There are three floors filled with artifacts collected from Colombias pre-Hispanic cultures, each focusing on a different theme. Refreshment stalls are set up along the routes, and intersections with cross-traffic are policed (plenty of local tour operators rent bicycles and roller blades). This is by far the quirkiest thing to do in Bogota. Keep traveling . The Museums whopping 34,000 pieces of pre-Colombian gold items, ranging from jewelry to ornate crowns, is sure to have you agog in awe at both the artistry and the luxury. so . The rhythmic motions and focus required put you in a trance state and distract you from your worries and negative thoughts. All this combined make it the best hotel in Bogota. Hiking up to the La Calera Lookout to see the city lights is pretty epic as well. Share your take on the destinations featured here by making a comment! We do recommend joining a tour for this as wandering down Bogotas alleyways alone may not end well. Chorro de Quevedo en La Candelaria. document.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_4" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Because it is at an altitude of 3.152 m you can enjoy the best views of the city and its surroundings from the top! Bogota is home to an elaborate amusement park that will be loads of fun for you and your kids. visiting some of the countries best spots, culminating in a relaxing few days on the beach in San Andres. Another must when in Colombia is The Gold Museum in Bogota! Without a name, people started calling it the place near the false door which ended as La Puerta Falsa. Day 2 - Bogota & Flight to Medellin. Colombians are very friendly and quite fond of foreigners so you may well be invited to share a carton of Aguardiente (local firewater that causes shocking hangovers!) The church was built in the mid 1600s, and is a treasure in itself. When the Spanish Conquistadores first arrived in Colombia, they could not believe how much gold the indigenous population had and soon set about relieving them of it. You simply cant miss out on exploring Bogotas nightlife. 4. Visit Museo Botero 4. The scale of violence fueled by the drug cartels is now a thing of the past. Highly rated activities with free entry in Bogota: The top things to do for free. Founded in 1955 to honor famous botanist Jos Celestino Mutis, this attraction covers 19.5 acres. (If I may say so myself!). Must-have ingredients are guascas, a type of herb, and a special type of potato called papa criolla. I created Miss Tourist travel blog to help you organise the perfect holiday. You can simply zone out and allow muscle memory to do the work. Be warned, the roasting can be smelled from miles away and will have you drooling! An oasis for nature lovers, it will make you forget that you are just two hours away from the countrys capital! It was an easy choice for two reasons: 1) It is the capital of Bogota. Gold Museum (Museo del Oro) is one of the city's most popular attractions. Its huge too, like a small town set 590 feet (180 meters) beneath the earth with places to eat and buy trinkets as well. And luckily for you, theres no entry fee. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Bogota is an exciting city for all ages, and truly caters to its smaller residents by constantly having family activities, and large areas to play in. The 20th century saw a new hermitage built in 1945 by Jorge Murcia Riao. Join a bar crawl or find some friends and head to the nearest night club. Whether youre searching for culture, history, nature or cuisine youll find lots of it here! We suggest you rent a boat during sunset and this is one of the most romantic things to do in Bogota for couples. FUN FACT2: Theres an old superstition that says that couples that visit Monserrate together will never get married. 3. This exterior of this church is boldly striped in vivid candy cane red and white, and quite the antithesis of Santa Claras austere facade. The whole museum is very well done and absolutely stunning, plus the entrance fee is small for this dramatic and detailed look into the past. The citys natives are known as bogotanos and their descendants are called cachacos. That is why we have created this awesome post for you. Drugging by Scopolamine is also pretty common. PRO TIP: My advice is for you to take the cable car as it gives a better view of the city, however, if youre heading there on Sundays bear in mind that the cable car is quite busy and you might want to take the funicular instead! If you are traveling to more destinations in Colombia (and you should! Suggested tour: Bogot Bicycle Tours, 4-5 Hours. It is a church and viewpoint overlooking the already high city at 10,341 feet (3,152 metres).Go to the Taquilla Monserrate to buy your tickets and you will then be put into a line to go up. It spans 400-hectares