Marjolein Dilven
Are you looking for tranquil landscapes? Adventure activities? Culinary discoveries? Arts and history experiences? You can find these and countless other things to do in Bogotá Colombia.
Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, is the third-largest city in South America. The city is home to around 8 million people and is a haven for history, arts, and culture enthusiasts.
Bogotá has so much to offer as a popular tourist destination; no matter how much time you spend there, it won’t be enough.
What’s in Bogotá, Colombia?
If you’re looking for some adventure, the city of Bogota is perfect in this aspect. It provides numerous attractions: trekking through the forest, visiting the waterfalls, and climbing the lush mountains. The city features scenic mountain views, historical destinations, amazing museums, and fine dining options.
Whether you are looking for eco-tourism activities, want to observe and experience the local life and cuisines or increase your knowledge base in history, we have you covered.
From exploring the historic sites and museums on the La Candelaria to trekking the Chingaza National park to exploring the wild nightlife and sampling authentic Colombian food, just take a pick from this list.
We have reviewed and compiled a list of 28 of the best things you can do in Bogotá, Colombia, and how you can make the most out of your time in this city.
Safety in Bogotá Colombia
Before you embark on your exploratory journey, you may be wondering whether Colombia, Bogotá in particular, is safe for tourists. Given the country’s marred past, the concern is natural.
Is Bogota, Colombia, safe? Yes, it is. Bogota is now regarded as one of the safest cities in South America.
While you should not be overly concerned about safety if you want to tour the area for fun, caution and avoiding risk should always be a top priority. As a tourist, you should always stay alert since petty crimes can still happen.
Generally, Bogotá is quite safe, even if you want to venture out at night.
Best Things to Do In Bogotá, Colombia – Activities
1. Visiting the Emerald Market
The Emerald Market is located in the center of the city. If you want to buy some nice emeralds for yourself or someone, you can do so from one of the certified jewelry shops in the area. You will get beautiful jewelry at good prices from here.
2. Shopping at the Usaquen Flea Market
The Sunday flea market in Usaquen is an interesting place to visit. You will find plenty of trinkets, handicrafts, jewelry, shoes, and bags from the stalls and tents spread across the street and the park in the neighborhood.
You will also find numerous food options at cheap rates for a quick snack. Oh, and once you are done shopping, don’t forget to visit the Bogotá Beer Company.
3. Taking a Bicycle Tour of the City
Although Bogotá is crowded, especially during tourist season, a city bike tour is highly recommended. You may be able to make your way easily through the heavy traffic on a bike.
You will get to view the different sights of the city from a different perspective, including the local markets and life happening in general. A guide can make the tour more interesting as you can get a story for every sight and area you see.
4. Going on a Free Walking Tour
If you are in Bogotá for a limited time, consider taking a walking tour. You can visit the city’s main attractions and gain valuable information about the city’s architecture, history, culture, and cuisine.
Guided city tours around Bogotá take around 3 hours. You can expect to be taken around the La Candelaria neighborhood.
5. Taking a Stroll Around the Parque Central Simon Bolivar
If you want to taste the local life, visit the Parque Central Simon Bolivar. It is a huge park built over 988 acres. You can walk around, exercise, rent a paddleboat to cruise on the lake, or just sit and watch people.
There is also a concert venue in the park, the Events Plaza, where international artists perform while touring the country.
6. Going on a Street Art Tour/ Communa El Paraiso
Earlier, we mentioned the famous street art of Bogotá. You will see those beautiful illustrations around the historic center and murals around Calle del Embudo.
Communa El Paraiso is located just outside the center. The beautiful neighborhood features various forms of street art, while local activists convey their thoughts and reflections. You can ride around the area in the funicular.
7. Visiting the Teatro Colon
The Teatro Colon, or the Colombian national theater, features various concerts, operas, and plays. You can visit to watch a show or just look at the architecture of the place.
Named after Christopher Columbus, the building was built in the late 1800s. The design was conceptualized by an Italian architect and features a neoclassical design. You’ll be amazed by the beautiful interiors adorned with several murals.
8. Playing Tejo
Tejo is Colombia’s national sport. Small targets filled with gunpowder are fixed in clay. Players stand at a distance of almost 20 meters and throw heavy metal disks at the target. If a player hits a target, it makes a loud noise, followed by cheers and rounds of beer.
It can be a fun activity if you want to experience the local life. Some bike tours also offer a visit to a Tejo playing joint.
