Paola's Guide to Bogotá, Colombia
Sightseeing
This is my hometown and a city with incredible sightseeing. I grew up in the northwest of the city and went to college in old town so in my college years I got to know the old part of the city which is absolutely magical
Bogota
This is my hometown and a city with incredible sightseeing. I grew up in the northwest of the city and went to college in old town so in my college years I got to know the old part of the city which is absolutely magical
At about 500m (1500ft) above Bogota, Monserrate is an absolutely MUST to see. Most people like to take the cable cart but know there is a gorgeous path to walk up to the top. Make sure to spend a couple of days in the city to acclimate to the altitude and go up slowly. Take it easy and enjoy the views and "aguadepanela con queso" up at the top behind the church. Don't be shy to walk through all shops. At the end you find some local food to adventure!
1000 personas locales recomiendan
Monserrate
At about 500m (1500ft) above Bogota, Monserrate is an absolutely MUST to see. Most people like to take the cable cart but know there is a gorgeous path to walk up to the top. Make sure to spend a couple of days in the city to acclimate to the altitude and go up slowly. Take it easy and enjoy the views and "aguadepanela con queso" up at the top behind the church. Don't be shy to walk through all shops. At the end you find some local food to adventure!
If you like walking, you could walk to this place. Google maps will give you a decent walking route to Bogota's old town district of La Candelaria. Walking through this neighborhood will take you through many interesting spots and you could end up here to enjoy local drinks or a beer or a coffee. Walls have lots of artistic graffiti and many youth hostels are located in this area.
139 personas locales recomiendan
Plazoleta Chorro de Quevedo
22 Cl. 12bIf you like walking, you could walk to this place. Google maps will give you a decent walking route to Bogota's old town district of La Candelaria. Walking through this neighborhood will take you through many interesting spots and you could end up here to enjoy local drinks or a beer or a coffee. Walls have lots of artistic graffiti and many youth hostels are located in this area.
The capital's main square surrounded by the Cathedral, Congress, City Hall and close to the presidential palace. Check this off your list while walking through Candelaria district. Before coming down to the plaza you can find many little spots to have a bite or a coffee
363 personas locales recomiendan
Plaza de Bolívar
11-10 Cra. 7The capital's main square surrounded by the Cathedral, Congress, City Hall and close to the presidential palace. Check this off your list while walking through Candelaria district. Before coming down to the plaza you can find many little spots to have a bite or a coffee
This is a house Simon Bolivar lived at for some time. They provide audio guides in english for free and the entry fee is extremely cheap. Nice old spanish property and story to listen to. I just love this place.
46 personas locales recomiendan
Casa Museo Quinta de Bolivar
This is a house Simon Bolivar lived at for some time. They provide audio guides in english for free and the entry fee is extremely cheap. Nice old spanish property and story to listen to. I just love this place.
Fernando Botero is a well known artist famous for its "fat" figures. This is a must see. On the second floor there is a variety of art from other famous artists. Small museum would take maybe 1-2hrs. Nice cafe in the museum or nice places for a coffee or food nearby in Candelaria district.
309 personas locales recomiendan
Museo Botero
4-41 Cl. 11Fernando Botero is a well known artist famous for its "fat" figures. This is a must see. On the second floor there is a variety of art from other famous artists. Small museum would take maybe 1-2hrs. Nice cafe in the museum or nice places for a coffee or food nearby in Candelaria district.
The Paloquemao market is one of the city's largest markets. It offers an insane variety of produce at low cost and very fresh. Many restaurant chefs come here to shop for the best produce and variety. Also known for the flower market.
63 personas locales recomiendan
Paloquemao
25-04 Av. Cdad. de LimaThe Paloquemao market is one of the city's largest markets. It offers an insane variety of produce at low cost and very fresh. Many restaurant chefs come here to shop for the best produce and variety. Also known for the flower market.
Food scene
I enjoy food that is well crafted and great service. Here are my picks
Great Vegan/Vegetarian spot with unique asian fusion!
47 personas locales recomiendan
WOK Museo Nacional
29-7 Cra. 6 BisGreat Vegan/Vegetarian spot with unique asian fusion!
