I wrote down a complete list of things to do in Bogota and around so that you can decide the length of your stay there.

Through this post, you will get insightful and practical information to decide what to do in Bogota. I put on the side all the useless stuff like visiting the commercial center or banal activities like eating an Ajiaco.

Use our post to create a fantastic itinerary to explore Bogota and Cundinamarca.

Also, there is a bonus at the end of this post. I give you a list of things to do in Bogota on each day of the week. Don’t miss it. 😉

👉 By the way, don’t forget to look at our selection of the best things to do in Colombia.

What to do inside Bogota, Colombia

Let’s start this post with the best tip ever.

When visiting Bogota, the best thing to do is to take an umbrella. Indeed, it’s not unusual to get the 4 seasons in one single day.

Bogota is super stretched, and it’s NOT fun to move around – traffic jams, pollution, and so on. I recommend optimizing your days. It means that you should plan your daily activities.

Entertainment in the capital

There are many interesting districts in Bogota. Don’t hesitate to venture outside of la Candelaria to enjoy the various atmospheres.

1# Go to a Language Exchange event to meet locals

Many Colombians can’t afford to travel abroad. They’re curious to meet foreigners and crave to improve their English (or French). The best events are Gringo Tuesday and Cafe Polyglot.

• Where: Gringo Tuesday (Zona Rosa) & Cafe Polyglot (Candelaria)
• Duration: 1 – 3 hours
• Price: Free
• Tips: Gringo Tuesday is on Tuesday from 4 pm & Cafe Polyglot on Wednesday from 5 pm
• Contact: Gringo Tuesday & Cafe Polyglot

2# Ciclovia: Bike freely in Bogota

On Sunday, Bogotanos invade the city on their bike. It’s the exercise day of the week. Don’t hesitate to wander in parks if it’s a sunny day. Virrey Park or Simon Bolivar Park are both good options.

• Where: There are more than 110 km of Ciclovia.
• Duration: 7 am – 2 pm
• Price: Free
• Tips: On Sunday
• Contact: Map here.

3# Flea market in Usaquen

Usaquen is a lovely colonial town that has been soaked up by Bogota. It’s pleasant to have a walk around this area, especially when there is a flea market. It’s only on Sunday.

• Where: In Usaquen, Carrera 5 Calle 120 | 40 min from Chapinero
• Duration: 11 am – 4 pm
• Price: Free
• Tips: Only on Sunday. Head up the hill to the flea market.
• Info: Here

4# Taste delicious craft beers

National beers are prevalent in Colombia, but most of them are flavorless – like almost any national beer. Fortunately, various microbreweries pop up in the capital. Some of them are fantastic! I advise you to wander around Parkway, Quinta Camacho, San Felipe, or El Cedritos. Book a tour to find out these secret gems. This is a tasty activity to do in Bogotá.

• Where: La Candelaria
• Duration: 3 hours
• Price: $$
• Tips: It’s usually at the end of the afternoon.

5# Party in the Zona Rosa

Travelers speak all the time about the nightlife in Medellin, but did you know that it’s even better in Bogota? You must head to the Zona Rosa (Calle 84) or Parque 93.

• Where: Zona Rosa | 40 min from La Candelaria
• Duration: 4 hours
• Price: $$
• Tips: Thursday, Friday and Saturday starting 9:00 pm.
• Info: Here

👉 Add it to your Colombia itinerary (Easy cancellation)

6# Enjoy Chapinero, a Hipster-trendy district

Zona Rosa is fun to party at night, but if you’re looking for more underground parties, then you need to head to Chapinero. It’s my favorite district (if you know where to go).

The neighborhood is very spread out. Choose the area you want to go to before getting into a cab.

👉 Eater has compiled an interesting selection of bars and clubs.

#7 Go dancing Salsa at night

It’s one of my favorite things to do in Colombia. You can dance Salsa in every big city in the country, but you have to find Salsa bars (otherwise you’ll spend the night moving your hips on Reggaeton music).

