We traveled to Colombia in February with no real plan of where it would take us. With a one-way ticket into the capital city of Bogotá, we booked a few days in an Airbnb, and decided to plan the trip as we went. We knew that we wanted to travel Colombia slowly, so we could really see and get to know the country. Bogotá was the perfect starting point and since it is the capital city, we found some cheap flights!
- Things to Know Before Traveling to Bogotá
- Where to Stay in Bogotá
- Best Things to do in Bogotá
- Where to Eat in Bogotá
- Best Time of Year to Visit Bogotá
- What to Pack
Little did we know, this trip would be the start of a 4 month journey through some incredible parts of Colombia. I won’t get too far ahead of myself though, because this post is all about the best things to do on your trip to Bogotá!
If you are not familiar with Bogotá, it is a giant city. Jacob and I are typically not the biggest city people, but we do like to spend a few days getting to know the capital city of the country we are visiting for the first time. Over 7 million people call Bogotá home, and it is the 3rd highest capital city in the world with an elevation of 8,660 ft above sea level! If you are not acclimated to high elevation, be prepared to feel the effects of elevation sickness upon your arrival in Bogotá.
Things to Know Before Traveling to Bogotá
Bogotá, and Colombia as a whole, has gotten a bit of a reputation for being unsafe, but thankfully that is starting to change. While Bogotá is relatively safe to visit, there are precautions that you should take during your time in the city.
Safety & Tips
The biggest thing to be aware of is that petty crime such as pick pocketing or bag snatching is not uncommon. When you are out in public or walking the streets, do not wear flashy jewelry, carry large amounts of money, or carry a cellphone in your hand. I love using my fanny pack when I am walking, so my belongings are always put away and close to me.
Avoid walking at night, especially if you are alone because this can make you an easy target. If we go out at night, we like to get an Uber.
The language in Colombia is Spanish, and while you may be lucky to run into people that speak some English, many people do not. It is good to learn some Spanish phrases and of course download Google Translate and get familiar with it before your trip! Be sure to download Spanish so you can use it offline.
If you want to be able to use data when you are not connected to WIFI, I recommend purchasing an E-sim card. We used Nomad and it worked great for us! Just download the Nomad app on your phone and search for Colombia. Once you purchase a plan, you just have to follow the instructions on your phone to set it up.
It might be a little overboard for some backpackers, but we always had travel insurance coverage. It assures that you have health insurance for those unexpected (obviously) medical needs. Safety Wing has plans as low as $45/month. An easy expense for a lot of protection!
Another easy assurance is to join The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow travelers & backpackers to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By doing so, you will receive safety alert emails in your destination country and in the event of an emergency, the Embassy will contact you directly for support.
The currency in Colombia is the Colombian Peso (COP). As of writing this, 1 US dollar is equivalent to about 3,900 COP. Currency conversion rates are always changing, so be sure to Google the transfer rate before your trip for the most accurate conversion. We typically get a little bit of money out at the airport, but to avoid carrying too much cash, we use ATM machines as we need more. Just make sure you have a debit card that works internationally.
Where to Stay in Bogotá
When looking for a place to stay in Bogotá, there are a few neighborhoods that are safer for tourists. We use Airbnb or Booking.com to find the best accommodations.
- La Candelaria– this is the historic district and best for sightseeing and budget friendly hostels.
- Chapinero– Best district for foodies and nomads
- Zona Rosa– An upscale neighborhood with plenty of nightlife, shopping, and restaurants
- Usaquén– Another upscale neighborhood
- Teusaquillo– History, culture, and good for families
Best Things to do in Bogotá
Cerro de Monserrate
One of our favorite things we did in Bogotá was hike the Cerro de Monserrate. If you are not a hiker, do not worry because there is the option to take a cable car right to the top! There are a lot of stairs to the top if you choose to walk, but it is a great hike if you are looking to get some exercise. Not to mention, when we showed up there was a very long line for the cable car. We decided to avoid the crowd and take the walk up. You are rewarded with excellent views of the city on the way up. When you reach the top, the monastery sits at the top of the hill. From there, you can get beautiful views of Bogotá!
La Candelaria Neighborhood
La Candelaria is the cultural and historic district of Bogotá, and it should not be missed on your trip to the city. Spend a day walking the streets of the La Candelaria district and visiting historic churches, buildings, and eating at the good restaurants and cafes. Be sure not to miss the Plaza de Bolivar, Bogotá’s main square.
Museo del Oro- Gold Museum
The Gold Museum is located in the historic district and it is a collection of gold artifacts found throughout Colombia. We do not always enjoy museums, but we found the Gold Museum to be very interesting and educational about Colombia’s past and its indigenous peoples. There is an entrance fee of 5,000 COP, and the entrance is free on Sundays.
Where to Eat in Bogotá
Cafe Cultor, which is located in the Chapinero district, was by far one of our favorite places to get coffee in Colombia. They had an amazing cold brew that we returned multiple times during our time in Bogotá. We also just really loved the atmosphere.
Varietale has locations in both the La Candelaria and the Chapinero neighborhoods. They also had delicious coffee and a welcoming atmosphere.
Origenes Cafe is your spot if you are looking to start your day in the La Candelaria district with a great breakfast and coffee! Again, wonderful coffee, and the eggs benedict was delightful.
Têt Taberna Vietnamita… Mmmm, my mouth is watering just thinking about it! We ate at Têt twice during our time in Bogotá because it was so good! They have 2 different locations, and you cannot go wrong with either of them. The Ginger chicken and curry were to die for, as were the dumplings and fried shrimp wontons. I would consider flying back to Bogotá to eat here again!
Best Time of Year to Visit Bogotá
The weather in Bogotá is pretty mild year-round, due to its high elevation and proximity to the equator. With the high elevation making it a bit cooler, the temperatures are similar to springtime temperatures. The driest months in Bogotá are from December to March, which makes it a great time to visit!
What to Pack
Due to the spring-like temperatures and possibilities of rain, it is good to pack layers when visiting Bogotá. I recommend bringing long pants, and then layering your tops with short sleeve, sweater, and maybe a rain jacket. When the sun comes out, it can get quite warm.
Bogotá offers a unique and memorable experience with its vibrant culture, historic charm, and culinary delights. Be sure to navigate safely, get a cold brew at Cafe Cultor, and explore La Candelaria! Whether you’re into history, food, or adventure, Bogotá has something for everyone.
-Morgan
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