Any Crepes & Waffles is a must in Bogota for pretty much anything in the menu. My favorites: Suprema (ice cream), Mushroom crepe. Has lots of vegetarian options. Be careful with how much you order. Portions are very large!
9 personas locales recomiendan
Crepes & Waffles Centro Comercial San Martin
32 - 16 Carrera 7Any Crepes & Waffles is a must in Bogota for pretty much anything in the menu. My favorites: Suprema (ice cream), Mushroom crepe. Has lots of vegetarian options. Be careful with how much you order. Portions are very large!
One of my very favorite spots! This little simple place has a "menu of the day" with a few options. Super affordable and delicious vegan lunches!. If you are scared of vegan food, come give these guys a test! LOVE IT
Restaurante Naturalmente Vegano
#30-20 Cra. 6One of my very favorite spots! This little simple place has a "menu of the day" with a few options. Super affordable and delicious vegan lunches!. If you are scared of vegan food, come give these guys a test! LOVE IT
Come taste some of the traditional Colombian breads. Here is my list to not miss: Pandebono, Almojabana, Pandeyuca, Changua!
8 personas locales recomiendan
Pan Pa' Ya! Calle 32
6B- 43 Ac. 32Come taste some of the traditional Colombian breads. Here is my list to not miss: Pandebono, Almojabana, Pandeyuca, Changua!
Crazy vibe and real Colombian dishes from all over the place.
39 personas locales recomiendan
Distrito de la Plaza del Mercado Perseverancia
30 A Cra. 5Crazy vibe and real Colombian dishes from all over the place.
Canasto Picnic Bistro
69A-16 Cra. 10aLovely food for brunch or just coffee
Restaurante Aria
We love this place. Italian fare. Nice pasta and pizza.
Delicious local traditional Colombian dishes in a relaxed atmosphere. Walking distance
19 personas locales recomiendan
CHIBCHOMBIA
26D - 90 Carrera 4a#Delicious local traditional Colombian dishes in a relaxed atmosphere. Walking distance
Small and nicely decorated restaurant and bar, good vegetarian options, nice drinks!
La Pinta de Bogotá
Small and nicely decorated restaurant and bar, good vegetarian options, nice drinks!
Deraíz
5-70 Cl. 65Very good vegan fare! We loved anything we ordered. Yum!
BBC PUB SAN MARTIN
Beer, sports TV and bar fare steps away, no need to uber anywhere
Restaurante Republik Bogotá
69B-53 Ac. 26Beautiful ambiance and good Asian fusion menu and drinks.
Neighborhoods
Usaquen is a small neighborhood in the north of the city along the Cra 7a expressway but about 60 streets further north. It used to be a town not part of the city but as the city grew, it was incorporated as a neighborhood. Is next to a nice big shopping mall that also captures some historical architecture (Hacienda Santa Barbara) and one of the most prestigious hospitals of the city (Fundacion Santa Fe de Bogota). In Usaquen you will find small streets filled with art stores, cafes, restaurants.
270 personas locales recomiendan
Usaquén
Usaquen is a small neighborhood in the north of the city along the Cra 7a expressway but about 60 streets further north. It used to be a town not part of the city but as the city grew, it was incorporated as a neighborhood. Is next to a nice big shopping mall that also captures some historical architecture (Hacienda Santa Barbara) and one of the most prestigious hospitals of the city (Fundacion Santa Fe de Bogota). In Usaquen you will find small streets filled with art stores, cafes, restaurants.
In Bogota, the restaurant and bar districts are called "Zona". Technically Zona G is the area between Calle 65 and 75 and Carrera 4 and 7. However, in reality this area of incredibles places to eat and drink goes all the way to Cra 11.
172 personas locales recomiendan
Zona G
1In Bogota, the restaurant and bar districts are called "Zona". Technically Zona G is the area between Calle 65 and 75 and Carrera 4 and 7. However, in reality this area of incredibles places to eat and drink goes all the way to Cra 11.
Essential needs
SUPERMARKET! for your food needs or other needs (they sell alcohol and home goods. It's like the local "Walmart")
35 personas locales recomiendan
Éxito San Martín
32-84 Ak. 7SUPERMARKET! for your food needs or other needs (they sell alcohol and home goods. It's like the local "Walmart")
Absolutely recommended for easy breakfast or lunch items.
