High up in the Andes, you’ll find Colombia’s crazy capital, Bogota. It’s a mixture of culture, colonial buildings, nightlife, and above all – a great time!
It hasn’t completely shaken off its reputation for drugs and crime, but stick to locations like La Candelaria and Zona Rosa and you can avoid that side of the city. Nowadays, Bogota is one of the most fascinating and vibrant cities in South America!
But how do you decide what to do in Bogota? That’s where we come in. We’ve put together this extensive list of the best things to do in Bogota. Hopefully, it’ll help you to plan and make the most of your trip to the Colombian capital.
So, let’s dive in and check out the most fun things to do in Bogota!
Our favourite places to stay in Bogota!
As you’d expect from a capital city, Bogota is pretty huge. So, there are a lot of decisions to make when it comes to picking a place to stay. We’ve scoured the coolest neighbourhoods in Bogota to come up with a quick list of three of the best.
The Cranky Croc Hostel
The Best Hostel in Bogota
- Great location
- Lots of social events
If you want to meet people in Bogota, this is the place to do it. Set in an old colonial house, there are regular events and lots of common areas where you can go for a chat or a drink!
Casa Jota
The Best Budget Hotel in Bogota
- Clean and comfortable
- Breakfast included
One of the most reasonably priced hotels in Bogota, Casa Jota is clean, comfortable, and convenient. It’s got a little garden you can use at your leisure and the breakfast arepas are very tasty!
Heading to Bogota? Save some money with our guide to the coolest hostels in Bogota!
Four Seasons Hotel Bogotà
The Best Luxury Hotel in Bogota
- 24 hour room service
- Housekeeping twice a day
The name Four Seasons is synonymous with luxury and its Bogota offering is no different. Take advantage of 24 hour room service, a spa, and a great gym during your stay here!
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• The 31 Best Things to Do in Bogota •
#1 – Monserrate
- Climb up to over 3,000 metres
- Choose between the funicular or the hiking path
- Awesome views
One of the most popular destinations in Bogota, the view from the little white church across the city is sublime. You’ll be above 3,000 metres, so make sure you keep hydrated and take regular breaks. Also, be careful who you go with. Colombian tradition dictates couples who come together will never marry!
Arriving late? Find the best hostels near Bogota Airport for a worry-free arrival!
#2 – Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral
- Cathedral deep in the earth
- Made of salt
- A cool day trip north of Bogota
Zipaquirá is about an hour north of Bogota, but it’s well worth the journey. This is the most popular day trip out of town, and it’s not hard to see why. Not only is there a salt cathedral 180 metres underground, but places to eat and buy souvenirs too!
Have some time? Get out of the city with these epic day trips from Bogota!
#3 – Museo del Oro
A must do for history buffs
- Bogota’s most popular museum
- Very low entrance fee
- A fun and educational day out
Do you want to see more than 30,000 pieces of gold in a single day? Of course you do. The most popular (and arguably most interesting) museum in Museo del Oro has a number of artefacts from pre-Hispanic cultures and you can learn a lot about their use!
#4 – La Candelaria
- Home to several tourist attractions
- Historic centre of the capital
- Lots of colourful and colonial buildings
The chances are that you won’t be able to avoid La Candelaria when you travel to Bogota. Most travellers will end up here at some point, since several of the city’s attractions are here. A walking tour is a great way to get to know it if you don’t have time to duck into each cool place!
Want to see all of Bogota? Get started with accommodation in Bogota’s best neighborhoods!
#5 – Boxing Match
- Enjoy an MMA and kickboxing tournament
- Get involved with Colombian culture
- Accompanied by a local
Head to a boxing match with a local to get an unforgettable taste of Colombian culture. Snacks and beer will be on hand all night, so no need to eat beforehand. Seeing a sporting match is a great way to enjoy the city’s vibrant ambience!
Not finding the right hostel? Bogota has a selection of party hostels too!
#6 – Bogota Food Tour
- Immerse yourself in Colombian culture
- Uncover some of the city’s best restaurants
- Sample local and regional dishes
This tour will give you a comprehensive tour of Bogota’s food scene. In 7 stops, you’ll try some of the city’s best coffee, learn to make bread from a local, and taste fine Andean chocolate. Pick up some stuff at the local market to prepare later… if you’ve still got room that is!
#7 – Plaza Bolívar
- Feed the pigeons
- Home to some of the country’s most important buildings
- One of many attractions in La Candelaria
A great place to people watch in the centre of Bogota’s historic quarter, you can’t miss Plaza Bolívar. Don’t be intimidated by the police, they’re here as security for the Presidential Palace. It’s one of many important national buildings which surround the square.
