Traveling to Bogota Colombia | The Essential Guide 2024

High in the Colombian Andes sits the city of Bogotá, Colombia one of Latin America’s best-kept secrets. Though once deemed unsafe due to Colombia’s decades-old internal conflict, Bogotá has slowly, but surely, transcended to become a thriving regional hub for culture and the arts. As tempting as it may be to make a bee-line for popular destinations like Tayrona and the Lost City, you truly would be doing yourself a disservice by skipping Colombia's capital city and we consider it a must-see if you visit Colombia.

Use this Bogota Travel Guide to discover the best that the city has to offer, from its avant-garde culinary culture and festive nightlife scene, to its well-preserved historic quarter and city center to the warm, convivial people.

Today, Bogotá is a bustling city with a rich history and culture. From its colonial architecture to its vibrant street art, its historic neighborhoods (like la Candelaria) and its world-famous Gold Museum, Bogotá has something to offer everyone.  And with so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that this Colombian gem is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South America.

In this complete and up-to-date travel guide, we hope to provide you with absolutely everything you need to know to make the most out of your trip to this magical city.

‍

What You will Find in this Bogota Colombia Travel Guide

• Why Visit Bogota, Colombia
• Brief History and Background of Bogota
• What is the weather and altitude like
• What are the various neighborhoods of the city
• How to get to and from Bogota Colombia
• Transportation in and around Bogota Colombia
• The Best Time of year to visit Bogotá
• Activities and Attractions You Don't Want to Miss
• Where to Stay in Bogota
• Best Places to Eat and Drink
• Bogota Nightlife
• Escape the city: Things to do Outside of Bogota
• Frequently Asked Questions
• 36 Hours in Bogota Itinerary
• Final Tips to for your travels through Colombia

Why Visit Bogota Colombia?

According to Nobel Laureate Gabriel Garcia Marquez,  in Colombia "any gathering of more than six people regardless of class or hour is doomed to turn into a dance.” If that isn’t a reason to visit Bogota, what is?
‍
This Latin American metropolis is currently experiencing an unprecedented artistic, culinary and cultural boom you won’t find in other capitals of the region. In just 2-3 days, you can cover the cities main sights and you might even consider extending your trip by another few days to explore all that this up-and-coming city has to offer.

In addition, Bogotá is an often necessary jumping-off point to other destinations like Medellin, Cartagena, Tayrona & San Andres Island, whether you’re traveling by plane, bus or car, so you mine as well take advantage and venture into this thriving metropolis.

Finally, the city of Bogotá, surrounded by green peaks, is a spectacular sight to behold. This dramatic backdrop corresponds to its rich history, which extends far beyond the 16th-century Spanish conquest and into the intoxicating energy and optimism pulsating through its streets today.

Brief History and Background of Bogota

With over 8 million inhabitants, Bogotá can be an intimidating place to visit for even the most big-city dwellers. A sprawling 1,587 square kilometres (613 square miles), it’s a multi-faceted metropolis with hundreds of gems and nooks to discover. Even the most comprehensive Bogota Colombia travel guide wouldn’t be able to cover the entire city with all of its beauty and intricacies, but we will do our best to share the highlights you simply can’t miss during your visit.

‍

Bogota's Role in Colombian History

Bogotá was founded on August 6, 1538, by Spanish explorer Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada, who named it after his hometown of Bogotá in present-day Spain. Originally a small indigenous village, Bogotá flourished as a trade center due to its strategic location at the intersection of two major trade routes. However, Bogotá's fortunes changed in the mid-1700s when it was occupied by rebel forces led by Juan del Corral. The city did not recover from this setback until the early 19th century when it began to experience a period of rapid growth. Since then, Bogotá has continued to grow and evolve, becoming one of the largest and most vibrant cities in South America.

Weather in Bogota

If there’s one thing you don’t need to worry about in Bogotá, it’s the weather. The climate here is moderate throughout the year 7°C-19°C (45°F-66°F), though the rainy season occurs around April - March and October - November. Mist and cloud cover is common in the city, but you can also expect plenty of sunshine. Make sure to always pack a light sweater and rain protection since the temperature may fluctuate throughout the day.

