Excessive up in the Andes Mountains, you’ll discover Bogotá. The sprawling capital metropolis of Colombia is dwelling to over Eight million individuals, making it the fifth largest metropolis in the Americas.
For a few years, travellers prevented Bogotá (and Colombia at massive) just like the plague. Whereas a sure TV present has glorified this darkish time in Colombia’s previous, the nation has spent the final 20 years attempting to shed its unfavorable status as a hotbed of medicine and violence.
Lately, increasingly more curious travellers are heading to Colombia. Whilst you could also be tempted to easily breeze via the large metropolis, there are many superior issues to do in Bogotá to warrant spending a number of days there.
On this information, we’ll check out a number of the prime actions in Bogotá, from climbing in the mountains and taking in the superb avenue artwork, to consuming beer and blowing stuff up!
1. Be a part of a Free Strolling Tour
Once you’re new in a metropolis, one of the best ways to get your bearings is by becoming a member of a free strolling tour. These appear to be all over the place lately, and Bogotá isn’t any completely different.
The very best strolling tour of town is run by the oldsters at Past Colombia. They really run a number of completely different free excursions, however you’ll wish to begin out with their free strolling tour of downtown Bogotá to get an introduction to town.
Excursions run daily at each 10:00am and a pair of:00pm and go for about three hours. It’s a extremely enjoyable and informative tour, the place you’ll be taught concerning the metropolis’s historical past, structure, gastronomy, and extra. They’ve wonderful guides who actually attempt to point out you town from an area’s perspective. When you benefit from the tour (which I’m certain you’ll), be sure you tip your information accordingly.
One factor I really like concerning the free strolling excursions is getting suggestions out of your information on the perfect locations to eat and drink in town. It’s additionally an effective way to make associates with fellow travellers. That’s why taking a free strolling tour sits atop our record of the perfect issues to do in Bogotá.
2. Discover La Candelaria
Whereas the free strolling tour covers some stable floor, you’ll nonetheless wish to take a while to discover town centre by yourself. Referred to as La Candelaria, this space is dwelling to an array of historic and cultural sights. When you’re undecided what to do in Bogotá, simply head to La Candelaria and discover all that it has to supply.
That is the place Bogotá was based again in 1538 by the Spanish conquistador Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada y Rivera. A lot has modified in Bogotá since then, however this space has been very well-preserved.
Strolling alongside the cobblestone streets previous the numerous colonial buildings, you would possibly suppose you stepped again in time. That’s till you flip a nook and see the large Colpatria Tower stretching as much as the sky. Bogotá is a metropolis that manages to carry on to its previous whereas nonetheless transferring full pace forward into the longer term.
A few of the highlights of La Candeleria embody the central Bolivar Sq., which is surrounded by necessary landmarks like Metropolis Corridor and the attractive Cathedral of Colombia. The realm can also be dwelling to a number of museums, so there’s a lot to see and do right here to maintain you busy for a brief keep.
3. Take In The Views From Cerro Monserrate
Probably the most well-liked issues to do in Bogotá is unquestionably heading to the highest of Cerro Monserrate. From right here, you’ll get some unbelievable panoramic views of town. There’s additionally a church up right here and some eating places, so you possibly can take your time and actually savor the unbelievable view.
You’ve gotten a number of completely different choices for attending to the highest of Cerro Monserrate. When you’re feeling up for it, you possibly can hike all the best way there alongside a well-marked path. Whereas the hike isn’t too strenuous, the excessive altitude can positively get to you. The church atop the hill sits at a whopping 3,150 meters!
If you wish to hike up the hill, you’ll must get to the trailhead earlier than 1:00 pm, as that’s after they cease permitting individuals in. For coming down, they preserve the path open till 4:00 pm. The path is closed on Tuesdays, so ensure you don’t come then should you’re actually hoping to hike.
For many who would reasonably take the straightforward manner out, you have got two choices. There’s each a funicular and a cable automotive working right here now. A well-liked alternative is taking one up and the opposite down.
Spherical-trip tickets for use on both one price 20,00Zero pesos (about $6.50). The value is minimize to 11,000 ($3.50) on Sundays, which makes {that a} extremely popular and thus crowded day to go to. The cable automotive runs daily aside from holidays that fall on Monday, and the funicular is all the time closed on Mondays. Yow will discover the ticket workplace on the map right here.
An alternative choice is to hitch a half-day tour which takes in many sights in Bogotá, together with Cerro Montserrate. Click on right here to be taught extra.
