Sitting comfortably on a sloping plain at the base of the Guadalupe and Monserrate mountains, the sprawling, vibrant, and passionately energetic city of Bogotá exists as the capital of and largest city in Colombia, South America. Bogotá is oftentimes referred to as the ‘metropolitan heart’ of Colombia, with its stunning wines, authentic dining, and indulgent shopping opportunities. The city is mapped out with a grid pattern, divided into many ‘plazas’ or squares.
For instance, the Plaza Bolívar; the square within which the principal churches and public buildings reside. Bogotá is a city of juxtaposition, with its combination of colonial buildings and modern apartment buildings. Numerous stunning parks adorn the city, accompanied by exciting tourist attractions and an efficient public transportation system. Full to the brim with art, culture, history, and fashion, Bogotá is a must-see tourist destination, and here are this author’s top ten sites that you just have to visit during your South American adventure!
La Candelaria
Typically, every tourist’s first stop when visiting Bogotá is the vibrant, bohemian streets of La Candelaria. Complete with cobblestone streets, quaint cathedrals, colourful street art, and authentic Spanish colonial buildings, La Candelaria exists as the historic centre of Bogotá. The area is a hotspot amongst creatives, with many musicians and artists residing here.
Make sure to stop and have a drink at one of La Candelaria’s many bars, cafes and restaurants, or even find a quiet spot to simply sit and people watch! If you’re wanting something a little more structured, why not book a place on the ‘Private Three-Hour Tour of La Candelaria’, and soak up all the history that the area has to offer? Whilst popular amongst tourists and locals alike, the area is sometimes described as ‘a little sketchy’, so be a little more alert if visiting at night. But don’t let this scare you! La Candelaria is well worth a visit and is one I am sure you will not regret.
Location: La Candelaria, Bogotá, Colombia
Museo del Oro / Museum of Gold
The Museo del Oro or Museum of Gold is one of the most visited tourist attractions, not only in Bogotá but in the country of Colombia as a whole. It is Bogotá’s most famous museum and one of the most fascinating in the entire country. Established in December 1939, the museum is home to the largest collection of gold artefacts in the world and is an essential attraction on any visitor’s bucket list. Make use of the complimentary audio tours, available in both Spanish and English, to tour through the four floors of stunning artefacts.
The collection itself contains fifty-five thousand pieces of gold, divided into various rooms highlighting the difference in period and process. The Museo del Oro is a fascinating and eye-opening experience and is definitely worth a visit whilst you are staying in Bogotá.
Location: Carrera 6, 15-82, (Parque Santander), Bogotá, Colombia
Monserrate Mountain
Visible from nearly everywhere in the city, the Monserrate mountain stands three-thousand, one-hundred and fifty-two metres high, dominating the city centre of Bogotá. Monserrate is one of the top things to do when visiting Colombia’s capital city – pardon the pun! The views from the top are incomparable, and with a multitude of ways to reach the peak, there is no excuse not to soak them in. Choose from a cable car, train, or opt for the almighty hike.
Once at the top, not only are there breathtaking views to behold but a quaint church and monastery to visit, honouring Montserrat’s Virgin Morena, whose shrine is located in Barcelona. There are also two restaurants, where you can enjoy delicious food whilst enjoying the very best views of Bogotá. The Monserrate Mountain is one of the most prominent and important tourist attractions in the city and is a place you just have to visit!
Location: Monserrate Mountain, Bogotá, Colombia
Plaza de Bolívar
Plaza de Bolívar is a popular square located in the historic heart of Bogotá. Reflecting the name of the square, a statue of Simon Bolívar created in 1846 by Italian Pietro Tenerani stands in the centre, which in itself was the first public monument in the city.
The square has been at the centre of the history of Colombia for centuries. Among other things, the square previously existed as a bull market and public circus, Plaza de Bolívar continues to be used as a venue for social and cultural events. Sitting comfortably on the square are some stunning buildings including the Cathedral, the Capitol, and the Palacio Liévano which in themselves are incredible venues to visit.
At Christmas time, the square is adorned with thousands of spectacular Christmas lights and is truly a sight to behold. Whether you are wanting to soak up some Colombian history, admire the stunning architecture, or simply people-watch in one of Bogotá’s most popular squares, a trip to Plaza de Bolívar is definitely on the cards.
