Bogota, Colombia Travel Guide (Updated 2025)
Colombia's capital, Bogota, is home to vibreate culture, incredible food, rich history, and so much to do and see. Over the past couple of years Colombia has become a popular tourist destination, and Bogota is one of the best cities to visit in the amazing country. In this travel guide to Bogota we will cover everything you need to know to plan your trip to Colombia's capital.
About Bogota
Currency - Colombia uses the Colombian Peso. I would recommend carrying cash on you because not everywhere takes card and it is best to pay with cash in a Latin American country. 1 Colombian Peso = 0.00024 USD.
Safety - Overall it is safe to visit Bogota. Avoid the southern part of the city as there is more crime in that area. Also do not go out at night, for dinner take a taxi to and from the restaurant.
Plugs - Colombia uses plugs type A and B
Where To Stay In Bogota
Luxury Bogota Hotels
Four Seasons - Located on the outskirts of the city is the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel. The contemporary design is fit for royalty. You will find everything you need and more at the Four Seasons Bogota.
W Bogota - Located in the Usaquen district, W Bogota is modern hotel that offers spacious rooms, a spa, gym, three restaurants, an indoor pool, and more.
JW Marriott - Located just steps away from the Bogota National Theatre, The JW Marriott Hotel Bogota is the perfect place to stay while exploring Bogota. Enjoy four restaurants, a bar, spa, gym, an more at the JW Marriott.
Middle Range Bogota Hotels
Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia - The Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia Hotel is a great place to stay in Bogota if you are looking for a fairly priced hotel. Located in the La Zona T area you will find everything you need at the Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia Hotel.
Grand Hyatt Bogotá - The centrally located Grand Hyatt Bogota has everything you need for a comfortable stay in the city. Enjoy the indoor pool, spa, fitness center, and more at the Grand Hyatt Bogota.
Budget Bogota Hotels
Cassa Luxury Homes - Casa Luxury Homes looks like it could be an extension of the Four Seasons. The affordably priced hotel offers luxury rooms, a restaurant, pool, and more.
B.O.G. Hotel - The fairly priced BOG Hotel in the heart of Bogota is perfect for anyone who is on a budget, but still enjoys the finer things in life.
NH Collection - The NH Collection always provides everything you need for a fair price. The NH Collection Hotels in Bogota are perfect for anyone doing Bogota on a budget!
What To Do In Bogota
La Candelaria
The vibrant La Candelaria neighborhood is the perfect place to start explore Bogota. The best way to see La Candelaria is simply by walking around and enjoying the architecture and street art.
While in La Candelaria don't miss the Columbus Theater, Bolivar Square, The Church of St. Francis, Sanctuary of Our Lady Carmen, and the Cathedral of Colombia.
Botero Museum
Fernando Botero is one of Colombia's most famous artists. Known for his unique paintings, you cannot go to Colombia without seeing a Botero.
The Botero Museum is open daily from 9:00am to 7:00pm. Check the website for updated hours, exhibits, and tours here.
Monserrate
Monserrate is three thousand meter high mountain that overlooks Bogota. You can either hike or take the funicular to the top of Monserrate. If you decide to hike you should do a tour because the mountains in Colombia are not always safe. I did this tour and had a great time! If you don't do a tour, just don't hike when it is dark.
Don't miss the Iglesia Basilica del Senor de Monserrate while at Monserrate.
Gold Museum
The gold museum (also called Museo del Oro) is definitely one of the most popular tourist attractions in Bogota, and for good reason. Home to 34,000 pieces of gold, The Bogota Gold Museum is one of a kind. The Gold Museum is open from 9:00am to 7:00pm, but check the website here to be sure.
Saturdays and Sundays can be super busy at the Gold Museum, so plan accordingly.
Paloquemao Fruit Market
One thing I noticed while traveling in Colombia was the amount of fruit markets all over the country. You can find fruit stands everywhere in Colombia that sell both familiar fruits and fruits that you have never heard of. The Paloquemao Fruit Market is a busy place full of bustling locals and colorful fruit. I loved taking photos and trying new fruits in the Paloquemao Fruit Market.
More on the Paloquemao Fruit Market here.
Usaquen Market
If you happen to be in Bogota on a Sunday then you cannot miss the Usaquen Market. Open every Sunday from 10:00am to 6:00pm, the Usaquen Market is the perfect place to shop and eat. Make sure you bring cash, some merchants take card, but cash is preferred. Overall I felt very safe at Usaquen Market, but it is very crowded so beware of pickpockets.
