Get to know Colombia’s capital, Bogota

Bogota, a city of creativity, rebellion and charm

High-altitude, high-energy

Bogotá is one of the highest-altitude cities in the world, sitting 2,640 meters (8,660 feet) above sea level. Once you’re acclimated, many enjoy the fresher air and the Cerros Orientales, which are visible from many streets, their lofty peaks often shrouded in mist and clouds. Despite being so close to the mountains, this doesn’t slow people down, Bogotá is vibrant, fast-paced, and a bit chaotic!

There’s always something happening here, from protests to markets to outdoor theater performances. The city has a strong student population, filled with writers, musicians, artists, and activists, and its rebellious spirit is contagious.

A grand history of contrasts

Cultural must-sees in Bogota

The first port of call on most Bogota itineraries is a stroll through La Candelaria district. This is the bustling cultural heart of the city, consisting of cute streets opening onto broad squares, lined with low-rise colonial architecture and historic churches. A particular feature of this part of Bogotá is the colorful paintwork, graffiti and murals adorning the characterful buildings and on-street furniture.

A bustling hub of this part of town is the Plaza de Bolívar, soundtracked by the flap of pigeons, the bleat of lamas, and full of the aromas of the street food stalls. La Macarena is another pleasantly historic and cultural district with good restaurants and cafés, and a smattering of museums and galleries. Speaking of museums, many visit the Gold Museum, home to the largest collection of pre-Hispanic goldwork in the world; and Museo Botero, a gorgeous colonial-era house that’s now a free

Entertainment in Bogota, from day to night

During the day, relaxing and people-watching in Bogotá, Colombia, is entertaining enough in itself, with locals out on café terraces and street performers, musicians, jugglers, and mime artists, dotting the major plazas and thoroughfares. Friday evenings are especially lively, when one of the city’s oldest and busiest streets, Carrera Séptima, is closed to traffic and given over to the public (an event called El Septimazo). It’s the perfect time to stroll, cycle, and enjoy performance art—a great way to see the city at play.

For a breath of fresh air and a sublime view back across the city, take a cable car trip up to Monserrate, a crest of rock that sprouts from the edge of La Candelaria. It’s a short hop in a taxi from anywhere in central Bogotá to the cable car station, where you take a ride up to the top of the peak to the sanctuary, for an amazing panorama over the vast cityscape.

Come nightfall, the night life in Bogotá is legendary, revolving around salsa, the rumba, after-hours dancing and living it up in the city’s bars and clubs. If you want to join in, try the dance clubs in La Candelaria and the Zona Rosa. El Goce Pagano is a salsa bar that’s an excellent representation of contemporary yet cultural, and Casa Quiebra-Canto is another that combines salsa with rumba. Even if you don’t want to dance, watching those who can glide across the floor is something to behold. Even then, if you’d prefer something more low key, there are an abundance of cocktail and wine bars, speak-easy style or even in bookstores.

Coffee, chocolate and cheese – enjoy local cuisine in Bogota

Cuisine in Bogotá is hearty, comforting, and flavorful, think tasty stews and soups, zesty tropical fruit platters, surprisingly excellent cheese (thanks to its cool, Andean climate), and of course, lots of strong, delectable coffee. Colombia enjoys perfect growing conditions for a wide variety of crops, and one of the highlights in any Bogotá travel guide is the city’s burgeoning farm-to-table ethos and the incredibly fresh produce available to local chefs.

The culinary scene in Bogotá is blooming, and the city is becoming known globally for its vibrant restaurants and cafes. From top end fine dining through to a delicious street food scene, there are plenty of memorable eating experiences to be had in various districts of the capital. . 

Be sure to try ajiaco, a Bogotán institution: it’s a deeply savory soup packed full of pulled chicken, corn, sliced avocado and two or three varieties of potato, flavored with a grassy local herb called guenas and topped off with sour cream and capers.

A classic Bogotáno breakfast is chocolate santafereño, which forges the unusual combo of hot chocolate with a side chunk of cheese for dunking. Don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it; the cheese adds a uniquely savory edge to the sweet drink, and the melted remnants of the cheese can be scooped up by the accompanying cornbread. In terms of fast food, a firm favorite in Bogotá is arepas; a griddled or fried corn flatbread stuffed with meat, cheese, veg or any combination of the above. This is a popular snack on the go and a delicious treat for any time of day. 

Fruit juices are widely available and come freshly squeezed from an array of enticing exotic fruits. Visit the Mercado Paloquemao for the best selection of fresh juices and a thirst-quenching taste of the glorious produce available in Colombia.

The best time to visit Bogota

You can head to Colombia year-round and still have an incredible experience, and one of Bogotá’s unique traits is its reputation for having “all four seasons in a day.” The driest weather comes between December and March, when temperatures stay cool (highs around 68°F / 20°C) and skies are mostly clear—though quick rain showers can strike at any time. Another great time to visit is July and August, when Bogotá’s biggest public event, the Festival de Verano, takes over the city streets.

In fact, any Bogotá travel guide will highlight the city’s packed calendar of festivals. One of the biggest is Rock al Parque, a three-day, open-air rock fest held annually in Parque Simón Bolívar. It’s completely free and draws huge crowds with a mix of local talent and international acts. There’s also the controversial bullfighting season, which takes place early in the year at La Santamaría bullring—though it often sparks heated debate and protest.

For a slower tempo, Jazz al Parque brings soulful performances to Bogotá’s parks, while Festival de Cine de Bogotá (Bogotá Film Festival) honors Latin American cinema and independent filmmakers.

On the traditional side, Semana Santa (Holy Week) in April features religious processions, reenactments, and spiritual events. And if you’re visiting during the holidays, Christmas in Bogotá transforms the city into a glowing wonderland of lights and festive markets. Don’t miss the Ruta de la Navidad, a magical trail of dazzling holiday displays across the city.

Read more: Why Colombia is a wildlife lover’s paradise

Make it happen

Ready to experience the vibrant culture and energy of Bogotá for yourself? Our local experts in Colombia are on the ground and ready to help craft your perfect itinerary. Use our Bogotá travel guide to start planning your adventure today.