When you love being out in nature, be sure you learn this information on climbing the Valle de Cocora. It’s among the finest locations to go climbing in all of Colombia, and this information has all you’ll want to plan a visit there.
4. Eat Like a Rolo
Folks from Bogotá are often called Rolos in Spanish. They’re completely different from those that reside on the coast (Costeños) or these from Medellin (Paisas). Every area has its personal distinctive tradition and customs, particularly with regards to meals. Attempting completely different dishes and drinks is actually one of the scrumptious issues to do in Bogotá.
Beginning your day trip like a Rolo means arepas and a tinto. Arepas are a staple dish all throughout Colombia. They’re product of floor maize dough or cooked flour, and might be discovered on nearly each avenue nook in Bogotá. The very best arepas in my humble opinion are those filled with gooey, melted cheese!
A tinto is the Colombian equal of a protracted black espresso. Overlook spending $5 on a cup of espresso from a sure American chain, and as an alternative seize one from an area avenue vendor for lower than a buck.
When it’s time for lunch, order up a bowl of ajiaco. This Bogotá traditional is a hen soup with potatoes, corn, and herbs. It’s often served with cream and avocado as nicely, making for a hearty and filling meal. Strive it at La Puerta Falsa.
For when you’ll want to fulfill your candy tooth, be sure you strive a cup of chocolate caliente, Colombian type. It’s made by melting chocolate in a jar with milk. As soon as it’s prepared, you then dunk some chunks of cheese into the recent chocolate. It sounds a bit bizarre, nevertheless it certain is tasty!
5. Go to the Gold Museum
There are many museums in Bogotá, however the cream of the crop is unquestionably the Museo del Oro (Gold Museum). It’s dwelling to an astounding 55,00Zero items of gold and different pre-Columbian artifacts.
The Gold Museum has reveals unfold out over three flooring. Along with its huge assortment of gold objects, there’s additionally loads of pottery, stone, wooden, and textile objects. Probably the most well-known gadgets on show is the Muisca raft, which represents the ceremony of the legend of El Dorado.
The Gold Museum is open from Tuesday-Saturday from 9 am – 6 pm and Sunday from 10 am – Four pm. Tickets price 4,00Zero pesos ($1.25), and the museum is free on Sundays. You can too take a free one-hour tour of the museum from Tuesday to Saturday at both 11:00 am or 4:00 pm. Yow will discover instructions to the Gold Museum right here.
For an attention-grabbing and enjoyable strolling tour of the La Candelaria neighbourhood and the Gold Museum, click on right here.
6. Hold Out in Chorro de Quevedo Plaza
When you go on the free strolling tour, you’ll stroll up a vibrant pedestrian avenue to achieve toe Chorro de Quevedo Plaza. Because you don’t get to linger an excessive amount of on the tour, it’s value returning to this funky a part of Bogotá by yourself.
Carrera 2 is a cool avenue that’s full of retailers, cafes, and bars. It’s additionally coated in some fairly superior avenue artwork and a well-liked place for craft distributors to arrange. Strolling alongside this fashionable avenue is unquestionably one of the enjoyable issues to do in Bogotá.
On the finish of the road, you run into the plaza. There’s a fountain in the center and a few colonial buildings that encompass it. The plaza is a well-liked gathering place for younger locals, particularly at night time and on the weekends. You’ll want to come again right here to hang around on not less than one among your nights in Bogotá. Yow will discover the plaza on the map right here.
7. Pattern Native Booze
When in Bogotá, you need to pattern the native hooch. Meaning attempting each the standard and modern-day favourites — chicha and aguardiente.
Chicha is a fermented corn drink with a singular and attention-grabbing flavour. There are various completely different recipes for chicha relying on the area, however in Bogotá it’s easy — cooked maize with sugar, fermented for six to eight days. It’s extra well-liked in rural areas, however there are many locations in Bogotá that serve it.
The drink of alternative for many Colombians lately, although, is unquestionably aguardiente. This Colombian firewater is comprised of sugarcane and flavoured with anise, giving it form of a licorice style. It’s often 25-30% alcohol and is drank neat.
Because of its sugary content material, these items could cause some brutal hangovers. Greatest to simply have a shot and transfer on to one thing else…corresponding to craft beer. That’s proper, Bogotá is dwelling to BBC (Bogotá Beer Firm) and should you like artisanal brews, you gained’t wish to miss sampling a brew from BBC, or two.
8. Day Journey to the Salt Cathedral
One of many prime issues to do in Bogotá is taking a day journey out to the well-known salt cathedral. It’s positioned in the city of Zipaquira, about an hour outdoors of the capital.
