The 10 things to do in Bogotá

What are you looking for in Bogotá? Leave yourself by its historic centre, its vibrant streets and the richness of its museums!

Remaining to 2600 meters in the Andes Cordillera, Bogotá is a dynamic city. It is the political, historical and economic centre of the Colombia . ♪ Muiscas He was elected as a home well before the arrival of the Spanish settlers and subsequently developed it.

Situated between various mountains, the city now includes more than 8 million of inhabitants. Visiting Bogotá can seem stifling at first sight, but you will soon be seduced by its energy, the richness of its historic centre and its museums.

1. The Hitoric Center

Candelaria is the oldest and most beautiful district of Bogotá. It is covered by colonial residences, restaurantcos, bar and inns.

In this part, considered the most interesting of the city, you will find the main museums and churches. Don’t forget to go and admire the graffiti located on the heights. What to do if you're looking for what to do in Bogotá.

Unfortunately, the historic centre is also known for its crime. During the day, police presence reduces the risks. At night, make sure you stay in the crowded streets.

2. The Gold Museum

The Musée de l’Or or Museo del Oro is a place not to be missed under any pretext if you want to visit Bogotá. It has the largest collection in the world of artifacts of this mineral. Through this exhibition, you can admire the work of the various pre-Columbian civilizations.

The visit begins with an explanation of the various alloys composed of gold, dart, copper and platinium. It also describes multiple techniques to work each material.

You will then be charmed by the extraordinary collection of prehispanic objects. The masterpiece of the exhibition is the miniature representation of the raft of Zipa. The latter gave birth to the legend of El Dorado.

3. The Botero Museum

Fernando Botero is the most famous artist in Colombia with the writer Gabriel Garcia Marquez . Painter and sculptor, it has been a dominant image of Colombia for several decades. His works play on disproportion and deal with various subjects, including the recent history of Colombia.

Although native Medellin , the vast majority of his works are exposed to Botero Museum Bogotá. This is a necessary passage to apprehend the work of a man who helped shape the face of Colombian culture.

4. Escalader Montserrat

This is one of the city’s icons. Perched above Bogotá, you can admire the Sanctuario de Monserrate and enjoy the breathtaking view of the city. To get there, you can take the cable car or the funicular. The bravest of you will attack 1500 steps . His ascension is one thing to absolutely do in Bogotá!

5. Osaquen district

It was once a small village, but this neighborhood is now one of the most pleasant in Bogotá. Usaquen has kept his soul and invites to relaxation as well as to walk, which is rare in Bogotá. For a visit outside the beaten paths, prefer to go there on Sundays and holidays. If you are looking for what to do during your stay, you will find a most pleasing chip market.

6. Zona Rosa, T and G

Located north of the historic centre, the neighbourhoods of the Zona T and Zona G are among the most living in the capital. If the party is one of your priorities during your visit to Bogotá, you will be filled with it. Indeed, all the best restaurants, bars and discotheques in the city are in this area. However, we advise you to always use a taxi during your night trips.

7. The Cathedral of Sel de Ziquatera

Only 1h to the north of the capital, Cathedral of Sel de Ziquatera or Sal Catedral is a unique place in the world. It was elected the first wonder of Colombia by the people and is an immanquable to do in Bogotá if you are there.

Inaugurated 1995 , the latter is located 185 metres underground. Let yourself be seduced by the creativity and history of these miners who shaped the place. You will find numerous sculptures and works of art through the galleries.

The grandeur and beauty of the largest underground cathedral in the world will not leave you insensitive. The visit will also give you access to the history of this mine which is still active today. If you plan to visit Bogotá, this place is a must!

In the same spirit, you can also opt for a guided tour of the Menocon salt mine , located 1h north of Bogotá. Dive 80 meters underground and explore this old mine that will give you a full view of it.

8. Lagoon of Guatavita

Located in 3100 metres altitude, Laguna de Guatavita is a place rich in history. In addition to being an incredible natural site, it is also the origin of the legend of El Dorado.

The Spanish colonists were convinced of the existence of such a place where the riches exceeded the understanding. They were hardly mistaken. Legend takes its source of the time of the induction of leader Muica named Zipa. The latter would have visited the lagoon aboard a wooden boat and made gold offerings in the middle of it. A golden filigrane representation of this scene is also the masterpiece of the Museo del Oro de Bogotá.

