The Colombian capital almost always divides opinion.
Where some travellers end up loving it ... and some end up hating it.
However, this is because most only see it as a place to transit, rather than being open to enjoying the numerous wonders on offer here.
If, like I have, you take the time to truly get to know this city with an open mind, then you're in for a treat.
Bogotá is full of culture and history, making it the perfect place to kick off any itinerary heading through Colombia.
You can also take various day trips into the stunning surrounding regions too, where there’s many off the beaten experiences ready to be had.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about Bogotá.
This includes where to stay, the very best things to see and do as well as my top insider tips.
Let's get straight into it ...
This sprawling city is the perfect place to see authentic Colombian culture at its very finest.
It’s first worth heading to the various museums to learn about the country’s past, which range from the ancient collections of the Museo de Oro through to the colonial paintings and art on display in the Museo Botero.
Walking around the city you’ll also see many beautiful buildings and plazas, with the majority being located in the popular area of Candelaria. This area in particular is known for its artsy vibe, with an abundance of street art and charming passageways (which we’ll explore later in this guide).
What surprises most who head here, is that there’s also many opportunities to get immersed in nature within Bogotá.
Whilst the capital seems to stretch on forever, the close-by mountain of Monserrate offers a great day of hiking and getting into a more peaceful state.
There’s also numerous day trips you can take from the capital too such as to Lake Guatavita.
Bogotá is situated right in the heart of Colombia, within the region of Cundinamarca.
Despite being located within the Andes, it’s still relatively easy to get here. The main ways of arriving are either by plane or bus.
This city is by far the easiest to reach by plane, with Bogotá being known as the main hub for travellers arriving into the country.
International flights arrive here daily from across the world, and are usually direct too.
Those heading from Europe are best flying from either Madrid (in Spain) or Frankfurt (in Germany). A one-way will cost anywhere from $400-500.
If already in the Western Hemisphere, then Mexico and Panama are your best bets for connecting with Bogotá. A one-way from either can be as cheap as $100!
From the USA the best cities to fly from are Miami, Los Angeles and Chicago (between $200-250 for a one-way ticket).
You can check out the different flight routes and prices here on SkyScanner.
Bus travel is the least preferred of the two, given distances in Colombia can be long (and to be honest - they’re not the most comfortable buses you can travel on when in Latin America).
Taking the bus to Bogotá is only suitable for those already within Colombia. Although you can arrive by land from bordering Venezuela or Ecuador, it will still be a long journey where you’ll need to make several changes.
Medellin is another popular point of entry into Colombia (with its well connected airport), where you can then take a bus from here to Bogotá (which takes around 8 hours).
Those in the southern city of Cali can hop on an overnight bus, which takes roughly 11 hours to arrive into the capital.
You can see all routes and prices here on CheckMyBus.
Bogotá is a pretty big city, however thankfully all of the major things to see are within the Candelaria area.
You can easily walk around to get to each, given it's quite a safe area too.
The airport is pretty far away, so you’ll need to either hail a cab or use an Uber to get to the city centre. If going for a taxi, then be sure to use the kiosk within the airport as these are safe and reputable (these are located right next to the doors of the airport).
Once inside the city, you can also use Uber to get around (which we would recommend more than a standard taxi, given it's safe and you don’t have to be worried about getting ripped off).
Those who love keeping things cheap will want to make full use of the TransMilenio service, which is a bus system that operates through the heart of Bogotá.
It connects well with the major bus stations, making it a good way of heading on day trips from the centre too.
You can check out the map of the TransMilenio (along with all its stops) here.
Bogotá can be quite overwhelming given how big it is, however you’ll find that the area of Candelaria is the overall best for a stay.
It’s safe, full of landmarks and museums and also has a more cosmopolitan and cultural feel too.
If you’re looking for a budget accommodation option, then you’ll want to stay in Explora Hostels. They offer comfortable private rooms at an affordable rate, with breakfast included too. This hostel is also located right in the heart of the Candelaria neighbourhood.
Those after the perfect mid-range option will love Hotel Casa Deco, which is located within a beautiful colonial building. Here you’ll have a more comfortable private room with great views of the Monserrate mountain.
