What to do in Bogota, Colombia Now (2022)

Worrying about the Safety in Bogota, Colombia? Drop your fears and get exploring this amazing city.

Bogota Street Art
Bogota's Street Art

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. 

Bogota Street Art

Bogota Street Art Tours
Bogota Street Art Tours

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

bogota backpacking
Monserrate Peak

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 Neighborhoods To Know
Bogota City Life - Hectic

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

Azahar Cafe, Bogota
Azahar Cafe, Bogota

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.

bogota colombia on map
Bogota on a Map

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:

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