#8 – Parque Central Simón Bolívar
- Enormous park in the city centre
- Favourite of locals and tourists alike
- Take a boat out onto the lake
From Bolívar Square to Bolívar Park, these are two of the best attractions in Central Colombia. Walk, run, jog, or just sit and watch the world go by in one of the city’s best loved green spaces. If you’re here in the summer, don’t miss the Rock in the Park music event!
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#9 – Rafting
- Take on level 3-4 rapids
- Discover the beautiful Rio Negro
- Work as a team to stay in the boat
Rafting is without a doubt one of the most refreshing and invigorating sports. It’ll really get the adrenaline pumping, and it’s the perfect way to cool down from the relentless Andean sun! This tour will take you to the Rio Negro, where you can tackle level 3 and 4 rapids. Tricky!
#10 – Andrés Carne de Res
Foodie? Don’t miss this
- Restaurant turned nightclub
- Taste traditional Colombian food
- Dance those calories away
Not just a restaurant or a club, but a really Colombian experience. It’s easy to find Carne de Res – most hostels will have a group trip during the week to this locale in the Zona Rosa. Embrace merengue and salsa after filling up on delicious steak and other Colombian staples!
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#11 – Day Trip and hike to La Chorrera Waterfall
- See Colombia’s tallest waterfall
- Escape the hustle and bustle of Bogota
- Trek through an Andean forest
Accompanied by an expert guide, you’ll learn all about Andean flora and fauna on this awesome day out. You’ll swap the concrete jungle for the actual Andean one, where you’ll trek to Colombia’s tallest waterfall – La Chorrera!
#12 – Teatro Colón
One for the culture vultures
- Colombia’s national theatre
- Named after Christopher Columbus
- Awesome neoclassical architecture
Dating back to the late 1800s, this awesome building is impressive both architecturally and historically. The frescoes inside rival the beauty of the neoclassical architecture on the outside. Take in an opera, a play, or a concert when you’re here for your dose of culture!
Will you be in Medellin a while? Here’s your guide to the top day trips from Medellin for exploring the area!
#13 – Chicaque Cloud Forest
- See native flora and fauna
- A great option for birdwatchers
- Encounter endangered animals
Just 45 minutes from the Colombian capital, you’ll find this incredible cloud forest. There are nine nature trails here, each offering a different experience. If you want to push the boat out, you can go horseback riding but it’ll cost you a little more!
#14 – Museo Nacional de Colombia
One of the most important sites in Bogota
- The biggest museum in Colombia
- Originally a prison
- More than 20,000 artefacts from the country’s history
If you want to learn about Colombian history, don’t miss this awesome museum. It’s huge and it’ll probably take you the whole day to get around, but it’s well worth it. Learn about colonial times, Afro-Caribbean cultures, and go to the special exhibits held throughout the year!
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#15 – Emerald Ring Workshop
- Learn why emeralds are important in the city
- Create an authentic emerald ring
- Take it home as a souvenir
Emeralds are an important stone in Colombia, and have a lot of significance in the country’s economy and society. But you’ll learn loads more about that as your class. You’ll also take home your creation at the end of this fun workshop. A truly special souvenir!
#16 – Jardín Botánico de Bogotá
One of the best cheap things to do in Bogota
- Less than 1 USD entry
- Always peaceful and tranquil
- A huge range of flowers
If you want to get out of the city’s hustle and bustle without leaving the city itself, head for the botanical garden. As well as numerous flowers and a rose garden, look out for lizards, ducks, turtles, and peacocks!
Cartagena is Big! Don’t be overwhelmed though, check out our no-stress guide to where to stay in Cartagena!
#17 – Ciclovía Sundays
- Rent a bike
- Get to know Bogotá like a local
- Lots of roadside food stalls
On Sundays, Bogota closes down its city centre to cars so that locals can get out and get some exercise. Whether you want to do it on foot, by bike, or even on your skateboard is up to you. If you get a little hot and bothered, get a fresh juice at a roadside stall!
#18 – Graffiti and Street Art Tour
- Check out the longest street art gallery in Colombia
- Discover more of the La Candelaria District
- Zip across the city on your bike
Cycling is one of the best ways to discover a new city – even one so high up and hilly as Bogota! Take your bike and uncover the fascinating street art and graffiti scene. You’ll have a chance to bike underground and get photos of the longest street art gallery in the country!
#19 – Santuario Nuestra Señora del Carmen
One of the most important religious sites in Bogota
- Cool Gothic Florentine architecture
- Another attraction in La Candelaria
- Elaborate interior
Most cathedrals are adorned with gold, but not this one. The church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, includes a lot of red, white, and blue. It’s one of the most extravagant churches in Bogota, and it’s definitely worth taking some time out of your day to visit!
Will you also visit Medellin? Check out where we like to stay in Medellin!