Perhaps you’re looking for a more luxury-style apartment? If that’s the case for you, then you’ll want to stay at Hotel Muisca. Located right in the historic centre, you’ll be close to all of the major attractions. You’ll also have a hearty breakfast included, as well as a sauna room on-site too!
Check out our guide on how to get cheap hotel rooms here...
Now we’ll explore the very best things you can see and do when in Bogotá.
As with any big city, sometimes we can feel an urge to get out and into the more tranquil nature. And within Bogotá, the mountain of Monserrate is the perfect place to do just this.
Towering over the capital (which can easily be seen from the Candelaria area when strolling around), it’s full of hiking paths where you can enjoy a much more relaxed setting.
For a better idea of how to hike the mountain on your own, I recommend checking out this useful guide.
Once you’ve made it to the top (you can either walk, ride the gondola or take the funicular train), you’ll first see the incredible sanctuary which lies on the edge of the mountain.
Built back in 1640, it pays homage to its cousin which is located in the Monserrate mountains just outside of Barcelona in Spain.
Whilst here it’s worth walking inside to explore this old chapel, as well as enjoying the market where you can buy souvenirs and also try many local dishes.
The very best thing to do here though is to soak in the incredible views of the city (the best time to come is around sunset).
We highly recommend coming here with this day tour, which includes hotel pick-up and drop-off. You’ll also have tours included to the area of Candelaria as well as the Gold Museum.
Monserrate is located next to the district of Germania, which is around 3 km from the Plaza de Bolívar (you can walk this safe route in around 25 minutes).
It’s open from 6:30am until 5:00pm all days of the week, although different transport methods like the Gondola have varying schedules which you’ll need to check in advance.
Bogotá is full of interesting museums, however this one easily tops the list.
The Museo de Oro (Gold Museum in English) is home to one of the largest collections of gold artefacts on earth, with around 55,000 pieces which include other rare metals and findings.
These vary from armour and clothing which were worn by the elite, to golden figures and other unusual creations (such as the golden fish).
Despite the Museum being very big (it has three floors), it’s laid out really well.
Here you can also learn more about Colombia’s ancient cultures through the different exposition rooms, which include the Calima, Zenú, Tierradentro and Tairona.
There’s also a restaurant and gift shop on the main floor if you need a break.
Given its international status, it can get really busy here, so it’s best to come early on weekdays to avoid the crowds.
You can also head here with a local guide, who will teach you all of the history as you explore the museum.
The Museo del Oro is located next to the Parque Santander, and can be walked to from Plaza de Bolivar in around 10 minutes.
It’s open from Tuesday until Sunday, from the hours of 9:00am until 6:00pm.
Despite this giant park being one of the largest green spaces found within Bogotá, it still remains a rare visit for most tourists heading here!
The Parque Metropolitano Simón Bolívar has over 1000 hectares, which are filled with forested paths, idyllic parks and several sports centres too.
Some of the best things to do here include a day of rural exploring (which is a really nice change from the urban sprawl of the city), and also to go paddleboarding out on the lake.
Also found within the park is the Events Plaza, which has since become one of the most popular venues for live music in Bogotá.
Many famous groups have performed here from Iron Maiden to Britney Spears, and if you’re lucky there may be something on around the time you visit.
The Parque Metropolitano Simón Bolívar is located within the heart of Bogotá, next to the neighbourhood of Salitre Greco. It’s open all day of the week, from 6:00am until 6:00pm.
If you're continuing your trip through Colombia, then the city of Santa Marta also has some charming parks to explore!
As far as day trips go from Bogotá, this is by far one of the very best you can take.
Located between mountain valleys, Zipaquirá is a beautiful yet unassuming small city.
Its plaza is well worth the visit, and here you can enjoy a much more authentic Colombian culture and feel when compared with Bogotá.
However the main draw here is something truly breathtaking - and something you’ll need to see with your own eyes to believe!
This is the infamous Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral, which is a Roman church that was built in 1950 (some 200 metres deep into a salt mine just on the edge of Zipaquirá).
Inside it has various altars and hollowed-out rooms, as well as numerous crosses - all built out of the local salt of course!
Once inside you can also visit the Salt Dome, as well as the Brine Museum (which explores how salt is extracted from these rocks).
We highly recommend coming with this skip-the-line tour, which includes all transport, entry as well as time to explore the beautiful centre of this city.