Best Things to Do In Bogotá Colombia – Destinations
So here are the best things you can do in Bogotá, where we’ll start with destinations.
9. Exploring La Candelaria
One of the first things most tourists do is explore La Candelaria. It is the historic center of Bogotá and features buildings from the Spanish colonial era. You will also see various forms of street art as you roam around the cobblestone streets.
The area also features various churches and popular museums like the Gold and Botero Museums. You will also get to see other historic sites like the Plaza del Chorro de Quevedo and Monserrate.
All in all, there are numerous sights to explore in La Candelaria. Do not be surprised if you find yourself spending multiple days in the neighborhood.
10. Visiting the Gold Museum
Located in the La Candelaria neighborhood, the Gold Museum (Museo del Oro) is one of the best attractions in Bogotá. The trip to the museum will take you between one to four hours.
The museum is open all days of the week except Mondays. The entry on Sunday is free, while on all other open days, it is 8,000 COP (around $2). You can purchase the ticket in cash at the museum only.
You can also book a guided museum tour to get detailed insight into the displayed valuable exhibits.
11. Riding to the Top of the Cerro Monserrate
Our next recommendation on our list is a trip to the Cerro Monserrate, a 3,000-meter tall mountain located in the city center of Bogotá. The mountain is a popular tourist and pilgrim destination.
If you are interested in visiting Cerro Monserrate, you can hike to the top of the mountain by taking the 1,500 steps, ride the cable railroad (funicular) or cable car.
The funicular operates from Monday to Saturday from 6:30 to 11:45 am and from 5:30 am to 6 pm on Sundays. The cable car’s operating hours are the same on Sundays, but only from 12 pm to 10 pm from Monday to Saturday.
When you get to the top, you will have an amazing view of the entire Bogotá and its surrounding areas. You will also see a shrine built in the 17th century and devoted to the Fallen Lord, popularly known as El Senor Cado.
There is also a sanctuary and a few food restaurants at the top. You can rest, have a little food or try the traditional Colombian drink, the Aguapanela, a sweet drink made from caramelized sugarcane juice and served with cheese.
12. Exploring the Botero Museum
Another museum we recommend you visit is the Botero Museum, located in the Candelaria neighborhood. The museum features the most significant Latin American art collections.
It is home to around 123 art pieces made by Fernando Botero, who donated around 200 pieces to the museum with the condition that the museum would be open to the public for free. The museum also features art from other popular artists, including Dali, Monet, and Picasso.
The museum is closed on Tuesdays. On other weekdays, it is open from 9 am till 7 pm, except for Sundays when it is open from 10 am till 5 pm.
13. Visiting the Botanical Garden
Bogotá is home to Colombia’s most elaborate botanical garden, the Jose Celestino Mutis Botanical Garden. The beautiful garden is spread out over more than 19 acres. You will find more than 19,000 different plant species from all over Colombia.
You can spend a nice peaceful day exploring the beautiful sights of the garden, and if you get hungry, you can grab a quick bite from one of the many food stalls inside it.
The garden is open from 8 am to 5 pm on weekdays, except Monday. On weekends, you can visit between 9 am to 5 pm.
The ticket fee for the garden visit is 10,000 COP (around $3).
14. Taking a Day Trip to the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira
If you are in the mood to take a day trip out of Bogotá to explore the nearby attractions, we highly recommend the Salt Cathedral in Zipaquira, a small town almost an hour away from the city.
The Salt Cathedral is a work of art built underground in a salt mine, covering an area of 590 feet. You will find plenty of food options and shops where you can buy trinkets.
15. Exploring the Laguna de Guatavita
If you want some water fun, consider visiting the Laguna de Guatavita, a beautiful lake surrounded by green hills north of Bogotá. The area is famous as the story of El Dorado originated from here and also holds reverence for the natives of the Muisca group.
You can trek through the jungle to get to the lake.
16. Exploring Plaza Bolivar
Plaza Bolivar is one of the top tourist attractions in Bogotá. The famous square in the city’s historical center is named after Simon Bolivar and features a statue made in his memory, sculpted by Pietro Tenerani in 1846.
The area also features other historic sites like the Primatial Cathedral, the National Capitol, and the Palace of Justice. If you’re a history buff, you’ll have a great time exploring the historic buildings and increasing your knowledge.
Groups of pigeons frequent the area, and tourists love taking pictures with them. The area is also swarming with food vendors offering various local foods.
