meanwhile, that wealth has also had a downside: in some mining regions, conflicts arose over control and trade, and mining has also left visible traces in nature and the living environment in certain places.

If you are looking for emeralds in Bogotá, you will soon end up at the Emerald Trade Center: a trading center where dozens of jewelers and gemstone sellers are located under one roof. If you walk around in La Candelaria you will also see many jewelers selling emeralds, but don’t trust everything. Emeralds are expensive and there is a lot of fake ones in circulation. In general, the Emerald Trade Center is better known, but compare between shops there as well and ask for more information before you buy anything.

You can find the Emerald Trade Center on the map here.

You can also make your own piece of jewelry with an emerald in it. Click here for a jewelry making workshop with emerald in Bogotá.

17. Stargazing at the planetarium

It’s been a while since I’ve been there, but I remember it being a lot of fun: the planetarium in Bogotá. In the La Macarena district, near La Candelaria.

Learn all about stars and planets, but the Dome Experience is especially fun. That is an experience under a gigantic dome where the image is projected all around you. You are, as it were, in the middle of the starry sky, a journey through the universe, or an audiovisual show with light, color and sound. It feels a bit like you are being taken to another world for a while, without having to get out of your chair.

You can find the planetarium on the map here.

Click here for opening hours and rates.

18. Take a workshop in Bogotá (+ practice Spanish)

Colombia breathes handicrafts. You find it everywhere. So why not get to know Colombian culture by making something yourself? That is also the perfect way to meet new people, practice Spanish and go off the beaten path in Bogotá.

And maybe you’ll run into me, because I do a lot of creative workshops in Bogotá. Think of painting, making ceramics, making your own jewelry, crocheting, painting linen bags (totebags) and I go to an intercultural center where painting and language exchange come together (Dame Tu Lengua). Dame Tu Lengua also has many international activities anyway. Many Colombians who like to practice English come here, and it is ideal for you to practice Spanish. I am there on Wednesday evenings to paint, but you can do much more. Think of karaoke, dancing, cooking, watercolors and much more.

Further north, in El Chicó, in Café Estar, there is often painting and chatting on Thursday evenings. Keep an eye on the stories of Vigosketchbook for more information.

It’s SO much fun to make your own souvenir and during the process get to know Bogotá from the inside. If you have the time, or just want something different, this is really fun to do.

Here you can read all about creative workshops in Bogotá.

19. Go to the cinema in Bogotá

Are you in Bogotá on a rainy day? Or do you just want to get out in the evening? Go to the cinema! There are many cinemas in Bogotá, with the best-known being CineColombia.

I myself often go to the cinema, usually in Centro Comercial Gran Estación, Nuestro Bogotá or in Andino (if the film is no longer playing in the original language anywhere else). Speaking of which: if you want to see the film in the original language, usually that is English, buy a ticket with Subtitulado (SUB) on it. If it says DOB, it is dubbed.

Read everything about going to the cinema in Bogotá, which cinemas and more.

20. Visit a shopping center

In Bogotá, you can store until you drop. The city is rich in many large shopping centers such as you have never seen before. Each center has its own style, which also makes it immediately worth visiting several of them. I myself like to visit Gran Estación, Andino and if I am in the area to Santafé. Almost all cinemas are also in a shopping center, so it’s fun to combine.

Bogotá is a real shopping city. Read everything about shopping in Bogotá here.

21. The Botanical Gardens in Bogotá

The Botanical Gardens (Jardín Botánico) are a beautiful green place to visit in Bogotá. In fact, this is my favorite place in the city. For me within walking distance of my home, for you by cab: but it is absolutely worth it.

In the Jardín Botánico you can walk for about 2 to 3 hours, past the most beautiful flowers, plants and trees. In addition, there is a very beautiful new indoor area, where the Amazon and the desert have been recreated. Take your time, because you really never want to leave here. You can find more information about the Jardín Botánico Bogotá here.

22. The large city park Parque Simón Bolívar

Almost next to the Botanical Garden in Bogotá you will find the largest park in the city: Parque Simón Bolívar. A place to walk, run or just have a nice picnic on the grass. But you can also go canoeing or pedal boating in the lake in the middle of the park. A nice green place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a while.

You can find Parque Simón Bolívar on the map here.

Simón Bolívar is perfect to combine with the other parks in this district, where you will find the most beautiful parks in Bogotá. Click here for two walking routes along parks in Bogotá.