and is situated in the Western part of the city. There are high-jumps, roller-coasters, log-rides, 5-D theatres too! Hey Great Post! Theres a little white church at the top, but the act of climbing Cerro Monserrate and seeing the city from above is the real attraction here be sure to stay hydrated and aware of the altitude though. Hi Im Yulia! Gold Museum (Museo del Oro) This museum is truly the Gold Museum-three floors of the history of gold and minerals in South America, particularly. Nice park with LOTS of people, kids, and dogs. Another option is checking out this 4-hour Food Tasting experience in which youll try the most typical meals in a traditional Colombian home, just like a local! Get some peace in the Botanical Garden of Bogota. Stop by the tiny establishment for classic Colombian onces like a cheesy bread made with tapioca flour called pan de queso, or bread made from cornmeal flour and cuajda white cheese called almojabana. Photo: Reg Natarajan, Flickr. Going to Colombia and not trying your hand at salsa dancing would be a terrible mistake, especially if youre a nightlife lover! If you are traveling in Colombia then you will have to try Salsa at some point because the locals will pretty much force you! 1. Bogot is full of cultural activities that are either free or pretty close to it. At the top of the tramway is one of the most sacred places in Bogota. But it isnt just the altitude here that will have your head spinning and you pausing to catch your breath, nope, Bogota is whirlwind of exciting sights, pumping parties and fantastic locals! La Chorrera Natural Park contains the countrys highest waterfall. The altitude of 8,530 feet above sea level makes Bogota one of the highest cities in South America. The outlying savannahs and proximity of the equator also mean a diet rich in grilled meats and fruit. The routes can be a bit strenuous and muddy, but the trails are well-marked and the pounding waterfalls are incredible (and great for a swim after all that walking). Made of 80% pure gold by the Muisca people sometime between 600 -1600 A.D., this finely-wrought sculpture has special ceremonial significance. If you want to visit all or just some of the museums you should dedicate at least 2 days to the "La Candelaria". Industry Leaders Share Strategies For Coping And Building Back, Examples of Sustainable Tourism Recommendations from Experts, Community Tourism Aligns Interests of Destinations and Travelers, Aran Islands of Inishmore and Inishmaan, Lake Atitlan in Guatemala Offers Beauty and Mayan Culture, The Azores Islands, An Off The Beaten Path Eco Paradise, Guide To Best Things To Do In Rio Lagartos Mexico, Guide to Cultural Attractions of Scottish Highlands, Hebrides Islands of Scotland, A Dream Vacation. Colombias cosmopolitan city has one of Latin Americas largest urban parks! Theres a lake with ducks where you can rent small boats and lots of trails where you can walk, jog, or ride bikes. Bogota was the first stop on our trip to Colombia. Voices of Bogota Learn more about Bogota and its people through the stories of 16 residents. Have you been to Colombia's capital? Then click on the name of any bar and it will be highlighted on the map. Photo: . Alternatively you can join a tour which includes bus, entry and guide. I have created this short list of places to stay when in Bogota, ranging from budget to luxury! Enjoy an MMA and kickboxing tournament. Now that you know what youll be doing while in Bogota, we have to get to the not-so-fun (but extremely useful!) Even taller than Monserrate, Guadalupe Hill towers 11,000 feet over Bogot. Founded in 2000, the Botero Museum is a collection of art by artists from all over the world. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); I'm Meg, the founder of Best Cultural Destinations and a seasoned traveler who has been reporting on cultural heritage and traditions for more than twenty years. The city layout is actually very logical so once you get your head around it, navigating Bogota is pretty easy and getting lost is hard. Well, a guinea-pig is your best alternative in downtown Bogota! The best places to buy souvenirs in Bogot . 