• Where: Sandunguera (Chapinero), Quiebra canto (Centro), El Goce Pagano (Centro) and more
• Duration: Close around 3 am on the weekend
• Price: $ if there is a live band
• Tips: Better to go out from Thursday to Saturday
• Info: A full list of the bars

8# Food excursion in La Macarena

Chapinero district is for hipsters and La Macarena is the perfect neighborhood for eating in delicious (and not expensive) restaurants and visiting art galleries. I love the restaurant Anna y Otto. If you like eating and you have some time, don’t wonder what you can do in Bogotá, go there.

More information: New York Mag

9# Explore the art galleries in San Felipe

Since 2010, artists and galleries try to turn San Felipe into the new New York’s SoHo. Nowadays, there are more than 70 art spaces in this district.

• Where: San Felipe, next to Quinta Camacho (Chapinero).
• Tips: There are various events organized by Open San Felipe
• Info: Here

10# Play Tejo, a national Colombia game

It’s one of the fun things to do in Bogota. You must throw a metal disk into a box filled with clay and hope for hearing a loud explosion. You usually drink many beers too! This is one of the fun things to do in Bogotá, Colombia.

• Where: Club de Tejo La 76 (San Felipe) & The Bucaros (Centro)
• Duration: 1 – 2 hours
• Price: $
• Tips: More space during the day

11# Horse riding from Guadalupe to Monserrate

Guadalupe and Monserrate are two of the highest points to admire in the city of Bogota. Visit both throughout a relaxing horse riding trip – then come down with the cable car.

• Where: Guadalupe and Monserrate (Centro)
• Duration: 6 hours
• Price: $$$
• Tips: Guadalupe has a reputation for being dangerous. Don’t get there on your own.

12# Crazy dinner at Andres Carne de Res

Many guides and blogs recommend it. It’s a restaurant-nightclub for meat lovers. There are several events while you’re eating. In the end, everyone dances. It’s typical and fun.

• Where: Andres Carne de Res | Chia (1 hour from la Candelaria)
• Duration: At night
• Price: $$
• Tips: Book it in advance, especially on the weekend. There is a small one in Parque 93
• Contact: Website

13# Admire the view from Torre Colpatria

It’s the fifth-tallest in South America, and you can get to the top to admire the view! A simple and impressive thing to do in Bogotá.

• Where: Torre Colpatria, Carrera 7 No. 24 – 79 | La Macarena (10 min from La Candelaria)
• Duration: < 1 h
• Price: $
• Tips: Only open from Friday to Sunday. Opening hours.

14# Take a Colombia train to get to the Salt Cathedrals

It’s a fun thing to do in Bogota, especially if you travel with kids. The train stops at different places and you can decide to visit Nemocón or Zipaquirá.

• Where: Departure from Station Sabana or Station Usaquen | 45 min from La Candelaria
• Duration: 9 hours
• Price: $$
• Tips: Only on Saturday, Sunday and public holiday (book it in advance if it’s the case). Sabaneta’s train.

Hikes and parks in Bogota

The Andean mountains flank the Eastside of Bogota and there are various hiking trails you can take early in the morning. Policemen watch out the paths to ensure security, but it’s recommended not to hike alone. Bogotanos love to do it on a Sunday morning.

15# Quebrada La Vieja

It’s the most visited trail. There is a cool view of Bogota. Once arrived at Claro de la Luna, this path divides into 3 sections: La Virgen (easy), Cerro de la Cruz (medium), Los paramos (difficult). That’s a good thing to do in Bogota if you’re looking for a walk.

• Where: Departure from Carrera 7 with 71
• Duration: 1 – 4h
• Price: Free
• Tips: You must first register online. Tue – Sat: 5h30 – 8h30 am; Sun: 6 – 11 am
• Contact: Amigos de la Montaña

16# Quebrada Las Delicias

A short hike leads to a crystalline river and a waterfall. Do not enter if you don’t see the police at the beginning of the trail.

• Where: Politécnico Gran Colombia campus | South of Chapinero
• Duration: 1 – 2 hours
• Price: Free
• Tips: Every day: 7 – 11 am
• Contact: Amigos de la Montaña

17# Take the stairs up to Monserrate

It’s tough and you will suffer, but thousands of Colombians do it every week. Avoid going on Sunday as it’s crowded. The view from the top is great. You can also take the cable car.

