Bogotá is Colombia’s capital and its largest city, set on a high Andean plateau at 2,640 m. It mixes colonial streets, outstanding museums, street art, serious food and a quick escape to mountains, lakes and villages just beyond the city.
What to do in Bogotá
- La Candelaria. The historic center, with colonial houses, Plaza de Bolívar, cafés and street art.
- Gold Museum (Museo del Oro). One of the world’s best collections of pre-Columbian gold, with tens of thousands of pieces.
- Botero Museum. Art by Fernando Botero and works by international artists, in the old center.
- Monserrate. A hilltop shrine at about 3,150 m with the best view of the city, reached by cable car or funicular.
- Street art tour. Bogotá has one of the most active street art scenes in Latin America.
- Markets and food. Paloquemao market, Usaquén’s Sunday market and traditional ajiaco, the city’s chicken-and-potato soup.
- Ciclovía. On Sundays and holidays, main roads close to cars and fill with cyclists, runners and families.
Day trips from Bogotá
- Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral. An underground cathedral inside a salt mine, about 1 to 1.5 hours away.
- Guatavita Lake. The legend of El Dorado, in the mountains north of the city.
- Villa de Leyva. A preserved colonial town, ideal for a night or two.
- Chingaza. A páramo landscape with lakes and frailejones.
How many days in Bogotá?
| Days | Suggested plan |
|---|---|
| 2 | La Candelaria, Gold Museum, Monserrate and food |
| 3 | Add street art, markets, Usaquén and a day trip |
| 4+ | Add Villa de Leyva or a second day trip |
Best time and what to pack
Bogotá’s climate is cool and changeable all year, usually 8 to 19 °C, with the driest months in December to March and July to August. Pack layers, a rain jacket and comfortable shoes.
Getting there and around
El Dorado International Airport (BOG) is Colombia’s main hub, with direct flights to Cartagena, Medellín, Pereira, Armenia and Leticia. In the city, use registered taxis or ride apps; the TransMilenio buses are cheap but crowded.
Plan your Bogotá trip with us
Bogotá works as the start or end of a bigger itinerary: tell us your dates and we will connect it with the Caribbean coast, the Coffee Region or the Amazon.
