Majestic and lively, perched at an altitude of nearly 2,600 meters, Bogotá, one of our 18 most beautiful places to visit in Colombia, is a metropolis full of contrasts. It offers a multitude of attractions, from the cobbled streets of La Candelaria, a historic district adorned with churches and colonial mansions, to the Gold Museum, home to the world's largest collection of pre-Columbian gold objects. The Botero Museum invites you to discover the works of the famous artist, while the National Museum offers an insight into the country's history. Before climbing the Monserrate for a panoramic view, explore the surrounding area, including the salt cathedral of Zipaquirá or the mysterious Guatavita lagoon. Or even try out one of our 10 experiences to be enjoyed only in Colombia.
1. Bolivar Square
A must-see during your stay, Bolivar Square is the historical, political, cultural and religious heart of the country. It was built on the site of the first twelve houses erected in Bogotá, dedicated to the twelve apostles. Designed in compliance with the strict architectural standards imposed by the Spanish Crown, the Plaza Mayor is dominated by the statue of Simón Bolívar. To the south of the square stands the neoclassical Capitol Nacional, erected between 1847 and 1925 and housing the seat of Congress. Opposite is the Palacio de Justicia. On the east side of the square, you can admire the majestic Cathedral, the Blessed Sacrament Chapel and the Casa del Florero. To the west is the Palacio Liévano, home to the town hall. Always lively, this vast square regularly hosts political and cultural events.
Click here to book your city bike tour and see all the must-see places!
2. What to do in Bogotá Visit the Botero Museum
In the heart of Bogotá's historic center lies the Botero Museum, inaugurated in 2000 following the donation by the master Fernando Botero of over a hundred of his major works, as well as a significant part of his collection. Admission is free, a condition set by Botero himself. Housed in a splendid colonial building dating from 1724, restored with Botero's collaboration, the museum offers an enriching experience that can take two to three hours to discover the artist's creations, ranging from paintings to drawings and sculptures, as well as a variety of works by world-renowned artists. Considered one of the five most important in Latin America, the collection includes works by masters such as Monet, Matisse, Toulouse-Lautrec, Dalí, Picasso, Miró, Klimt, Chagall, Giacometti, Renoir...
3. La catedral primada de Colombia
Colombia's primada cathedral is the country's most emblematic religious building. Built in 1565, it overlooks the Plaza Bolivar. It was destroyed twice by earthquakes and rebuilt for the last time between 1807 and 1823. The Santa Isabel de Hungría chapel, one of the cathedral's twelve chapels, houses the tombs of such notable figures as the city's founder Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada, independence pioneer Antonio Nariño and painter Gregorio Vásquez de Arce y Ceballos. To the right of the cathedral is the Capilla del Sagrario, built in the 18th century. Adjacent to the Capilla del Sagrario stands the Palacio Arzobispal, an imposing neoclassical building whose balcony welcomed Pope Francis for his speech during his state visit in 2017.
4. What to do in Bogotá Visitthe Museo del Oro
Colombia's most prestigious museum houses tens of thousands of pieces in gold and ceramics, stone, bone, shell, wood... It was created in 1939 to prevent the dispersal of pre-Columbian treasures (sales, exports, remelting, etc.). Today, it is the world's largest collection of pre-Hispanic gold objects. The Gold Museum presents a permanent exhibition organized into four thematic rooms. The first focuses on metalworking. Ancestral mining and manufacturing techniques are described. The second presents the uses and context of metalworking in the political and religious organization of pre-Columbian societies. The third room explores the cosmology and symbolism of these objects. Finally, the fourth room, devoted to offerings, transports visitors into a mystical world with a sound and light show, where hundreds of gold objects sparkle to the accompaniment of traditional sacred chants. Finally, the Gold Museum features an interactive room, El Exploratorio, offering a playful presentation of the diversity of Colombia's heritage.
5. Cerro de Montserrat
The Cerro de Monserrate, nestled in the heart of a dense forest, rises majestically to an altitude of 3,152 metres, crowned by a dazzling white basilica. To reach its summit, you can either take a funicular or cable car, both offering a picturesque excursion up the mountainside, or begin the ascent on foot along a path paved with large stones. Allow around an hour for the ascent, slightly less for the descent. If you wish to avoid the crowds, it's best not to visit the site on Sundays or during Catholic holidays; the rest of the time, the place is generally peaceful. Once you've reached the top, you'll be rewarded with an exceptional panoramic view of the city and Bogotá's Sabana.
Explore the city of Bogotá by booking this this guided tour which will take you up to Monserrate by cable car, visit the Gold Museum, the Botero Museum and much more.
6. What to do in Bogotá Visitthe Museo nacional de Colombia
The Museo Nacional de Colombia is housed in a fortress built around 1850. Originally intended as a prison, the building has served as a showcase for the collections of the National Museum, founded in 1823, since 1942. Its incredible permanent collection comprises almost 30,000 items, offering a unique testimony to Colombian history and national heritage. Discover pieces ranging from pre-Columbian civilizations to contemporary times. The works are beautifully displayed. Allow at least three hours. The museum also regularly stages temporary exhibitions of exceptional quality. A must-see when discovering the Colombian capital!