National Museum Of Colombia
The National Museum of Colombia is the best place to learn all about Colombia. Colombia is such a unique country that holds so much interesting history. Visit the National Museum of Colombia website to see the hours of operation, exhidates, collections, and more!
José Celestino Mutis Botanical Garden
The José Celestino Mutis botanical garden is the perfect place to go if you are looking to get out of the busy city and enjoy some nature. This garden is home to plants from all over Colombia. The José Celestino Mutis botanical garden is also the largest botanical garden in Colombia!
Distrito Grafiti
Colombia is known for its street art. You can find so much amazing graffiti art in Bogota, but the best place to see it is at Distrito Grafiti. Distrito Grafiti is a cluster of warehouses that have been spray painted by local artists. The colorful Distrito Graffiti is a must see while exploring Bogota.
Where To Eat In Bogota
Coffee & Breakfast
Azahar Café 93 - Azahar Cafe 93 is a lovely cafe in the heart of Bogota that serves delicious Colombian coffee and pastries. The modern indoor / outdoor cafe has plenty of seating and serves a incredible brunch as well.
Libertario Coffee Roasters - Serving everything coffee, breakfast, and lunch, Libertario Coffee Roasters is one of the best cafes in Bogota. Make sure to try the almond croissant!
Casa Café Cultor - At Casa Cafe Cultor you will find exceptional food and coffee. The indoor and outdoor seating and the plants throughout the cafe makes for a relaxed environment.
Lunch & Dinner
Castanyoles - Castanyoles is the restaurant at the Four Seasons hotel. If you are looking for a fancy dinner in Bogota, Castanyoles is your best bet, be sure to make a reservation.
T Bone - T Bone is a steakhouse that serves up delicious Colombian food. Not only is the food insanely good, but the environment and decor is super cool inside the restaurant.
La Puerta Falsa Restaurant - If you are looking for a local gem that is on the affordable side then La Puerta Falsa is perfect. Enjoy traditional Colombian food and chat with locals at La Puerta Falsa.
Best Tours To Take In Bogota
Bogota Bike Tour - One of the best ways to see a new city is by bike. This affordable Bogota bike tours take you to all of the best spots in Bogota with a group of like minded travelers.
Bogota Food Experience - Food tours are such a good way to immerse yourself in a new city. Try Colombian cuisine with a knowledgeable local guide and walk around the city to different food joints on this Bogota food tour.
Coffee and Chocolate Tour - If you know anything about Colombia you will know that they have some of the best coffee and chocolate in the world. This coffee and chocolate tour may be the best decision you will ever make!
Dance Class - If you want to learn how to dance like a Colombian then you will love this Latin Rythmaic dance class in Bogota.
Private City Tour - Travelling to a country like Colombia can be intimidating, especially for solo travellers. If you are new to Colombia I recommend doing a private city tour.
Free Walking Tour - GuruWalk does lovely walking tours in Bogota. If you are on a budget and what to meet fellow travelers this walking tour is perfect for you!
Getting To & Around Bogota
While visiting Bogota you will most likely be flying into El Dorado International Airport. You can find cheap flights from the United States and other South American countries to Bogota. I flew on Avianca (Colombia's Airline) from Miami. The flight from Miami was only about three hours. You can find cheap flights from airlines such as COPA, American, United, and more that fly to Bogota.
If you are flying from a different city in Colombia (Medellin, Cartagena, Cali) Aviana is your best bet.
✈️Checkout The Latest Fares To Bogota here
El Dorado International Airport is about 40 minutes from the city center. I suggest using a taxi or Uber to get directly to your hotel as it is the safest option. Coming from the United States the taxi prices are not bad.
In terms of getting around Bogota I would avoid the public transportation as it is not always the safest. Instead opt for Uber.
When To Visit Bogota
Bogota is pretty cool compared to the rest of Colombia because it is located in the mountains. You will have mild weather year round in Bogota, in the summer months it can get a bit rainy so November - January has the best weather overall. I went in November and got good weather.
A Complete Travel Guide To Bogota Wrap Up
Bogota is such a unique city that should be on everyone's travel bucket list. The Colombian culture, delicious food, vibreate street art, and more will make you fall in love with Colombia. I hope that this complete guide to Bogota helps you plan the perfect South American city break. If you liked this post I think you will love my articles all about Medellin, Colombia and Guatape, Colombia.
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