An Insider’s Guide to the Best of Bogota
I know what you’re all thinking when you hear the words, “Bogota, Colombia”. Drugs, Pablo Escobar, kidnapping, danger, etc… But get those ideas out of your head! In the past few years, Bogotá has risen to fame as one of South America’s new “hot spot” destinations. The foodie scene is off the charts, the arts and culture are booming, foreign businesses are setting up roots, there are tons of new boutique hotels and stores, and the city has implemented many safety measures to ditch the bad reputation that still tends to stick in people’s minds when thinking of the city. Writing directly from the heart of it all, here are some useful tips and advice on getting in, what to see, do and eat, where to stay and more.
Getting In
By Air
Arrive to Aeropuerto Internacional El Dorado (BOG). Take an uber or taxi to where you are going in the city (25,000COP/$8USD flat rate to and from airport). I recommend Uber because sometimes taxis will charge you more based on the time of day, if you have luggage, etc., unlike Uber that has a set rate and won’t charge you more. Plus, Colombian taxis tend to be pretty small with little to no trunk space. So unless you want to sit with your suitcase on your lap, Uber is your best bet!
By Land
Buses are a really popular way of traveling in South America. You can travel between Bogota and anywhere else in the country with the bus system. Arrive to the main bus terminal in Salitre called the Terminal de Transporte de Bogotá* (*It is important not to get out at the southern terminal, the Terminal del Sur, because it is very far from the city center and not the main hub). From the main terminal in Salitre, take a taxi or Uber to your destination in the city. Going around 30 minutes from the terminal should cost around 12,000COP. Once again, I recommend Uber.
Do
Explore La Candelaria– This is the historic center of the city.
Just walking around the cobblestone streets, observing the colorful colonial architecture, massive government buildings, and the impressive graffiti is enough entertainment for an entire day.
Plaza de Bolivar– The main plaza in La Candelaria. There is a church you can enter, pigeons to feed, and lots of history.
Museo de Arte del Banco de la República– Free to enter. It is a large art museum in La Candelaria, especially famous for its Botero pieces, and home to Casa de La Moneda.
Ciclovia- On Sundays, the main streets in the city are closed until 2pm for pedestrians and bike riders. Walk along Carrera 7 (la septima) and observe the venders, go to zumba in Parque Nacional, or rent bikes and go for a ride.
Parque 93– A medium sized park in the north of the city surrounded by fun bars and restaurants. They have tons of benches and tables to sit at and playgrounds for kids. There is a Starbucks, Crepes & Waffles, and Bogotá Beer Company overlooking the park. It’s nice to relax in on a sunny day and people watch.
Monserrate– Large mountain near La Candelaria with a cable car or funicular ride up to the top. Go on a clear day for sweeping views of Bogotá. There’s a church, artisanal markets, and small restaurants on top. Definitely something you can’t miss when visiting Bogotá.
Bogotá Bike Tour– A great way to see a lot of the city if you are short on time.
Jardín botánico de Bogotá & Parque Metropolitano Simón Bolívar– Botanical gardens located in Parque Metropolitano Simon Bolivar, the largest park in the city. The park also has running paths, a large lake, and areas to play every sport imaginable.
Take a Chiva party bus to La Calera viewpoint- Get a group of friends or travellers together and rent a Chiva that will take you to La Calera for a view of Bogotá. You can dance, drink, and sing along to the loud music that blasts these old, colorful, windowless busses. Many hotels and hostels organize them as well.
Usaquen Market on a Sunday– Every Sunday, up north in the Usaquen neighborhood, there is a large artisanal market. Usaquen is also popular for its food scene. Usaquen neighborhood starts at Carrera 7 and Calle 116.
Eat/Drink
Andres Carne de Res/Andres D.C.- Andres Carne de Res, located in Chía in the outskirts of Bogotá, and Andres
La Diva Pizzeria– Best pizza I have ever had (maybe besides Venice) and all their ingredients are imported from Italy. They also have a few pasta dishes.
Mercari Bakery– Best brownies I have had in Bogotá, hands down. They also sell chocolate chip cookies, blondies, other desserts, and artisanal bread.
Crepes & Waffles– Chain restaurant with numerous locations all over Bogotá and Colombia. Delicious sweet and savory crepes, waffles, soups, salads.
