With its 9 million inhabitants, Bogotá is the capital of Colombia. Due to the city’s too rapid expansion, the municipality has not been able to develop an efficient public transport network. As a result, getting around is sometimes very complicated, especially during rush hours. Also, the climate in Bogotá is not known for its warmth and blue skies. The capital is surrounded by Paramos, located at about 2700 m above sea level, which are the cause of the often rainy and cloudy weather. Don’t forget to take a jacket and raincoat with you.

The traffic difficulties and the dreariness of the Cundinamarca region make Bogotá a depreciated city for many travelers.

This is a pity because most of them still have to land and/or depart from this airport (the largest in Colombia).

We spent a month crisscrossing the city looking for the most beautiful neighborhoods, the best accommodations, and activities and gathered valuable tips on how to explore Bogotá differently. We loved the tours offered to travelers. We found them to be the best way to start discovering Bogotá.

Thanks to us, you’ll be one of the few people who leave the Colombian capital with a smile on your face. 


Our Best Bogotá tips: 

Our best hotels reviews:

 

Getting to Bogota? (+)

From Villa de Leyva to Bogota:

  • Take a bus from the terminal. You will arrive at Bogota Terminal North.  | Reina / Allianza & Flota Valle de Tenza | 4 hours.
  • If you miss it, you can take any bus to Tunja, then catch a bus to Bogota | 5 hours
  • More information: How to get to Villa de Leyva 

From Suesca to Bogota:

  • Take the bus from the “terminal” and get off at Bogota Terminal North. Frequent departures. | 1 hour

From Tobia to Bogota:

  • Take the bus from the “terminal”. Departure every 2 hours | Santa Fe | 4 hours
  • If you miss it, you can take a taxi to Villeta then a bus to Bogota | 4 hours

From Armenia to Bogota: 

  • Many direct buses from the terminal| Expreso Bolivariano, Expreso Palmira & Flota Magdalena | 7 hours
  • Direct flights from the airport | Avianca | 1 hour

From Cali to Bogota: 

  • Many direct buses from the terminal. I recommend a night bus | Expreso Bolivariano, Expreso Palmira & Flota Magdalena | 11 hours
  • Direct flights from the airport | Avianca | 1 hour

From Cartagena to Bogota:

  • Bus from the main terminal | Expreso Brasilia & Copetran | 23 hours
  • Many flights from the airport | Viva Air, Latam & Avianca | 1h30

From Medellin to Bogota:

  • Many buses from the North terminal. I recommend a night bus. Your bus trip will be more comfortable if you take a premium bus. | Rapid Ochoa, Expreso Brasilia, Flota Magdalena, Bolivariano | 10 hours
  • Many flights from the Maria Cordova Airport | Viva Air, Latam & Avianca | 1h

From Neiva to Bogota:

  • Many buses from the main station | Coomotor & Lineas Verde & Expreso Bolivariano | 5-6 hours
  • A few flights per day from the airport| Avianca | 1 hour

From Pereira to Bogota:

  • Bus from the main terminal. I recommend a night bus. Schedule – Double-check with the bus company | Bolivariano | 11 hours
  • Many flights from the airport| Viva Air, Latam & Avianca | 1h |

From Popayan to Bogota:

  • Bus at the main Terminal | Only 2 buses in the evening. Schedule – double-check with the bus company. | Flota Magdalena & Bolivariano | 12 hours
  • By plane : there are only 3 to 4 direct flights per day from Popayan Airport | Airline : Avianca | Duration : 1h30

From Riohacha to Bogota:

  • A few buses leaving from the main terminal. Schedule – double-check with the bus company. | Expreso Brasilia & Copetran | 23 hours
  • 2 – 3 flights per day from the airport | Avianca and Viva Air | 1h20

From Santa Marta to Bogota:

  • Direct flights from the airport | Avianca, Viva Colombia & Latam | 1h30
  • A few direct buses leave from the main terminal. Schedule – double-check with the bus company | Copetran & Expreso Brasilia | 20 h

From San Agustin to Bogota:

  • A few buses leave in the evening from the “terminal” – schedule – Double-check with the bus company | Cootranshuila & Coomotor & Lineas Verdes | 12 hours
  • 1-h bus to Pitalito then a flight from Pitalito airport to Bogota | Satena | 1h

From San Jose del Guaviare to Bogota:

From La Macarena to Bogota:

From Leticia to Bogota:

  • Direct flights from the airport | Latam & Avianca | 2 h

Bus North terminal? (+)

The North terminal is outside Bogota, and you will use it to get to Villa de Leyva & Suesca. It takes 1 hour in a taxi to get there from La Candelaria.

