Curator’s statement
I recently had the chance to visit Colombia for the very first time—and WOW. Bogotá stole my heart. This trip was all about discovery: history, food, nature, and the kind of warmth that makes you want to come back again and again. Whether you’re into museums, mountaintop views, boutique hotels, or the best cup of coffee you’ve ever had, Bogotá has something for you. Here’s a snapshot of what made this city so unforgettable.
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Things to do in Bogotá
First impressions
Bogotá is a vibrant, green capital, surrounded by the Andes Mountains and full of energy. At 8,660 feet above sea level, the city has a cool mountain climate and a blend of traditional charm and modern edge. Think colorful street art, rich culture, and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet.
Things to do
Guided city tour: The best way to get your bearings is with a local guide. Ours gave us amazing insights into the city’s history and culture. We hit all the major spots, including:
La Candelaria: The city’s historic heart—full of colonial architecture, street art, and charm. Walk the cobblestone streets, explore little cafés, and pop into galleries.
Monserrate: A must! Take the cable car or funicular up the mountain for stunning views of the city at 10,000+ feet. Bonus: There’s a beautiful church at the top and delicious arepas to snack on.
Historic center: This area includes Plaza Bolívar and the Capitolio, where you really feel the pulse of the city.
Botero Museum: A gorgeous museum with works by Fernando Botero (yes, the “chubby” figures!) and other international artists. Free entry!
Gold Museum: Colombia’s most famous museum with jaw-dropping pre-Colombian gold pieces. A must-see!
Day trip: Zipaquirá & Guatavita Lagoon
Make time for a full-day adventure outside of the city!
Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral: An underground cathedral built in a salt mine—seriously magical and unlike anything I’ve ever seen.
Guatavita Lagoon: A sacred lake tied to the legend of El Dorado. Surrounded by misty mountains and lush forest, it’s peaceful, spiritual, and beautiful.
Get lost in the city
Wander! Bogotá’s neighborhoods are full of cool boutiques, art galleries, and incredible coffee shops. Zona G is foodie heaven, Zona T has luxe shopping, and Usaquén is perfect for a Sunday market stroll.
Places to eat & drink in Bogotá
El Chato: Consistently ranked as one of Latin America’s best restaurants. Inventive Colombian cuisine, seasonal ingredients, and cozy vibes.
Humo Negro: A small, cool restaurant with fusion flavors and an open kitchen. Loved everything we tried!
Leo: A culinary experience. Chef Leonor Espinosa takes you on a journey through Colombia’s ecosystems and Indigenous ingredients.
Osaka: Peruvian-Japanese Nikkei cuisine with sushi, ceviches, and more—super fresh and stylish!
Where to drink (coffee & cocktails!)
La Sala de Laura: One of Bogotá’s top cocktail bars. Inventive drinks, cozy-chic vibes, and amazing bartenders.
Huerta Coctelería Artesanal: Farm-to-bar cocktails in a beautiful space. Fresh herbs, fruit, and a great soundtrack.
Jaguar Coffee: Specialty coffee roasted in-house. Super-cool interior and expert baristas.
Tropicalia Coffee: Hidden gem alert! Funky space, perfect flat whites, and Colombian beans done right.
Need to know
Bogotá is high-altitude, so drink lots of water and take it easy the first day!
The weather is cool year-round—think light jackets or layers, even in summer.
Ubers work well and are affordable, but private drivers or guides can make exploring even easier.
Many places are cashless, so bring a card with no foreign fees.
And yes, Bogotá is safe to explore—but like any big city, stay aware of your surroundings and use common sense.
Travel Advisor
Mariela Reyes
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Colombia page.