13. Visit a street market in Bogota. See Tripadvisor's 408,779 traveller reviews and photos of Bogota free attractions This lookout point provides panoramic views of the city. Its a convent and church built onto the mountain-side over looking Bogota and commands awesome views of the city. 2022, The Broke Backpacker. You cannot fail to notice the graffiti, street art and murals which either litters or decorates (depending on your view) the walls throughput the city. Bogota has a dedicated Emerald District near La Candelaria neighborhood, between 12th Street and 6th Avenue, and this is definitely the best place to buy emerald jewelry in the city. Choosing a place to eat might sound like a daunting task, because it is! The Botanical Gardens are a fantastic thing to do in Bogota. In it, we will take a look at the best things to do in Bogota, someoff the beaten track things to do in Bogotaas well as include our insider recommendations for the best places to score food, drink and good times. It looks exactly like a normal beltexcept for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash or a passport copy. First held in 1987, the market is famous for its highest concentration of antiques in the country; and for ten consecutive years! It features collections of plants from all over the country among its 19000 live plants. Your web is well organized with many useful trips, sorry tips ;). Botero Museum is a museum featuring a collection of Fernando Botero, Colombia's most well-known artist. The north and northeast are affluent suburbs, the central and west are largely middle class, and the southern areas are home to the citys working-class and marginalized. Enjoy the sunset and seeing the city lights come ablaze. 1. So, while youre relaxing on the picnic blanket, your children will be occupied! Roadside food stalls pop up on Sundays so you can grab a fresh juice or arepa as you explore. Admission is also free for adults on Sundays, but it gets busy quickly so be sure to arrive early! With different themed rooms, the atmosphere is like a festival or circus with tons of vibrant decor, cocktails, confetti, and even parades. From the plaza, you can reach Montserrat in roughly an hour by foot, and less than half of that by transport. Andres Carnes de Res is basically a massive steak house that turns into a giant party once dinner is done! The gems were cherished not only for their beauty, but also for their healing properties, believed to cure various ailments like fever, epilepsy, and dysentery. A full day by day itinerary based on your preferences, Choose from the best hotels and activities. If you think you know beautiful landscapes, yummy food and friendly people, but you havent been to Bogot, you HAVE TO head there immediately! And while this may be the highest waterfall, it certainly isnt the only one youll encounter on your ascend. 1. Review of: Barrio La Candelaria. Disconnect in the Botanical Garden, one of the most relaxing things to do in Bogota Go up to the Mirador de La Calera to fall in love with Bogota Climb the Torre Colpatria and enjoy the view Buy a bargain at the Usaquen Market Move to Rio de Janeiro at Cerro de Guadalupe Learn at the National Museum of Colombia Have a drink in Parque 93 The Gold Museum has more than 30,000 pieces of gold artifacts and 20 thousand pieces of ceramics, textiles, etc. Skip to main content. Suggested tour: Private Tour of Monserrate. Expect plate-loads of carnivorous fayre, free-flowing drinks and then 2 dance-floors pumping our reggaeton, salta, vallanato and if you are unlucky, EDM! Started in 2015 by travellers looking for a place to combine their passions for travel and photography, this hostel is super zen. Save $$$ Save the Planet Save Your Stomach! The square takes its name from an Augustinian priest, Friar Quevedo, who in 1832 purchased the site and set up a public water fountain in the centre. Spend a day at the Botanical Gardens and Simon Bolivar Park The huge green spaces of the Botanical Gardens and Simon Bolivar Park are the peaceful and relaxing heart of Bogot, and if you're a solo traveller looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, a day out here is the perfect way to achieve that. If youre coming here for nightlife, this is the best Bogota Airbnb! Head to a boxing match with a local to get an unforgettable taste of Colombian culture. It causes severe confusion and blackouts and is used as either a date-rape drug or to rob people. There are operas, concerts, and modern plays to choose from, and the whole experience has a magical, romantic vibe to it. Museo del Oros mission encompasses the archaeology and anthropology of the regions pre-Colombian societies. These mountains are home to a multitude of rich fauna and flora species. His family owned many of the regions copper mines, but despite their wealth, his father died when Bolivar was three and his mother passed away before he was nine. More information. Take advantage of a city free of local crowds and hike up to Quebrada Las Delicias, a beautiful waterfall surrounded by lush Andean forest located less than an hour's walk from Bogot's urban streets. Dont be intimidated by the sprawling, bustling city of Bogot. This is one of the most educational, stimulating and satisfying things to do in Bogota. There are a lot ofthings to do in Bogotaand knowing where to begin can be a bit intimidating. Players throw heavy metal disks across the room (about 20 meters) at small gunpowder-filled targets stuck into clay. It