Best 10 Things To Do in Bogota, Colombia

Best 10 Things To Do in Bogota, Colombia

High in the lofty Andes, the city of Bogota is the social, cultural and financial pinnacle of Colombia.

Brilliantly showcasing much of what this stunning country has to offer, the capital blends a busy modern metropolis, with an undeniably Latin beat and bounce that sees super street art sitting next to world-class galleries, tasty street snacks lined up next to world-class restaurants and cart-led donkeys moving along next to high-speed trams.

No longer a dangerous, narco-war zone, Bogota is a youthful, vibrant and exciting South American city that should be on your bucket list.

Despite its chilly weather (and the fact it rained the whole time I was there!) I loved my stay in Bogota, so here’s my list of the 10 best things to do there – perfect if you only have a few days to spend in this city.


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#1 Visit Paloquemoa Market

This bustling hub of stalls, vendors and colourful treats belies a little of Bogota’s obsession with food.

Top of the list are the stunning array of fruits that are grown in Colombia and which can be seen, sampled and sold in this, the city’s biggest market.

Don’t miss the chance to do as the locals do and enjoy a refreshing freshly made juice too – fruit salads and smoothies are also available.

The Paloquemoa Market really captures a lot of the energy and atmosphere of the great city of Bogota – it’s definitely one of the best places to visit here.

 

#2 Tour the Graffiti

Colombia, Bogota, Street Art

There is a distinct climate of counter-culture bound up in the city of Bogota, one that is most easily visible in the incredible street art of this city’s walls.

Take your time wandering around the centre of the city and admiring the political and social undertones of these great artistic outputs.

Intricate and inspiring, they give Bogota a new unique voice and appearance and belie just a part of the fun this super city has to offer.

You can also enjoy a top-rated street art tour if you want to learn more about the artists and political impetus behind their work.

 

#3 Check out Botero Museum

This is one of the best galleries I visited in Latin America as it beautifully displays the wonderful work of this unique, Colombian artist.

The style of Botero’s work is very distinctive and you will probably recognise it.

However, whether you are familiar with his work or not, the free Museo Botero gives you a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the artist and the fascinating art he created.

The museum also houses a large international collection, including work by Mattise, Monet, Dali and Picasso.

 

#4 Day Trip to Villa de Leyva

Colombia, Villa De Lyva, Square

Seriously, one of the top reasons Bogota should be on your bucket list is due to the fantastic number of day trips or weekend trips you can take to the surrounding area, making it a key stop on any Colombia itinerary.

Standing out is the gorgeous colonial town of Villa de Leyva which makes a great countryside excursion from the city.

Renowned across the country for its beauty, you can easily spend a few hours here, relaxing, strolling the cobbled streets and taking a ton of amazing photos!

Or why not extend your trip and stay overnight?

Villa de Leyva can be a great place to chill if you’re looking to escape the city hustle and bustle and Green Garden Hostel is my pick for budget travellers to do just that!

 

#5 Try Hot Chocolate and Cheese

A local speciality, and another one of the best things to do in Bogota, is sample its most famous delicacy!

On a chilling Andean morning, there is nothing better than sitting in one of Bogota’s wonderful cafes and warming up with a scrummy, steaming cup of hot cocoa accompanied by a small block of cheese.

Dropping the cheese into the chocolate, and allowing it to melt, adds a whole new dimension to this classic drink and is an old Bogota tradition that you have to sample!

 

#6 Explore La Candelaria

Bogota’s historic quarter, known as La Candelaria, is a picturesque maze of cobbled streets that delight and entertain almost any visitor.

With quirky cafes, hidden bars and funky shops, it’s a great place to slowly discover a more bohemian side to this city amidst colonial, cobbled streets.

To me, it always looks like something out a fairytale, with stunning architecture and a fascinating story to tell.

My tourists like to stay in part of Bogota too, but personally, I found it a bit touristy and would prefer to stay in a more local suburb and visit the main area of La Candelaria instead.

If you agree, then check out my recommended Aurora Hostel, which is located over in Quinta Camacho and boasts a small homely feel, chilled vibes and lots of pot plants!

Dorms with privacy curtains and lockers, plus ensuite private rooms are available.

Check out the great reviews and best prices for Aurora Hostel here.

 

#7 Join Ciclovía

Bogota is a trend-setting, cyclist’s paradise – just one reason why this Colombian city is so fun!

