Bogotá, the capital city of Colombia, is a vibrant and culturally rich destination that offers a wide range of activities for tourists and locals alike. From its historic neighborhoods to its world-class museums, the city has something for everyone. Here are some of the top things to do in Bogotá:
Must-see in Candelaria neighborhood
Candelaria is the heart of Bogotá’s historic center and is home to many colonial-era buildings, narrow streets, and vibrant street art. Take a stroll through the neighborhood and admire the colorful facades of the buildings, and visit the main highlights:
- Plaza de Bolivar: This is Bogotá’s main square and it’s surrounded by historic buildings, including the Prime Cathedral, the Capitol, the Town Hall, and the Justice Palace. It also has a big statue of Simon Bolivar, the liberator of our country.
- The colorful streets of La Candelaria this neighborhood is known for its street art, which showcases the city’s creativity and culture. Visit Chorro de Quevedo, to see where Bogotá was founded, and walk through Calle del Embudo, where you’ll see some of the best street art the city has to offer.
- Historic Sites: Visit la Casa del Florero de Llorente; the place where the entire revolution for independence happened. In this same place, on July 20th 1810 the cry for independence arised. You can also visit Calle del Divorcio, one of the most famous streets in Bogotá, as this used to be the place where the women’s prison was located. Before, men could send their wives to prison if she had unfaithful, and on this street was where the divorce took place and men said goodbye to their women.
- Churches: There are many important churches that have a historic meaning in Bogotá, and will surprise you by their beautiful design and magnificent interior:
- The Church of San Agustin: built in 1642 and has the remains of Policarpa Salavarrieta.
- Iglesia del Carmen: with a mixture of Gothic, Byzantine and Arabic style and a fantastic red and white facade.
- Church of Santa Clara: one of the most barroque in Bogotá, with over 100 paintings inside.
Learn through Bogota’s best museums
Bogotá is home to a wide range of museums that showcase the city’s cultural richness and history. The city’s museums offer visitors an opportunity to learn about Colombia’s ancient civilizations, colonial past, and contemporary art scene. With so many museums to choose from, visitors could immerse themselves in the city’s rich cultural heritage and gain a deeper understanding of Colombia’s history, but here are the top 4 museums you should visit in Bogotá:
- Gold Museum: The Gold Museum is one of the top museums in Colombia and is home to one of the most extensive collections of pre-Columbian gold artifacts in the world. Visitors can learn about the history of gold in Colombia and the significance of it.
- Botero Museum: The Botero Museum is a must-see for art lovers. It houses a collection of works by Fernando Botero, one of Colombia’s most famous artists. The collection includes his signature style of inflated figures, as well as works by other famous artists.
- National Museum of Colombia: this is one of the oldest and most important museums in the country. It houses a vast collection of artifacts that span Colombia’s history, from pre-Columbian times to the present day.
- La Quinta de Bolivar: Simon Bolivar received this house as a gift after Colombia’s independence. This house became his main headquarter when he became president of Colombia, and was the place where he created “La Gran Colombia”.
Enjoy the best views
Bogotá is known for its breathtaking views, with many viewpoints offering stunning panoramic vistas of the city and its surroundings. Here are the top 4 viewpoints that offer visitors a unique perspective on Bogotá, showcasing the city’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern development.
- Monserrate: Monserrate is located on a mountain overlooking the city, and it offers a stunning 360-degree view of the capital. Visitors can reach the top of Monserrate by cable car, funicular, or trail. Once there, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city’s skyline, surrounded by the Andes Mountains. Monserrate is also a religious pilgrimage site, featuring a beautiful church and chapel, as well as several restaurants and souvenir shops.
- Cerro de Guadalupe: to access it, you should take a taxi, and once there, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Bogotá. The hill also features a small church dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe, which is a popular pilgrimage site for Catholics.
- Colpatria Tower is one of the tallest buildings in Bogotá, standing at 50 stories tall. It offers a 360-degree view of the city from its observation deck, which is located on the 44th floor. Visitors can take an elevator to the top, where they can enjoy the urban landscape.
- La Calera is a small town located on the outskirts of Bogotá, and it is known for its breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding mountains. Visitors can drive or hike up to La Calera, and once there, they can enjoy panoramic views of the eastern mountains and the city below. La Calera is also known for its traditional Colombian cuisine, which visitors can sample at local restaurants and cafes.
Explore Local Experiences
- Play Tejo: this is considered Colombia’s national sport and it’s a traditional game that involves throwing a heavy metal puck at gunpowder-filled targets. This game can be found at local Tejo halls, where you can also enjoy a cold beer and some snacks with friends.
- Do a picnic at our big parks: Bogotá has tons of green spaces that offer a glimpse into our green spaces and diverse nature. My three favorite parks include Parque del Virrey, Parque del Chicó, and Parque Simon Bolivar. Go out for a walk or ride your bike, and you’ll find many locals enjoying the sun and the fresh air.
- Do a hike around the mountains: Bogotá is a mountain city, and one popular activity among locals includes hiking and doing different trails. One of the most popular hikes in the city is the climb to the top of Monserrate. Another popular hike is the Quebrada la Vieja trail, which takes you through a lush forested area with scenic views of waterfalls and streams. Finally, If you’re looking for a more immersive hiking experience, the Chicaque Natural Park is a great destination, as it offers a range of trails through diverse ecosystems, including cloud forests, paramo, and tropical forests.
- Enjoy the Ciclovia: Every Sunday and public holiday, many of the city’s main roads are closed to cars and instead become open spaces for cyclists, runners, and walkers to enjoy. This weekly event has become a cultural institution in Bogotá and is a great way to experience the city’s vibrant atmosphere and connect with locals, as you can enjoy street performances, and stop at local vendors and food stalls along the way.
Take a day-trip from Bogotá
- Salt Cathedral in Zipaquira: One of the most popular day trips from the city is to Zipaquirá, home to the famous Salt Cathedral. This underground cathedral was built within the tunnels of a salt mine and is an incredible engineering feat. Visitors can explore the cathedral’s many chapels, sculptures, and tunnels while learning about the history and geology of the mine.
- Paramo in Chingaza: The park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including the Andean condor and the spectacled bear. Visitors can explore the park’s many hiking trails, take in the breathtaking mountain landscapes, and even visit a high-altitude wetland ecosystem known as a paramo.
- Salt Mine in Nemocon: Another popular day trip destination is Nemocon, a small town known for its underground salt mine. Visitors can explore the mine and learn about the history of salt production in the region, as well as admire the stunning underground salt formations.
- El Dorado Lake in Guatavita: For those interested in the cultural and historical heritage of the region, a visit to the Guatavita Lake is a must-do day trip from Bogotá. The lake was considered sacred by the indigenous Muisca people, and it played an important role in their rituals and mythology. Visitors can learn about the Muisca culture and the legend of El Dorado while enjoying the stunning natural beauty of the lake and its surroundings.