offers locals and tourists leisure and respite from the bustling city and is a source of entertainment too. Iglesia de San Francisco 750 Churches & Cathedrals By myom624 See the capital from high above. Stroll Through La Candelaria Source: javarman / shutterstock La Candelaria Photo: Avior Airlines. Bogota has a reputation for having a tasty dining experience, and a nightlife to match! It is not a coincidence that during my Latin American trip I spent more than a month in Colombia because, in my opinion, its just one of the best countries to travel to. Thanks for sharing this useful article. It is a beautiful working church that from the outside might not look that magnificent, but it is definitely worth a visit as the inside is full of frescoes. By the way, make sure you wear your seatbelt (if theres any); Colombian taxi drivers are a bit more passionate! Here are some of the best nightlife options in Bogota. Tip: Go by funicular to avoid trouble. Youll have your pick of steak, Mexican, Peruvian, Lebanese, and Colombian, plus a few coffee shops and breweries. The Spanish sold the Colombian emeralds to Europe, India and elsewhere. Locals still utilize this location as a place of worship on Sundays. There are multiple ways to reach the top of the mountain. FUN FACT: Simon Bolivar is a National hero so you will see squares named in his honor pretty much in any Colombian city Medellin, Cartagena, Bogota just to name a few. Monserrate was known as grandmothers foot and Guadalupe was grandfathers foot. Bogota wasn't always so graffiti-friendly. On the roads, fun stops are implemented where exercise instructors host classes in the streets such as salsa-dancing! The first Spanish language poetry house, La Casa de Poesa Silva is the historic home of famous poet and writer, Jos Asuncin Silva. Botero Museo. Bogot El Dorado Airport (BOG) is one of the most important airports in Latin America and also one of the safest! If those walls could talk, quite a history of past lives would be revealed. Take the bus there yourself and pay the entrance fee, or opt for an organized trip with a hostel or tour company so that youll have transport, guides, and meals all arranged. This tribe was also known for their advanced knowledge of archaeoastronomy and built several temples in this area as homage to their Sun God. The Iglesia De San Francisco is the oldest surviving church in the city! . Photo: Meg Pier. Make sure you also check out Casa Nario, the presidential palace located just a couple of minutes walk from Plaza de Bolivar! You can get on a bus to Nemocn that leaves every hour from Salitre Terminal for COP 6300 (US$1.80). Also note that thieves do litter the trail during quiet periods so do not go alone. While youre here, check out some unique attractions like Casa Terracotta, a whole functioning house made out of clay many say its the largest piece of pottery in the world. Gold Museum (Museo del Oro) This museum is truly the Gold Museum-three floors of the history of gold and minerals in South America, particularly. We suggest booking in advance.Select from 29 top choices. Simply wear appropriate clothing, but not white its called Black River for a reason. Whoevers bowl is the chosen destination for the rodent, the money on the top will get multiplied in value by four or five times! Located in a lovely, renovated colonial house with an internal courtyard, admission to this internationally important collection of art is free. Soak up the artistic ambiance of its historic Candelaria neighborhood. The guides are great at storytelling and keeping you safe, and its way easier to make it through that heavy traffic on a bike than you might think. When travelling to Latin America, or really when travelling anywhere where you are not covered for medical costs in case of an emergency, its definitely best to buy travel insurance. Bucket List 1. These people lived northwest of what is now Bogota on the slopes of the eastern Andes. In Colombia, this equivalent of an English "cuppa" tea occurs in the late afternoon to fill in the void before dinner, which in Latin America usually is eaten after 8 p.m. Onces. FUN FACT: There is a Montserrat (without e at the end and with an extra t) mountain in Barcelona (also offering a great view to the city! You can join a free walking tour of La Candelaria here. Known as the art of the people, graffiti can be a lot more than meets the eye. There are a lot of things to see, at least these five sights should you visit, namely: La Plaza de Bolivar, La Florida, La Casa de la Moneda, Iglesia de San Francisco, and La Candelaria. So, without further ado, lets dive straight into the best things to do in Bogota: La Candelaria is the most iconic and historic district in Bogot, pretty much the capitals old town! What you should do in Bogota, Colombia. 