A complete guide to Bogota, Colombia, covering the colorful La Candelaria historic quarter, the world-class Gold Museum, vibrant street art, Monserrate mountain views, and a rapidly evolving food and nightlife scene. Includes practical tips for navigating the high-altitude capital.
Bogota's historic center has colonial buildings, colorful houses, universities, and some of the most impressive street art in the world. The narrow streets are walkable but steep. Most museums and cultural sites are in this district. Visit during the day and stick to the main streets. The Chorro de Quevedo square is where Bogota was reportedly founded in 1538.
Walk the colorful streets of La Candelaria
Visit Chorro de Quevedo plaza
Take a street art tour
Bogota has some of the best street art in the world, especially in La Candelaria. Free walking tours (tip-based) run daily and cover the stories behind the murals, from political commentary to Indigenous culture. Bogota Graffiti Tour is the most established, departing from Parque de los Periodistas at 10 AM and 2 PM. The quality and scale of the art is genuinely world-class.
Visit the Museo del Oro (Gold Museum)
The finest pre-Columbian gold collection in the world, with over 55,000 pieces of gold and other metals from ancient Colombian cultures. The third-floor offering room is the highlight, dimming and illuminating to simulate a sacred ceremony. Free on Sundays, otherwise COP 4,000 (about USD 1). One of the best museums in South America. Allow 2-3 hours.
Visit the Museo Botero
Free museum housing 208 works donated by Colombian artist Fernando Botero, famous for his voluminous figures. Also includes works by Picasso, Monet, Renoir, and Dali from Botero's personal collection. Housed in a beautiful colonial mansion. Completely free, no tickets needed. Allow 1-2 hours. One of the best free museums in Latin America.
See Plaza Bolivar
Bogota's main square, surrounded by the Cathedral, the Palace of Justice, the Capitol, and the City Hall. The neoclassical architecture creates an imposing setting. Pigeons and street vendors fill the square during the day. Free to walk through. The Cathedral's interior (free entry) has a notable Baroque altarpiece.
Monserrate and Views
Take the funicular or cable car up Monserrate
A 3,152-meter peak overlooking the city with a white church, restaurants, and panoramic views of Bogota's sprawl against the Andean mountains. The funicular or cable car (COP 25,000 round trip) takes 5 minutes. You can also hike up (1.5-2 hours, steep but rewarding). The views at sunset are spectacular. The church has been a pilgrimage site since the 1600s.
Ride the funicular or cable car
Enjoy the panoramic city views from the top
Visit the viewpoint at La Calera
A mountain town 30 minutes from Bogota with dramatic viewpoints over the city from above. Several restaurants along the winding road offer outdoor terraces with views. Popular with Bogotanos for weekend lunches. A taxi costs about COP 40,000 each way. The view of the city lights at dusk is particularly impressive.
Neighborhoods and Culture
Explore the Zona Rosa and Zona G
Bogota's upscale entertainment districts in the Chapinero area. Zona Rosa (Zona T) has shopping, nightclubs, and restaurants around the T-shaped pedestrian area. Zona G (G for gastronomia) is the fine dining district. Both are safe, well-lit, and lively into the late hours. The contrast with La Candelaria shows Bogota's diverse character.
Visit Usaquen on a Sunday
A former colonial village now absorbed into northern Bogota, with a charming plaza, cobblestone streets, and excellent restaurants. The Sunday flea market fills the streets with artisan crafts, antiques, and food stalls. During the week, the Usaquen area is calmer but the restaurants remain excellent. Reachable by TransMilenio or taxi from the center.
Explore Chapinero Alto and the craft beer scene
Bogota's hipster neighborhood has a thriving craft beer scene, independent cafes, and creative restaurants. Bogota Beer Company (BBC) started the movement, but smaller breweries like Chelarte and Bruder are now the favorites. The area around Calle 72 and Carrera 7 is the main strip. Chapinero is also the center of Bogota's LGBTQ+ community and nightlife.
Visit the National Museum of Colombia
Housed in a former prison (you can still see the cell-like rooms), this museum covers Colombian history, art, and culture from pre-Columbian times to the present. The building itself tells a story. Free on the last Sunday of each month, otherwise COP 4,000. The collection of Botero, Obregon, and other Colombian masters is excellent.