9. Chingaza Natural Park

What are you looking for in Bogotá? Direction le Chingaza Natural Park ! Located less than 2h Bogotá, this national park is a wonder. It is possible to walk on one of the 6 ecotourist paths and observe the Paramo de Chingaza . The most important Paramos count as 5 and you cannot leave the country without visiting one of them.

They have the particularity of presenting an ecosystem composed of 85% water. You will soon be conquered by this flora typical of the Andes Mountain. In a preservation concern, only 40 visitors per day are allowed to go to the park. It is therefore necessary to take precautions and to reserve in advance.

10. Mongui and the Paramo d’Oceta

Although located at 3h30 drive from Bogotá, this destination deserves you to make a stop if you are looking for what to do in the area. Indeed, Mongui is certainly one of the most beautiful villages in Colombia. With its intact colonial architecture, a walk in its alleys 3000 meters altitude is a privilege.

You can also visit one of the handmade football factories.

In addition to the colonial village, you can visit Paramo d’Oceta . A march near 8h – with mandatory guide – will take you to near 4000 meters altitude in this unusual place. You will quickly understand why this one is considered one of the most beautiful in the world!

How to go to Bogotá?

To Bogota

Located in the center of Colombia and in the middle of the Andes Mountain, going to Bogotá can be problematic if you prefer access to the land. From Medellin or Cartagena , we strongly advise you to take an internal flight to avoid long bus routes.

From Europe, direct flights are easily found. Being the capital of Colombia, it is often simple to find several options for your trip.

Whether you’re travelling from the old continent or from one of Colombia’s cities, to find affordable tickets, we recommend you take them in advance and not hesitate to use a comparison of flights such as Ulysses .

From the airport to the historic centre of Bogotá

• By taxi

The taxi is by far the simplest and safest way to get to the center. Count about forty minutes for a price of about 40,000 COPs, or about 12€.

Do not hesitate to negotiate the price with your driver before departure or ask him to put the counter.

• Bus

Bogotá has very developed public transport with first place the Transmilenio .

This service allows you to avoid much of the traffic and thus to go to the historic center in 30 minutes . To do this, you will need to buy a card at the terminal for 5000 COP ( 1.40€ ) and credit it. Count 2400 COP ( 0.67€ ) per trip. From the airport, you must take the line M86 up to Portal del Dorado then change for the line J6 up to Universidades or Museo del Oro .

From the bus station to the historic centre

The buses arrive at Terminal on Salitre .

From this point, there is no nearby Transmilenio line and collectivos from the terminal do not serve the city center. You will need to make several unreliable connections to get there. We advise you to take a taxi that will cost you only 20,000 COPs, or approximately 6€ .

Getting around in Bogotá

• By taxi

Rather economical, they will be able to transport you quickly from one place to the other of the city. Count 8000 COPs ( 2.23€ ) for an average of 5 streets. Also make sure that the taxi is certified to avoid misadventures.

For more security and better rates, you can use the Uber app. The latter is very popular in the capital.

• In Transmilenio

Open from 5am until 11pm, the Transmilenio lines are ideal for moving. You'll have to buy a transport card for 5000 COP ( 1.40€ ) then recharge it for 2400 COP ( 0.67€ ) per trip

You can download the application Transmilenio to prepare your various trips in the capital.

• In collectivo

With the collectivo, no need to worry about the number or even the stop. You simply have to look at the destination written on the sign at the front of the bus. The rate is 1800 COP ( 0.50€ ) per trip and pay directly to the driver.

Where to stay in Bogotá?

Looking to know in which district to house in Bogotá ? In order to optimize your time, we recommend staying in the Candeleria area. You will find all the museums and points of interest in the city. However, as mentioned above, the security aspect leaves absolutely to be desired at night.

A better option is to go to pink, T or G areas. These are excavated, but connected with the city’s public transport network.

If you want to rent a hotel room, we recommend using a hotel room Compare hotels to find the one that suits you best.

If you are looking for an experience with the inhabitant or a place in the beautiful neighborhoods, you can visit the site of Airbnb . Many offers are available in the capital and prices are quite affordable.