23. Discover the unknown but beautiful park & library Virgilio Barco

On the other side next to Parque Simón Bolívar you will find another park, this is my favorite. I’m talking about Parque Virgilio Barco. This park is not very well known to travelers, but definitely worth it. I often go there myself, and it’s a really nice park, with a beautiful view over Bogotá.

Additionally, you’ll find a beautiful library in this park. You can enter and look around for free here. It’s a beautiful place, with many water features in the vicinity. There are also regular exhibitions in the library.

Here you’ll find Virgilio Barco Park on the map.

And click here for the library.

Here you’ll find walking routes along the park, the library, and the surrounding neighborhoods. The ideal way to go off the beaten track in Bogotá.

24. Visit the Pablo VI neighborhood

Virgilio Barco Park borders one of the nicest neighborhoods in Bogotá: Pablo VI, or Pablo Sexto. It’s a residential area, very typically Bogotan, with many small shops and eateries. Not at all touristy, but definitely worth a visit if you want to experience everyday life in Bogotá.

I myself live close to this neighborhood, I do my groceries here and I go to the gym here. Or sit in the sun by the fountain, have tea with a friend and eat a pastry in one of the many establishments… Delicious.

Because it’s not a tourist neighborhood, there are virtually no hotels or Airbnbs. So come by bus or taxi. And don’t forget to immediately visit the parks under numbers 21, 22 and 23, and to visit the neighborhood across the street: La Esmeralda (number 25). Additionally, there’s another beautiful park nearby: Parque de los Novios. Also worth a visit if you’re in the area.

Great for spending a few hours or even a whole day off the beaten path in Bogotá.

25. Wander through La Esmeralda

An even more typical Bogotan neighborhood is La Esmeralda, on the other side of the road from Pablo VI (number 24) and Simón Bolívar Park (number 22). So it’s convenient to combine them. Here you’ll also find a walking route through these neighborhoods and parks.

La Esmeralda is an even more typical Bogotan neighborhood. While many original houses in the rest of the city have been replaced by high-rises, you’ll still find those original houses here. No flats in La Esmeralda.

The neighborhood is quiet and feels cozy. There’s a small church, 2 nice parks, a very small farm, a garden with special plants, and nice eateries. For example, I often visit the Uruguayan in La Esmeralda. In Milhojas & Merengones for a typical Colombian cake (also good for coffee, by the way). Or in Juan Valdez for a tea or coffee.

Wander through the neighborhood and admire the beautiful houses, sit on the grass, and watch the rabbits and other animals on the small farm.

I also come here often, to eat, but also to walk the dog or to paint. A wonderful place in Bogotá and truly off the beaten path. You won’t see tourists here.

Here you’ll find La Esmeralda on the map.

Want to extend your walk? From here, you can also easily walk to the large Gran Estación shopping center, and take a taxi back to your hotel or Airbnb from there. Click here for the route. Along the way, you’ll cross a pedestrian bridge with a beautiful view over Bogotá. Be careful with your phone there, so just be a bit careful taking pictures.

26. The Ciclovía in Bogotá

The ciclovía is a phenomenon in Bogotá. On Sundays and public holidays, major roads are closed (between 6 AM and 2 PM) for walkers, cyclists, rollerbladers, or whatever else you want to do. It’s a super fun experience to walk through Bogotá like this. Without cars around you, and often you also have beautiful views from the ciclovía.

You’ll find the ciclovía throughout the city, with a total of more than 138 kilometers of roads that are closed. Quite impressive.

Click here for all routes, then you’ll immediately see if there’s one near you.

The ciclovía is very Bogotan and you really shouldn’t miss it if you’re here. It has existed since the 70s, and residents gratefully use it every weekend.

27. Adrenaline at Salitre Mágico

Do you fancy some adrenaline? Next to Parque Simón Bolívar, you’ll find a small amusement park with roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, and more fun. This is also great if you’re traveling through Colombia with children.

Here you’ll find Salitre Mágico on the map.

28. The interactive Maloka Museum

The Maloka Museo Interactivo in Bogotá is an interactive science museum where you learn all about science in an interactive way. Themes you’ll find there include optical illusions, the science of emotion, evolution, biodiversity, electricity, and climate change.

Maloka Museum is especially fun for families with children. You learn something about the world in a fun, interactive way. But it’s also a great outing in Bogotá for teenagers and adults. Perfect for a rainy day and something different from a history and art museum.

Here you’ll find the Maloka Museum on the map.

29. Visit the nice Park Way neighborhood (ideal for dining out in Bogotá)

Park Way is part of the La Soledad neighborhood, a neighborhood in Bogotá consisting of a long green strip surrounded by many nice shops and good restaurants. It’s one of my favorite places in Bogotá to eat out, along with Chapinero Alto (see number 30).