Pro tip: There are really only two seasons in Bogotá, wet and dry, and the sun sets and rises consistently throughout the year, around 6:15 in the morning and evening. As soon as the sun drops over the horizon, expect the temperature to drop significantly; make sure to bring a light sweater or jacket.

‍

Altitude in Bogota

Located in one of the six regions of the country, the Andean Region, in the middle of Colombia, Bogotá sits at 2,640 meters (8,660 feet) above sea level, making it the third-highest capital city in South America, after La Paz and Quito. This doesn’t mean much until you start exploring on foot and quickly become short of breath. In fact, you might even get a little dizzy or nauseous, in which case you’re suffering from altitude sickness, also known as soroche, in the Andes.

Pro tip: To help your body acclimate to the altitude, try and take it easy on your first day; avoid strenuous activities, like hiking. Also, stay hydrated and get plenty of rest. A local trick to curing soroche is a panacea - warm agua de panela (melted sugar cane with squeezed lemon) which you can find from street vendors around the city.  

Neighborhoods in Bogota, Colombia

‍

‍

Bogota is organized into 20 Districts, and a few of them can’t be missed. Among these are: La Candelaria (the historic city center) Chapinero-Zona T, the Zona Rosa, La Macarena in Santa Fé, Parque 93, and Usaquén's colonial center. If you’re not sure where to start, head to the colonial neighborhood of La Candelaria.

You’ll find that the majority of these neighborhoods, their restaurants and hotels, are found in the north and center of the city, while the South is where most working-class families reside.

How to get to and from Bogota Colombia

There are many ways to get to Bogota. Because the capital of Colombia is in the center of the country as well as the gateway to the South American continent, many flights include a stopover at Bogota’s airport El Dorado. Many international airlines arrive to the city including Iberia, Avianca, Air France, Air Canada, Lufthansa, British Airways, and American Airlines. Another way to get to the capital of Colombia if you are on the continent is by bus from countries like Brazil, Ecuador, Chile, Bolivia, Venezuela, and Peru.

‍

By plane

If you’re entering Bogota by plane, you’ll most likely land in El Dorado International Airport (BOG), which offers travelers many connections and direct flights to other countries in the region, as well as domestic flights to Colombian destinations.

Pro tip: Are you looking for some affordable domestic flights? Check out wingo.com. Viva Air & Air Colombia tend to be the cheapest (though their customer service could improve and they tend to nickel and dime you with extras - print your boarding pass in advance!) So, if you can, choose Avianca or Copa instead.

‍

By bus

Bogota’s main bus station is called El Terminal de Transporte de Bogotá (Terminal Salitre). If you’re traveling from a neighboring country by bus, this is where you’ll end up. It’s also only a short taxi ride away from the airport.

There are two other bus stations in Bogota that are useful to know. They are La Terminal del Sur (South Terminal) located along Autopista Sur at Carrera 59 in La Bosa and Terminal Satelite del Norte (North Terminal) located on Calle 192, #19-43 off of Ave Carrera 45.

‍

Transportation in and around Bogota

As you travel around Bogotá, you’ll have numerous options to choose from to explore the city

TransMilenio BRT - Bus Rapid Transit system

TransMilenio BRT is an affordable and efficient way to get pretty much anywhere in the city. Note that the buses tend to get crowded around rush hour and as always, practice good safety measures and keep a close eye on your phone and possessions.

Pro tip: A few helpful apps to get around Bogotá include MoviliXA, Moovit and Google Maps (download an “offline map” of the city to save on data). Figure out your route while you have wifi so you don’t miss your stop on the TransMilenio!

Apart from the TransMilenio, there are regular buses to get you around town. Getting around on these may require a bit more research; make sure you know which bus to take and where to hop off.