This Roman Catholic church was constructed in a salt mine, 200 meters underground. The miners had lengthy had a sanctuary right here, however the cathedral was formally inaugurated in 1954. It’s devoted to Our Girl of Rosary, the patron saint of miners.
Because of security considerations, the unique cathedral was closed in 1992. A contest was held to decide on a design for a brand new one, and it was opened a number of years later in 1995.
A spotlight of visiting the salt cathedral is seeing the three sections representing the delivery, life, and dying of Jesus. It’s a functioning church and a extremely popular place for pilgrims, drawing in hundreds of individuals each Sunday. Because it doesn’t have a bishop, it really doesn’t have official standing as a cathedral from the Vatican.
Entrance to the salt cathedral prices 50,00Zero pesos (about $16). Whereas you may get right here through a public bus, most travellers decide to hitch a tour as an alternative. Some excursions additionally embody a cease on the scenic Lake Guatavita, that means you possibly can cross off two of the perfect issues to do in Bogotá in someday. Click on right here to be taught extra concerning the well-liked, extremely rated excursions.
Visiting this cathedral is likely one of the prime issues to do in all of Colombia. Don’t miss it!
9. Be a part of the Ciclovia Occasion
When you occur to be in Bogotá on a Sunday, you’ll positively wish to try the Ciclovia occasion. Most of the metropolis’s main roads are closed to motorized autos on Sunday mornings. As an alternative of the same old visitors jams, you’ll discover joggers, cyclists, roller-bladers, and canine walkers.
Ciclovia began again in 1976 due to a peaceable protest from native college students. They demanded extra public areas in town to do issues like trip bikes, and it paid off. The occasion brings one to 4 million individuals out each week to take again town streets and revel in a while outside.
There are many locations in Bogotá that hire bikes out. You possibly can anticipate to pay about 40,00Zero pesos ($15) for half a day, or 80,000 ($30) for a full day. One respected store is Bogotravel Excursions. Yow will discover them on the map right here.
Soccer is principally a faith in Latin America. Seeing a sport reside is an incredible expertise and is actually among the finest issues to do in Bogotá.
El Champin Stadium is the place to go for soccer in Bogotá. The stadium is dwelling to the nationwide workforce of Colombia in addition to two completely different membership groups – Milionarios FC and Independiente Santa Fe.
Ticket costs for the video games vary from 16,00Zero pesos ($5) for seats behind the aim as much as 90,000 ($30) for a number of the greatest seats in the principle stands. It’s attainable to purchase tickets on-line or from a number of completely different distributors, however you possibly can often simply rock up on match day and simply discover one from the field workplace.
Whilst you can simply head to the stadium and seize tickets by yourself, you might wish to contemplate signing up for the Bogotá Soccer Tour. You’ll meet up with the remainder of the group for drinks beforehand, have the prospect to choose up some merchandise, after which go into the sport to cheer on the native heroes.
If you end up in Medellin, don’t miss watching a soccer match there as nicely!
11. Wine and Dine in Zona G
Whereas La Candelaria is dwelling to many of the vacationer sights in Bogotá, it’s the Chapinero neighborhood the place you’ll wish to go for the perfect culinary and nightlife experiences. This vibrant space is simply north of the historic centre, and it’s an more and more well-liked alternative amongst travellers.
I’m all about consuming native meals from avenue stalls and market distributors, however as soon as in a whilst you’ve acquired to deal with your self to a pleasant meal. In Bogotá, the place to try this is Zona G (the G stands for Gourment) in Chapinero.
Zona G refers back to the space between Calles 65 and 75 and Carreras Four and seven. Inside these few blocks, you’ll discover cuisines from everywhere in the world. After all, there’s loads of Colombian fare, however there’s additionally Italian, Peruvian, Chinese language, French, Vietnamese — the record goes on and on.
When you’re on the lookout for a flowery night time out in town in Bogotá, then Zona G is unquestionably the place to start out. Some eating places that come extremely really helpful in this space are Harry Sasson, Criterion, and Bistecca e Vino Da Trattoria.
12. Take a Avenue Artwork Tour
When you’re into avenue artwork, then ensure to join the unbelievable graffiti tour. You’ll absolutely discover that there’s avenue artwork round each nook right here, so why not be part of a tour and be taught extra concerning the murals and the artists who created them?