17. Taking a Day Trip to the Villa de Leyva
Next on our list is a day trip to the Villa de Leyva, a charming little colonial town outside Bogotá. Like La Candelaria, Villa de Leyva also features impressive architecture from the Spanish colonial era. The town has a nice central square that you may like to explore.
During your visit, check out the Museo El Fósil (Museum of Fossils) and the Casa Terracotta. The latter is a huge house made from clay and is considered the largest piece of pottery globally.
The town is usually crowded on weekends. You can visit on weekdays and stay for a night in one of the boutique hotels.
18. Exploring the Santuario Nuestra Señora del Carmen
When exploring the La Candelaria neighborhood, do not forget to check out the Santuario Nuestra Señora del Carmen, a Catholic Church featuring Florentine gothic architecture.
Giovanni Buscaglione designed the church. The church’s construction was initiated in 1926 but was not blessed until 1938.
19. Visit a Traditional Coffee Farm
Colombians’ love for coffee is well-known, as well as the famous coffee plantations.
If you are a coffee lover and want to explore the place from where these quality coffee beans are supplied, consider visiting a coffee plantation. The town of Salento will make a great trip from Bogotá to visit coffee farms if you don’t mind traveling a bit.
If you visit a traditional farm, you will also learn the process of coffee making and then buy quality coffee beans at a good price.
20. Hiking in Chingaza National Park
If you like to hike, consider planning a day trip to the Chingaza National Park, where you can hike in the Andes. As a tourist, you may be unfamiliar with the area and get lost, so it is better to go with a guide.
The park has two beautiful lakes, Siecha and Buitrago, and as you climb up the mountains, you will see the beautiful views of the area.
21. Visiting the Andean Forest
Andean Forest is almost 3 hours away from Bogotá, so you can plan a day trip. The trip’s highlight would be the El Chiflon and La Chorrera waterfalls, the highest waterfalls in the country.
The hike to reach to the waterfalls is quite easy. You will also get to view the beautiful sights in the area as you climb the mountain.
Best Things to Do In Bogotá Colombia – Nightlife in Bogotá
22. The Zona Rosa
The Zona Rosa is an area within Bogotá famous for its vibrant nightlife. If you are not very interested in getting accommodation near the main tourist attractions in Bogotá, you can set up your base camp in Zona Rosa. Then, you can wander in the city during the day and explore the nightlife in your vicinity.
In addition to various nightclubs and bars, the area also features malls, boutiques, restaurants, and the popular Parque 93.
You can find great outdoor seating options and places where you can dance in the Zona T, a pedestrian area in the Zona Rosa. If you are looking for gay or lesbian bars, you will find options in El Chapinero.
23. Andrés Carne de Res
If you’re in the mood for a wild night out, check out the Andres Carne de Res. It is the most famous party restaurant/nightclub in Zona Rosa, where you can enjoy delicious Colombian food and salsa all night.
The club features vibrantly decorated rooms with different themes. The entire ambiance resembles a carnival or circus with confetti and cocktails.
You can go with a group or sign up with your hostel or hotel for a trip where you will be provided transportation.
Best Things to Do In Bogotá Colombia – Food
24. Tasting Authentic Colombian Food
Your trip to Bogotá is incomplete without sampling authentic Colombian food.
With the abundance of restaurants, cafés, bars, and roadside vendors, you will have a lot of choices. A popular dish is Ajiaco, a stew made with potatoes and chicken. Other choices include arepas, pan de Bono, and classic Colombian coffee.
Don’t forget to try the Bogotá Beer Company’s local brews or hot chocolate and cheese. If you want to sample exotic Colombian fruit, try the mamoncillo, lulo, and guanabana.
25. Having a Sip of Chicha at Chorro de Quevedo
The Chorro de Quevedo Plaza is a historic square in the La Candelaria neighborhood. The square marks the spot where Gonzalo Jimenez de Quesada, the Spanish conqueror, laid the foundation of Bogotá in 1538.
Chorro de Quevedo is also known as the place where you can find the best chicha, a traditional drink. It is a fermented drink made with corn.
26. Visiting the Rose Pastry Shop
Another famous must-try food spot is the Rose Pastry Shop in Bogotá. The café has a pink décor and serves various sweet treats like cronuts, Pavlova, cheesecakes, and small cakes. The shop’s menu also features fruit bowls, salads, flatbreads, avocado toast, etc.
You can enjoy the food and get Instagram-worthy beautiful pictures.
27. Enjoying Chocolate Completo and Ajiaco at La Puerta Falsa
La Puerta is one of the most famous and oldest restaurants near Plaza Bolivar. If you want to sample mouthwatering Ajiaco, it is the place to do so. The creamy stew with potatoes and chicken topped with caper and avocado is delightfully delicious.
