Top 10: What to Do in Bogotá, Colombia’s Cosmopolitan City

Despite being the capital of Colombia and the third largest city in South America, Bogotá is a city that is often ignored by tourists traveling to the country. A vibrant metropolis, Bogotá boasts a wide selection of fantastic museums, superb food, great colonial architecture, and much more… Here at Civitatis, we think that the so-called ‘South-American Athens’ is well worth your time, so today, we’re running through what to do in Bogotá, counting down the top 10 attractions and activities to check out in the city, and also discussing some top tips to keep in mind during your visit. ¡Vamos!

1. Visit La Candelaria District, the Historic Center of Bogotá

A visit to the Colombian capital is not complete without a visit to La Candelaria, the historic center of Bogotá, known for its cobbled streets, historic buildings, and grand squares. The city was founded here in 1538, specifically in Chorro de Quevedo, a small square in the heart of La Candelaria. However, today the central square is Plaza de Bolívar, which is surrounded by such iconic buildings as the City Hall, the National Capitol, and Bogotá Cathedral.

We recommend that you make this part of the city one of the first things that you do when you arrive in Bogotá. In fact, on this Colombian culture tour, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the historic center accompanied by an English-speaking guide, who will tell you all about the fascinating history of the city as a whole, from its Indigenous roots to Spanish colonization to the city as it stands today. Another option is this electric scooter tour of La Candelaria, during which you’ll learn more about the city, and in style!

If you have time, another highlight in the northern part of the neighborhood is the Quinta de Bolívar. This beautifully preserved colonial-style house was where Simón Bolívar, the military and political leader who played a pivotal role in Latin America’s fight for independence, lived after the war. Today, the house serves as a museum dedicated to the celebrated figure’s life.

2. Go to the Summit of Monserrate Hill

Once you’ve explored La Candelaria a little bit, it’s time to make your way up Cerro de Monserrate. To ascend to the summit, you have two options: hiking, or going up on a cable car. The cable car station is just a stone’s throw from the Quinta de Bolívar and will take you up to the summit in just a few minutes. If you choose to hike, the journey will take 1-1.5 hours on the way up and 45 minutes on the way back down.

Regardless of how you get there, the journey is well worth it for the views at the summit. From here, you can see all across the city, standing 10,000 feet (1,000 meters) above sea level. Also on the summit is the picturesque Sanctuary of Monserrate, a church frequented by locals and tourists alike.

Please note: The trail leading up to Monserrate is open between 5 am and 1 pm, so get there early if you want to do the hike! Also, keep in mind that the walk is quite steep, and the city’s altitude also makes the walk demanding, depending on your level of fitness.

3. Admire the City’s Riches at the Gold Museum

From the bottom of Monserrate (back at the cable car station), it’s just a 15-minute walk to the famous Gold Museum (Museo del Oro). This museum is one of South America’s most significant pre-Columbian collections, showcasing over 34,000 gold pieces, primarily crafted by the Muisca and Calima civilizations, alongside an array of ceramic and stone artifacts. These artifacts give you an insight into the society and culture of pre-Columbian societies. This guided tour of the Gold Museum and the La Candelaria neighborhood is a great way to gain a deeper insight into the collection’s history in the wider context of Colombia.

4. Get Some Fresh Air in Bogotá’s Parks

Did you know that the bustling metropolis of Bogotá is home to a number of incredible green spaces? If the city gets too busy for you, make your way to one of its lovely parks. Some of our favorites include:

• Periodistas-Gabriel García Márquez Park: Located in La Candelaria, this recently renovated park is named in honor of Colombia’s journalists and author Gabriel García Márquez.

• Enrique Olaya Herrera National Park: This expansive park spans 699 acres (283 hectares), making it one of Bogotá’s largest green spaces. Inside, you’ll find walking trails, sports facilities, and excellent views of the eastern hills.

• Simón Bolívar Metropolitan Park: This great lung, remodeled and expanded for Pope Paul VI’s visit to Bogotá in 1968, covers 988 acres (400 hectares) and features several trails, forests, lakes, children’s play areas and small cafés. Look out for Virgilio Barco Public Library, built in the shape of a snail!

5. Catch a Soccer Game in El Campín

If you’re a football fan or not, catching a soccer game while in Bogotá is one of the most electric experiences you can have in the city. The local teams are the Millionarios and the Independiente Santa Fe, two of the top-ranked teams in the country. However, while the football is great, what truly stands out at these games is the passion of the fans who attend week in, week out. Grab a ticket to a soccer match in Bogotá accompanied by a local guide to enjoy one of the best sporting atmospheres on the planet!

