12 AWESOME THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN BOGOTA
Looking for ways to spend a few days in Bogota? Or wondering, should I even go?
Here are some fun ways to spend your time exploring an exciting city as well as some handy info about how to stay safe.
Things to do and see in Bogota
Artists in Bogota
Hip. Artsy. Culturally diverse. Trendy. Are just a few of the ways you could go about describing Bogota.
Some say you only need a day, others can spend a week and some even say it's totally skippable.
Hesitantly booking two nights, I ended up staying 5 nights and absolutely loved it! With its cobbled streets, sunkissed plazas and artsy vibes, It's been one of the coolest cities I’ve visited in South America!
Gone are the days of a crime-ridden capital. Bogota is an exciting cosmopolitan city with a population of over 10 million and foodie scene to rival many Latin American cities.
Here's a guide on some fun things to do in Bogota:
Head to the top of Cerro de Monserrate at sunset
Looking for the best view of Bogota?
Taking a cable car or funicular to the top of Monserrate at sunset will give you stunning panoramic views of the city. As the sun sets, neon lights begin flickering, lighting up the city for miles.
There's also an option to hike for which the trail is open in the morning at 8 am to go up and closes at 4pm to come back down. The altitude at the top is over 3000m which can make the hike challenging if you're not acclimatised.
You'll want to go on a clear day, as the clouds and fog can obscure the view. Let's just say that the weather in Bogota is somewhat bipolar and getting stuck in a rainstorm up there is not ideal.
How to get there: From Candelaria, Cerro de Monserrate is within walking distance and is clearly marked on maps.me. Head towards Avenida de Los Cerros and the hiking trail begins near 'Teleferico de Monserrate'.
The cost: Hiking is free. The funicular costs $21,000 COP return (£4.93 / $6.50)
Sunsets + Neon lights
Spend a day in Chapinero
A window into a more urban Bogota, Chapinero has every kind of cuisine from upmarket Astrid & Gaston, trendy bars, hip cafes, Asian food at Wok and local street food.
The neighbourhood is definitely more upscale compared to Candelaria where all the tourists head.
If you're looking for a great cafe and wifi, I'd recommend Azahar coffee located on Calle 93b 13 91, Bogota.
Laguna Guatavita
Whilst in Bogota, I was really lucky to have a kind Colombian friend from Paris organise a day with her family. They proposed going to Laguna Guatavita and I couldn't say no!
The lake plays an important part in Colombian history, many of the artefacts in the Gold Museum were excavated here.
A perfect day trip from Bogota. The easiest way to get there is by car or an organised tour. When I had a look, there was no easy way by public transport.
The cost: Entry is $17,200 COP (£4 / $5.30) including a guide for the tour. As the area is protected, a tour is necessary.
Laguna Guatavita
Free walking tour around Candelaria
Doing a free walking tour is a great way to get to know a city in a small amount of time. The one I did in Bogota is one of the best I have done.
They meet every day at Museo del Oro (Gold Museum) at 10 am and 2 pm. You can find out more on the free walking tour website.
There are also food tours and bike tours available. For the Graffiti tour, reserve your spot here.
Head to the Emerald Trade Center
Did you know that Colombia is the biggest producer of emeralds in the world and responsible for 70-90% of the world's supply?
I learn something new everyday!
Now, if I were looking to buy emeralds and went to any shop, I'd probably walk out with some very expensive green glass.
The Emerald Trade Center is the place to go where you'll find emeralds anywhere from $10 to $100,000.
Museo Botero
Fernando Botero, famous for his voluptuous paintings playing with proportions and volumes, you'll find his sculptures scattered across many cities in Colombia, including Medellin.
His artwork is pretty cool and I love how many of his works of art are open to interpretation. I'm not normally one for art museums, but it's worth popping by this one.
The museum is located on Calle 11 #4-41, Bogotá and entry is free.
Try a traditional Colombian drink Chicha
Chicha is a traditional Indian drink made out of corn. Back in the day, the Indian woman would chew on the corn, spit it out and the saliva would ferment the drink.
Yep... Ewww.
Thankfully that's not how they make it today.
