10 Things To See and Do in Bogotá
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As a city rich in art, culture, history and fashion, Bogotá is the most popular city for foreigners to visit in Colombia.
Come with me and discover Bogotá, Colombia’s vibrant and modern capital city.
Here are 10 things to see and do in this attractive metropolis!
- Walk to 'El Cerro de Monserrate'
- Visit 'La Plaza Bolivar'
- Walk through the streets of 'La Candelaria'
- Visit 'El Museo del Oro'
- Visit the 'Botero Museum'
- Go to 'The National Museum'
- Get something to eat at 'La Puerta Falsa'
- Discover 'The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá'
- Dance the night away at 'Andrés Carne de Res'
- Go shopping at 'Centro Comercial Andino'
Walk to 'El Cerro de Monserrate'
With an altitude of 3,152 meters above sea level, Monserrate is the place to visit if you want to get the best view of both Bogotá and The Andes Mountains, particularly at sunset.
The church located at the top of this mountain, along with ‘El Señor Caído’ (The Fallen Lord) – a figure of Jesus removed from the cross – are two of the city’s most popular tourist attractions and the main reasons for believers to visit 'El Cerro de Monserrate' today.
You can reach the top of Monserrate either by cable car, funicular railway or on foot.
Visit 'La Plaza Bolivar'
As a national monument since 1995, The Bolivar Square is the main square in the Colombian capital, Bogotá. This square was built to commemorate Simon Bolivar, the political leader who liberated what we know today as Venezuela, Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru and Colombia, from the Spanish rule.
Today, this square attracts millions of tourists every year, particularly during the month of December in which bright lights and a Christmas tree light up the area to celebrate the holidays.
If you want a guided tour to visit this square and some of the most emblematic monuments in the city, take a look at this free walking tour. At the end of the 3-hour tour, you'll know Bogotá's most surprising secrets! Click below to book your place:
Walk through the streets of 'La Candelaria'
As the historic center of Bogotá, La Candelaria is home to some of Bogota’s most popular museums; the city’s most important government buildings, including the Palace of Justice and The National Capitol; and beautiful buildings reflecting the Spanish colonial architecture.
The neighborhood of La Candelaria is appealing to many tourists, not only because it allows old and new (not to say historic and modern) to coexist in harmony, but it also allows art expressions to flourish: unique graffiti murals light up the streets of this colonial neighborhood.
If you're looking for a a walking tour of 'La Candelaria', click below:
Visit 'El Museo del Oro'
Located in ‘La Candelaria’, The Gold Museum is one of Colombia’s most impressive museums.
Be ready to take a trip back in time to the Pre-Hispanic period to catch sight of more than 55,000 pieces of sculpted gold: nose rings, pieces of jewelry and other ornaments are part of the extensive collection this museum offers.
On Sundays, entrance to the museum is free!
Visit the 'Botero Museum'
The Botero Museum exhibits the work of Fernando Botero, one of Colombia’s most accomplished artists. His style goes under the name of Boterismo, which is unmistakable as it usually features oversized animals and human figures.
His art is displayed in many museums around the world, but the largest collection is in La Candelaria, Bogotá.
As one of Bogotá’s most famous museums, you should not hesitate to visit it!
Go to 'The National Museum'
If you want to learn more about Colombia’s history, art and culture, then you should definitively visit The National Museum of Colombia.
The building which once served as a prison (until 1946) is now home to a collection of over 20,000 pieces of work, making it the biggest and oldest museum in the country.
Get something to eat at 'La Puerta Falsa'
Dying to try some Colombian food? Find the best and authentic Colombian meals and snacks prepared for your liking at La Puerta Falsa.
This place is not just a restaurant, but an experience for anyone wanting to get an insight into traditional Colombian cuisine.
You can’t miss out on their ‘Ajiaco’, hot chocolate or typical Colombian pastries (e.g. pandebono).
Piece of advice: Go with an empty stomach an try a little bit of everything they have to offer.
Discover 'The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá'
The village of Zipaquirá is the perfect one-day getaway from the hustle of the city of Bogota.
Zipaquirá is a cute historic town located some 50km north of Bogotá and home to a stunning salt cathedral built 180 meters underground within the tunnels of a salt mine. This place is a famous tourist destination, but also a place of pilgrimage in Colombia, receiving more than 3,000 visitors on Sundays.
If you're planning a day trip to visit The Salt Cathedral, take a look at this guided tour. After you've seen the cathedral, your guide will take you to visit the beautiful colonial town of Zipaquirá. The perfect plan for a day trip from the busy city of Bogotá!
Dance the night away at 'Andrés Carne de Res'
From its extravagant metal artsy décor, to its incredible atmosphere and exquisite food, this eclectic place offers everything you need to spend a wonderful night of entertainment.
'Andrés Carne de Res' is located in Chia, a 45 minutes ride from Bogotá. Although there is a smaller version of it in downtown Bogotá, I really recommend visiting the one in Chia because of its vibrant atmosphere.
Satiate your taste buds by trying the famous ‘Lomo al Trapo’ (literally translated as beef tenderloin in a towel), get yourself a Mojito and be ready to hit the dance floor!
This restaurant/bar/nightclub is definitively a one-of-a-kind place worth visiting!
Go shopping at 'Centro Comercial Andino'
Apart from offering history and culture, Bogotá is also considered a shopper’s paradise. Often described as the best shopping mall in Bogotá, the ‘Andino mall’, located in the nightlife neighborhood of the ‘Zona T’, it’s an exclusive mall in which luxury brands have set up their stores, including Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabanna, and Tiffany.
As the beating heart of Colombia, Bogotá is an alluring place to visit. Come and see by yourself the beauty of this metropolis!
If you want some information on how to get from the airport to downtown Bogotá, take a look at the following article:
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