Park Way is a bit of an alternative neighborhood. You notice that on the street too. Very cool. You’ll also find slightly different establishments here than in the rest of Bogotá. For example, I personally like to visit the Templo Té (the Tea Temple, see the photo below). Here you’ll find hundreds of types of tea and delicious pastries. The Tea Temple can also be found in Chapinero, by the way.

There are also nice coffee shops, Indian stores, and good national and international restaurants. Also nice to walk through the neighborhood and the park (during the day).

Here you’ll find Park Way on the map.

Note: it’s not very safe to walk around here in the evening, except on Friday and Saturday evenings when the streets are busy. On other evenings, it’s better not to. In that case, take a taxi that drops you off at the restaurant’s door and also a taxi from there back to your accommodation.

30. Chapinero: a multifaceted neighborhood you must see

Chapinero is one of Bogotá’s nicest districts. With a total area of almost 4000 hectares and about 190,000 inhabitants, it’s quite large. Chapinero is not just urban Bogotá, but also extends over the adjacent mountains. And you can visit that too, see number 31 for that.

So, Chapinero. Not just one neighborhood, but a district consisting of 50 neighborhoods. With the best known being El Chicó, El Nogal, Los Rosales, Chicó Norte, El Retiro, Quinta Camacho, Chapinero Central, and Chapinero Alto.

You haven’t really seen Bogotá if you haven’t been to Chapinero. And the nice thing about Chapinero is its diversity. Every neighborhood is different. With typical historic and modern houses and buildings side by side.

Nice walking route through Chapinero

Walk from the impressive church Basílica Menor Nuestra Señora de Lourdes to Parque de los Hippies in Chapinero Central, cross the séptima (carrera 7) from there and walk uphill past HAB Café (good restaurant and hotel) to Mistral (go there for a sandwich or cake: delicious!) in Chapinero Alto. From there, walk through this neighborhood to Zona G. These are truly two different worlds you walk through.

And a little further than Zona G, you have Edifício Santalaia, nice to walk past. That’s an apartment building completely covered with plants.

Chapinero Alto is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Bogotá for dining out.

Click here for my favorite restaurants in Bogotá. You’ll find so many fantastic restaurants and nice shops there. Chapinero also has many beautiful hotels.

Always combine your visit to Chapinero with another district, such as La Candelaria, and see the difference. That’s also one of the reasons why I love Bogotá so much: it’s an incredibly diverse city. Every neighborhood is different. As if you’re in a different world within a few kilometers…

Looking for nice spots and activities in Chapinero? Check out this Instagram account of Distrito Chapinero.

Quinta Camacho

Then you also have the Quinta Camacho neighborhood within Chapinero. This is a popular neighborhood for both Colombians and tourists to dine out. You’ll also find many hotels here. It’s one of the most charming parts of Chapinero, where you’ll find beautiful English-style houses, with pitched roofs and small front gardens. It feels like a kind of village within Bogotá.

Additionally, Quinta Camacho is also a culinary hotspot, with small restaurants, coffee bars, and boutiques. And if you love beer, be sure to visit The Monkey House. A kind of British Pub with beers from all over the world.

Here you’ll find Quinta Camacho on the map.

31. Hiking in Bogotá: climb Quebrada La Vieja from Chapinero

You can literally walk up the mountain from Bogotá. Or well, that requires a bit of planning, but you don’t have to leave Bogotá to go hiking. It is a tough hike. You walk steeply upwards, but you also get a beautiful view in return. I’ve done this hike twice myself.

Note: it is only safe to do this hike if there is police on the route. You also need to register before you are allowed to go up. Click here for all information about the Quebrada La Vieja hike.

32. By bus through Bogotá: the TransMilenio & along the séptima

How fun is it to discover Bogotá the Bogotan way: by bus. Of course, you have the typical Bogotan bus network, the TransMilenio. It’s interesting to experience how Bogotans move through their city.

Additionally, there’s a nice bus route along the séptima, carrera 7. A long road that passes many interesting neighborhoods. You can board in La Candelaria and from there travel via Chapinero (number 30) to Usaquén (number 37).

With this route you’ll see many sides of Bogotá (not all of them, but you have to start somewhere) and you’ll also come across lots of interesting spots along the way. Think trendy Chapinero Alto, Parque 93 (no. 34) and El Chicó Museum (no. 35), and the neighborhood of the same name. And much more.

Here you’ll find this bus route through Bogotá in detail.