Every Sunday, many of Bogota’s city centre roads (76 miles of them to be precise) are cleared of cars and left to be ruled by bikes.

This hugely popular reclaim the streets programme is also loved by roller-bladers, joggers and dog walkers alike, who also get in on the action!

Running since 1974, this amazing initiative has now been expanded to include Recrovía which sees the city’s parks and pathways filled with free yoga and aerobic classes.

Joining in the fun is definitely one of the top things to do in Bogota.

 

#8 See the Gold Museum

Right in the city’s Central Square, the Museo del Oro (Gold Museum) tells the story of Colombia’s complex relationship with this precious metal.

The items on display are stunning and the diverse collection you’ll see is one of the largest in the world.

With descriptions in both English and Spanish and free one-hour tours twice daily, there is a both surprising and fascinating amount to learn about this most revered substance.

 

#9 Snap Sunset at Monserrate

Towering up to a staggering height of 3,152m the Monserrate Mountain, unsurprisingly, dominates the skyline of Bogota.

Set almost within the heart of the city, it affords those who reach the top with wonderful views, particularly those of the south end of the metropolis.

Traditionally a pilgrim destination, the climb up here is arduous, but it is possible!

If you’re feeling like the easy option however, enjoy a cable car ride to the top and then enjoy the stunning Andean views at the end of the day – the colours alone making this one of the best reasons why Bogota should be on your bucket list.

 

#10 Enjoy the Nightlife

If you want to let your hair down in Colombia, then Bogota is one of the best places to do just that.

With a huge collection of bars, clubs and pubs all bursting at the seams, it’s a bustling place that takes on a whole other existence after dark.

Most of the action is centred around the Zona Rosa, so head here for the greatest selection and the biggest crowds.

 

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Travel Insurance for Colombia

Colombia, Bogota, Houses

World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while travelling and claim online from anywhere in the world.

Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.

 

5 Things to Pack For Bogota

Colombia, Coffee Region, Views

#1 Good Camera – You simply cannot travel to Bogota without a camera good enough to capture the amazing landscape and people of Colombia.

Both my Sony A6000 and GoPro Hero 7 were perfect for the job!

#2 Waterproof / Windproof Jackets – With Bogota situated high in the Andes, taking a waterproof and windproof jacket is essential if you’re going to be travelling here.

I highly recommend the North Face Venture 2 for the job.

#3 Hiking Shoes – You can’t come to Colombia and not do some trekking, so make sure you come prepared with some good, supportive walking shoes.

I’ve never worn mine so much in my life!

These North Face Storm III are the perfect solution.

#4 Day Pack – Also for the hiking and sightseeing, a good daypack to carry water, snacks, camera, hat, gloves and other clothing layers is key in this part of the world!

This one from Osprey is my pick.

#5 Travel Scarf – And finally, I’ve just discovered the amazing travel wraps from Sholdit and am so happy I took mine to South America.

Acting both as a scarf to keep you warm and a place to store your valuables while you’re out and about, this great invention is perfect for travel in this continent.

 

PIN IT TO PINTEREST!

 

Artistically and architecturally rich, full of cafes and culture, Bogota, the capital of Colombia, is a must-see on any bucket list with so many great things to do there.

So tell me, have you visited this great city?

Did you love it too?

What was your favourite part?

 

10 thoughts on “Best 10 Things To Do in Bogota, Colombia

  1. Suzanne Fluhr says:

    I lived and studied in Bogota, Colombia when I was a university student in 1974, right before the city and country descended into the grip of narco-terrorism. I lived with a lovey Colombian family. One of the sons-in-law was in the Colombian Air Force as a helicopter pilot and was shot down and killed soon after I left. I have been so happy to see things vastly improve for Colombia and Colombians. I reconnected with my Colombian family on Facebook and hope to return in the near future.

    • Steph says:

      What a story Suzanne – yes the country’s history is very sad, but things are looking up and Colombia is going from strength to strength. So wonderful you managed to reconnect with the family on facebook. I’m sure a visit back would be amazing 🙂

  2. melody pittman says:

    Hi Steph! I was so excited to see your Bogota article. Many of my friends in Panama are jumping over there for long weekends and I hope to do the same over the summer. Will definitely file away this post for things to do per a fellow blogger. GREAT PICS!

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