1. Be sure to taste their amazing Colombian coffee, fruit juices, and the anise-flavored liquor aguardiente. Vendors set up stalls and tents in the park and down the streets to sell handicrafts, trinkets, and lots of stuff thats different from the typical souvenirs youll find in Colombia. This is my absolute favourite thing to do in Bogot. Simn Bolvar is the Central Park of the city, and its an enormous free park that gets super busy on the weekends. Photo: Leandro Neumann Ciuffo, Flickr. I arrived with no expectations in the city and after eating so many frijoles in Central America, I didnt know that Colombian food was going to be one of my favorite foods in the world! It consists of a church located in an underground salt mine near Zipaquir. 3. In 1955, Dr. Enrique Prez Arbelez established the garden, with a grant of land by the city of Bogota. RELATED READ: Best Bogota Hotels From Luxury to Budget. 12a #83-10, Bogot, Cundinamarca, Colombia Phone Number: +57 1 2572088 According to legend, this votive offering is related to a ritual celebration of a new king assuming power. Open since 1816, the restaurants name translates to the fake door, the wrong door, or the inauspicious door. This is because it was originally unnamed, just a place for hungry passersby. Teusaquillo is perfect for the outdoor lovers! It is both rich and poor, loud and quiet, beautiful and not so beautiful. Do not accept drinks or cigarettes from strangers and be very careful in bars. Day 5 - Day Trip to El Penol/Guatape. The streets are lined with trendy cafs, bohemian bars and vibrant creative hubs. So, a guide will show you the best views of the lit-up city beginning at the La Calera Lookout. Climb Monserrate Standing tall at over 3,000 meters, you can see Monserrate from pretty much everywhere in town. And if you feel like joining in on an exercise or dance class, you can pop over to one of the parks along the cycling route for whats called Recreova theyre free! In this post I have talked about the best things to do in Bogota, Colombia! Top Things to Do in Bogota, Colombia: See Tripadvisor's 420,756 traveller reviews and photos of Bogota tourist attractions. This Bogot neighborhood is upscale, trendy, and known for its nightlife. Located in the beautiful La Candelaria area, Botero museum hosts many paintings that should not be missed and are quite a curious thing to observe. Visit Plaza Bolivar in Bogota. The altitude might get your head spinning, but its definitely worth a visit! 2. While it's a little more costly, you're also paying for the experience of an eventful day surrounded by historic buildings and intangible culture. Either of these calming activities is one of the best ways to relax before bed, and there are tons of fun stress-relieving coloring books for adults to choose from. But a good way to stop would-be pickpockets in their tracks is simply to wear a money belt (which we highly recommend); something like the very discreet Pacsafe Money Belt will work wonders. Because visiting this beautiful mountain is one of the best things to do in Bogota, I can recommend you take a shared Monserrate tour that includes an informative guide that will take you through the church and to see the views. 2,575. They pick you up from the airport and take you to the most famous landmarks + the Botero Museum and youll be back in time for your next flight! You can take advantage of the airport free wifi and book an Uber for around COP 40000 ($12 USD) to the city center, perfect if youre travelling with friends! And El Chapinero is the gay friendly area within Zona Rosa with lots of gay and lesbian bars. Commune with sacred sites atop the surrounding peaks of Cerros Orientales, part of the Andes. Understand the history of armed conflict in Colombia and Bogota. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. It has a lovely park, Parque La Independencia, Colombias tallest building as well as Colombias National Museum! These attractions range from a tour of mind-blowing street art to a collection of works by one of Latin Americas most renowned artists. It is not as popular with foreigners as the Salt Cathedral, so it is definitely less crowded! Born in Bogot in 1865, Silva is one of the most famous Colombian writers of his time. It was conquered by the Spanish in 1538, who changed the name to Santa F de Bacat, which was eventually corrupted to Bogot. Photo: Juan Carlos Pachn, Flickr. However, note that distances between the North and South and sub-burbs are considerable and walking in some areas is not advisable at night if at all. Then, go home and take a nap. You must try Guara, the national drink at this restaurant, along with burgers, pizzas, and bread. The national sport of Colombia is tejo, a game that involves gunpowder, targets, and loud explosions.
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