{"id":43070,"date":"2020-03-26T05:00:37","date_gmt":"2020-03-26T12:00:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/?p=43070"},"modified":"2025-08-24T19:32:11","modified_gmt":"2025-08-25T02:32:11","slug":"bogota-colombia-ultimate-city-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/bogota-colombia-ultimate-city-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"BOGOTA, COLOMBIA ULTIMATE CITY GUIDE"},"content":{"rendered":"

Bogot\u00e1 isn’t usually the first city people think of when they think of Colombia but it is well worth a visit! While other Colombian cities such as Medell\u00edn and Cartagena are more popular with tourists than the capital city, there are so many things to do in Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n

In this article, I share why I love Bogot\u00e1, my favourite things to do in the city, the best places to stay, and tips for a visit to Colombia\u2019s capital.<\/p>\n

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Why Visit Bogot\u00e1<\/h2>\n

Bogot\u00e1 and Colombia have been overlooked as a travel destination in the past thanks to its portrayal in the media and reputation in the past 30 years. Today things in the city and country are much different than they once were. Colombia is establishing itself as an idyllic travel destination and each year more and more tourist and backpackers from all over the world are visiting the country. <\/p>\n

While Bogot\u00e1 may not the most visited city in the country, it shouldn’t be overlooked. Bogot\u00e1 is surrounded by mountains and the city has ample things to see and do.<\/p>\n

The city combined the old historic centre of downtown or La Candelaria with the modern skyscrapers in Calle 100. This makes Bogot\u00e1 a truly unique and exciting city to visit. <\/p>\n

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When To Visit Bogot\u00e1<\/h2>\n

Bogot\u00e1 is located high in the Andes mountain range in central Colombia, the city sits at an altitude of 2,640m (8,660ft). The high altitude means the city is cooler than other cities in Colombia. Colombia has no traditional seasons, but instead just wet and dry seasons.<\/p>\n

December to March and July to September are considered the dry seasons with less chance of rain and more sunshine. So we recommend visiting Bogot\u00e1 between December and March<\/strong> when the weather is drier and the sun is shining. <\/p>\n

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Things To Do In Bogot\u00e1<\/h2>\n

There are plenty of things to do in Bogot\u00e1. I lived in the city for 2 years and since I have left new things keep popping up and each time I revisit there are new things to enjoy.<\/p>\n

Some of the best things to do in Bogota are:<\/p>\n

1) Visit La Candelaria<\/h3>\n

La Candelaria<\/a> is the historic centre of Bogot\u00e1, with its colourful buildings, museums, narrow cobbled streets, and beautiful buildings. La Candelaria is located in the southern part of the city, with several museums, government buildings, the President’s House<\/a>, and Plaza Bolivar to explore. <\/p>\n

This neighbourhood has an abundance of restaurants, quiet unique cafes, and street vendors, to purchase traditional Colombian street food. La Candelaria is well worth a day trip from other areas of the city, but caution should be taken as this is the most touristy spot and if you visit after dark, don’t walk anywhere take a taxi. <\/p>\n

2) Usaquen Sunday Market<\/h3>\n

Usaqu\u00e9n used to be a small village outside of the city but as the city has expanded Usaqu\u00e9n became a neighbourhood of the city. Usaqu\u00e9n<\/a> still has that small-town feel with a central plaza and small one-of-a-kind coffee shops and restaurants. <\/p>\n

Every Sunday there is a market in the streets of Usaqu\u00e9n, with vendors selling everything from souvenirs, freshly made soap, coffee, and hand-made artisan products. It is a great place to walk around and stop for lunch on a Sunday. <\/p>\n

3) Climb To The Top Of Monserrate<\/h3>\n

The Monserrate is a cathedral located on one of Bogot\u00e1’s eastern mountains. You can either take a tram to the top<\/a> or walk up the mountain, either way, you can experience the incredible views over the city and beyond. <\/p>\n

The Monserrate is a fully functioning cathedral with regular services, visitors can walk around the cathedral, take in the city’s skyline, and walk around the market stalls. <\/p>\n

4) Plaza De Bolivar<\/h3>\n

Walk around the Plaza de Bolivar<\/a> with a beautiful cathedral and a large square surrounded by government buildings. The square is often home to events and festivals, at different times of the year from concerts to music festivals. <\/p>\n

The cathedral is located on one side of the square and Government buildings are located around the other three sides, this area is large and beautiful. On Sunday’s there are often market stalls on the adjacent streets and events in the plaza.<\/p>\n

5) Experience Andres Carne De Res<\/h3>\n

Andres Carne de Res<\/a> in Chia is a unique and wonderful restaurant that stretches over the streets. The restaurant has great typical Colombian foods, fun dancing and incredible decor. Andres is decorated with extreme and extravagant objects and antiques, lights everywhere and is a feast for the eyes! <\/p>\n

6) Discover The Cities History On A Graffiti Tour<\/h3>\n

All over La Candelaria and other areas of the city are pieces of street art that have been commissioned and represent Colombia’s history or tell a story. You can book a Graffiti tour<\/a> which will take you on a walking tour around the city, showing you all the best graffiti art.<\/p>\n

7) Visit The Gold Museum (Museo De Oro)<\/h3>\n

The Gold Museum<\/a> (Museo Dr Oro) is located in La Candelaria and is home to over 55,000 pieces of gold from jewelry to figures and everyday items found all over Colombia. The museum showcases pieces of gold from different communities around Colombia and each piece displays the history of the area and tribes who inhabited it. <\/p>\n

The Gold Museum is my favourite museum in the city because it has such unique pieces on display and highlights major parts of Colombian history. <\/p>\n

Other Things To See in Bogot\u00e1:<\/h3>\n