Taxis and Ubers

Both are another good option to get around Bogota, though Ubers are technically not legal. Drivers may often ask you to sit in the front to avoid raising suspicion among police. In terms of safety, always try to have your taxis radioed in or use Uber, which also tends to be the cheaper option. If you’re taking a taxi, ask a local (or your hostel staff) about the price to avoid getting ripped off, though most taxis will use a meter.

Bicycle

Another great option if you like to cycle is to rent a bike as Bogotá has the most extensive network of bike paths in the country. Cycling is a great way to explore the city’s nooks and crannies and skip its notorious traffic jams. If you want to cycle but feel disoriented, look into joining a bike tour (Bogota Bicycle Tour is a great option)

The Best Time to Visit Bogota

There really is no wrong time to visit Bogotá. Since the weather is pretty consistent, the only other factor you should consider are national holidays and high tourist seasons.

In terms of national holidays, December is a festive time to visit and, if your trip coincides, make sure to explore the Festival of Lights in Villa de Leyva, just outside the city. In March, you’ll be able to check out the Estéreo Picnic Music Festival, Colombia’s biggest alternative music festival, and one of the most recognized across South America. Then, during the summer, there’s Bogota’s Festival de Veranos that showcases performances in Simon Bolivar Metropolitan Park concert stage as well as other venues across town.

In September and October, you can attend Bogota’s International Jazz Festival or its International Film Festival, respectively. Both events attract region-wide spectators and feature internationally recognized musicians and films.

In terms of high tourism season, these coincide with the dry season between December and February and the summer months from June to August.

What to do in Bogota - Must-See Attractions

When visiting Bogota, expect to have a few jam-packed days of exploration. There are seriously so many things to do in Bogota, it can get overwhelming, so here are some of our favorite activities:

‍

1. Cerro de Monserrate / Mount Monserrate

‍

‍

You can’t miss it, it’s literally the mountain looming over the city, known for its panoramic views and a sacred church, the Montserrat Monastery. This is an ideal activity for one of your first days in the city, since it provides excellent perspective on the city’s sheer size. To reach the top of Monserrate, you can either take a cable car or hike. Both are awesome in their own right. Given the city's high altitude, if it's one of your first days in the city, the cable car might be the move. if your body is more acclimated, or you're feeling up for the challenge, the hike up is beautiful as well.

Pro tip: Arrive around 4pm to ensure you are there for sunset and reserve dinner at San Isidro. As lines can get long during busy times, you can buy tickets online.

‍

2. Visіt the Historic La Candelaria neighborhood

Full of colonial buildings, a visit to La Candelaria is like traveling back in time. While exploring, make sure to order a cup of chicha, eat tamales and stop through Plaza de Bolivar, Calle de Embudo, Primada Cathedral, San Francisco Church, San Agustin Church, and Carrera Septima street, where you’ll often see street performers.

Although being the smallest district of Colombia's capital, La Candelaria offers a tremendous diversity of heritage infused in each of its cobbled landed streets

‍

‍

3. City Tours

City tours are probably one of the easiest ways to explore Bogota, and there are a number to choose from, like food tours, street art tours, free walking tours (Gran Colombia offers a free walking tour daily at 10am and 2pm) and bicycle tours. You can find several options with a simple Google Search or on Tripadvisor.

‍

4. Graffiti Tour

‍

‍

Not everyone wants to show their work in a gallery or display it in conventional ways, and Colombia's graffiti artists have been years ahead of the game when it comes to utilizing unusual public spaces to display and inspire a new generation of art fans.

With the declassification of graffiti from a crime to merely a "violation" Bogotá has become a mecca for home-grown and international artists alike.

Take a graffiti tour of Bogota and you'll find yourself immersed in Colombia's history as well as its present, because the city's street artists are constantly finding new methods to express everything the country has gone through. Graffiti artists and collectives take inspiration from the lives of everyday people, and their work often serves as a mirror for society at large. Hearing the stories behind the art will surely leave you with a whole new appreciation for Colombia.

