Things to See and Do in Bogota, Colombia

While Colombia’s cities, landscape, history and culture are definitely diverse, everything seems to exude out from Bogota. Founded in 1538, the vast capital and largest city in Colombia, with over 8 million people, has incredible history, grit, art, delicious food and wonderful people.

Nestled between the Andes, Bogota sits at 8,600 feet above sea level. It’s high. I wasn’t affected by the elevation, but some travelers experience elevation sickness. Be sure to drink a lot of water, and sip on some Cocoa tea. (Want to know more about Coca Tea - see what I have to say about it on my post Coca Tea: Be Cool Man, It's Not Cocaine.)

Street Art

The street art in Bogota is numerous and incredible. There are tours dedicated to the city’s graffiti art, but you can see plenty of Colombian street art as you walk around the city. I love street art and the art I saw in Bogota had a special grit, a special way of being. I loved it as much or more than the sights.

Monserrate

Monserrate is a mountain in the center of Bogota that overlooks the city. Rising over 10,000 feet above sea level, the mountain is a pilgrim destination due to the mid-17^th century Catholic Shrine at the top.

The pilgrimage involves climbing the mountain along the numerous switchbacks, but for those of us who aren’t on a Catholic quest, there is a funicular (whew). Once you get to the top of the mountain, walk around the grounds and be sure to take in the vast views of Bogota.

You can see the sprawl of Bogota and how it just keeps spreading. Structures continue to be built at the edges of the city which means the city just continues growing. The grounds are covered in flowers and the background and scenery is inspiring.

 La Candelaria

La Candelaria is the historical and cultural center of the city, it is the place to be for both locals and tourists.

Walk around, get lost in the alleyways and the cobblestone streets, appreciate the plentiful street art and dip into the local cafes, bars and shops for some goodies.

Many shops sell cocoa tea to help with altitude sickness and give you a little boost to continue your exploration. From La Candelaria, you can reach most of Bogota’s highlights (Museo Botero, Gold Museum, Bolivar Square) by foot or a short taxi ride.

Museo Botero

An incredible collection of Colombia’s own Fernanco Botero as well as other permanent and rotating international artists can be gazed upon at Museo Botero, a colonial mansion in the in La Candelaria.

In 2000, Botero donated 123 of his own paintings and sculptures and 85 pieces from other artists. Even if you don’t recognize his name, chances are you will recognize Botero’s work. I’ve always loved his aesthetic and loved perusing this museum. The museum is free and high on the list of must see spots, especially for those who appreciate art.

Bolivar Square

Square (Plaza Bolívar) is the main square of Bogota. In the 19^th century, you could see a public circus or bull market on any given day. Nowadays, there is a statue of Simon Bolivar in the center of the square and a variety of cultural and social events are regularly held there.

   

Bolivar The Palacio Lievano, the Capitol and a cathedral frame the square. See it during Christmas and experience the square lit up with lights. You may see a horse or other animals strolling through the square. Get lost in the square and surrounding area, peeking your head into the government and state buildings.

San Alejo Flea Market

Support local artists and vendors and pick up Colombian wares, jewelry, clothing and knick-nacks at the San Alejo flea market. About 300 artists, craftsmen, collectors, art restorers, and small producers meet every Sunday to exhibit antiques, crafts, books, and curiosities. The surrounding area is a great place to grab some coffee and breakfast after a morning of shopping or perusing.

 

Zona Rosa

Zona Rosa has become one of Bogota’s trendiest and most upscale neighborhoods. With so many high-end restaurants, malls, boutique stores, European-style bars, luxurious lounges and exclusive nightclubs, Zona Rosa is Bogota’s major nightlife district. If you like clubbing, you will find many options from mixes of western music and Colombian music to techno and electronic pop. The Zona Rosa is also home to the Chapinero, an LGBT-friendly area with a large concentration of gay and lesbian bars and clubs.

Andrés D.C.

Andres is unlike any other restaurant I have been to. They have put so much effort into the design and décor of this restaurant. It is four floors of heaven and hell, literally. The top floor represents heaven and as you lower down, you’ll reach earth, purgatory and eventually hell. The decor is a mix of TGI Fridays, your local dive bar and church, featuring all kinds of kitsch trinkets, all matching the floor’s theme. The staff adds to the aesthetic with their crazy, sometimes scary or just downright weird outfits. The food is also delicious, with a wide selection. Andrés D.C. is extremely popular, so make sure you have a reservation or you’re in for a very long wait.