Things to do in Bogota Colombia

The capital and largest city of Colombia, Bogota is a multicultural and diverse city that seamlessly blends its ancient and modern sides. Located at an altitude of 2,600 metres, Bogota is surrounded by mountains, nestled amidst lush vegetation, offering some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. Discover the Colombian capital’s architectural and colonial treasures. Don’t miss all the interesting things to do in Bogota and let yourself be amazed by its charm.

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Things to do in Bogota Colombia

Monserrate

One of the must-see places in Bogota is the Cerro de Monserrate, a unique place that offers some of the best views of the city. This hill is located at an altitude of 3,152 metres and is the most famous of the hills surrounding the city. Monserrate Hill still preserves much of the Andean forest and besides being an incredible viewpoint, it is home to the Basilica of the Lord of Monserrate, an important place of pilgrimage since colonial times.

You can climb the Monserrate viewpoint either by funicular or on foot. We recommend climbing the Cerro de Monserrate after one or two days in Bogota, so that your body is acclimatised to the altitude.

• The funicular/cable car costs 20000 pesos for a round trip (about €6), 12000 pesos if you go on Sunday (about €3). Visiting hours: Monday to Saturday from 6:30am to 11:30pm and Sundays from 5:30am to 6:30pm.

La Candelaria

La Candelaria, located in the historic centre, is the most famous neighbourhood in Bogota. Getting lost in its narrow cobbled streets and feeling the weight of history by observing the colonial houses with their brightly coloured façades is a real pleasure for the senses. Among its shopping streets full of souvenir and handicraft shops, the Calle 10, Calle 1 and Calle del Divorcio stand out, and Carrera Séptima or Calle Real is the most iconic.

Plaza de Bolívar in Bogota

The Plaza Bolivar is considerable in size, as is often the case in many of the squares of Latin American cities. Strolling through it you will feel the true Colombian atmosphere of the city and all its beauty. Here you will find the Primada Cathedral of Colombia.

The construction of this basilica dates back to the 18th century. It is neoclassical in style and the seat of the Archbishop of Bogota, and therefore of Colombia. Given its great historical, architectural and cultural value, it was declared a National Monument in 1975.

Gold Museum

It is home to one of the largest collections of pre-Hispanic gold in the world. After a decade of renovations, the museum reopened in 2008. More than 55,000 pieces of gold and other materials from all pre-Hispanic cultures in Colombia are on display.

This museum is the most important of its kind, with the largest collection of pre-Hispanic gold and silverware in the world, with more than 34,000 pieces of gold and silverware (mostly gold) and 25,000 ceramic, stone, shell, bone and textile objects. Highlights include the Poporo Quimbaya and, above all, the Balsa Muisca, a small gold raft that depicts the coronation ceremony of the cacique in the Guatavita lagoon, which gave rise to the legend of El Dorado.

• Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Sundays and holidays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. From Tuesday to Saturday, the museum offers a free one-hour tour (at 11:00 am and 4:00 pm). Admission to Bogota’s Gold Museum costs 4,000 pesos (€0.89) for adults, and is free for children under 12 and over 60 and on Sundays for everyone.

Botero Museum

The Botero Museum has some of the work of Fernando Botero Angulo, born in the Colombian city of Medellín in 1932. This painter, sculptor and draughtsman with his characteristic figurative style has captivated the attention of many people due to the peculiarity of his works. What characterises all his works is a three-dimensional volumetry, giving his creations great strength, exuberance and sensuality.

The location of this collection is exceptional, as it is in a beautiful colonial house in the centre of the historic centre of Bogota.

• Admission to the Botero Museum is free.

Gabriel García Márquez Cultural Centre

Named after Gabo, this cultural centre is an icon of contemporary Colombian architecture. Here you’ll find a library with more than 80,000 books, as well as an art gallery, a record shop and a bookstore. After your visit, don’t forget to stop by Juan Valdez, located on the ground floor of the centre, and enjoy a cup of the best coffee in the world.

This space is dedicated to the culture of the Colombian people and is located in the centre of Bogota. Created in 2003 in contemporary Colombian style, it has a large bookshop and an art gallery. 

• Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm; Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm with free admission.

Simón Bolívar Park

In all large, densely populated cities with a lot of air pollution, a good green area is always necessary. The Parque Metropolitano Simón Bolívar, with its 113 hectares, serves as such in Bogota.

It has an immense garden, a lake where you can do water activities, circuits for cyclists, sports areas and several stages where some of the most important events in the country take place. Here you can come to stroll, relax, frolic with your partner, play sports, watch theatre or listen to music.