Zipaquirá is located roughly 42 km north of Bogotá, with the drive taking around an hour and a half.
The Salt Cathedral is open from 9:00am until 6:00pm all days of the week, and you can easily buy your ticket right there on the day.
When heading somewhere new, much is usually talked about the local foods, however not so much is focused on the liquid side of things.
Chicha is one of those that deserves recognition, and you may even find yourself loving it too!
This ancient, fermented drink has been consumed from as early as 5000 BC, and is found within the Andean and Amazonian regions of Colombia, Ecuador and Peru (as well as some others too).
It’s made out of a variety of different maize-based plants, and can also contain other staples such as quinoa or peanut depending on the local variation.
Chicha is known for its bitter taste and purple colour - although it can also have a yellow appearance too (which are actually more common in Bogotá, where they use slightly different ingredients).
There’s many places you can try Chicha, however the very best are found next to the Calle del Embudo, which is a short uphill walk from the Plaza Bolívar.
Places like Café Casa Galería and Chicha de Colores are great for trying this hearty brew, and they also have a variety of tasty cakes on offer as well as a chic atmosphere.
Many tend to assume that Bogotá is a big grey city - just like any other sprawling and rampant capital in Latin America.
However this couldn’t be further from the truth, where you’ll find an abundance of colonial and unorthodox architectural creations.
One of the very best has to be the Santuario Nuestra Señora del Carmen, which is infamous for its horizontal red and white stripes (which from a distance can even start playing illusions on your eyes!)
Taking just over 10 years to build, this church was completed in 1606, and has incorporated many different styles such as those of Arabic and Byzantine.
It was further developed during the mid-19th century, where it received its infamous striped design.
The Santuario Nuestra Señora del Carmen is located within Candelaria, and is just a 5 minute walk south from the Plaza de Bolivar.
It’s open for your viewing pleasure from 10:00am until 4:00pm Monday through to Friday (Saturday from 7:00-7:30am, and Sunday from 7:00am until 12:30pm).
If hiking or seeing a stunning lake is something that excites you, then you’ll want to add Lake Guatavita to your Bogotá bucket list.
This beautiful circular lake is located within the Andean mountains, and is especially known for its turquoise-green glow which occurs when visiting during a clear sky.
This lake is also known for its legend of El Dorado, where it was believed that many gold artefacts and objects were thrown into the lake as offerings to the gods.
As you can imagine, many have tried finding these precious objects - even inspiring those to come from far-flung corners of the world in search of the treasure.
Surprisingly they did find several loots after partial drains of the lake, with the largest valued at a reported $400,000 USD!
Whilst the lake is now protected (you’ll have to leave your looting activities for elsewhere), you can still enjoy its natural beauty.
Once you’ve passed the entrance into the lake park, the route will take around an hour and a half to complete on foot.
Just be sure to stock up on water and snacks before leaving!
Although you can arrive independently, those with less time will want to join this all-inclusive tour to the lake, which also includes a visit to the Salt Cathedral.
Lake Guatavita is roughly a 2 hour drive north of Bogotá, which is located 73 km from the capital.
This bustling district is by far the most popular for tourists to stay in and wander around.
Not only is it one of the safest in Bogotá, however it also has a more developed feel along with a variety of authentic restaurants.
La Candelaria is best explored on foot, where it’s a good idea to first visit the artsy streets near Calle del Embudo.
Here you can wander down the narrow cobblestone streets, and also try a variety of local dishes such as Arepas and Ajiaco (more on these later).
Walking around here you’ll see many murals, and those who particularly love street art will want to walk along the Eje Ambiental park, which stretches along the Carrera 2A.
Candelaria is also a great place for spotting colonial architecture, and the Plaza Bolivar is one of the best places to do just this (we’ll explore this area in more detail later on).
Whilst this neighbourhood is one of the safest in Bogotá, you’ll still want to keep valuables at home and also take taxis when travelling at night.
We highly recommend this inexpensive walking tour, where your knowledgeable guide will show you the very best landmarks and graffiti that Candelaria has to offer.
Barranquilla and Cartagena are two other fantastic destinations for murals, so we'd recommend including those cities in your Colombia itinerary too!