• Where: The steps start from the Cable car station (on your left) | La Candelaria
• Duration: 1h to get to the top
• Price: Free
• Tips: Get there for sunset. Mon-Sat: 6h30 – 23h30; Sun: 5h30 – 16h30.
• Contact: Cerro Monserrate

Free walking tours

When traveling on a shoestring budget, it’s always pleasant to know the cheapest way to visit a city. Free walking tours allow you to learn about the Culture and History of a country without spending too much money. Besides, it’s super easy to organize. You just have to show up – Although it’s better if you book it online.

18# Walking tour in La Candelaria

I’m a big fan of Beyond Colombia. They offer various tours in the capital, and their local guides always bring a lot of good energy. Walk around La Candelaria to learn a bit of everything about Bogota.

• Where: Departure point at the Gold museum | La Candelaria
• Duration: 3 h
• Price: Free, but don’t forget to let a tip at the end
• Tips: Every day, 10 am & 2 pm. Bring your umbrella.
• Contact: Website

19# Taste Colombian specialties

Explore Bogota’s Downton while eating different types of street food. It’s fun and tasty. It’s a fun and tasty thing to do in Bogotá.

• Where: Departure point at the Gold museum | La Candelaria
• Duration: 3 h
• Price: $ (tips + food samples)
• Tips: Mon – Fri: 2 pm. Bring your umbrella.
• Contact: Website

20# Understand the socio-political situation of Colombia

Drug traffickers, paramilitaries, power, corruption, evil politicians… Colombia never enjoyed a long period of peace. Why is it so messed up? The War and Peace tour give you some clear insight to get a better understanding of the situation. For me, it’s one of the best things to do in Bogotá.

• Where: Departure point at the Gold museum | La Candelaria
• Duration: 3 h
• Price: Free, but don’t forget to let a tip at the end
• Tips: Mon – Fri: 10 am. Bring your umbrella.
• Contact: Website

21# Colombia is not what you think

There are tons of prejudices and wrong information about Colombia. Book a Heroe tour to be able to prove your friends back home that they’re wrong. It’s a comprehensive tour with fruit tasting and a Tejo game!

• Where: Bolivar square | La Candelaria
• Duration: 3h30
• Price: Free, but don’t forget to let a tip at the end
• Tips: Every day at 10h30 am. Yellow umbrella.
• Contact: Website

22# Admire the street arts around La Candelaria

Thanks to Justin Bieber, artists are nowadays allowed to express their feeling with graffiti. Learn about this not-so-funny anecdote and admire the most beautiful street arts in La Candelaria.

• Where: Parque de Los Periodistas | La Candelaria
• Duration: 3 h
• Price: Free, but don’t forget to let a tip at the end
• Tips: Every day, 10 am & 2 pm. Bring your umbrella. | Look for the blue umbrella. It can be super crowded during the high season.
• Contact: Website

Best cultural tours in the city

Although free walking tours are an excellent way to discover Bogota, don’t hesitate to book a private tour (or a small size group) to discover the city. By doing so, you get a more personalized experience, and you help small local companies. 😉

23# Walking tour in La Candelaria

It’s quite easy to move to the different Candelaria highlights, but it’s always better when you get the thrilling stories while strolling in the alleyways!

• Where: La Candelaria + Monserrate
• Duration: 7 hours
• Price: $$$
• Tips: The gold museum is closed on Monday. Bring your umbrella.

👉 Add it to your Colombia itinerary (Easy Cancellation)

24# Graffiti tour in La Candelaria

The guys from the Free Bogota Graffiti Tour allow you to book a private tour. It’s quite cheap and the price is fixed up to 5 people. We loved it.

• Where: Parque de Los Periodistas | La Candelaria
• Duration: 3 h
• Price: $$
• Tips: Bring your umbrella
• Contact: Website

25# Ride on a bike in the various Bogota districts

It’s one of the best things to do in Bogota if you don’t have much time. Your local guide shows you different areas of Bogota (Downtown, Teusaquillo, La Macarena), plus you visit a coffee roaster, play Tejo and taste Colombian fruits.

• Where: Meeting point at Bogota Bike tour in La Candelaria
• Duration: 4 h
• Price: $
• Tips: Everyone can do it! Just show up at 10h30 or 13h30
• Bogota bike tours

26# Coffee tasting in trendy Bogota’s cafes

There are several excellent coffee tours in Bogota. It’s a unique opportunity to taste different types of coffee and learn about the various preparation methods. Plus, I always love the cozy atmosphere in Bogota’s cafes.

• Where: Candelaria, Chapinero or Usaquen
• Duration: Couple of hours
• Price: $$
• Tips: Be cautious with the quantity of caffeine you might drink
• Contact: San Alberto | Catacion Publica | Flavor of Bogota

👉 Add it to your Colombia itinerary (Easy Cancellation)

27# Colombian fruit tasting

There are tons of delicious and juicy fruits in Colombia – some are super weird as well. Cover your eyes, and let your 4 other senses be amazed by this experience.

• Where: Uba Paraíso Frutal | Chapinero, Quinta Camacho.
• Duration: 1h30
• Price: $
• Tips: Don’t eat before coming!
• Info: List of tropical fruits

28# Devour Colombian street food

Colombia isn’t famous for its local food, and you’ll probably be tired of ordering rice, plantains, and chicken. Eating street foods is a great way to add diversity to your daily meals. Head to Paloquemao – the largest market in Colombia – or have a look on Septimazo avenue. Read this post from our friend Karen to know more about street food.

• Where: Cranky Croc | La Candelaria
• Duration: 3 h
• Price: $$
• Tips: Don’t east before coming!

👉 Book this experience in GetYourGuide

29# Buy ingredients at the market and cook with a local

It’s one of my favorite things to do when traveling to a foreign country. Through cooking experiences, you share so much that you didn’t even need to be fluent to communicate. Bon appetite!

• Where: Center of Bogotá | 30 min from La Candelaria
• Duration: 3h30
• Price: $$$

Museums to visit in Bogota

Usually, I’m quickly bored in museums. However, some of my favorite museums are in the capital, and you shouldn’t hesitate to add some to your Colombia itinerary. It’s one of the cheapest things to do in Bogota.

30# National Museum to get the full story

That’s one thing to do in Bogotá that’s worth the detour. I was surprised by the quality of the explanations in this museum. This old prison is an ideal stop if you want to learn about Colombia’s History.

• Where: Museo Nacional | La Macarena | 15 min taxi from La Candelaria
• Duration: 2 – 4 hours
• Price: $
• Tips: Almost no English explanation, but you can book an English guide in advance. Close on Monday! Get there in the morning and head to La Macarena for lunch.
• Contact: Museo Nacional

31# Beautiful Golden artifacts

Spaniards became crazy when they saw all these amazing golden artifacts made by the indigenous. Learn about the different methods used on this metal.

• Where: Museo del Oro | La Candelaria
• Duration: 1 – 2 hours
• Price: $
• Tips: English explanations. Close on Monday
• Contact: Website

32# Art Museums with 4 exhibitions

It’s an ideal thing to do in Bogota if you’re an art lover. There is a permanent exhibition of Botero – most famous Colombian artist – and paintings of Dali and Picasso. The building is quite small, and there is a lovely courtyard where people can rest.

• Where: Mamu Museo | La Candelaria
• Duration: 1 – 3 hours
• Price: Free
• Tips: You can rent an audio guide for the Botero exhibition. Closed on Tuesday.
• Contact: Mamu

Things to do outside of Bogota, Colombia

The Andean mountains surround Bogota, and there are tons of exciting day trips you can add to your Colombia itinerary. You’ll realize that you can stay for over one week without being bored at all!

And if you want to try new experiences, why not try glamping? This new type of accommodation is very popular in Colombia 🙂

👉 Best glamping around Bogotá

Natural wonders you can visit from Bogota

Between astonishing landscapes, mighty waterfalls, and wildlife, you’ll be spoilt for choice if you’re a nature lover. Don’t hesitate to book a private tour to reach the different highlights faster – It takes at least one hour to get out of Bogota by public transportation.

33# The highest of Colombia’s waterfalls

With its almost 600m high, La Chorrera is an impressive waterfall you can admire from Bogota. The path is well-made, and there is a second waterfall you can admire on the way, El Chifflon. It’s an easy thing to do around Bogotá.

• Where: On the way to Choachi. 1h bus drive + 4 km walk to arrive at the part entrance.
• Duration: 3h inside the park
• Price: $
• Tips: Avoid going there during the dry season (Dec-March).
• More information: Here

34# Observe colorful hummingbirds

Colombia is one of the countries with the most hummingbird species in the world. Don’t hesitate to plan a trip to the hummingbird observatory to admire the 18 species present in this reserve. You can also stay there overnight.

• Where: Observatorio de Colibri | 45 min drive
• Duration: 3h or the full-day pass
• Price: $
• Tips: You must book it in advance. 9 am – 4 pm
• Contact: Observatorio de Colibries

35# The largest Paramo in Colombia

Paramos are a unique type of ecosystem present in 4 countries only. The paramo of Sumapaz is the largest in the world and the hike to get there isn’t too demanding. The landscapes are surreal. It will be complicated to do it on your own, book a tour.

• Where: Sumapaz, 2h South of Bogota
• Duration: Day trip, 4h hike
• Price: $$$
• Tips: Take your waterproof gears. It’s humid and it can rain a lot.

36# Mysterious Lagoon and Paramo

The Chingaza Paramo is a bit closer to Bogota than Sumapaz, but you have to pay an entrance fee to get in. Follow your guide across beautiful sceneries made up of scared lagoons and endless valleys of Frailejones – giant plants – and observe the wildlife.

• Where: Chingaza | 1h30 East of Bogota
• Duration: 6 – 8 hike
• Price: $$$$
• Tips: Take your waterproof gears. It’s humid and it can rain a lot.

37# Visit a natural reserve (and sleep in a treehouse)

Chicaque is an excellent thing to do in Bogota if you like nature, but can’t afford a tour to the paramos. There are various well-marked trails to explore the reserve and admire the wildlife.

• Where: South of Bogota | 45 min
• Duration: Day trip
• Price: $
• Tips: Not allowed to enter after 3 pm. You can stay overnight in a treehouse!
• Information: Chicaque Park

38# The myth of the Eldorado

The Muiscas used to bury various golden artifacts during religious ceremonies. The stories also mention naked bodies covered by golden dust. Go to the Laguna Guatavita to hear the full story and admire the green lagoon.

• Where: North of Bogota, 1h drive.
• Duration: 2 hours
• Price: $$$
• Tips: It’s better if you pair it with a tour to the Salt Cathedral or when you head to Villa de Leyva. Closed on Monday.
• Contact: Info in Spanish

39# Secret hot spring and tropical atmosphere

Discover this little corner of paradise where you can rest and enjoy the hot springs in the middle of a lush nature.

The hospitality and kindness of your host will make your experience even more pleasant. This little interlude of happiness is only 1h30 away from the capital.

• Where: 1h30 drive from Bogota
• Duration: 8 hours
• Price: $$$
• Tips: great for couples or family who want to relax
• More information: Here

Cultural day trips outside Bogota

I’ve got two interesting things to do in Bogota if you want to escape the city and learn exciting facts about Colombia’s culture.

40# Go working in a coffee farm (to deserve your beverage)

Once you’ve found your favorite Bogota cafe, tasted various flavors, and learned the different preparation methods, it’s time to visit a local coffee farm. It’s an excellent option if you don’t travel to Antioquia or the coffee region.

• Where: Choachi | 1h from Bogota
• Duration: 5 hours
• Price: $$$

41# A famous religious Salt Cathedral

Zipaquira is one of the most well-known things to do in Bogota, but I found it disappointing. People are everywhere, and you don’t have much information about the construction. You can take the bus to Zipaquira at Portal del Norte.

Best things to know to plan your trip to Zipaquirá.

• Where: Zipaquira | 1h up north from Bogota
• Duration: 2 hours
• Price: $
• Tips: The main square is lovely. You can take the train. 😉
• Contact: Website

42# Another alternative to Zipaquira

If you absolutely want to visit a salt cathedral, but you’re allergic to people, then decide to include Nemocon instead of Zipaquira. Besides, the entrance fee is cheaper.