Along with seeing a bunch of wonderful avenue artwork and studying concerning the artists themselves, you’ll additionally hear an attention-grabbing story concerning the turbulent historical past of graffiti in Bogotá and what Justin Bieber has to do with it. I gained’t spoil it for you — you’ll simply must take the tour to seek out out for your self!
The graffiti excursions run daily at each 10AM and 2PM. The assembly level is on the Parque de los Periodistas. There’s no want to enroll in advance; simply present up and discover the information with the blue umbrella. As with most free strolling excursions, this one can also be donation primarily based.
Throughout our week-long keep in the Colombian capital, I’d must say the graffiti tour was my favorite factor we did. It’s positively one of many coolest issues to do in Bogotá, so be sure you embody it in your itinerary.
13. Play Tejo
Among the many important issues to do in Bogotá is attempting your hand at Colombia’s nationwide sport of tejo. It’s a sport that entails explosives and often quite a few beers as nicely. Seems like a successful mixture, doesn’t it?
All kidding apart, tejo is about far more than simply gunpowder and alcohol (though these are positively the important thing substances). Mainly, you throw a steel puck (a tejo) throughout the room at small, triangle-shaped targets which might be stuffed with gunpowder and buried in clay. When you hit one — BOOM! An explosion, cheers out of your teammates, and the clinking of beer bottles.
Since tejo is a wildly well-liked sport in Colombia, it’s not laborious to discover a place to play. One spot that comes really helpful is Membership de Tejo La 76, which might be discovered on the map right here. It’s free to play as long as you purchase a crate of beers, so positively carry some associates alongside! Alternatively, you possibly can join a tour and have another person work out the logistics for you.
Taking part in tejo isn’t simply one of many prime issues to do in Bogotá, it’s among the finest issues to do in all of Colombia!
14. Go to the Botanical Gardens
Once you want a break from the hustle and bustle of the large metropolis, simply head to the Bogotá Botanical Gardens. It’s the largest botanical backyard in Colombia and options crops from each altitude, local weather, and area of the nation.
There’s lots to see in this sprawling inexperienced area. The park covers 20 acres and contains a waterfall, solar clock, a formidable orchid assortment, and a lot extra. After all, there are additionally a number of greenhouses with all kinds of flora.
The gardens are open daily of the week and price lower than a greenback to go to. They’re open from 8AM-5PM Monday to Friday and from 9-5 on the weekend. You possibly can attain the gardens by bus or catch a cab/order an Uber. Yow will discover the gardens on the map right here.
15. Store in Native Markets
Whether or not you’re seeking to decide up some souvenirs or simply take pleasure in a little bit of window procuring, visiting a number of the native markets is likely one of the prime issues to do in Bogotá. On this bustling capital metropolis, you’ve acquired loads of choices for market hopping.
For meals, a fantastic alternative is Paloquemao. This genuine market is filled with contemporary produce, spices, seafood, meat, and even some lovely flowers. Come right here in the morning and revel in an affordable and native breakfast. You possibly can try the situation of this market on the map right here.
On Sundays, the place to be is the Usaquen Flea Market. Stroll alongside the cobblestone streets and peruse the numerous vibrant stalls promoting a wide selection of handicrafts. That is positively the perfect place to choose up some distinctive gadgets from Colombia to carry dwelling.
The Usaquen Flea Market is open from about 10AM to 6PM, give or take an hour. Head there in the afternoon to seek out the market at its busiest. You will get instructions to the market right here.
16. Experience a Chiva Bus
Bogotá is a metropolis that likes to have an excellent time, plain and easy. One of many quintessential nightlife experiences in the Colombian capital is taking a trip on a chiva bus.
Historically used to move individuals in rural areas of Colombia, these vibrant buses have been tailored in the cities to function rolling nightclubs. It’s a celebration bus, Colombia type!
On a chiva bus, you possibly can anticipate an open bar (numerous pictures of aguardiente), audio system blasting salsa and cumbia, and a hard-partying crowd prepared for a wild night time out.
If that every one seems like an excellent time to you, ensure to join a Chivas Tour. Using the chiva bus isn’t solely an excellent time, nevertheless it’s a fantastic probability to apply your Spanish and your salsa strikes! Oh wait, you don’t have any? That brings us to the subsequent merchandise on our record.
17. Be taught Salsa Dancing
Salsa dancing is a big a part of Colombian tradition, so tearing up the dance flooring positively makes our record of the perfect issues to do in Bogotá. When you’re like me and have two left toes, by no means concern! There are many locations in Bogotá the place you possibly can join salsa classes.
