Cundinamarca, Andean highlands · Colombia
A high-altitude capital of museums, street art and colonial lanes, with a mountaintop shrine, a cathedral carved from salt and superb coffee and food.
Photo: José Luiz · CC BY-SA 4.0
Bogotá is Colombia's capital and largest city, home to about 8 million people, set on a high plateau at 2,640 metres in the Andes and ringed by green peaks. Its climate is cool and often drizzly, and locals dress in layers. The city was founded in 1538, and its old heart, La Candelaria, still has cobbled streets, tile roofs, small plazas and colonial churches.
Bogotá's museums are its highlight. The Museo del Oro holds around 55,000 pieces of pre-Columbian gold, the largest such collection in the world, the Botero Museum shows works by the painter and sculptor Fernando Botero, alongside pieces by Picasso and Monet, and the National Museum tells the country's story. Street art is prominent, and there are tours to show the murals. Above the city, Monserrate, at 3,150 metres, is reached by funicular or cable car for views.
The city also has a strong food and coffee scene, in neighbourhoods such as Chapinero and Usaquén, and it is the base for a day trip to the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral, a huge underground church in a salt mine. Bogotá is bigger and less immediately charming than Cartagena or Medellín, but it rewards a few days. Take it slowly at first because of the altitude.
Why visit
Bogotá has the best museums in Colombia and an energetic cultural scene.
Pre-Columbian treasures.
Colonial streets and murals.
A mountaintop view.
An underground church.
Ajiaco and specialty cafés.
Main attractions
The main sights are in La Candelaria and the historic centre.
The historic district, with narrow streets, colonial houses, street art, churches and university life.
Tip Walk with care after dark.
A mountaintop sanctuary at 3,150 metres, reached by cable car or funicular, with views over the city.
Tip Go on a weekday morning.
A free museum housing Botero's rounded figures and his donated collection of European art.
Tip It is free.
A cathedral built inside a salt mine, 45 km from Bogotá, with lit crosses and vast chambers.
Tip Take the train or a bus.
The Gold Museum has one of the largest collections of pre-Hispanic gold in the world.
Tip Go early on weekdays.
The main plaza with the cathedral, the Capitol and the Palace of Justice.
Tip Visit in daylight.
Things to do
Bogotá is about museums, food and views.
See murals and hear their stories.
Tip Book a guide.
Views over the city.
Tip Go early.
Learn about Colombian beans.
Tip Visit specialty cafés.
A Sunday flea market.
Tip Go on Sunday.
On Sundays, roads close to cars.
Tip Rent a bike.
Restaurants.
Tip Book.
Local food
Bogotá's food is warming and hearty.
Chicken and potato soup.
Where to try it Traditional restaurants.
A large tamale.
Where to try it Breakfast places.
Hot chocolate with cheese.
Where to try it Cafés in La Candelaria.
Street snacks.
Where to try it Street stalls.
Specialty cafés.
Where to try it Chapinero.
Accommodation
Choose a safer neighbourhood.
Transport
Bogotá is the country's main hub.
Traffic is heavy.
When to go
Bogotá is cool year-round, with two dry seasons.
Drier.
Wet.
Drier and windy.
Wet.
Worth planning around: October and November rains.
Itinerary
Museums, the mountain and a salt cathedral.
The old city.
The mountain.
Salt.
Travel tips
A few tips help you plan.
FAQ
Three.
With precautions, yes. Stay in the recommended areas.
It can cause headaches, so go slowly.
Layers.
Yes, for the Salt Cathedral.
No.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Bogotá, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Boyacá, Andean highlands, Colombia
A perfectly preserved colonial town three hours from Bogotá, with the huge Plaza Mayor, whitewashed streets, Iguaque hikes, waterfalls, fossils and wineries.
Don't miss Standing in the vast Plaza Mayor, a cobbled square the size of several football pitches, with the town's white walls and red roofs around it.
Explore Destination — Villa de LeyvaAntioquia, Aburrá Valley, Colombia
Colombia's innovation city, with Comuna 13's street art and escalators, Plaza Botero, Metrocable rides, Parque Arví, El Poblado's restaurants and a mild climate all year.
Don't miss Riding the Metrocable up to the hillside neighbourhoods, with the whole valley spread out below.
Explore Destination — MedellínBolívar, Caribbean coast, Colombia
A colourful walled port city with the Clock Tower, San Felipe fortress, Getsemaní's street art, Caribbean seafood, nightlife and boat trips to the Rosario Islands.
Don't miss Watching the sun set from the old city walls with a cold drink as the plazas fill with music.
Explore Destination — CartagenaRead next
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