Written by Marcus Kayode, Marika Maslanka, Santiago Rodriguez
03/08/2025
Juan Felipe Ramírez, Pexels
Bogotá, Colombia's capital city, offers a vibrant blend of historical richness, diverse culture, and a burgeoning culinary scene. As a dynamic urban center, it attracts travelers seeking immersive cultural experiences, historical exploration, and lively nightlife, with many visitors discovering its unique charm by extending their stays.
For those looking to socialize, the historic district of La Candelaria serves as a central hub, popular with backpackers due to its many hostels and a bohemian atmosphere with bars and cafes, particularly around Plaza del Chorro de Quevedo. North of the city center, Chapinero is a lively district known for its university student population and vibrant nightlife. Within Chapinero, Zona T and Zona Rosa are prime areas for nightlife, featuring a concentration of upscale bars, clubs, and restaurants, ideal for those seeking a more energetic party scene. Usaquén, in the north, also provides a lively social atmosphere with its gastronomic offerings, cafes, and cocktail bars.
Top 6 Things to do in Bogotá
Bogotá offers a range of activities focused on its rich history, vibrant art scene, diverse culture, and unique culinary experiences.
1. Visit Monserrate
Ascend Monserrate, a towering mountain overlooking Bogotá, for breathtaking panoramic views of the city. At its peak, explore the revered Monserrate Sanctuary, a significant pilgrimage site. The area also boasts lush gardens and diverse flora and fauna, offering a serene escape.
Cost: A round-trip ticket for the funicular or cable car typically costs around 23,500 COP (approximately $4.87 USD) from Monday to Saturday, and 14,000 COP (approximately $2.90 USD) on Sundays. A fast pass is available for 87,500 COP. Alternatively, the walking path is free to use.
Transport: Monserrate is accessible by bus (approximately $1 USD, 12 minutes), taxi (approximately $2-3 USD, 6 minutes), or by walking (approximately 1 hour 3 minutes for 5.3 km) from central Bogotá. The nearest public transport hub is Las Aguas station.
2. Explore La Candelaria and Plaza de Bolívar
Wander through the historic La Candelaria district, characterized by its colonial architecture and vibrant street art. This area is home to key landmarks like Plaza de Bolívar, the city's main square, surrounded by the Bogotá Cathedral, government palaces, and other significant buildings. Many tours include tasting local fruits and Colombian coffee.
Cost: Many free walking tours are available, operating on a tip-based system, with a suggested donation often around $12-15 USD. Paid tours typically start from $13-15 USD.
Transport: La Candelaria is Bogotá's historic city center and is largely walkable, especially from accommodations within the central area. Tours often begin at central points like Chorro de Quevedo Square.
3. Visit the Gold Museum (Museo del Oro)
Discover one of the world's most extensive collections of pre-Hispanic gold artifacts at the Gold Museum. The museum showcases over 55,000 pieces, offering deep insights into the diverse indigenous cultures that once thrived in the region.
Cost: Admission is 4,000 COP (approximately $1 USD) from Tuesday to Saturday. Entry is free on Sundays, for children under 12, and for seniors over 60.
Transport: Located in the city center, the museum is easily accessible by the TransMilenio bus system to the 'Museo del Oro' station, or by walking along Seventh Avenue, a main pedestrian thoroughfare.
4. Explore the Botero Museum (Museo Botero)
Immerse yourself in the distinctive world of Fernando Botero's art at the Botero Museum, featuring his iconic voluminous paintings and sculptures. The museum also displays works by renowned international artists such as Salvador Dalí, Claude Monet, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir from Botero's private collection.
Cost: Admission to the Botero Museum is free. Private guided tours can be arranged starting from approximately $48 USD per person.
Transport: The museum is situated within the historic La Candelaria district, a short walk from Plaza de Bolívar. It is also a 10-minute walk from the nearest subway station. Public buses from central Bogotá cost around $1 USD (12-14 minutes), while a taxi ride is approximately $2-3 USD (4-5 minutes).
5. Take a Graffiti and Street Art Tour
Discover Bogotá's renowned street art scene, particularly concentrated in the La Candelaria and Las Aguas neighborhoods. These tours provide context on the socio-political messages and history embedded within the vibrant murals and graffiti that adorn the city's walls.
Cost: Many graffiti tours operate on a 'free tour' model, relying on tips from participants, with a suggested donation of around $12-15 USD.
Transport: Tours typically commence in central areas such as Chorro de Quevedo Square or Gabriel García Márquez Park for Journalists, which are easily accessible by walking from most central accommodations.
6. Experience a Food Tour and Visit Paloquemao Market
Embark on a culinary journey through Bogotá, sampling traditional Colombian dishes and exotic fruits. A food tour often includes tastings of local specialties like ajiaco soup, empanadas, and oblea. The Paloquemao Market is a bustling local market where you can explore a wide variety of fresh produce and experience daily life.
Cost: Organized food tours typically range from $45 USD to $77 USD per person, usually including various food tastings. Some tours allow you to pay for tastings as you go, with estimated costs for food around $9-10 USD.
Transport: Meeting points for food tours are generally in central areas of Bogotá, often within walking distance or a short public transport ride. Paloquemao Market is accessible via local buses or taxis.
At TFA Travel we believe in travel for all. Our mission is to enable people to explore the world as easily as possible without having to pay a travel agent a huge commission.
Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