Bus Portal del Norte?

Portal del Norte is the last station of the Transmilenio (It’s the main public transportation system used in Bogota). You will need to buy a Transmilenio card to get inside. There are buses leaving to Zipaquira and Nemocon.

Bus Salitre Terminal?

You’ll probably arrive and leave from Salitre. It takes 30 mins in a taxi from La Candelaria. Never pay more than 30 000 COP.

Eldorado airport? (+)

The airport is located next to Salitre Bus Station. It takes 30 mins in a taxi from La Candelaria. Never pay more than 30 000 COP.

Or, you can book a private transfer to avoid any issues.

Table of Contents

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Where to stay in La Candelaria

La Candelaria is the old center of Bogota. Most of the museums and street arts of the city are present there. It's the favorite district of the backpackers and travel guides. However, we think there is better. At night, many restaurants shut their doors and streets turn empty. The area becomes dodgy

  • Masaya

    Hostel - $$

    Masaya

    Masaya is a peaceful upscale hostel located in the best part of La Candelaria. Comfortable and clean. 
    Get the best price
  • Selina

    Hostel - $$

    Selina

    Gorgeous colonial building. It's an ideal place for travelers looking for social events and digital nomads.
    Get the best price
  • Botanico

    Hostel - $$

    Botanico

    Great atmosphere and friendly staff. A fantastic view from the rooftop. Homely. Perfect for solo travelers.
    Get the best price
  • Cranky Croc

    Hostel - $$

    Cranky Croc

    Good food and they sell excellent tours. Professional and friendly staff. Many social areas.
    Get the best price
  • Grand Park

    Hotel - $$

    Grand Park

    Great value for money. Comfortable and clean rooms. Swimming pool and SPA area. Helpful staff.
    Get the best price
  • Casa de la Vega

    Hotel - $$

    Casa de la Vega

    Basic rooms but clean. Lovely courtyard. Friendly staff and great location. Excellent value for money.
    Get the best price
  • L'opera

    Boutique - $$$

    L'opera

    Swimming pool and Spa. Old colonial building with lots of character and a great view from the rooftop. Friendly staff. The floor squeaks;).
    Get the best price
  • Casa Deco

    Hotel - $$$

    Casa Deco

    Well located in the Candelaria, with spacious (and quiet) rooms. Small outdoor terrace with a nice view. Personal at the top.
    Get the best price
  • Candelaria house

    Hotel - $$$

    Candelaria house

    Beautiful colonial building decorated with vintage furniture and many antiques! Small pleasant courtyard and comfortable beds.
    Get the best price
  • The Orchids

    Luxury - $$$$

    The Orchids

    Victorian style with large rooms and big showers. Colonial mansion. Delicious breakfast. Great staff.
    Get the best price

Where to stay in Chapinero

Chapinero is our favorite district in Bogota. There are many fantastic restaurants and places for going out. The neighborhood is wide. I advise picking your hotel in the following areas: Quinta Camacho, Zona G, or Chapinero alto.

  • Hobu

    Hotel - $

    Hobu

    South district; safe with many restaurants. Economical option with unpretentious rooms. Friendly staff.
    Get the best price
  • Republica

    Hostel - $

    Republica

    Excellent value for money, comfy dorms. Located in Quinta Camacho, the best district in Bogota.
    Get the best price
  • Aurora

    Hostel - $

    Aurora

    An economical option for Quinta Camacho neighborhood. Small rooms. Ideal for meeting other travelers.
    Get the best price
  • Scala 68

    Hotel - $$

    Scala 68

    Ideally located in the Zona G. Good value for money and lovely staff. Clean and classic rooms.
    Get the best price
  • Mika Suite

    Hotel - $$

    Mika Suite

    Comfortable rooms and friendly staff. They take care of the environment. Great location in the Zona G district.
    Get the best price
  • Ayenda 1060

    Hotel - $$$

    Ayenda 1060

    South district; safe with many restaurants. Apartment or room. Spacious and clean. Very good service.
    Get the best price
  • Rosales Plaza

    Hotel - $$$

    Rosales Plaza

    Ideally located in the Zona G. Spacious, quiet and bright rooms. Excellent customer service. Good breakfast.
    Get the best price
  • Bh La Quinta

    Hotel - $$$

    Bh La Quinta

    10 min walk from the Zona G. Safe. Spacious and modern rooms. The staff is helpful and attentive. Good breakfast.
    Get the best price
  • Casa Legado