Local favorite items: Pandebono (gluten free corn based bread with cheese), Tamal (Plaintain leaf wrapped rice and corn meal with a bite of pork and veggies), any breads or other items are also great!
8 personas locales recomiendan
Pan Pa' Ya! Calle 32
6B- 43 Ac. 32Absolutely recommended for easy breakfast or lunch items.
Local favorite items: Pandebono (gluten free corn based bread with cheese), Tamal (Plaintain leaf wrapped rice and corn meal with a bite of pork and veggies), any breads or other items are also great!
This bank has ATMs available and you can feel safe because there is security around you. Remember to always LOCK the ATM door after you come in.
BANCOLOMBIA
20 Avenida Carrera 19This bank has ATMs available and you can feel safe because there is security around you. Remember to always LOCK the ATM door after you come in.
Cra. 5 #31-39, Bogotá, Colombia
D1 is a convenience store. Small supermarket for a quick stop
Nightlife
This place is a must. Eclectic decor, incredible creative handcrafted everything. Longest menu ever, super entertaining. You will have fun
73 personas locales recomiendan
ANDRES DC
12 -21 Cl. 82This place is a must. Eclectic decor, incredible creative handcrafted everything. Longest menu ever, super entertaining. You will have fun
El Bandido Bistro
7-12 Cl. 79bIncredible mexican food and ambience!
Harry Sasson
75-70 Cra. 9Nice bar for a good drink in a relaxed/quiet atmosphere
Cervecería Lateral Calle 81
#81-30 Cra. 11Local brewery
MICROCERVECERIA BY BRUDER
Local brewery with outdoor space
Cantina La 15
#83-57 Cra. 13If you want to see mariachis live
Consejos para la ciudad
Cómo moverse
Uber all the way!
Uber is not welcomed by Taxi drivers especially UberX.
If ordering an UberX you will be asked to please seat in the front seat so it does not "look" as you are in an Uber.
If you feel more comfortable seating in the back and also don't mind paying a few bucks more for a better ride, I just recommend you to always order Uber black. In Uber black these are authorized hotel taxis (WHITE) and they are nicer cars with very professional drivers. It's low cost anyway.
Qué empacar
Bogota is not humid hot as most people expect.
Bogota has a mountain cold weather. Be sure to pack a jacket, hat and gloves just in case as the morning are chilly but it will warm up midday. Avg temps high 40s F to mid 60s F, it will be very warm in the sun and cold in the rain
Formas de ahorrar
City center is lower cost
High end restaurantes are very expensive in Bogota but there are always good options. In general the city center has lower cost options. Stay near universities as well to find lower cost places to eat or drink
Costumbres y cultura
"Buenos Dias"
Unlike in many big cities, in Bogota we like to say "Good Morning" to everyone in the morning. Also always use "por favor" and "Gracias" we like to be respectful to others.
Expect to have less personal space. Colombians don't mind walking near you in a supermarket to reach something. However be very careful of this in public places as this is one of the easy pick pocketing practices!
DO NOT SLAM taxi/Uber doors! Although a normal practice abroad, slamming car doors is considered VERY rude in Colombia! please be as soft as possible and good luck! hehehe.
Reserva antes de ir
Night out booking
If you plan to hit some of the popular clubs or restaurants, make sure to make a reservation!!!! when you come in, they are likely to be full or just to only accept reservations. Dress nicely.
Costumbres y cultura
Don't slam car doors or trunk!!!
For many foreigners, slamming car doors is OK but in Colombia this is considered very rude! Be courteous and do it as softly as possible.
Qué empacar
Rain jacket / umbrella
There can be rain in Bogota from time to time. Typically in the afternoon. Come prepared!
No te lo pierdas
Monserrate sanctuary
The view up here is amazing. A must do. Research how to best avoid altitude sickness (avoid meats and wait at least 48hrs before attempting to go up, do it slowly)
If you are an athlete or are in shape, I highly recommend walking/jogging up. It's completely safe and an experience. Up there on the right side of the church, walk all the way to the back and enjoy a "agua de panela con queso" (molasses drink with cheese) a local favorite which will return the energy you need :)