One nice possibility for studying a little bit of salsa dancing is by contacting the high-quality people at Salsa Courses Medellin. Whereas they’re really positioned in the Spring Metropolis, in addition they associate with impartial native academics in the capital. By chopping out the necessity for a studio, you pay much less and the instructors earn extra.
By the best way, should you’re headed to the Spring Metropolis – and try to be! – don’t miss out on this submit on the perfect issues to do in Medellin.
When you’re not essentially seeking to take lessons however nonetheless wish to expertise the phenomenon of salsa in Colombia, look no additional than the Bogotá Salsa Tour. Their epic excursions train you the fundamentals and in addition embody visits to a couple completely different golf equipment with drinks alongside the best way. You may not be an knowledgeable salsa dancer by the tip, however you’ll certain have an superior night time out!
18. Take a Bike Tour
For many who would reasonably discover a metropolis on two wheels than two toes, a motorcycle tour is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Bogotá. It could not look like it at first look, however Bogotá is definitely a fantastic metropolis for biking.
The most suitable choice for seeing the Colombian capital by bike is on a tour with Bogotá Bike Excursions. They run excursions of La Candelaria daily at 10:30AM and 1:30PM for round $20 per particular person, which incorporates the bike and a helmet.
When you’d choose to get out of the concrete jungle, they will additionally organize one or multi-day mountain biking excursions in the countryside. You’ll must contact them in advance to schedule one among these excursions.
After all, you possibly can all the time simply hire your personal bike and discover town at your leisure. They hire bikes for 9,00Zero pesos ($3) per hour or 50,000 ($16) for a full day.
19. Hold Out in Simon Bolivar Park
What Central Park is to New York, Simon Bolivar Park is to Bogotá. Whereas it is probably not fairly as well-known as its Large Apple counterpart, this park is definitely simply barely larger.
On a pleasant day in Bogotá, there’s no higher place to be than Simon Bolivar Park. This inexperienced oasis in the city sprawl is dwelling to a number of strolling and biking trails, a lake for boating, a kids’s museum, an amusement park, and far more.
When you’re the sort who enjoys some peace and quiet in the park, you might wish to keep away from it on the weekends, when it appears as if your complete metropolis comes out. That’s, in fact, except you occur to be round throughout the large Rock al Parque pageant that goes on right here, which is completely free to attend.
20. Nightlife in Zona Rosa
When you go to Zona G to eat, then you definately must also go to Zona Rosa to social gathering. That is the premier nightlife space in Bogotá and is dwelling to a number of completely different bars, music venues, and nightclubs.
The central a part of this space is also called Zona T for the t-shaped intersection that’s dwelling to many eating places and bars. This place is bumping each night time of the week, however it’s particularly full of life from Thursday to Saturday.
It doesn’t matter what your tastes are, you’ll find one thing you’ll take pleasure in on an evening out in Bogotá’s Zona Rosa. My private suggestion goes to the Bogotá Beer Firm, the place you possibly can strive some tasty craft beers made proper right here in the Colombian capital and truly have the ability to converse with out shouting.
21. Celebration Onerous at Theatron
Once you actually wish to flip it as much as 11 and go wild, the perfect place to go in Bogotá is Theatron. Constructed in an previous film theatre, this huge complicated has a whopping 13 completely different flooring, every with its personal musical theme and distinctive environment.
Theatron is taken into account the largest homosexual bar in all of Latin America and one of many greatest in the world. That being stated, completely everyone seems to be welcome right here. The membership welcomes in upwards of 5,00Zero individuals on Saturday nights from all walks of life and all corners of the world. Partying right here is unquestionably one of the enjoyable issues to do in Bogotá!
Theatron is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 9PM to 3AM. Entrance is 45,00Zero pesos ($15) and consists of entry to all areas and an open bar till 2AM. It’s positioned in the Chapinero space, and you’ll find it on the map right here.
Take pleasure in Bogotá!
I’m certain by this level in the information, you’re able to e-book that ticket to Bogotá to start your Colombian journey. Earlier than you try this, be sure you learn this information on the ten issues to know when planning a visit to Colombia.
On our current 7-month journey as digital nomads in South America, Bogotá was one among our favorite cities. Whereas the gloomy climate and congested streets don’t give the perfect first impression, there’s lots to like concerning the vibrant capital of Colombia.
With just some days in Bogotá, you possibly can discover the historic centre, hike excessive above town, take in some unbelievable avenue artwork, dive into Colombian tradition, and social gathering like a rock star. If that sounds good to you, then be sure you add Bogotá to your journey plans for this 12 months!
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