33. The artistic neighborhood of San Felipe

The San Felipe neighborhood is part of the Barrios Unidos district and is officially called Distrito Creativo San Felipe (creative district). The name says it all: this neighborhood is packed with small galleries, studios, cultural spots, art spaces, and nice shops. If you love vintage, you’re also in the right place here.

There are regular days or entire weekends when many places open their doors simultaneously. It’s incredibly fun to stroll around and find the most beautiful original items. I once attended this event and it was really great. Through this Instagram account of Open San Felipe, you’ll stay informed about new dates.

Besides the nice shops and abundant art, San Felipe is also worth a walk just to explore. You’ll find street art, beautiful houses, and great restaurants.

Here you’ll find San Felipe on the map. Here you’ll specifically find Open San Felipe, a great place to start your walk through the neighborhood.

34. The popular neighborhoods Zona T and El Chicó

For a few years now, travelers to Bogotá have discovered the north. Nowadays, in addition to Candelaria, El Chicó is also a popular place to look for a hotel. If you stay here, you’ll truly have a totally different experience than if you spend your city trip to Bogotá in La Candelaria. These are truly two different worlds. It’s hard to describe, you really have to see it for yourself…

La Candelaria is historic, chaotic, colorful. El Chicó is luxurious, wide avenues, many trees, expensive, and trendy. A kind of Europe within Bogotá.

Nowadays, many expats live on this side of Bogotá. Probably precisely for that reason: it’s more luxurious. Luxury buildings, beautiful cars, expensive hotels and Airbnbs, and more high-end restaurants. Naturally, you’ll feel it in your wallet if you stay here.

In these neighborhoods in Bogotá, you’ll find plenty to do and visit:

The beautiful luxury Andino shopping center
The popular restaurant Andres Carne de Res (which I personally never visit, by the way)
Unilago: useful if your phone or laptop is broken or you need other technology
Zona T: a popular area for nightlife and restaurants in Bogotá
Bakery Brot, for delicious bread (and pastries)
The beautiful El Virrey park
Parque de la 93, with many restaurants and rooftop bars. The Vista Corona Bogotá rooftop bar is highly recommended. I once ate here and not only do you have a beautiful view during your meal, but the food is also very tasty and it’s just a very pleasant place.

And many more beautiful streets, great restaurants, and nice shops. It’s already fun just to walk through this neighborhood and experience how different it is from the other side of Bogotá.

Here you’ll find the entire El Chicó neighborhood on the map.

35. Visit the unknown but beautiful Museo de ‘El Chicó’

One of my favorite museums and parks in Bogotá: Museo de ‘El Chicó’. The museum is housed in a beautiful eighteenth-century mansion surrounded by a garden. The extremely wealthy Mrs. Mercedes Sierra de Pérez once lived here. Who brought back all kinds of ‘souvenirs’ from faraway to Colombia.

In the museum, you can take a walk through the beautiful country house and come across the incredibly beautiful dining room and bathroom, among other things. The love for travel is reflected in the extensive collection of souvenirs that she brought back from the various countries she once visited. Especially works of art and antiques from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, including Delft blue from the Netherlands. The gardens surrounding the house are at least as beautiful.

Although easy to reach, this museum is truly off the beaten path in Bogotá, and definitely recommended. Just like the adjacent park, by the way.

Read all about the museum here.

And find the ‘El Chicó’ museum here on the map.

36. A day of wellness and spa in Bogotá

Are you in the mood for a relaxing massage, a nice warm pool, a sauna, and a Turkish steam bath? You’ll find that in Bogotá too. In multiple places, actually. I personally really like the Elixia Spa in Dann Hotel. Here you can book fantastic massages and enjoy a hot tub and sauna with a beautiful view over Bogotá.

37. Usaquen and the Sunday market

A lot of years back was Usaquén a village outside the city. By now everything has grown in the city, so that this village has now become a neighborhood in Bogotá.

A very nice neighborhood where you still imagine yourself in colonial times with the old church, its square and cute old houses. The district is also rich in many restaurants where you can eat delicious food, and there is a shopping center in what used to be a farm.

Every Sunday, the streets turn into one big cozy market where you can spend hours strolling past handmade Colombian goodies and enjoy live music and dancing. A favorite for many.

How to get here: take bus 80 or 82 from La Candelaría or any other point on the Septima (carrera 7) and get off at Calle 116. Or book a taxi. Read all about what to do in Usaquén here!