A Bogota graffiti tour will not only introduce you to Colombian art, but it will also bring you into the beating heart of the Colombian capital. Look for unique architecture, vendors selling juice from exotic tropical fruits, and dark gloomy cafés where some of Colombia's greatest writers produced their works, during your trip around the city.

‍

‍

‍

‍

5. Famous Bogota Museums

Compared to other South American capitals, Bogota has some top-notch museums you should definitely make time to visit. All the museums are easy and relatively cheap to access

‍

Museo Botero

Museo Botero is considered one of Latin America's most important international art collections, containing works of renowned Colombian painter and sculptor, Fernando Botero - considered the most recognized and quoted living artist from Latin America

‍

‍

‍

The Gold Museum

Named by National Geographic magazine as one of the most important museums in the world, Gold Museum along with the likes Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum (Poland), and the Vatican museums (Italy), the Gold Museum boasts over 34,000 gold pieces, a breathtaking collection of gold artifacts from Colombia’s pre-hispanic indigenous cultures and in our opinion should not be missed.

Pro tip: The Museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 6pm, and on Sundays from 10am to 4pm. Touring the whole museum will take about 3-4 hours (although of course it can be done in less if your in a time crunch). Entrance is ~$1 USD and there are daily free tours in English and Spanish which are well worth it, to dive deeper and learn the remarkable histories of Colombia's indigenous peoples.

‍

‍

The National Museum of Colombia

Housed in an old prison, the National Museum and so its architecture Founded in 1824, the museum houses 20,000+ artifacts, antiquities, and works of art from pre-colonial to colonial through the revolution and present-day.

‍

‍

6. Visit up and  coming Art Galleries

Bogotá has a thriving art scene that you can explore by touring its art galleries like:

La Silueta Casa

Laagencia

Instituto de Visión

7. Check out "La Ciclovía" on Sundays

Every Sunday, major city streets are closed off to all vehicles other than bicycles, encouraging locals to get on their bikes and ride! And that’s not all, in Carrera 7, from Parque de La Independencia in La Macarena to Plaza Bolivar, you can enjoy an impromptu street party with street musicians, performers and vendors.

‍

8. Enjoy a walk down Calle 7

This pedestrian street goes from Plaza de Simon Bolivia up to the National Museum. Since it’s closed to vehicles, it’s a wonderful route for a stroll and an opportunity to enjoy street performers, street art and eat tasty bites from the street food carts.

‍

9. Visit the stunning Teatro Colon

One of the oldest opera houses on the continent, Teatro Colon opens to visitors regularly for performances by world-renowned artists in dance, theater, music and more.

‍

‍

10. Go shopping in the famous streets Markets

What better way to explore a new city than by visiting its markets. (You’ll also be able to stock up on souvenirs and gifts.) Some of the best markets in town are Chapinero Farmers’ Market, Paloquemao, and Usaquén Market. Keep your eyes open for delicious chocolates, world-famous Colombian coffee, ceramics and even hammocks.

‍

‍

11. Play a game of Tejo

If you like combining gunpowder with beer, you’ll probably like Tejo. This is a national sport that involves throwing metal discs at a ceramic board. If you hit the right spots, you win points and are also rewarded with a loud blast and spark from a small packet of gunpowder. Checkout Anthony Bourdain’s hilarious demonstration of playing Tejo during his trip to Colombia. This is the perfect activity if you’re traveling with a group of friends. Where is such an activity accessible, legal and pretty safe you might ask?: Club de Tejo La 76 For some do’s (and dont’s), check out this awesome clip of Anthony Bourdain playing Tejo during one of his many trips to Colombia.

‍

13. Learn to Salsa Dance

Even with two left feet, you’ll enjoy learning salsa in Colombia, one of the world’s salsa capitals. After a couple of classes, head over to Galería Café Libro to put your moves to the test (classes are also often offered here before the night begins).

‍

‍

14. Watch a Live Soccer Game

If you want a real South American experience, head to El Campín Stadium, where soccer games are regularly hosted for Colombia’s national soccer team and other professional league teams like Millonarios FC and Santa Fe.