Usaquén neighbourhood

This upper-middle class neighbourhood is one of the most important places to see in Bogota. It used to be a village, but with the expansion of the capital, it has been annexed. It is an area with a special and different attraction with many restaurants and bars to have a drink or dinner. If you go on a Sunday morning don’t miss the traditional Mercado de las Pulgas (Flea Market).

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

What to do in and around Bogota?

Zipaquirá and the Salt Cathedral

Barely an hour from Bogota is the Salt Cathedral. This temple built inside Zipaquirá, one of the largest salt mines on the planet, has more architectural than religious value.

There are a number of salt sculptures and a thematic cultural space dedicated to mining, geology and natural resources.

• The Cathedral is open every day from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. The entrance fee is 59.000 (13€) Colombian pesos for foreign citizens.

Guatavita

Protagonist of the legend of El Dorado, with unique landscapes, activities for all tastes and outstanding tourist opportunities, this municipality of Cundinamarca, about an hour and a half away from Bogota, also stands out for its hospitality.

According to its Municipal Mayor’s Office, Guatavita “la Nueva” is characterised by its colonial style, although it does not date back to this period. Its buildings feature mud roofs, bricks, wood, stone in the main streets and small squares, andas well as the typical white, a legacy of the old Guatavita that lies under water.

Bogota Travel Map

What to do in Bogota in two days?

Bogota’s most important attractions can easily be covered in two days. Here is a possible itinerary of all the things to do in Bogota in two days.

Day 1:

• Usaquén Neighbourhood
• Gold Museum
• Gabriel García Márquez Cultural Centre
• Simón Bolívar Park

Day 2:

• Monserrate
• La Candelaria
• Plaza de Bolívar in Bogota 
• Botero Museum

What to do in Bogota in three days?

If you have three days in the city of Bogota, don’t miss the opportunity to visit some of its nearby natural spaces. On your third day we recommend visiting:

• Zipaquirá and the Salt Cathedral
• Guatavita

Where to eat in Bogota Colombia?

The city’s food is also worth exploring and enjoying. There is a wide range of typical local and foreign food on offer and it is recognised as one of the best places to eat in Latin America. You can try the typical dishes of the region, such as ajiaco, cocido, tamales or almojábanas, and sample Colombian fruit juices and desserts prepared with local ingredients.

• Andrés Carne de Res: this restaurant is famous in the city. It is a restaurant/dancehall that offers an entertainment experience in itself. With a unique concept, aimed at highlighting Colombian tradition, it offers a menu inspired by the country’s cuisine, with many dishes to share. The price range is around 40-50 euros.
• Casa de Rey: This is an amazing group of restaurants located in a completely renovated building in the centre of Bogota. The place is huge with an amazing patio for exclusive dinners, informal meals and a cafeteria for coffee. The price is around €30-40 per bill.
• Black Bear: a place with an elegant and relaxed atmosphere that offers excellent quality in presentation and flavour of its dishes. The price is around €40-60 per bill.

Where to stay in Bogota Colombia?

The location of your accommodation is crucial for getting the most out of the city. Generally, the best neighbourhoods to stay in are in the north, such as Chapinero, Chicó and Usaquén. These are relatively safe neighbourhoods where you will find good cafés, the best restaurants, shopping malls, and a very good nightlife. La Candelaria is a popular choice, but not as safe as the northern neighbourhoods.

In Chapinero:

• GHL Hotel Bioxury: a modern luxury 5-star design hotel in the El Retiro district of Bogota with a BIO concept. The price per night is between €60-€70 for a double room.
• NH Collection Bogotá Royal Teleport: a hotel in the financial district with avant-garde facilities. Rates are around €60 per night/double room.

Tips for your trip to Bogota

• It is important to take out travel insurance when travelling to Bogota.
• Because of its proximity to the equator, Bogota does not have seasons, but rather rainy and dry seasons. Temperatures range from 6 to 24 degrees Celsius and rain is common. Be sure to bring an umbrella.
• Try to promote local produce such as food and handicrafts.
• Remember to exercise caution and keep an eye on your personal belongings at all times.
• If you take a taxi, it is best to use the phone numbers and mobile apps of reputable companies such as Easy Taxi or Taxis Libres.
• Listen to the recommendations of tour guides and staff at your accommodation.
• In Bogota life starts at 6:00 am, or earlier in some areas.

How to organise what to see in Bogota?

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• Get inspiration from the experiences of other travellers.
• Create your own itinerary and add the app’s suggestions to it.
• Add the spots you are most interested in, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest listed in this post as a reference).
• Organise your itinerary by days and according to their location (you can take inspiration from the routes presented in the post).
• Check the travel budget that the app calculates for you based on your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
• Make the necessary modifications and you are ready for your trip.
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If you have any doubts about how to plan your itinerary, you can read our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.

Frequently asked questions about a trip to Bogota Colombia