“Almuerzos Corrientes”– Great for budget travelers, these cheap lunches available at small, local restaurants can be found all over the city. You get a lot of food for a small price (approx. 5,000COP/$1.70USD). They tend to include soup, meat, rice, beans, french fries, plantains, a small salad, some juice or a random combination of the above.
Bogotá Beer Company– Chain restaurant with artisanal beer…and you can even get an IPA. Popular with both locals and foreigners.
Zona T– Pedestrian streets in the shape of a T by Andino Mall with a lot of nice restaurants and bars. On weekends, the restaurants, bars, and clubs are packed. Anywhere around here is a sure bet for a fun time but it is a little on the pricey side.
Stay
In Bogotá, you have the options of hostel, hotel, couchsurfing, or Airbnb. Don’t forget to check out Airbnb because sometimes they have rates lower than hostels.
These are the 3 main areas I would recommend staying:
La Candelaria
This is the historical center and hub of the “backpacker scene.” The majority of budget hostels are located here as well as tourist attractions, and is a good starting point for a trip to Bogotá. Keep in mind, however, that during the day it is safe, but at night it is a bit dodgy.
Chapinero
This is a central area to stay in. There isn’t a ton to do or see in Chapinero but it gives you easy access to things in the north and south in La Candelaria. If you decide to stay here, stay near Carrera 7 (aka la septima) to be close to public transportation.
Zona T/Parque 93 (North)
This is one of the wealthiest, safest, and most expensive areas of the city. There aren’t many tourist attractions up here, but if you are looking to relax, go to pretty parks, do some shopping, eat at fancy restaurants, and go to high end bars/clubs, this is the place to stay. Here, you will see a lot of very well dressed people, luxury cars, outdoor cafes and restaurants, and American/European stores.
Safety
Bogotá is generally pretty safe, but don’t be naive. Observe the locals and your surroundings. If they all have their smartphones out on the street, it is probably fine for you to do the same. If they all are holding their backpacks in front of them while walking, I highly recommend you do the same. If I am walking at night and feel unsafe, I like to put my phone and credit cards in my waist. Also, use common sense, especially on public transportation, and never leave your bags unattended.
Weather
Bogotá is 8,300 feet (2640 meters) above sea level so it has a fairly cool, mountainous climate, but because of the altitude, the sun can be very intense. When there are no clouds, it is warm enough to be in shorts and a t-shirt (locals will stare at you because they aren’t used to seeing that). However, the weather is a little sporadic. One minute you go out and it is hot and sunny, and the next the clouds and chill are rolling in, leaving you wishing for a sweater or scarf. It rains quite often, but normally for short periods of time. I recommend wearing pants or capris and short sleeve tops, while also carrying a sweater or light jacket. It can be chilly at night, as well. And certainly, a word of the wise is to always carry an umbrella!
Additional Tips
- If you need any beauty treatments, such as a haircut, manicure, pedicure, or massage, Bogotá is the place! A men’s haircut costs less than $5, manicure/pedicure are approximately $7, and a massage can be less than $40.
- Always bring toilet paper with you. Many Colombian bathrooms won’t have any.
- Try not to exchange money at the airport or an exchange place. In my opinion, the best option with money when traveling is to have a debit card from home and to take out local currency from an ATM. A small ATM fee will always be less than what you pay to convert in the airport, bank, or similar agency.
- Try to take Uber over taxis. I find it cheaper and have been ripped off many times by taxis. However, there has been tension between taxi drivers and Uber lately, resulting in taxi drivers going on numerous strikes. Many Uber drivers will ask you to sit in the front to appear less like an Uber.
- Speaking Spanish. Because Bogotá is still not as touristy as other major South American cities, it is important to know the Spanish basics. However, when you are in touristy areas, it is possible to get by without much Spanish and there will most likely be someone around to help you. Learning English is highly encouraged in schools all over Colombia, so locals get very excited when presented with the opportunity to talk with a native English speaker.
Despite its poor reputation, of all the countries I’ve visited, Colombia is one of my favorites. Many people simply fly into Bogotá and immediately catch a bus or a plane to another destination. However, no trip to Colombia is complete without at least a few days exploring the bustling capital of Bogotá. So, before you run off to the popular cities of Cartagena, Medellin or Salento, give Bogotá a chance…you won’t be disappointed!
[accordion_tab title=”Collegiate Correspondent: Kelsey Boeshore” default]