‍

‍

Escape the city: Things to do Outside of Bogota

After exploring Bogotá for a couple of days, you might need a retreat from its constant hubbub.

Bogota’s Botanical Gardens

The Botanical Gardens are an oasis within the city itself featuring an amazing variety of plants and trees from every region in Colombia including greenhouses with all types of climates, ponds

‍

‍

‍

‍

Visit Simon Bolívar Metropolitan Park

Located nearby the garden is the city’s primary greenspace that has a lake and paths for walking or running.

From the north othe city, you can take the Quebrada la Vieja páramo trail all the way up the Cerros Orientales (Eastern hills). While access is free, you need to make a reservation online in advance.

‍

Checkout the La Calera

On the outskirts of Bogotá you’ll find la Calera, a popular weekend destination for locals because of its natural surroundings, impressive views and delicious colombian food. La Calera can easily be reached by taxi from Bogotá.

‍

4 Day trips from Bogota

If you have a full day to spare during your visit, check out one of the following day trip destinations.

1. Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral

Located about an hour’s drive from Bogotá, this was a salt mine for the indigenous Muisca people that inhabited the region prior to the Spanish invasion. Much later, it was turned into a Cathedral, which explains the gigantic cross in its final chamber. If you like, you can travel to Zipaquirá by train.

2. La Chorrera Waterfall

Colombia’s tallest waterfall (590 meters) and is only 1 hour and 40 minutes from Bogotá. Take the Transmilenio south to Tercer Milenio then head to the nearby bus station to grab a bus to Choachi.

3. Villa de Leyva

Another worthwhile day trip is a visit to, a colonial town about 3.5 hours from Bogotá by car or bus. The town, having been well preserved since its founding in the 16th century, provides visitors a glimpse into what life might’ve looked like, back in the day.

4. Laguna de Guatavita

historically a sacred lake to the indigenous Muisca people, and the site of gold rituals is, today, a lush, protected area only 1.5 hours from Bogotá. While you’re there, check out the hot springs in Sesquilé.

Where to Eat in Bogota

Foodie or not, you’ll be blown away by the gastronomical options and variety in Bogotá. While you can buy many local classics like arepas, empanadas and soups all over the city, there are a few spots in town renowned for the quality of their food that you simply can’t miss.

‍

‍

• Andrés Carne de Res is truly a unique experience, not just a restaurant. The original Andrés Carne de Res is located about 45 minutes outside the city and is well worth the trek. While a closer Bogota location exists, if you can make the time, the original is 100% the way to go. As its name implies, the speciality here is grilled meat, though there are many vegetarian dishes you can also sample, like plátano maduro relleno de queso y bocadillo (baked plantains stuffed with cheese and guava), and arepas de choclo (sweet corn cakes). Later in the evenings, especially on Saturdays, the restaurant transforms into a nightclub with performances and lots of dancing - Colombian style.

‍

‍

‍

Near Candelaria, you’ll find a number of other delicious spots, like Prudencia, built in a renovated colonial French-style home, and only open for lunch (vegetarian option available), and De Una Travel Bar, where you’re find a variety of South American dishes in a laid-back environment.

If you’re looking for a local favorite, check out La Puerta Falsa, renowned for its delicious tamales, and located just a block from la Plaza de Bolivar. Finally, Capital Cocina transports you straight into a Colombian home with its mouth-watering soups, grilled chicken and steak.

Finally, if you’d like something a bit more modern, visit the beautifully decorated Madre for their brick oven-baked pizzas and cocktails.

Only a 2-minute walk from Museo Botero is El Son de Los Grillos, a charming spot that fuses international cuisine with traditional Colombian recipes. You can’t go wrong at la Chichería Demente with its open style, industrial layout and decor. Nearly all ingredients are locally-sourced and it’s a great place to go with a group to taste a variety of dishes.

Pro tip:  While exploring the city, keep your eye peeled for Juan Valdez and the BBC - Bogota Beer Company. These two chains can be found throughout the city and are a great alternative for when you need a quick coffee or bite to eat. They are especially useful on Sundays when nearly everything else is closed.

Best Nightlife in Bogotá

If you like a good party, you’ve come to the right city; Bogotá has a popping night scene. When in doubt, head to Chapinero’s Zona T with many bars and nightclubs to choose from.

Before partying, grab a few cocktails in the luxurious Red Room or, if you prefer drinks with a view, head to Apache Bar, located on the 10th floor of the beautifully designed (and very pricey) Click Clack Hotel overlooking the city. Llorente, another good spot, is found in the Quinta Camacho neighborhood, offers live music, food and drinks in an elegant environment.

If you’re looking to practice your Spanish and make new friends, head to Vintrash on a Tuesday night for Gringo Tuesday. After practicing your Spanish or English, you can practice your dance moves and get down to some reggaeton.

For the hard core partiers among you, head to Theatrón, known as one of South Americas best  gay bars. But all are welcome here and there’s more than enough space, since the club spans 5 stories and 13 dance floors. Other good places to dance include Kukaramákara, a typical Colombian bar, Armando Records,  a multi-level bar with a variety of music and cool rooftop, and el Bembé, a cuban salsa joint with excellent mojitos.

Where to Stay in Bogota

Given the sheer size and demographic mix of Bogota, there are thousands of accommodation options to choose from. Finding one that is well-situated and also fits your budget can be overwhelming. Although you can find tons of options on Tripadvisor or hostelworld, below are a few of our favorites:

Click Clack Hotel

If you're looking for a modern luxury option (and willing to spend a little extra) check out Following up on the success of their sister location in Medellin, they do a great job of creating beautiful experimental design. Located next to Park 93 in one of the city's key cultural and business hubs.

The Four Seasons

For a top-notch luxury accommodations, this is truly a thing of beauty. This 1946 building, complete with stone columns, beamed ceilings and hand-carved details, has recently been declared a Monument of Cultural Interest by Colombia’s Ministry of Culture. Located in Zona G, the hotel is steps from many of Bogotá’s five-star restaurants.

If you're an adventurous traveler looking for a quality, yet affordable option, as well a place to meet other travelers, hostels are a great choice. You’ll find many hostel options around la Candelaria which, apart from being a lovely colonial district, is also the most convenient spot from which to explore the city and its main sites. Access around la Candelaria to public transport is easy, and you’ll find many places to stop for some delicious home brewed Colombian coffee, lunch, or an evening drink.

‍

The Dreamer

The newly designed, Dreamer Bogotá, (opened in 2023) is well worth a visit. Located in La Candelaria, this beautiful botique hostel isan excellent option for those that want a cozy, comfortable and conveniently located home base while visiting Bogotá. It overlooks the famous park, Parque de los Periodistas, and also has panoramic views of Cerro de Monserrate from its beautiful rooftop deck.

"Casa Dreamer” is built in a colonial building and offers a rooftop terrace, a communal dining & entertainment room with a fireplace, bar and restaurant, all built around a lovely interior courtyard. After a day out on the town, “the casa” is a great place to unwind, relax and cozy up by the fire. Did I mention there is a sauna? If you're planning on staying in la Candelaria neighborhood this is a great option. It also boasts the sole female-only dorms in the city

Bogota: Final Thoughts

Bogota is a city that has something for everyone. Whether you are looking to party all night, dance the salsa, or take in some of the city's rich history and culture, Bogota will not disappoint. With a vast array fo neighborhoods to explore, from La Candelaria to Chapinero-Zona T, and the Zona Rosa, you will find yourself with plenty to explore. With so many accommodations and nightlife options to choose from, we hope we have given you just a taste of what this amazing city has to offer. Be sure to add Bogota to your list of places to visit in 2022!

Travel Tips and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Bogota Safe?

Yes. Despite its tumultuous history involving guerilla groups and drug cartels, Bogota, and much of Colombia, is considered perfectly safe. In fact, likely because of its history, great effort has been made to ensure Bogotá is a safe city for travelers of all types. That said, as in most other Latin America capitals, certain precautions will always be necessary, but most of these are common sense.

Generally speaking, apart from the most visited neighborhoods like La Candelaria, Chapinero-Zona T, the Zona Rosa, don’t wander around areas of the city that you’re unfamiliar with. Also, in the evening, always try to take a safe taxi or Uber, rather than a random taxi off the street.

Pro tip: No dar papaya. This is a colloquialism that literally translates to “don’t give papaya.” In other words, don’t give people the chance to steal your possessions. Always keep an eye on your personal belongings, also, don’t flash your cash, letting people know how much money you’re carrying. Particularly on public transport, be cautious when using your phone publically and keep valuable in your front pockets.

‍

How many days should you spend in Bogotá?

Try to set aside at least two days, if not three, to explore Bogotá. This will give you enough time to visit its best museums (like the Museo del Oro, which is stunning!), wander through the la Candelaria district, and eat at some of its top-rated restaurants.

What should I pack?

Apart from a rain jacket (or an umbrella which can be purchased on the street, if need be!), all you really need in Bogotá are comfortable shoes, a sweater or light jacket for the evenings and sun protection (hat, sunscreen, possible a light long-sleeved shirt).

Final tips

The riches you won’t find in Colombia’s breathtaking Caribbean beaches and its lush tropical rainforest can be found in Bogota’s museums, parks and along its cobblestone streets. To close this Guide to Bogota, here are a few final tips you should keep in mind during your journey.

Though younger Colombian generations are well-equipped in English, most of the population won’t speak it well. Brush up on your Spanish before (and during) your trip to facilitate your travel experience and to interact more authentically with locals.

Bogota is an entire world in and of itself. If you have some time to spare, consider spending more than two nights here. A more reasonable timeframe would be 3 nights and 4 days - you really won’t regret it!

Heading to the coast after your visit to Bogotá? Check-out our Costal Guide and Tayrona Park Guide

36 Hours in Bogota Itinerary

With only a day and a half in Bogotá, you’re not going to know where to begin! Here is our recommended 36-hour itinerary.

Day 1

7:00 am: Start early and head to Monserrate before the crowds arrive. You’ll find a breakfast spot behind the church.

9:30 am: Join a Bogota Bike tour or a free walking tour

12:00-2:00 pm: Lunch at Prudencia

2:30 pm: Visit the National Museum

4:00 pm: Bike or walk along Calle 7

7:00 pm: Dinner at Andrés Carne de Res

‍

Day 2

9:00 am: Visit the Museo de Oro (entrance fee is $4mil COP, open Monday – Saturday and free on Sunday).

11:00 am: Depending on how quickly you made it through the Museo de Oro, you might have time to visit the Botero Museum

1:00 pm: Lunch at De Una Travel Bar

2:00 pm: Go on a Bogota Graffiti Tour

Looking for more things to do on your travels through Colombia?

If you are headed to The Caribbean Coast after Bogota, check out our comprehensive guides to Tayrona Park and Santa Marta. If you are planning on staying on San Andres Island, and looking for a nice place right near the beach, and within walking distance from the airport, check out the award-winning Dreamer Beach Club.

If you're planning on exploring Parque Tayrona and decide to stay outside the park, both Dreamer Santa Marta or Dreamer Palomino are great options as well. They have a pool, restaurant, bar, and comfortable rooms making it an excellent option to relax and unwind before or after your trip. With partnerships with the top tour providers, they can help organize and plan your trip to the park and surrounding areas including The Lost City Trek, Scuba Diving, Cabo de la Vela & Punta Gallinas

And lastly, if your headed to coffee country,  we’d love to host you at our brand new beautiful Cocora Valley finca!

For more information on activities or tours or general questions about the area, don’t hesitate to give us a shout! We’re here to help you have the best time possible and hope you will love the Colombian coast just as much as we do!

‍

Use code DREAMERLIFE for a 15% discount at any of our properties. Wherever your journey takes you, we hope you enjoy visiting our beautiful country of Colombia!
‍

With Love,
Dreamer