Another popular local dish Colombians like to have as a mid-morning snack is Chocolate Completo, also called Chocolate Santafereño, hot chocolate with cheese and fresh bread. You can try this at La Puerta too.
28. Visiting the Plaza de Mercado de Paloquemao
The Paloquemao market is abuzz with local vendors selling meat, fish, herbs, fruits, flowers, and vegetables.
If you are searching for native Colombian fruit, this is the place to be. The market also sells beautiful flowers at low prices daily from 5 am to 10 am.
Where To Stay in Bogotá Colombia
Bendito Hostels (Budget)
Bendito Hostels offers accommodation exclusively for adults, featuring amenities such as a garden, a bar, and a shared lounge. Guests can enjoy recreational activities like table tennis and darts. Additionally, there’s an indoor play area provided for guests’ enjoyment.
Hotel Dann Carlton Bogotá (Mid-range)
Set in an imposing structure in the affluent northern district of Bogotá, Dann Carlton Bogotá presents rooms equipped with complimentary WiFi and LCD TVs. Guests can access a fitness center and dine at the on-site restaurant. The rooms at Dann Carlton boast elegant décor, adorned with sleek wooden furniture, and some include expansive seating areas.
Grand Hyatt Bogotá (Luxury)
Grand Hyatt Bogotá provides lodging complete with a fitness center, complimentary private parking, a garden, and a shared lounge. The property features a restaurant, along with a terrace, sauna, and hot tub for guests to enjoy.
For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.
Important Tips to Enjoy Your Bogotá Colombia Vacation
Want to make the most out of your trip to Bogota? Here are some helpful tips:
Be Prepared For the Weather
Bogotá is located at an altitude of 2,640 meters (8,661 feet), and the temperature stays around 18°C (64.4°F). So, it is better to take some warm clothing. A light jacket may suffice.
Moreover, if you get altitude sickness, consider arriving at night so you can rest once you reach and be refreshed for the morning.
When to Visit
You don’t need to look for the best time to visit Colombia as you can visit Bogotá any time of the year. The weather stays the same more or less and varies from 10 to 20°C (50 to 68°F) usually.
However, Bogotá has Carnival celebrations during the first week of August, so you may want to travel during that month.
Safety First
With a growing focus on tourism, tourists’ safety is no longer a deterrent to visiting Bogotá. But, don’t let your guard down at any instance, and take good care of your belongings and personal documents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Things to Do in Bogotá Colombia
Is Bogotá, Colombia Worth Visiting?
Bogotá is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Colombia. The city offers numerous attractions in the form of beautiful sights and mountains, historical landmarks, museums, cultural displays, vibrant nightlife, and fine dining. Therefore, you have so many reasons to visit the city.
What Is Bogotá Famous For?
The Colombian capital, Bogotá, is famous for its vibrant and expressive street art. La Candelaria neighborhood in Bogotá is home to many historical landmarks from the Spanish colonial era and earlier times. The city features beautiful architecture and cultural displays and attracts tourists worldwide.
How To Stay Safe In Bogotá, Colombia?
To stay safe in Bogotá, Colombia, prioritize staying in well-reputed neighborhoods and accommodations. When out and about, keep valuables concealed and avoid isolated or poorly lit areas, especially at night. Stay informed about local safety conditions and heed any travel advisories to ensure a smooth and secure visit to the city.
Additionally, consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay. Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!
Conclusion – Things to Do in Bogotá, Colombia
Bogotá, Colombia is a wonderful destination with endless options of fun things to see, taste, and do. Don’t miss out on these memorable experiences and tick off Bogotá from your travel bucket list.
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Founder of Spark Nomad, Radical FIRE, Copywriter
Expertise: Personal finance and travel content. I’m a full-time traveler, and I’ve been to 49 countries and 5 continents.
Education: Bachelor of Economics at Radboud University, Master in Finance at Radboud University, Minor in Economics at Chapman University.
Over 200 articles, essays, and short stories published across the web.
Marjolein Dilven is a journalist and founder of Spark Nomad, a travel platform, and Radical FIRE, a personal finance platform. Marjolein has a finance and economics background with a master’s in Finance. She has quit her job to travel the world, documenting her travels on Spark Nomad to help people plan their travels. Marjolein Dilven has written for publications like MSN, Associated Press, CNBC, Town News syndicate, and more.