TASTE OF
BOGOTA

UPDATED JANUARY 2024!

UNDERSTAND

The charming capital city of Colombia has a population of almost 10 million. It is the third-highest capital in South America (2650 mt), a plateau surrounded by Andes Mountains. The weather varies a lot. It is possible to find temperatures as low as 14°C degrees at night and 20°C degrees during the day. Although security is not a big issue anymore, still you need to be careful. Check Safety Tips! 

HOW TO MOVE

• The taxi is very cheap. You do not need to negotiate and be concerned about safety if you use an app before getting one.
  
• Check Safety Tips! 
  
• Public transportation; The Transmilenio (BRT or Bus Rapid Transit System) and local buses called busetas are also cheap and reliable.

WHERE TO STAY

The two main accommodation areas for tourists are the T-zone/Zona Rosa (modern) and La Candelaria (historical). The distance between them is around 40 min.

• La Candelaria: The charming historical centre. Most of the must-sees are here. It used to be the home of the creme de la creme. During the 1960's they were disturbed by the political riots and moved to northern Bogota, leaving La Candelaria to degrade. Although the historic accommodations tend to be cheaper, they have a lower quality-price ratio. Remember after 6 p.m. La Candelaria is not safe, except for the Chorro de Quevedo, a little zone for dinner and drinks.
• Zona T (Zona Rosa) and Zona G: Modern and safe neighbourhoods of Bogota, there are many shops, malls, good restaurants and bars around. Accommodation quality and prices are higher than in the La Candelaria area.

North Chapinero and Usaquen Neighborhoods are becoming very trendy with their graffiti and street food. You can find good hotel options with many restaurants and bars.
The neighbourhoods of Soledad, Palermo, Parkway, and Cedritos are more residential than touristy but still very safe.
The districts to avoid for safety reasons are; Kennedy, Ciudad Bolívar, Usme, San Cristóbal and Bosa. Mainly the south of Bogota is considered dangerous.

WHAT TO DO

• Walk around the La Candelaria on its cobblestone pavement and colourful colonial buildings.
• Visit Plaza de Bolivar and the Cathedral Primada de Bogota. Try grilled corn from a street vendor at the main square.
• Visit the Museum of Gold in the Santander Park Square.
• Visit one of the most important art collections of Latin America, Museo Botero.
• Shop at the Pasaje Rivas with the best souvenir prices.
• Chorro de Quevedo; a small square and a couple of narrow streets full of restaurants, bars and cafes. Bars serve their homemade chicha, the ancestral drink of fermented corn with very little alcohol. (1-3%vol.) Chorro de Quevedo is the only exception within La Candelaria to be safe at night.
• Climb to the Monserrate Mountain by cable car high up at 3,152 m dominating the Bogota city centre.

Click to read MonserrateDAILY TRIP for further info and tips.

where to eat

Chorro de Quevedo:

• El Gato Gris: It's everyone's favourite restaurant. If you look for a table in open-air because of the pandemic, make a reservation on the balcony. The menu is international.
• Benito: Benito offers typical Colombian cuisine and has tables outside just in the main square of Chorro de Quevedo.

La Candelaria:

• La Puerta Falsa Since all the guides recommend this restaurant, it is always very crowded. I would prefer to have an early breakfast with chocolate and queso and avoid the crowd.
• Restaurante Balcones de la Candelaria This old and charming restaurant is close to the Puerta Falso. You can try the famous Bogota speciality sopa de ajiaco on one of their balconies.