Chicha has between 4-8% alcohol. When the Spanish came to South America, it became a traditional drink for the Spaniards and Colombians.
You can try some at Casa Galeria located in Candelaria.
Getting my daily dose of a latte
Teatro Colón
A famous and iconic theatre in Bogota, if you have the time, head down there for a show.
Inside it looks pretty amazing and ticket prices start from around $20,000 COP. Unfortunately, I didn't have the time to go but if I'm ever in Bogota again, it's top of my list!
Head down Callejón del Embudo
With some cute shops, bars and cafes, this street is probably the street that you've seen appear in Instagram the most frequently.
The narrowed cobbled street is filled with graffiti and no doubt you'll stop by on the graffiti tour.
Street art in Bogota
Museo del Oro (Gold Museum)
Free on Sundays, it's one of the most visited attractions in Bogota and displays around 6,000 pieces of gold.
Give yourself a good couple of hours, with over 3 floors to explore it can even be worth taking a guided tour of the museum.
Have lunch at Restaurante Puerta de la Catedral
Recommended by my tour guide, you have to try the house special, Ajiaco Santafereño!
A traditional Colombian soup, prepared with three different kinds of potatoes, corn, shredded chicken and guascas (a leafy green vegetable that grows around Bogota). It's delicious!!
La Puerta de la Catedrale
A very tasty Ajiaco Santafereño!
Mercado de Paloquemao
If you love to check out local markets, there are many local buses that will take you to Mercado de Paloquemao.
Great for buying your fruit and veggies if you plan on cooking, I always love trying out new fruit and veg that I wouldn't normally get back at home.
Safety in Bogota
One of my biggest reservations about visiting Bogota is safety. To be honest, I was almost convinced not to go by another traveller and I am so glad I didn't listen.
I had an amazing time, took a lot of photos and had no issues.
That being said, it's still important to keep your guard and take some necessary precautions.
You may or may not have heard about the 11th commandment in Colombia. The one that says "Don't give papaya".
In other words, don't put yourself in a situation where you give people the opportunity to rob you or take advantage of the situation.
As much as you might see locals walking around with their mobile phones, that doesn't mean you should. If you need to take out your phone, do it discreetly.
Don't count your money in public. Or generally keep your valuables where no one can see them.
Realistically, you can do these things and nothing will happen. But all it takes is being in the wrong place at the wrong time, and in that one moment, an opportunist will take advantage.
I love to use local transport where ever I go but if I know I am coming back as it's about to get dark or late, I'll take an Uber or a taxi. (If you haven’t signed up to Uber yet, sign up using this code “16q10” to get a discount).
There are many Uber drivers in Bogota so getting one isn't difficult. Just be aware, that the driver may ask you to sit in the front seat.
Just chillin'
Where to stay
There are some safe neighbourhoods of Bogota and probably ones that it's not the best of ideas to wander into.
The main tourist hub of Bogota is Candelaria. Staying here for 5 nights, I felt pretty good and had no issues getting around.
That being said, my hostel did warn me about going out at night time and to generally go out with people. There are fewer people on the streets so it might feel less safe at times.
Selina Candelaria: This was my first time staying at Selina's hostel, and the rooms were spacious, clean and well equipped. For a hostel, it's slightly on the pricier end but worth it if you're looking for a place with a great vibe.
Check out prices and availability here.
Chapinero is also a cool neighbourhood to base yourself and you'll be near to many great bars and restaurants. It's also considered one of the safer neighbourhoods, however, bare in mind that you will need to travel into Candelaria to see a lot of the tourist attractions.
The GHL Hotel Hamilton is in a superb location and staff are helpful in assisting with your stay. It's close to many restaurants, bars and necessities. Take a look at prices here.
For more of a hostel vibe, Hobu Hostel is a good option with cosy rooms and breakfast included. Check out availability here.
Zona Rosa considered a safer neighbourhood, you'll have access to lots of shops bars and restaurants. With great nightlife, there are loads of things to do in and around this area of Bogota.
And there you have it! Some pretty awesome things to do in Bogota.
If you have any other suggestions, leave them in the comments below! I'd love to hear them!
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