38. Feast your eyes on Expo Artesanias (every year in December)

Every year in December, the Expoartesanias is held in the Corferias event center, and that is really a must-go. It is the major annual crafts fair in Bogotá, which, with more than 1000 exhibitors, is also called the most important in Latin America.

The Expoartesanias is a 14-day fair where makers from all over Colombia exhibit and sell their work. From rural and urban artisans to contemporary designers.

The fair is divided into different zones, from traditional to ethnic to contemporary to jewelry to food and drinks.

You will find everything, such as textiles, weaving, ceramics, tableware, woodwork, carpets, jewelry, modern lamps and furniture and much more. And you buy directly from the maker of the products. You really feast your eyes.

So it’s nice to visit if you are in Colombia during the Expoartesanias. In one day you walk past all the beauty from Colombia and it is immediately the place to take gifts back home.

I have been there myself a few times and hope to go again this year.

The new dates for December (2026: December 7 to 20) can be found here on the Expoartesanias website or on their Instagram account.

39. Visit an event in Corferias

In addition to the Expoartesanias, there is much more to do in Corferias. Corferias is the large exhibition and congress complex of Bogotá. Fairs, exhibitions, congresses, shows and business events are held here throughout the year. Well-known fairs are the Expoartesanias (no. 38) and the FILBo: the international book fair. I also go there almost every year myself.

But there is much more. For example, there are fairs about cars, health, the environment, wood and furniture, coffee, cocoa and chocolate. You can find the Corferias agenda here.

You can register at the event itself, so click on the link of the event and you can register there. Keep in mind that of course more or less everything is in Spanish. Although they always sell English-language books at the FILBo.

You can find Corferias on the map here.

40. Dine out in one of the many trendy restaurants

For some reason, many travelers don’t find the food in Colombia that special. I never understand that, because in Colombia you can eat like the best. And certainly in Bogotá. In addition to literally the capital, also the culinary capital of Colombia.

Bogotá has so many good restaurants. From typical Colombian to international. From dirt cheap to very expensive. In every neighborhood you will find a different kind of restaurant. Really, dining out in Bogotá is a party.

And yes, even if you are a vegetarian, like me.

Here you will find good restaurants where you can eat vegetarian food.

And click here for my top 13 restaurants in Bogotá. But of course there is much more. Just look on Google Maps in one of the neighborhoods mentioned above, and look for nice restaurants. There is so much in Bogotá, it will amaze you.

41. Experience Bogotá with a local guide

If you prefer not to visit Bogotá on your own, book a local guide who will take you through the capital. With a private guide you will learn everything about the history and you can indicate what you would like to see. You can book a local private guide at WithLocals.

Read all about a guide in Bogotá with WithLocals here.

42. Discover the surroundings of Bogotá

If you thought you were done with Bogotá now… There is a lot to do in the city itself, but also outside. A lot, in fact. You might first think of a visit to the salt mines in Zipaquirá and Nemocón. That is where most travelers go when they take a day trip from Bogotá.

But really, there is so much more. Think of street art and paragliding in Sopó, extreme sports in Tobia, countless hikes that you can make in the area (I regularly do one), the highest waterfall in Colombia, several thermal baths, beautiful lakes, the white village of Guatavita, hiking in Chingaza National Park, to the theme park Jaime Duque, the cute village of Cucunubá, hummingbirds in San Francisco, to the Piscilago swimming paradise and much, much, much more.

And the funny thing is: the surroundings of Bogotá are (except for a few popular places) massively skipped by foreign travelers. This also allows you to immediately discover the Colombia off the beaten path.

Click here for the entire overview of 22 day trips from Bogotá.

And this is not all…

Bogotá is so huge and diverse, it is almost impossible to write down everything you can see and do here. There is of course much more. There are many more neighborhoods, even more specific shops and restaurants, even more parks, even more special places, even more experiences…

But I think that with the above 75+ tips you will get to know Bogotá well for a first or even second time. And along the way I will expand or supplement this article with more tips. New places that I have discovered or old experiences that come to mind.

Bogotá is a city that you have to experience. If you only go to La Candelaria or only to El Chicó, you will get a very different picture than if you go out more. Living in Bogotá is of course very different from visiting it for a few days, but I still hope that with the above tips you will get a good picture of this special city.

Have fun!

Is Bogotá safe?

Yes, Bogotá is safe to visit. However, it is useful to take a number of safety tips into account. Click here for 10 tips for a safe stay in Bogotá.

All sights mentioned in this article are safe to visit (during the day), with the safety tips in the link above. When there are extra safety issues, I have mentioned that at the relevant point. Above all, enjoy your stay in Bogotá, a great cosmopolitan city.

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