#20 – Central Cemetery of Bogota
- Final resting place for many important Colombians
- Elaborate mausoleums and graves
- Lots of interesting legends and stories here
Although many heads of state and important Colombian personalities are buried here, that’s not the most interesting part. The legend of the Bodmer sisters, who died but there older brother was spared from a strange disease is one of the more curious stories!
#21 – Day Trip to Villa de Leyva
- One of Colombia’s most beautiful villages
- Brilliantly preserved colonial architecture
- Plenty of adventures to be had
Thanks to the accommodation on offer and the long journey, it might be better to make this into an overnight trip from Bogota. Just don’t do it on a weekend as it gets very crowded! And you’ll want to wander round the colonial buildings, museums, and vineyards at a leisurely pace!
#22 – Coffee Farm Tour
- Meet local coffee farmers
- Expert guide who speaks English
- Sample fine Colombian coffee
One of Colombia’s most famous experts is coffee, so any fans of the drink that wakes them up in the morning will want this on their itinerary. Meet local coffee farmers who will show you the process of making coffee and get a tour of a farm accompanied by an English speaking guide. Perfect!
#23 – Light Kiosk
- An obscure part of Colombian history
- The first concrete building in Colombia
- Housed a small powerplant
It may not seem much on the outside, but this building has a lot of intrigue around it. It’s a 1:1 replica of the Petit Trianon in Versailles. Constructed in 1910, it houses a powerplant that was the first to light important city landmarks, like the Bolívar Park, mentioned earlier!
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#24 – Paragliding
- Get the pulse racing
- One to tick off the bucket list
- 20 minute flight
This incredible activity is a once in a lifetime experience that you shouldn’t miss in Bogota. Well, unless you’re afraid of heights! A 20 minute tandem flight with an expert instructor will see you soar over the Colombian savannah and the Guatavitá Lagoon!
#25 – Museo del Botero
- Cool art museum
- Artist with work in galleries around the world
- Free admission
Fernando Botero is one of Colombia’s most famous artists. His style is also known as Boterismo, where he depicts humans and animals with exaggerated fat features. There are works by other greats such as Dalí, Picasso, and Degas here too!
#26 – National Observatory of Colombia
- The first astronomical observatory in the Americas
- In the Presidential Palace grounds
- Still open today
You probably wouldn’t expect the first observatory in the Western Hemisphere to be in Bogota. However, at such high altitude, it does make sense. You can take a 45 minute guided tour, which is free of charge, should you want to know more about the building.
#27 – Lake Guatavitá
- A scenic two hour drive
- Ideal city escape
- View a crater lake
Heading out of the city again, a trip to Lake Guatavitá is a fantastic way to get to know the Colombian countryside. You’ll be joined by a park guide who will teach you about the local flora and fauna, the indigenous Muisca people, and the tale of El Dorado!
#28 – Jaime Duque Park
All ages will love this site!
- Half an hour from Bogota
- Off the regular beaten tourist track
- Has a full scale replica of the Taj Mahal
Jaime Duque was the chief pilot of Avianca Airlines, and he wanted to create a family attraction for his fellow countrymen and women. The result of that? Jaime Duque Park. It has replicas of world wonders, a zoo, and playgrounds. Great if you’re with the kids!
#29 – Gringo Tuesdays
All the fun for adults!
- Great place to meet fellow travellers
- Sociable night out until the early hours
- Weekly language exchange
Staying in a hostel? Check if they’ve got a trip to Gringo Tuesdays. From 4 – 8pm, it’s a language exchange, then a great night out from 8pm – 3am. Whatever time you drop by, you’re guaranteed a great day out. Long term travellers can chat about home comforts they miss!
#30 – La Puerta Falsa
A must visit to try traditional food
- Serving tamales for more than 200 years
- Near Plaza Bolívar
- Space for about 20 people
This is one of the oldest and most traditional restaurants in Bogota, and you can’t miss it if you want to sample a hearty and cheap dish. It’s a small menu, service isn’t that quick, but these are the things that give the character over more tourist trappy restaurants in the area!
#31 – BD Bacatá
- An unusual place to visit
- The world’s first crowdfunded skyscraper
- The tallest building in Colombia
This awesome building is over 200 metres tall, higher than any other in Colombia. However, there’s no observation deck and you can’t even go in. The world’s first crowdfunded skyscraper ran into trouble and is yet unfinished. But it’s very hard to miss!
Final thoughts on the best things to do in Bogota
So, that concludes our list of the best things to do in Bogota. We hope that you now have a better idea of what you’ll to when you travel to the Colombian capital.
As one of the first ports of call for many on this beguiling continent, this city is a fantastic way to introduce yourself to Andean life!
Whether you’re into museums and galleries, you want to relax in a park, or you fancy dancing the night away, Bogota has it all.
If you feel we’ve missed anything out, do let us know in the comments below!
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