Colombia as a whole is a very diverse destination, which can be seen in the variety of landscapes and cultures that are found here.
The food is also another, and one that we believe will help travellers get a more personal feel for this vibrant nation.
Trying Colombian dishes in various restaurants (as well as the street food) is a great way of kicking things off, however those who want a more heightened and personal experience will want to head with a food tour.
We highly recommend joining this food tour, where your expert food guide will first teach you the basics of Colombian cuisine whilst wandering the district of Candelaria.
You’ll then try a variety of local foods, from the classics of Arepas and Coffee to other dishes such as Obleas, Almojábana as well as Chocolate Santafereño.
Whilst there’s other food tours out there, we recommend this one since it comes with an all-risk insurance, as well as hotel pick-up and drop-off included too (which is a nice welcome once your bellies are full to the brim).
If you're wondering what to do in Bogotá, Colombia then we highly recommend trying some of the tasty delights on offer!
If you ask anyone what comes to mind when they think of Colombia, they’ll probably conjure up images of beaches, dancing and a whole load of attractive humans.
Art isn’t usually a first thought, however when in Bogotá you’ll definitely want to visit this must-see museum.
The Museo Botero is widely regarded as one of the most important and comprehensive museums in all of Latin America, featuring many works by famous artists such as Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso as well as Fernando Botero himself (of whom this museum is named after).
Here you’ll find a variety of both beautiful and unorthodox paintings, with the altered Mona Lisa being one of the most notorious on display.
The building itself is also worth the visit here, which was once a palace for an Archbishop.
As well as exploring the large collection of art, you’ll also see many colonial rooms as well as a beautiful courtyard when touring the museum.
The Museo Botero is located within Candelaria, and is just a 5 minute walk east of the Plaza Bolívar (3 blocks).
It’s open from 9:00am until 7:00pm, Wednesday through to Monday.
Known as the main square of Bogotá, a visit to the Plaza de Bolivar is simply mandatory when heading to the Colombian capital.
Going for a stroll around this large plaza, you’ll see a variety of striking and important buildings situated around its perimeter.
These include the Cathedral of Bogotá, which is known for its imposing build and large bell towers, as well as the National Capitol which is a wide palace that houses the Congress of Colombia.
Others include the Palace of Justice and the Liévano Palace, all of which are worth a short walk inside if you have the time.
Also within the square you’ll see many impromptu markets pop-up selling various textiles and foods, as well as public performances from time to time.
The original founding date of this square is still unknown, given it was built during the Pre-Columbian period when the ancient civilisation of the Muisca inhabited the area.
There are plenty of free things to do in Bogotá, Colombia, but this square is certainly a must-visit.
We recommend coming early in the morning (around 8:00am) where you can see this plaza begin to come to life, and also before too many crowds of tourists flock to the area!
We all loved a game or two as kids in the playground, and even as we’ve gotten older there’s some games that are still pretty fun to play.
So how does hurling a heavy disc at a pile of explosives sound?!
That’s exactly what the locals of Bogotá do, where they head to a specific type of venue for playing this bizarre yet strangely satisfying sport.
Tejo is similar to the classic game of Horseshoe, however here you’ll be going a step further.
You first take your position roughly 20 yards behind the target board. From here you’ll throw the disc at your opponent’s board, aiming to either explode the small pocket of gunpowder, or throw it into the metal ring (although the former is a much more fun target!).
Whilst many tend to associate this game with Bogotá, it’s actually played all over the country and is known as Colombia’s national sport.
There’s numerous venues all over the capital to play Tejo, however one of the best is the Club de Tejo 76, which is located within the neighbourhood of Candelaria. It’s open from 2:00pm to 10:30pm all days of the week.
You can also join this fun tour, where you and your group will head to a special Tejo field. You’ll also have beers and Colombian appetisers included too!
Most associate the very best nightlife with Medellin and Cali, and pay little attention to the capital.
And whilst they are on a different level, Bogotá still certainly has a spicy scene worth experiencing - with the very best place to head out at night here being the Zona Rosa.
This area feels a lot more upscale than many other parts of Bogotá, with clean, tree-lined streets.
Those looking to kick their night off here will want to head to the Bogotá Beer Company, which is home to a large variety of craft beers.