7. Bogotá Museum of Modern Art (MAMBO)
Bogotá's Museum of Modern Art is housed in a building designed by renowned Colombian architect Rogelio Salmona. MAMBO offers visitors a multicultural space where modern and contemporary art meet. The museum regularly presents temporary exhibitions, exploring different themes or featuring renowned local and international artists. Guided tours are also available. At the entrance, a boutique offers original creations, sales of which help fund the museum's educational programs.
8. What to do in Bogotá See the Guatavita lagoon
This famous circular lagoon, perched at an altitude of over 3,000 meters, is the origin of the El Dorado myth. The origin of the Guatavita lagoon remains uncertain. Whatever it may be, the perfectly round lagoon is a breathtaking sight, especially in fine weather, when its waters reflect the blue sky like a mirror perched atop the Andes mountains. The legend of El Dorado has its origins in the ritual investiture of the new Muisca cacique. Covered in gold dust, the cacique climbed onto a raft laden with gold statuettes and emeralds, which he then threw into the lake as an offering to the gods. Many adventurers have sacrificed their lives to find these offerings. With each attempt, the searchers found little more than gold. Most of the pieces found are on display at Bogotá's Gold Museum. Click here to book your guided tour of the Guatavita lagoon, including a visit to the Salt Cathedral.
9. Ziquatera Salt Cathedral
The Salt Park, a must-see on the outskirts of Bogotá, offers an immersion into the world of the miners. The visit to the underground cathedral is the star attraction. The salt cathedral we visit today is a reproduction of the original one built in 1954, a work of over 6,000 square meters carved out of the salt rock. Comprising labyrinths, colossal naves and chapels, it is dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary, patron saint of miners. For safety reasons, the original church threatened to collapse, so a replica was built. Inaugurated in 1995, the new cathedral is located 180 meters underground. Guided tours are offered, masses are celebrated on Sundays and classical music concerts are occasionally organized.
Click here to book your grouptour of Zipaquira Salt Cathedral.
10. Chingaza National Nature Park
Chingaza National Nature Park, located an hour north-west of the capital, is a must-see for nature and open spaces enthusiasts. Covering an area of almost 77,000 hectares, this sanctuary of Andean flora and fauna offers hikers spectacular trails to explore. In the park, foothill landscapes, numerous rivers and Andean forest ecosystems are the playground of the spectacled bear, tapir, puma, jaguar and condor. A hike to discover the lagoons, geysers, rugged peaks and plains takes around four hours. Warm clothing is recommended, as altitudes can exceed 3,000 meters! Click here to book your guided eco-tour of Chingaza National Park!
11. What to do in Bogotá?Shopping!
Save room in your suitcase for handicrafts, coffee, rum... The capital, which is also one of our top 5 cities for discovering Latin American gastronomy, brings together everything produced in the country's different regions, and while it's always nicer to buy direct from the producer, you often have to resort to boutiques or artisanal markets. When it comes to clothes, boots or leather bags, you're sure to find a bargain. The quality is there and the prices are interesting. The same goes for gold and silver jewelry, and of course emeralds. In Candelaria, there are at least three large craft galleries on the vibrant Carrera Séptima, and Usaquén also offers great stuff, especially on Sundays. Here you'll find original creations sold directly by artists and craftspeople, in a typically Colombian, happy atmosphere.
Where to stay in Bogotá?
La Candelaria is full of hostels in old colonial houses, as well as a few luxury hotels. Chapinero, less touristy and more central, is a good place to explore. Further north, there are mostly upscale hotels. Their advantage is their proximity to the Zona Rosa, the epicenter of nightlife.
- The nicest: THE CRANKY CROC HOSTEL
Well placed in La Candelaria, in a beautiful colonial house with patios, restored a few years ago by Andy the Australian, this is one of the first hostels in La Candelaria, and you can feel the experience in the spirit of travel. Click here to book your stay!
- Art Deco plus:HOTEL CASA DECO
Just a stone's throw from the Chorro de Quevedo, this hotel is located in one of the few houses in the district with Art Deco architecture. It boasts some twenty rooms and suites, which you can book in just a few clicks here.
- The most luxurious: the FOUR SEASONS HOTEL CASA MEDINA
Built in 1946, Casa Medina is the work of artist and architect Santiago Medina Mejia. A superb, exclusive address from the famous luxury hotel group bookable in just a few clicks here !
What to do in Bogotá in 3 days
Day 1: Stroll through La Candelaria: Plaza de Bolivar, the pedestrianized Carrera Séptima to the Parque Nacional, via the Museo Nacional. Climb the Monserrate in the late afternoon for a fine view of the capital.
Day 2: This second day can be devoted to the Museo de l'Or and the Museo Botero.
Day 3: Time for an excursion in Bogotá's surroundings: the Guatavita Lagoon or the Ziquatera Salt Cathedral.
What to do in Bogotá in the evening?
One of Bogotá's main attractions is the rumba. The hottest spot is the Zona Rosa, roughly between carreras 11 and 15 and calles 82 to 85, with its many clubs, bars and even festive restaurants. Chapinero and the center also boast a number of concert bars and nightclubs of all styles, with a more bohemian atmosphere.
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