6. Sample Colombian Cuisine in Bogotá

Immerse yourself in Bogotá’s vibrant culture through its rich cuisine, which is the product of a blend of indigenous, colonial, and modern influences. Located in the Andean highlands, Bogotá’s dishes feature staples like potatoes, corn, meats, and aromatic herbs.

Savor traditional ajiaco santafereño, a hearty soup of three potato varieties, corn, chicken, and guasca (an aromatic herb frequently used in Colombia cuisine). this dish is served with rice, avocado, capers, and sour cream. Other must-tries include arepas, buñuelos, and Colombian empanadas. You can try lots of these staple dishes at great local markets on this Bogotá food tour!

Wash it all down with a cup of Colombian coffee, made from high-quality Arabica beans and known for its rich flavor. If you’re particularly into your coffee, be sure to check out this coffee workshop & tasting in La Candelaria.

7. Learn to Dance Salsa in Bogotá

Salsa is a dynamic and rhythmic dance style with roots in Afro-Cuban traditions. While Bogotá isn’t the biggest Colombian city for salsa—that honor goes to Cali—Colombia as a whole is a fantastic place to learn more about and try this vibrant dance. One of our favorite things that we did when in the city was join a salsa class in Bogotá, where you can learn the basics of the dance or sharpen your moves. It’s a fun, energetic way to experience Colombian culture firsthand!

8. Experience the City’s Nightlife in Zona T and Zona Rosa

When it comes to nightlife in Bogotá, Zona T is absolutely where it’s at. This vibrant and trendy neighborhood boasts a wide variety of bars, restaurants, and, of course, nightclubs to choose from. On a typical night out, you’ll find a mixture of locals and tourists looking for a good time, and enjoying the vibes! Whether you like techno, house, electronic, or reggaeton, there’s sure to be something for you!

Just a short walk from Zona T is Zona Rosa, a renowned area that’s particularly famous for its inclusivity. Home to numerous gay-friendly bars, clubs, and restaurants. Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or just looking for a welcoming and vibrant environment, Zona Rosa offers a range of exciting nightlife spots where everyone can feel at home.

9. Explore the Murals in El Paraíso

Another neighborhood well worth checking out is El Paraíso, in the district of Ciudad Bolívar. This humble, close-knit community is well off the beaten path and will give you a different impression of the city. On this El Paraíso tour (with cable car ticket included), you’ll head up to the area on the Bogotá cable car, accompanied by an expert guide. From El Paraíso, you’ll enjoy some of the best views of the city, and also check out its famous street art. Along the way, your guide will give you an insight into the life and history of this community.

10. Day Trips from Bogotá

If you have enough time on your trip to Bogotá, take the chance to visit some towns and landmarks outside of the city!

A great option is to go on this day trip to the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral, a church built under an old mine around 600 feet (180 meters) underground. You can walk through the tunnels that contain 14 individual chapels, together representing the stations of the cross. Along the way, take notes of the sculptures carved into the walls. Here are the best excursions and activities to do at Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral with Civitatis.

For coffee lovers, a coffee tour of Cundinamarca is almost a must! On this tour, you’ll get to visit a Colombian coffee farm, learn all about the production process and, of course, enjoy a delicious tasting.

There are lots more day trips from Bogotá, you can check out some of our favorites below:

• Day Trip to Villa de Leyva
• Day Trip to Chicaque Natural Park
• Day Trip to Páramo de Sumapaz

Tips for your trip to Bogotá

Round trip: what to do in Bogotá in one day

If you’re just passing through Colombia’s capital and don’t know what to do in Bogotá in one day, we recommend visiting the historic center—La Candelaria, Monserrate Hill, and ending the day in Zona T, sampling a delicious Colombian dish. Although it’s hard to choose between all the city’s attractions, we guarantee that the experience of these places will be incredible!

We recommend you book the complete tour of Bogotá, which takes in the city’s most important sights and includes tickets, cable car tickets, and lunch.

Peso, Dollar or Real: which currency to take in Bogotá?

Colombia’s official currency is the Colombian Peso. In addition, in many touristy areas, you’ll be able to easily exchange Dollars and Euro for Colombian Pesos, as there are several exchange centers dotted around the city.

There you have it! Those are 9 of the top things to do in Bogotá! Have we convinced you? If you’re still looking for suggestions for your itinerary, check out more tours & experiences in Bogotá with Civitatis! ¡Buen viaje!