Another bar is Yumi Yumi, which often has drink deals on most days of the week, and also serves a large variety of authentic cocktails.
Once you’ve pounded down a few and are now looking for a nightclub, then Gringo Tuesdays is hands down one of the very best options around.
Earlier in the night it begins as a “cultural workshop” where you teach each other things about your own particular culture, however later on it gets really heated with a variety of different floors and dance rooms.
The district of the Zona Rosa is located in the north-east of Bogotá, within Chapinero.
From the Plaza de Bolivar it’s around a 10 km taxi ride, which takes around half an hour.
Colombia as a whole is well-known for its abundance of exotic fruits and dishes.
Just walk into any restaurant or along a busy side street, and you’ll usually see a mouthwatering display on offer.
And those who want to experience a more novel market will want to head to the Paloquemao Market.
Here you’ll find endless rows of juicy fruits - even with some shops dedicated to bulk selling just one particular type!
You’ll also see a variety of meat, herbs and spices all on offer too.
It’s also worth visiting, since here you’ll be able to see an authentic Colombian market. From locals conversing and bargaining, to the smells made from vendors preparing local dishes, you’ll see and feel it all.
Those after a more private and intimate experience can head here with this tour, which includes a tour of the market with tastings as well as all transport provided.
The Paloquemao Market is located within the same-named district of Paloquemao, which is located roughly 3 km north of the Plaza de Bolívar (about a half an hour drive).
It’s open from 4:30am until 4:30pm from Monday to Saturday, whilst on Sunday it operates on reduced hours (5:00am to 2:00pm).
When it comes to beautiful buildings in the capital, the Teatro Colón can certainly stake its own claim as one of the most striking.
This Italian designed theatre boasts many neoclassical architectural features, and even just from the outside you can see its unique design.
First built in 1885, it has since hosted many great artists both from Colombia and also overseas.
One of the best features of the Teatro Colón has to be its mesmerising artwork display, which is found on the inner roof of the building.
Looking up you’ll see an abundance of intertwining frescoes, which we think is worth the visit in and of itself!
The Teatro Colón is located in the heart of Bogotá, within the neighbourhood of Candelaria.
It’s only two blocks east of the Plaza de Bolívar, making it a great addition to any self-guided walking tour through this historic district.
It’s open from 10:00am until 7:00pm all days of the week, although it’s also worth checking the schedule to see if there’s any events on around the time of your visit.
Botanical Gardens generally tend to be ignored by travellers who visit new places, and we think this is a shame!
Not only can you visit a green space and get out of your head for a few hours, you can also discover a beautiful array of exotic plants and shrubs that you otherwise wouldn’t see on your travels here.
Founded in 1955, the Jardín Botánico de Bogotá is the largest of its kind in Colombia, and features plants from every region and altitude.
There are an estimated 19,000 types of plants found within these gardens, which include many of the rare species found from the Andean regions such as the Andean Bromeliad.
You’ll also see many types from the desert of the Guajira, as well as tropical species found deep within the Amazon Rainforest.
The Jardín Botánico de Bogotá is located within the district of Luis Maria Fernandez, which is some 10 km north of the Plaza de Bolívar (you can drive here in around 20 minutes).
It’s open from 9:00am until 5:00pm, Tuesday through to Sunday.
Bogotá is full of a variety of awesome day trips, and one of the very best you can head on is to La Chorrera Waterfalls.
Standing at an impressive height of 590 metres, it’s officially the tallest waterfall in all of Colombia, and really is a sight to behold.
Also what’s great is the hike along the way, where you’ll see many pastured lands filled with cows as well as some low-lying clouds which create a really beautiful scene.
Along the route you can also spot El Chiflon Waterfalls which are also worthy of a stop.
You’ll need to pay a small entrance fee to enter the path to La Chorrera Falls (around $5 US), however it’s a really small cost for such a beautiful site!
La Chorrera Waterfall is located some 52 km east of Bogotá, which takes around 2 hours to drive to.
Once at the park entrance, you’ll then need to hike for around an hour to reach the waterfalls.
We suggest joining this highly recommended tour, which includes all transport, entrance to the park as well as both breakfast and lunch.
It’s open from 8:00am until 6:00pm all days of the week, although it’s best to head here in the morning where you’ll have the whole place to yourself.