Location: Cra. 7 #11-10, La Candelaria, Bogotá, Colombia
Street Art
Bogotá is home to some fantastic street art and is actually described as one of the most street-art friendly cities in the country. La Candelaria is the most historical part of Bogotá and itself is home to some of the best work by both local and international artists such as Ciclope, Kiptoe, Ericailcane, Amazon, and many more! The murals are spread throughout the area on storefronts, hostels, and even featuring cultural institutes.
Buildings across Carrera 10, Calle 26, and Avenida Caracas and decorated with incredible works of art. But not just in these locations! Even a walk across the city will expose you to some amazing sights, so make sure to save some time to explore the creative side of Bogotá! Admire vibrant colours, fascinating images, and interesting creations.
Explore the meanings behind the works of art and learn more about the artists themselves. Why not take part in one of the many available street art tours? A notable one is the ‘Bogotá Graffiti Tour’ to make sure you get access to the best art that the city has to offer?
Location: La Candelaria, Bogotá, Colombia
The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá
Lying just outside Bogotá, the underground, Roman-Catholic church of Zipaquirá was built within the two-hundred-metre deep salt mines of the halite mountain. The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá is both an extremely popular tourist attraction and a place of pilgrimage in the Bogotá area. The cathedral itself is located around six hundred feet underground and is oftentimes described as an ‘architectural wonder’, built in the caverns and tunnels left behind by the ex-miners.
Magnificent, enchanting, and rich in grandeur, the cathedral opens up into three naves representing the birth, life, and death of Jesus Christ. The chandeliers fill the basilica dome whilst purple lights illuminate the venue from the floor to the ceiling. The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá is truly a magical place and an attraction you will not quickly forget!
Location: Parque De La Sal, Zipaquirá, Cundinamarca, Colombia
Andrés Carne de Res
Bogotá’s wildest restaurant! Full of fun and exciting decor, Andrés Carne de Res is Bogotá’s legendary steakhouse, known for blowing all its customers away. Choose from a seventy-page menu of delicious, authentic, Colombian dishes, all mouthwateringly tasty in their own way! But it isn’t just the food that encapsulates visitors – the design gimmicks and vibrant decorations make for a surreal eating experience.
In the evenings, the restaurant goes rogue! Now it’s a nightclub. Pop onto the dancefloor for a boogie to some reggaeton and South American pop. Andrés Carne de Res truly has everything! Don’t miss out on admiring the exciting surroundings and tasting some of the best food that Bogotá has to offer!
Location: Cl. 82 ## 12 -21, Bogotá, Colombia
Mercado de las Pulgas de Usaquén
Make sure you take some time during your visit to Bogotá to check out Mercado de las Pulgas de Usaquén! Mercado de las Pulgas de Usaquén is a bustling, weekly flea market, home to outdoor salespersons selling foods, gifts, arts, and crafts. The market is a creative haven with many colourful stalls to tour through and regular entertainment provided throughout the day. The market takes place on Sundays and is a great place to visit during your trip to Bogotá!
Location: Calle 119 Con Carrera 6a, Bogotá, Cundinamarca, Colombia
Zona Rosa / Zona T
Zona Rosa is the prime nightclub district of Bogotá! Also known as ‘Zona T’ due to the ‘T’ shaped area located at its heart, Zona Rosa is highly concentrated with at least fifty nightclubs. Due to this, it is oftentimes referred to as the best place for partying in all of Colombia, and even considered the best place for partying in Latin America! So, even if you’re not super into going out on the town, you definitely need to give Zona Rosa a go. Try Video Club for some electronic music, Baum for some banging techno, or maybe Dembow Dance Hall for some reggaeton. There is truly something for everyone to enjoy!
Location: Cl. 83, Bogotá, Colombia
Laguna de Guatavita / Lake Guatavita
Laguna de Guatavita, or Lake Guatavita, is a beautiful body of water located northeast of Bogotá in central Colombia. The crystal clear, cratered lagoon water is surrounded by a forest rich in natural beauty and wonder. Take part in one of the many tours to truly appreciate the stunning agriculture and fascinating waters, whilst learning about the history of the indigenous people residing there.
But, the hike around the forest can be a bit challenging so make sure to pack your walking shoes! In fact, it lasts six hours! Lake Guatavita exists as the birthplace of the legend of El Dorado. That is, the legend that a lost city of gold waits for discovery by a conqueror. Whether this centuries-old legend reigns true or not, Lake Guatavita is one of the most beautiful locations in Colombia as a whole and you would be a fool not to soak up its breathtaking natural beauty!
Location: Sesquilé, Cundinamarca, Colombia