Food and Coffee
Eat a traditional bandeja paisa or ajiaco
Ajiaco is Bogota's signature soup: a thick chicken and potato stew with corn, capers, and cream. Bandeja paisa (from Medellin but everywhere in Bogota) is a massive platter of beans, rice, pork, plantain, avocado, and arepa. La Puerta Falsa near Plaza Bolivar has served traditional Colombian food since 1816. Local almuerzo (lunch specials) at neighborhood restaurants cost COP 12,000-18,000.
Try ajiaco (Bogota's signature soup)
Eat at La Puerta Falsa (open since 1816)
Experience Colombia's specialty coffee culture
Colombia produces some of the world's best coffee, and Bogota's third-wave coffee scene showcases single-origin beans from different regions. Azahar, Libertario, and Amor Perfecto are top specialty coffee shops. A pourover of premium Colombian coffee costs COP 8,000-12,000. Many shops offer cuppings (tastings) where you can compare beans from Huila, Narino, and other regions.
Visit Paloquemao Market
Bogota's largest wholesale market, with an overwhelming variety of tropical fruits, flowers, meats, and prepared foods. The fruit section alone has dozens of fruits you will not recognize. Juice vendors blend exotic fruits like lulo, guanabana, and curuba for about COP 5,000. Go in the morning (before 10 AM) for the full experience. Located in the western part of the city.
Day Trips
Day trip to the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira
An underground cathedral carved into salt mines 50 km north of Bogota. The three naves descend 180 meters underground, with cross-shaped carvings, salt sculptures, and dramatic lighting. One of the most impressive religious spaces in Latin America. Entry COP 65,000. Reachable by TransMilenio to Portal del Norte, then a bus to Zipaquira (total about 2 hours).
Visit Lake Guatavita
The sacred lake of the Muisca people, believed to be the origin of the El Dorado legend. A guided hike around the crater lake takes about 2 hours. The setting is stunning, with the circular lake in a collapsed volcanic cone surrounded by green hills. Entry COP 20,000. About 75 minutes northeast of Bogota. Tours available or drive yourself.
Hike to Chingaza National Park
A cloud forest and paramo (high-altitude grassland) ecosystem about 2 hours east of Bogota, reaching elevations above 3,500 meters. Home to spectacled bears, Andean condors, and stunning frailejones (giant rosette plants). Permits required and limited visitors per day. Book through the park system or an organized tour (COP 80,000-150,000). Bring warm, waterproof clothing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bogota safe for tourists?
Bogota has improved significantly in safety over the past two decades. Tourist areas like La Candelaria (during the day), Zona Rosa, Usaquen, and Chapinero are generally safe. Use ride-sharing apps rather than hailing taxis on the street. Avoid flashing expensive phones or jewelry in crowded areas. Do not walk in La Candelaria or the historic center late at night. Most visitors have safe, positive experiences.
How many days do I need in Bogota?
Three to four days covers the historic center, museums, Monserrate, neighborhoods, and the food scene. Add a day for the Salt Cathedral at Zipaquira. Two days works for the highlights but misses the neighborhood exploration and food experiences. Many travelers pass through quickly en route to Medellin or Cartagena, but Bogota rewards those who stay longer.
What about altitude sickness in Bogota?
Bogota sits at 2,640 meters (8,660 feet), which can cause mild altitude effects: shortness of breath, headaches, and fatigue. Most people adjust within a day or two. Drink plenty of water, avoid heavy meals and alcohol on the first day, and take it easy with physical activity. The coca tea (mate de coca) available at some cafes can help with symptoms.
How do I get around Bogota?
TransMilenio (bus rapid transit) covers the city but is crowded during rush hours. Uber, Didi, and InDriver are widely used and affordable (most rides COP 8,000-20,000). Regular taxis are fine if you verify they use the meter. The historic center is walkable but the city is very spread out. Sunday Ciclovia closes main roads to cars for cyclists and pedestrians from 7 AM to 2 PM.