Whilst history buffs will already be on their way here, we also recommend everyone else to pay a visit too.
Built in 1823, the Museo Nacional de Colombia is one of the oldest of its kind in the whole of the Americas.
Here we can learn about the history of Colombia, with several exhibition rooms that teach everything from its ancient days up until current times.
There’s also over 20,000 artefacts to see too, which range from well-preserved mummies to a whole range of Afro-Colombian art.
They also host occasional exhibition events too, so it’s worth checking the schedule on their website to see if anything’s on.
Whilst there’s tons to see and learn about, it’s also the history of the place itself which is quite interesting.
It was actually built to serve as a prison, where over 100 cells were once occupied.
The Museo Nacional de Colombia is located within the district of Santa Fe, which neighbours Candelaria. You can get here from the Plaza de Bolivar in around 10 minutes by car.
It’s open from 9:00am until 5:00pm, Tuesday through to Sunday.
You’d be forgiven for thinking that cycling through Bogotá is a pretty bad idea, however in some parts it is actually ideal, and even more so during the weekly Ciclovía.
Every Sunday from 7:00am until 2:00pm, the Colombian capital shuts down over 120 km of highways and main roads to give free reign to cyclists.
As you can imagine, it’s a very popular move and thus you’ll see a crowd of bikers making the very most of it!
It first started back in 1974, where it proved to be a big success and then became a more regular event.
You don’t have to be into cycling to enjoy this special time though - as you'll also see many runners, skaters and even walking pedestrians all out and about.
La Candelaria is of course one of the most popular areas to enjoy this recreational event, where you can also explore other close neighbourhoods with great ease.
And for a city that is usually hectic and work-focused, here you’ll be able to meet many locals who are relaxed, and also to enjoy your Sunday in a very unique (and memorable) way.
Whilst museums are great for learning the history of a particular place, there’s no better way to appreciate culture than by getting right into the thick of it.
And in Bogotá, one of the best places to see a more authentic way of life is within (or above is better suited) the Favela of El Paraíso.
Before you start running for the hills, it’s actually quite a safe area to visit as long as you go with a tour who knows the area inside out (or to get informed before visiting).
We recommend this particular tour, which includes a guided tour as well as snacks too. You’ll also have all transport and cable car tickets provided.
Here you can meet the local leaders, and also learn how efforts are being made to improve the quality of life for this neighbourhood.
Even better is that you’ll be able to ride the cable car over the Favela, where you’ll see everything in perspective (as well as many colourful and awesome street murals too).
If you do insist on going independently, then it’s worth speaking to a tour guide first so you can brush up on the safe areas to visit. You’ll also want to go during daylight, since these areas can get quite dangerous come the night.
This small town is another must-visit for those who will spend time in the capital.
Villa de Leyva is known for its incredible visuals, which include “old town” style architecture and arid, desert landscapes that surround from all corners.
Walking along the old cobblestone streets you’ll see many white buildings, with the Plaza Mayor a must visit (it’s pretty hard to miss given its one of the largest plazas in the entire continent!).
Here you’ll be able to spot many churches such as the Iglesia Parroquial, as well as visit the Museo Luis Alberto Acuña.
One of the best things to do in Villa de Leyva is to visit El Fosil, which is an archaeological museum that is home to the numerous ancient fossils found in the surrounding areas.
The most famous has to be that of the Kronosaurus Dinosaur, which is over 120 million years old and measures over 7 metres long.
Those who want to take even more incredible photos will want to head to the Convento del Santo Ecce Hommo, which is a stunning monastery.
Villa de Leyva is located roughly 165 km north of Bogotá, with the drive taking around 3 hours to reach.
Of all the different areas you can visit in Bogotá, Candelaria is by far the very best for tourists.
Not only is it one of the safest in the capital, however there’s many awesome things to see and do here.
The first is to walk along its beautiful streets which are bursting with colonial architecture and colourful murals, where you’ll see the odd mansion or government building along the way.
You’ll also see an unusual blend of styles too, from the classic baroque found in colonial cities to the more contrasting Art Deco and Neoclassical.
There’s several worthwhile museums to pop into along the way as well, such as the Gold Museum and Botero Museum that were mentioned previously in this guide.
The Plaza de Bolivar of course cannot be missed either!
