Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, was home to the indigenous peoples of the region, the Muisca, when the Spanish came to plunder gold and resources, and it is since then the main city of the country.
Before going, everyone told me that Bogotá was not special: dirty, crowded, difficult to get around and lacking the charm of other big cities in Colombia.
To help you get the most out of your visit, here are my top 10 things to see and do in Bogotá.
One of my favorite activities when I arrive at a new destination is to do a free walking tour. It's a great way to get to know the terrain, see the main sights and ask a local expert to answer all my questions.
BeyondColombia offers an excellent free walking tour that will give you a solid introduction to the city. It also offers a free guided tour, which is a great way to sample some of the local Colombian dishes (you will spend about 18,000 COP / 6 USD on food for the visit). Just be sure to tip your guides!
Opened in 1955, the Botanical Garden of Bogotá is home to nearly 20,000 plants. The focus is on regional plants, usually those that are endemic to the Andes and other highland regions of the continent. It is a really peaceful place to walk around and there are some food stalls nearby. So you can nibble a bite by exploring the gardens and exploring the trees and exotic flowers.
Standing at more than 3,000 meters above sea level, you can see Monserrate pretty much everywhere in town. It is a popular place to admire the view, and as there is a church at the top, it is also a popular spot for local weddings. You can ride yourself in less than an hour, or you can take a cable car or funicular to the summit. Keep in mind that the climb is not so safe at night or if you are alone; thieves discover the road. Pay attention!
It is the most interesting museum in the country and hosts more than half a million tourists every year. Opened in 1939, the Gold Museum documents the importance and use of gold in pre-Hispanic civilizations in Colombia and is home to more than 55,000 gold objects. Make sure you get the audio guide (8,000 COP) or join one of the free daily tours.
Located about an hour's drive from the town of Zipaquirá, Salt Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church built in the tunnels of an old salt mine. It is 200 meters underground, making it one of the most unique religious sites in the country, or even the world. Every Sunday, up to 3,000 people attend religious services in the city.
Founded in 2000, this museum houses one of the most important art collections in Latin America. The museum was created after Fernando Botero donated hundreds of his works to the Bank of Colombia with the promise that they would be exhibited in a free museum accessible to all. In addition to his own works, works by Monet, Picasso and other world-renowned artists have also been paid. Take a free tour or get the audio guide (not free).
I really liked this neighborhood. This is the old city of Bogotá. You can walk through the narrow cobbled streets and admire the eclectic architecture, with art deco, colonial and baroque styles reminiscent of the neighborhood. Most of the city's best attractions (as well as many youth hostels) are also present, such as the Botero Museum, the Gold Museum, as well as several churches and universities. Watch live music while you're hanging out at Plaza Chorro de Quevedo, try the local shisha (a corn-based drink, often fermented to become an alcoholic) in the adjacent streets, and visit some of the incredible restaurants in this area. district.
The National Sanctuary of Our Lady of Carmen is a Gothic church located in La Candelaria. The church has a red and white striped pattern - both outside and inside - giving it the appearance of a giant candy cane. Built from 1926 to 1938, the church is almost 60 meters high and houses an incredible Byzantine and Moorish art.
It is one of the most popular parks of Bogotá. Created in 1979, it covers nearly 1000 hectares. You can find people doing exercise, relax or attend concerts here. The park owes its name to the famous Simón Bolívar, who led the liberation of the area of Spanish lords.
This is Bogotá's main square, home to the Colombian Courthouse, Bogotá Cathedral, the Mayor's Office and the Capitol Building. This is the historic heart of the city, with its buildings dating back to the 16th century. Under the Spanish, the place was the scene of bullfights, acts of circus and public markets. Watch out for the plethora of pigeons!
Before going, everyone told me that Bogotá was not special: dirty, crowded, difficult to get around and lacking the charm of other big cities in Colombia.
To help you get the most out of your visit, here are my top 10 things to see and do in Bogotá.
1. Take a free walking tour
One of my favorite activities when I arrive at a new destination is to do a free walking tour. It's a great way to get to know the terrain, see the main sights and ask a local expert to answer all my questions.
BeyondColombia offers an excellent free walking tour that will give you a solid introduction to the city. It also offers a free guided tour, which is a great way to sample some of the local Colombian dishes (you will spend about 18,000 COP / 6 USD on food for the visit). Just be sure to tip your guides!
2. Walk around the botanical gardens
Opened in 1955, the Botanical Garden of Bogotá is home to nearly 20,000 plants. The focus is on regional plants, usually those that are endemic to the Andes and other highland regions of the continent. It is a really peaceful place to walk around and there are some food stalls nearby. So you can nibble a bite by exploring the gardens and exploring the trees and exotic flowers.
3. Climb to Monserrate
4. Visit the Museo del Oro (the gold museum)
It is the most interesting museum in the country and hosts more than half a million tourists every year. Opened in 1939, the Gold Museum documents the importance and use of gold in pre-Hispanic civilizations in Colombia and is home to more than 55,000 gold objects. Make sure you get the audio guide (8,000 COP) or join one of the free daily tours.
5. See the salt cathedral
6. Discover the Museo de Botero
Founded in 2000, this museum houses one of the most important art collections in Latin America. The museum was created after Fernando Botero donated hundreds of his works to the Bank of Colombia with the promise that they would be exhibited in a free museum accessible to all. In addition to his own works, works by Monet, Picasso and other world-renowned artists have also been paid. Take a free tour or get the audio guide (not free).
7. Explore La Candelaria
I really liked this neighborhood. This is the old city of Bogotá. You can walk through the narrow cobbled streets and admire the eclectic architecture, with art deco, colonial and baroque styles reminiscent of the neighborhood. Most of the city's best attractions (as well as many youth hostels) are also present, such as the Botero Museum, the Gold Museum, as well as several churches and universities. Watch live music while you're hanging out at Plaza Chorro de Quevedo, try the local shisha (a corn-based drink, often fermented to become an alcoholic) in the adjacent streets, and visit some of the incredible restaurants in this area. district.
8. See the Santuario Nuestra Señora del Carmen
9. Visit Simon Bolívar Metropolitan Park
It is one of the most popular parks of Bogotá. Created in 1979, it covers nearly 1000 hectares. You can find people doing exercise, relax or attend concerts here. The park owes its name to the famous Simón Bolívar, who led the liberation of the area of Spanish lords.
10. Wander Plaza Bolívar
Best Things To Do And See In Bogotá: