What to do in Bogota, Colombia Now (2022)
Worrying about the Safety in Bogota, Colombia? Drop your fears and get exploring this amazing city.
Welcome to Bogota, Colombia. Colombia’s capital and home to more than 8 million people. Overwhelming much? Yes, but don’t let the numbers, cold, or traffic scare you off, unless you want to miss another memorable Colombian city.
Best Things to do in Bogota Colombia Overview
Bogota Street Art
Bogota’s street art is remarkable. With an estimated 5,000 + pieces, you are almost guaranteed to see something new around every corner. With this density of art it’s no surprise that Bogota is rated as a TOP 10 City in the world for street art.
Keep your eyes off of your phone and peruse the free outdoor museum.
Bogota’s Free Walking tours are one of the best things you can experience while in the city. Book a free Bogota tour below with Bogota Graffiti Tours.
These tours provide a look into the history of Bogota’s Street Art, the current state of Bogota’s art scene & a breakdown of Colombian culture. CANT BE MISSED.
Hike Up Monserrate
Monserrate in Bogiota, is one of the highest peaks and one of the most recognized parts of the city. The white cathedral is an unmissable landmark you will quickly recognize when exploring the city.
Monserrate is a pilgrimage destination as well as one of the top tourist/local choices in Bogota.
Craving a leg-burning workout? Hike up before 1 pm and take in the best views of the city. Need to give your legs some solace?
Use the cable cars or funiculars to get yourself back down to ground level. This is a must-do thing when visiting Bogota!
Visit the Markets of Bogota
Bogota has a wide variety of excellent markets to peruse. Bogota is a melting pot of Colombians & is also a melting pot for food choices.
Whether it be a 5 star restaurant that none of us backpackers are eating at (Probably).
Or Bogota’s staple food, Ajiaco, your taste buds will be happier than a clam.
Naturally like any other major Latin America city, the markets are a must visit. Paloquemao is a MUST, MUST, MUST.
Explore the Diverse Neighborhoods
Bogota is a giant city and therefore you need to understand the layout of this city to avoid issues. There are a few popular places that tourists hang out in and others that aren’t widely as known.
Here are some of the neighborhoods of Bogota you should familiarize yourself with:
Chapinero – Located in the heart of Bogota, Chapinero is the hipster hangout in this city. Microbreweries, cafes, and one of South America’s largest LGBTQ+ nightclubs
La Candelaria – A spot that many visitors flock to for it’s location and everything in close proximity.
La Zona Rosa
Chico y El Parque 93
Consume Bogota's Best Coffee
Coffee and Colombia are synonymous. Bogota’s coffee scene like its rival city Medellin, is booming.
Find yourself a solid spot and enjoy. It just wouldn’t be right if I didn’t include coffee on this list.
Here are some of the Best Coffee Shops in Bogota:
- Azahar Cafe
- Café Cultor
- Bourbon Coffee Roasters
There are tons of other Coffee options in Bogota but add these to your list for starters!
Best Bogota Museums to Visit
Bogota provides travelers with an excellent selection of Musuems to choose from. If you are looking for a particular type of museum, you are likely to find it.
A nice aspect about museums in Bogota are that most are free or are less than $5. Some must sees include:
- Bortero Museum – Colombia’s most famous artist
- Museo Del Oro – The Gold Museum
Important Information to know about Bogota
Climate and Environment in Colombia's Capital
Bogota is situated at 8,660 feet above sea level which provides a crisp, cool environment. Bogota might be your city if you enjoy the chance to throw a sweatshirt on & hit the streets.
However, unlike some of my flip flop toting travelers, they can’t live with the thought of throwing shoes and socks on.
Where is Bogota, Colombia?
Bogota is located smack dab in the center of Colombia and is an amazing base for exploring the massive country.
If you’re in Bogota backpacking, the location allows travelers to explore extreme differences in geography & activities. Within 6 hours from the country’s capital, visitors can:
- Explore the World’s Largest Paramo de Oceta
- Hike to Colombia’s Tallest Waterfall: La Chorrera
- Stargaze in one of Colombia’s most scenic deserts, Tatacoa
- Learn about the production of some of the worlds best coffee
Feeling adventurous? Bogota is the gateway to Colombia’s Amazon, which out of any Amazon in South America, is the least explored & arguably the best.
Find out for yourself or take a look at my Colombia Amazon Guide
Bogota Traffic and Congestion
While doing all the best things Bogota has to offer, you are surely going to encounter one sour part of the city, TRAFFIC.
Traffic in Bogota is brutal. As expected with any major city, Bogota’s traffic can make the most tranquil monk break their silence. Don’t want to be stuck all day?
Make sure you are aware of your route and where you will be in the city.
Is Bogota safe for foreign travelers?
Bogota Colombia is safe to visit in 2022! Yes there are inherent dangers of traveling here but practice common sense and travel smart.
Be cautious at night especially if you’re traveling solo and don’t speak Spanish. Group travel is always advised
Finding a flight to Bogota
There are tons of ways to get to Bogota and surprisingly there are lots of cheap flights you can get to Bogota!
The main cities that fly to Bogota include:
- Miami
- Dallas
- LAX
More Colombia Travel Guides
Thanks for reading and if you need any help while traveling in Colombia, use this great resource for Bogota