Whilst you can go it alone, we instead recommend joining this 3 hour walking tour.
Not only will you learn the deep history of each place that you see (you’ll have a local knowledgeable guide showing you around), you’ll also have a coffee and fruit tasting included too!
Those who have a thirst for high-octane adrenaline activities will also find Bogotá to be a great place for getting their own fix.
In the surrounding mountains, the climate and geography make it the perfect area to go Paragliding, where you can soar in the skies above and get some seriously impressive aerial views.
Of course you’ll need to head with a reputable company, given it's not something that anyone can just do on a whim!
We recommend heading with this reputable Paragliding company, who will pick you up from your accommodation in Bogotá.
You’ll then spend a half-day seeing incredible scenery which includes mountains and lakes, before heading on your own tandem flight.
You don’t need any prior experience, as you’ll be strapped to your instructor who will control every move for you.
You can also get your entire flight recorded in HD quality, so you can relive the experience long after you’ve completed it!
This tour doesn’t come with lunch or refreshments, so it’s worth having a big breakfast before and also to take some snacks along with you.
There are plenty of unique things to do in Bogotá, Colombia, but there's always time for a bit of fun!
Whether you're a fan of football or not, one thing is for certain; that football is like a religion in Colombia.
A usual participant in the World Cup, this nation is very passionate when it comes to this sport, from the top leagues all the way down to the local teams.
And when in Bogotá, you’ll find many local teams worth seeing, where you can head to a stadium to get right into the thick of it!
Whilst you could sort your own ticket and head there yourself, we instead highly recommend going with an organised group (since it will be more fun as well as having all logistics provided).
With this half-day tour you’ll join a group in Bogotá for some pre-match beers, and also head to a gastropub for some food to fuel up too.
You’ll then have all of your transportation sorted for you as you head to the stadium to see two local teams face off.
Not only is the football exciting to watch in this country (expect many acrobatic attempts and reckless challenges), you’ll also get caught up in the passionate singing and antics from the crowd too.
Just don’t forget to buy your Colombia FC shirt before coming!
This artsy and hip square is one of the must-visits when in Bogotá.
Not only is it a thriving area to explore, it’s also of much historical importance too.
The Plazoleta Chorro de Quevedo was known as the birthplace of Bogotá, where the conquistador of Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada first laid roots here back in 1538.
Starting at the fountain in the heart of the plaza, you can stroll around where you’ll see many old colonial buildings and even story-tellers and artists doing their thing.
Here you can also see the chapel of Hermitage of San Miguel del Principe, which was the first ever of its kind to be built in Bogotá (it was partially destroyed before, but has since been rebuilt).
You can then walk down the Carrera 2, where you’ll see many bright murals as well as many great restaurants to eat at too.
It’s here where you’ll find the best places to try Chicha, such as the Café Casa Galería.
It’s best to head here in the late afternoon to see everything, before it then transforms into a more lively area where you can enjoy many of the bars here.
The Plazoleta Chorro de Quevedo is located roughly 5 blocks east of the Plaza de Bolívar, and takes around 10 minutes to walk to.
Colombia is known for a variety of different things.
From its past reputation of drugs and Pablo Escobar to stunning beaches along its coast, these are the usual first things that come to mind.
However we often forget that it is located in a rich, bio-diverse area, which makes it perfect for growing different types of plants and fruits.
One of these is the Cacao Plant, which is then produced into Chocolate.
And the very best way of trying this tasty treat is by joining this all-inclusive workshop.
Here you’ll be in the hands of the reputable Republica de Cacao, who are one of the most famous chocolate producers in the continent.
You’ll be shown around and will learn exactly how this brand of chocolate is made, as well as the history of cocoa in Colombia and where it’s sourced from.
Afterwards you will then get to try some of their very best creations, which range from organic chocolate to the more creative flavours such as those infused with mango or even chilli!
You’ll also have all private transportation provided for you to and from the factory, as well as your own bilingual tour guide.
Those who are still after more thrills will love the Salitre Mágico Adventure Park.
Located within the city itself, it’s home to as many as 39 different rides and attractions, so you’re pretty much guaranteed to find something that floats your boat.
The Tornado is one of the most popular roller coasters to head on, whilst those who love a good scare will want to head into the spooky Castle of Horror.
