Bogota, the vibrant capital of Colombia, is a city that seamlessly blends history, art, and culture with modern urban energy. From its historic neighborhoods to its world-class museums and lively food scene, Bogota has something for every traveler. If you’re planning a visit, here’s your ultimate guide to the best attractions and activities in Bogota.
- Explore La Candelaria: Bogotá’s Historic Heart
- Admire the Gold at the Museo del Oro
- Take a Cable Car to Monserrate
- Dive Into Art at the Botero Museum
- Visit the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá
- Discover the Street Art Scene
- Savor Bogotá’s Local Cuisine
1
Explore La Candelaria: Bogotá’s Historic Heart
La Candelaria, Bogotá’s historic old town, is the perfect place to kick off your trip in the city. Stroll through its charming cobblestone streets, lined with colorful colonial buildings, vibrant murals, and cozy cafes. Make sure to visit Plaza Bolívar, the heart of the district, surrounded by iconic landmarks like the Catedral Primada and the Palacio de Justicia.
My Highlights: The streets around Plazoleta Chorro de Quevedo were my absolute favorite. They’re brimming with energy, featuring colorful umbrellas, street vendors, and a joyful atmosphere.
Recommendation: Don’t leave without trying the tacos at Taqueria Vicente—they’re hands down the best I’ve ever had!
Tip: Join a free walking tour to uncover the rich history of La Candelaria and the fascinating stories behind its stunning street art. It’s a fantastic way to see the area through a local’s eyes!
2
Admire the Gold at the Museo del Oro
The Museo del Oro (Gold Museum) is one of Bogotá’s crown jewels and a must-visit attraction. Housing over 55,000 pieces of gold artifacts, this museum offers a fascinating look into Colombia’s pre-Hispanic cultures and their intricate craftsmanship.
Cost: The entrance fee is 4,000 COP ($1 CAD), and the best part? It’s free on Sundays!
Tip: Traveling with bags you’d rather not carry around? There’s a storage area with free lockers available at any time.
Time to Visit: Plan for at least two hours to explore the exhibits fully.
3
Take a Cable Car to Monserrate
For breathtaking views of Bogotá, make your way up to Monserrate, the iconic mountain that watches over the city. You can hop on a cable car for a scenic ride or, if you’re feeling adventurous, take the hike to the top. At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning church, lively markets, and several restaurants where you can soak in the panoramic views.
The Hike: I chose to hike up Monserrate, and let me tell you—it’s a workout! The trail is a steady climb of stairs and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the top. It’s challenging but totally worth it for the sense of accomplishment and the amazing views along the way.
Best Time to Visit
- Sunrise: Start your day with peaceful, crowd-free views at the top.
- Sunset: Experience the magic as the city lights come to life below you.
- Sundays: Be prepared for crowds as many locals visit the church. If you’re going on a Sunday, sunrise is the best time to visit without the huge crowds.
Price: A round trip on the cable car costs around $6–$10, depending on the day and time. You can also buy a one-way ticket and hike either up or down to enjoy the best of both worlds.
4
Dive Into Art at the Botero Museum
Dedicated to Colombia’s most famous artist, Fernando Botero, the Botero Museum showcases an impressive collection of his works, alongside pieces by Picasso, Monet, and Dalí. The museum is located in a charming colonial building in La Candelaria and is free to enter.
Tip: Combine your visit with a stop at the nearby Casa de la Moneda, which tells the history of Colombia’s currency.
Opening Hours:
- Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: Closed
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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5
Visit the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá
Located about an hour outside Bogotá, the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá is an awe-inspiring underground church carved entirely from salt rock. This one-of-a-kind attraction is a spiritual sanctuary and an architectural masterpiece, making it one of the most memorable day trips you can take from Bogotá.
How to Get There:
- By Bus: From Bogotá, head to the Portal del Norte bus terminal and take a bus to Zipaquirá. The journey takes about an hour and costs around 15,000 COP ($5 CAD). Once in Zipaquirá, it’s a short taxi ride (about $2–$3 CAD) or a 15-minute walk to the cathedral.
- By Car: If you prefer flexibility, you can drive or hire a private car, which takes roughly an hour.
- By Tour: Many guided tours are available from Bogotá, often including round-trip transportation and entry tickets.
Price: Entry to the cathedral is approximately 55,000 COP ( $18 CAD) for foreigners and 34,000 COP ( $11 CAD) for seniors and children up to 12 years old.
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:40 PM.
Tip: Book a guided tour for deeper insights into the cathedral’s history and symbolism.
GetYourGuide
Booking a guided tour is often the best choice for many reasons. It can simplify trip planning, eliminate the stress of organizing logistics, and ensure you don’t miss any highlights. When it comes to booking tours, we trust GetYourGuide. We’ve taken numerous tours with them and have always had positive experiences. For this activity, here is an option we believe is among the best.
Zipaquirá: Salt Cathedral Group Tour with Pickup – Click Here
6
Discover the Street Art Scene
Bogotá’s vibrant street art scene transforms its walls into a dynamic open-air gallery, showcasing murals that express political views, cultural pride, and social commentary.
Where to Go:
- La Candelaria District: This historic neighborhood is a hub for street art, featuring numerous murals that reflect Bogotá’s rich cultural tapestry.
- Chorro de Quevedo Square: This square is surrounded by colorful murals and is steeped in local history.
- Distrito Graffiti (Graffiti District): Located in the industrial zone of Bogotá, this area is renowned for its large-scale murals and vibrant street art scene.
Tip: Bring your camera for some Instagram-worthy shots.
To fully appreciate this urban art, consider joining a Bogotá Graffiti Tour, which offers insights into the stories and artists behind these captivating works.
GetYourGuide
Booking a guided tour is often the best choice for many reasons. It can simplify trip planning, eliminate the stress of organizing logistics, and ensure you don’t miss any highlights. When it comes to booking tours, we trust GetYourGuide. We’ve taken numerous tours with them and have always had positive experiences. For this activity, here is an option we believe is among the best.
Bogotá: La Candelaria Graffiti & Urban Art Shared Tour- Click Here
7
Savor Bogotá’s Local Cuisine
No trip to Bogotá is complete without indulging in its local flavors. Try dishes like ajiaco (a hearty potato soup), empanadas, and tamales. For dessert, don’t miss obleas, thin wafers filled with arequipe (Colombian caramel) and other toppings.
Best Food Spots: Visit La Puerta Falsa for traditional meals or head to Paloquemao Market for fresh produce and street food. For a cheap option, go to Escuela Taller de Bogota.
Final Thoughts
Bogotá is a city full of surprises, offering an incredible mix of culture, history, and adventure. Whether you’re exploring its charming neighborhoods, marveling at its art, or diving into its culinary delights, you’re sure to fall in love with Colombia’s capital. So pack your bags and get ready to experience the magic of Bogotá!
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