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Bogota, the capital of Colombia, is the ideal city to start your tour of Colombia. This crazy metropolis is the beating heart of the country. Experience what life is like here by immersing yourself in the local culture. Because if there's one thing you can do in Bogota, it's get to know South American life and the friendly locals. So in this article we share all our tips for what to do in Bogota, the capital of Colombia!
What to do in Bogota?
Bogota is located at an altitude of 2,640 meters in a beautiful valley of the Andes Mountains. It is hilly and some of the city's cool attractions are located higher up. In a city with about 8 million inhabitants, it is always busy and chaotic, but in a cozy and typical South American way. Bogota has a lot to offer and it is definitely recommended to spend two days in the city.
1. Enjoy the view from MonserrateÂ
The most famous attraction and an absolute must-do when in Bogota is to take in the breathtaking view of the city from Monserrate. This is the highest mountain - 3,100 meters - in the Bogota area. At the foot of the mountain you can buy a ticket for the cable car; the ride up takes about 10 minutes. Are you up for a physical challenge? Then you can also walk up. This is a tough climb that takes at least 2 hours.Â
Once at the top, you will find a beautiful landscaped park that you can walk through. It is recommended to go up only when the weather is nice. In bad weather, the view is not as breathtaking as it can be. If you want to descend again, you can choose to take the cable car or walk down. Walking down takes about an hour.
2. Book a bicycle tour of Bogota
A cool way to simultaneously get acquainted with Bogota and see much of the city is to book a bike tour. We booked a 4-hour bike tour through our lodging, Selina La Candalaria. Coincidentally, our bike tour coincided with the car-free Sunday in Bogota which allowed us to bike on many highways. Our guide Juan took us on the bike tour to different neighborhoods, the well known and lesser known. This way you get a good idea of the city.
Along the way we stopped at a local coffee factory where we were explained the coffee process. Of course there was also time to order a cup of coffee and some goodies here. After this we cycled on to a local market where we tasted exotic fruits, among other things. This is the 4-hour bicycle tour of Bogota which we booked. You can book the bike tour at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., the cost is €10 per person.
3. Have lunch at hotspot De Una Travel Bar.
On our way to Monserrate, we walked past this cute hot spot and decided to have lunch here. After all, going up the mountain without a well-filled belly is a bad idea. You can order rich sandwiches, tapas, salads and, of course, local food here. We opted for a tasty sandwich and fresh smoothie. The Una Travel Bar Is definitely a nice place to remember!
4. Walk with the free graffiti tour
In the neighborhood of La Candelaria you will find a lot of great street art. It is fun, if you want to learn more about these murals, to participate in the free walking tour. Together with a guide you will walk along the coolest artworks. It will not surprise you that behind every mural there is a story. Often very impressive stories too. You can join the free walking tour every day, but make sure you reserve your spot (you can do that here). Tip: do tip the guide at the end of the tour!
5. Eating out at El Gato Gris restaurant
One of the more popular hot spots in the La Candelaria neighborhood is the restaurant El Gato Gris. We reserved a table here on time and have absolutely no regrets. There is a wonderful ambiance, the food is very tasteful, there is pleasant live music and the decor is also top notch. Unfortunately no pictures taken, because at night no camera with me on the street and the mobile pictures we spare you. Nonetheless, this really is the place to go!
6. Stay overnight in Bogota's La Candaleria neighborhood
During our visit to Bogota, we stayed in the La Candelaria neighborhood. This district is the historic center of the city and so you have within walking distance already some beautiful sights. During the day it is busy and cozy. The hotel where we stayed is Selina La Candelaria Bogota. You can book private rooms and dorms there.
We definitely felt safe in the La Candelaria neighborhood, but as is true of any foreign AND tourist city, you have to be alert at night. If you don't feel comfortable with this, consider staying in the Chapinero neighborhood. This is one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in Bogota. Check here all hotels in Chapinero.
Is Bogota a safe city?
During the two days we were in Bogota, we certainly felt safe. We fortunately did not have any unpleasant experiences. However, it is always wise to be alert in such a large city. Wandering the streets alone at night is not recommended, nor is wearing expensive clothing and jewelry.Â
There are unsafe neighborhoods in Bogota, but as a tourist you won't come here. The neighborhoods you are likely to visit are the La Candelaria, Zona Rosa or Chapinero. These are all safe to visit.
The climate in Bogota
Because Bogota is at an altitude of 2,640 meters, the temperature here is much lower than in other places in Colombia. The average temperature in Bogota is between 15 and 20 degrees. In the evening it can cool down so be sure to bring a cardigan or sweater.
Transportation to and in Bogota
As we mentioned at the beginning of the article, Bogota is often the starting point of a round trip through Colombia, but of course it can also be the end point. To travel to and from Bogota airport, it is best to take a cab. The cost for this ride is around 35,000 COP, this is converted about €7, -. The ride, depending on traffic, takes about half an hour.Â
Besides the organized tours, we walked a lot through the city and did not use public transportation. But from hearsay you can easily travel by Transmilenio bus. Keep in mind that Uber is officially illegal in Colombia, so even though you can book it, we don't recommend it. We almost always booked a cab through the hotel or a restaurant.
Lois Weeterings
A dreamer and adventure seeker, always on the lookout for new experiences. But also a hard worker with a thousand ideas racing through my mind. As a personal travel consultant and travel blogger, I share my passion for faraway destinations, thrilling adventures, and winter sports. With deep knowledge of places like Namibia, Colombia, the ABC Islands, and the Middle East, I’m here to help you craft a trip you’ll never forget. Through my personal stories and expert tips, I aim to inspire you to explore the world your way. Always with my camera in hand, I’m determined to capture every magical moment and share it with you.
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