Even if you’re not so into such high octane rides and shocks, you can still enjoy the more chill amusements such as the classic bumper cars.
There’s also many different food stands for when hunger strikes too.
The Salitre Mágico Adventure Park is located right next to the giant Parque Central Simón Bolívar, making it ideal to visit both on the same trip.
The distance from the Plaza de Bolívar is just over 10 km, which takes around 25 minutes to drive to.
It’s open from 10:30am until 6:30pm from Wednesday until Sunday.
Situated on the foothills of the Andes, Bogotá has a much cooler climate when compared with the rest of Colombia.
Temperatures are pretty consistent, although rainfall can really vary throughout the year.
The dry season(s) in Bogotá run from December to February, and from July until August. Daily average temperatures during these periods hover from 55-56°F, with highs of up to 66°F and lows of down to a chilly 44°F.
During these periods, we can expect anywhere from 1.5-4 inches of rainfall, with January being the overall driest month for a visit.
The wet season(s) continue straight after the dry seasons (with no transition months), which happen from March until June, as well as from September until November. Daily average temperatures are exactly the same as those in the drier season, although the lows are slightly warmer which range from 46-49°F.
Rainfall increases dramatically during the wet season, with anywhere from 4-8 inches falling in any of these months (May is the wettest month of the year).
The overall best month for a visit would be either February or March. They are both still pretty dry, and are also less popular for a visit (this means it’s low season, with cheaper flights and accommodation prices guaranteed).
You can check the current weather for Bogotá here on WeatherSpark.
As we mentioned before, travellers tend to pass quickly through Bogotá.
However, given there’s many worthwhile attractions (as well as the day trips), it’s worth taking your time here.
We recommend spending a minimum of 5 days in Bogotá, where you can see the majority of the best sights, as well as getting a better feel for this bustling city.
You’ll also be able to enjoy some of the smaller towns and cultures within the Cundinamarca region too, such as Zipaquirá.
As with any large city in South America, you can usually find a whole range of accommodation and food options.
This is especially the case in Bogotá, meaning you can live off pretty much any budget that you desire.
If you want to keep things cheap (such as for backpackers), then you can expect to budget for around $20 a day. Here you will be staying in a nice hostel within the popular area of Candelaria, where you will also eat mostly at local restaurants. You’ll also have some budget leftover for getting drinks at night or for a bus or two.
Those who want more comfort can expect a daily budget of $30+. Here you’ll be able to upgrade to a private room or to a nice hotel. You’ll also be able to eat at nice restaurants, as well as use Uber to get around and join more daily activities.
It’s important to remember that these budgets are only for accommodation and food costs, with just a little left over for an attraction or taxi ride. It doesn’t account for flights, travel insurance, tours or buses between destinations.
For those on a budget, here are some of our top tips for travelling cheaply!
In an ideal world, we would spend lots of time getting to know each and every destination, however this is not always possible.
And for those who are visiting Bogotá on a strict time schedule, we highly recommend joining this awesome day tour.
Here you’ll be shown the very best landmarks and sites of Candelaria, as well as the historic centre.
You’ll also make your way up Monserrate for some unrivalled views over the capital, as well as have a visit included to the Gold Museum.
Also included is all transport, as well as some coffee and local fruit juice tasting sessions.
After having explored the very best that the Colombian capital has to offer, you’ll now be feeling it’s time to head somewhere new.
And given that you’re right in the middle (and also as it’s probably the first place you’ve visited in the country), you may feel overwhelmed with the variety of options around!
We recommend heading over to Salento, which is located within the stunning Eje Cafetero Zone.
This region is known for its epic mountain sceneries, which include Los Nevados National Park as well as the Bosque de Palmas - which is home to some of the tallest palm trees on the planet.
The town of Salento itself is very relaxed with many cute plazas and beautiful colonial buildings, and makes for the perfect base camp for exploring the very best that this region has to offer.
We highly recommend heading on this fantastic day tour, where you’ll visit the infamous Coffee Zone, learning about how it’s made as well as visiting different farms.
You’ll also get to try some of the good stuff (which is known as some of the best on the globe), before exploring the postcard-perfect landscapes of the Cocora Valley.
Here are some other guides you may find helpful:
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