• Where: 20 min from Zipaquira
• Duration: 2 hours
• Price: $
• Tips: Tours are only in Spanish

Get your adrenaline fix outside of Bogota

I love outdoor activities! The two following places are ideal for adding some fun to your itinerary. There are day trips organized from Bogota, but I recommend staying overnight.

43# More than 500 climbing routes in Suesca

If you’re serious about outdoor rock climbing, then you probably have heard of “Roca de Suesca.” It’s a long cliff along a railway where Colombians love to practice during the weekend. You can rent the gear and take some classes.

• Where: Suesca | 1 hour from Bogota
• Duration: 1 or 2 days
• Price: $$
• Tips: Add a biking trip or a hike to the paramo

44# Extreme sports activities in Tobia

You don’t have to travel to San Gil if you want to defy a mighty river and fly over canyons. Tobia is a little town with several local agencies ready to offer you canyoning, rafting, and zipline activities.

• Where: Tobia | 3.5 hours from Bogota by bus
• Duration: 1 – 3 days
• Price: $$$
• Tips: Go to Tobia on the weekend to be added to a Colombian group or privatize a tour!

Lovely colonial towns close to Bogota

Being in Bogota for a couple of days can be quickly overwhelming. The best way to enjoy the capital and its region is to mix your itinerary with some lovely colonial towns.

45# Mongui and the Paramo de Oceta

Mongui is a little town outside of the beaten path, and it’s an excellent option to discover the quiet atmosphere in the villages in Boyaca. Hiking to the Paramo de Oceta is the main highlight in Mongui. It is quite demanding but it is a very good thing to do around Bogota 😉

• Where: 5 hours from Bogota
• Duration: 3 days
• Tips: It’s not mandatory to hike with a local guide to the Paramo de Oceta, but I recommend it. The trail isn’t well-marked and you help the local economy by doing so. 😉
• More information: Mongui Travels

46# The unknown town of Guaduas

Come to Guaduas to get fully immersed by the everyday life of a strange and typical colonial town. Pick a lovely hotel and switch between some wandering among the white alleys and short excursions in the hilly landscapes.

• Where: 3 hours from Bogota
• Duration: 2 – 3 days
• Tips: You can stop in Guaduas on your way to Medellin.

47# A romantic getaway to Villa de Leyva

I love Villa de Leyva, and it’s a perfect place to end your adventure in Colombia. Stay in a lovely hotel with a SPA, stop in Guatavita, and Raquira on the way (you need to book a private vehicle to do so), and eat in delicious restaurants.

• Where: 4 hours from Bogota
• Duration: 3 days
• Tips: Colombians love to get there if it’s a 3-day weekend

Going out in Bogota

In addition to comprehensive cultural tours and museums, visiting Bogota is also an excellent opportunity to experience Colombia’s nightlife. I strongly recommend staying in Chapinero if it’s the case.

Check out the Facebook pages of the places I’ve listed below before going.

You will find the full list in our Free Colombia guidebook.

Things to do in Bogota on Monday

• Cooking classes (or other events) at A Seis Manos. |7 pm | North Candelaria
• Musical events at Galeria Cafe Libro | Evening | Parque 93

Things to do in Bogota on Tuesday

• Language exchanges at Vintrash (Gringo Tuesdays) | 4 pm | Zona Rosa
• Techno parties at Armando Record | Evening | Zona Rosa

Things to do in Bogota on Wednesday

• Language Exchange at Galeria 419 (Polyglot club) | 5 pm | Candelaria
• Gay party at El Theatron (most famous electro club in Bogota) | Evening, open bar till 1 am | Chapinero
• Salsa Live Music at Quiebra Canto | 7 pm | Candelaria

Things to in Bogota on Thursday

• Live Dj (Electro) at Marino Submarino | Evening | Chapinero
• Live Champeta Music at El Campanario | Evening | Zona Rosa

Things to do in Bogota on Friday

• Party at Andres Carne de Res – A vehicle will pick you up | 10 pm | Chapinero
• Live DJ at Video Club | Evening | Chapinero
• Live Salsa Music at El Goce Pagano | Evening | Chapinero

Things to do in Bogota on Saturday

• Live Colombian music at El Sitio | Evening | Zona Rosa
• Live music at Asilo Bar | Evening | Teusaquillo

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