    Luxury - $$$$

    Casa Legado

    Homey feeling. New concept. Each room has its own personality. Lots of social areas to enjoy your stay.
    Get the best price
  • Casa Medina

    Luxury - $$$$

    Casa Medina

    Four seasons. Amazing colonial building, well decorated. The dining room is fantastic. One of the best.
    Get the best price

Where to stay in the Zona Rosa

The Zona Rosa is the party district of Bogota. There are lots of clubs, excellent restaurants, and bars. Up north, it's the business district. By its localization, it's a bit far from the tourist sights. Therefore, we don't recommend you to stay there, except if you love partying or if you already know Bogota. Safe.

  • Selina

    Hostel - $$

    Selina

    Huge and modern building with all the types of equipment to make digital nomads happy. Social events.
    Get the best price
  • B3 Virrey

    Hotel - $$

    B3 Virrey

    Pleasant, clean and modern. Helpful staff. Delicious breakfast. Good value for money.
    Get the best price
  • Bh Parque 93

    Hotel - $$$

    Bh Parque 93

    A two-minute walk from Park 93. Ideal for a business trip. Impeccable rooms, with a good breakfast.
    Get the best price
  • 84 DC

    Hotel - $$$

    84 DC

    Modern hotel with spacious rooms. Located near the Zona Rosa, but the area is quiet. Great for going out.
    Get the best price
  • BOG

    Luxury - $$$$

    BOG

    Modern and luxury hotel, with excellent facilities.Very attentive staff and delicious breakfast.
    Get the best price
  • Movitch

    Luxury - $$$$

    Movitch

    One of the best hotel brands in Colombia. Boutique hotel with delicious breakfast. Modern. Rooftop.
    Get the best price

Things to do in Bogota

Most of the touristic sights in Bogota are located in the old city center, La Candelaria. There are many museums to understand complexe Colombia's history. As many travelers start their journey from Bogota, I recommend you to book different tours in the capital, depending on what you want to learn. By doing so, you won't be overwhelmed by the city and you will start understanding the Colombian culture.

  • Bike tour

    4 hours | $$

    Bike tour

    Bogota is mostly flat. Biking will give you the opportunity to explore different parts of the city.
    Get the best price
  • Colombia history

    4 - 5 hours | $$

    Colombia history

    Colombia's history is a lot more complex than you think. Learn about the civil war and more.
    We recommend
  • Walking tour

    5 - 7 hours | $$

    Walking tour

    Bogota is huge and overwhelming. Get some help and learn about Bogota's secrets.
    Get the best price
  • La Macarena

    3 hours | $$$

    La Macarena

    La Macarena is a trendy district with trendy art galleries and a wide range of delicious restaurants. Try them all!
    Get the best price
  • Graffiti tour

    2 - 3 hours | $$

    Graffiti tour

    Because of Justin Bieber, street art has been authorized and promoted by Bogota. Learn the history behind.
    We recommend
  • Dancing salsa

    All night | $

    Dancing salsa

    Visit the best salsa clubs and dance with locals! Find the best bars on our map "Colombia Insider" on Mapstr.
    Download
  • Bar Crawl

    5 hours | $$

    Bar Crawl

    Everyone speaks about Medellin's nightlife, but Bogota is even better.
    Get the best price
  • Food tour

    3 hours | $$

    Food tour

    There are hundreds of different fruits in Bogota. Visit a market and taste all of them.
    Get the best prices
  • Coffee tour

    3 hours | $$

    Coffee tour

    Coffee is like wine. You need time and practice to make a difference between the different savors.
    Get the best prices
  • Chapinero district

    Any time

    Chapinero district

    Best bars and restaurants in Chapinero on our map "Colombia Insider" on Mapstr.
    Download
  • Museo del oro

    2 hours | $

    Museo del oro

    Learn how the indigenous were able to craft beautiful gold artifacts with simple tools.
    Learn more
  • MAMU

    2 - 4 hours | $

    MAMU

    MAMU is a building that hosts 4 museums, including Botero, a world-famous Colombian artist.
    Learn more
  • Museo Nacional

    4 hours | $

    Museo Nacional

    An impressive museum that explains to the visitors the history of Colombia over the centuries
    Learn more
  • Tejo

    3 hours | $$

    Tejo

    Tejo is a national game that involves explosions, mud, and beers.
    Get the best price
  • Monserrate

    1 - 3 hours | $

    Monserrate

    Take the thousands of stairs or the cablecar to contemplate the view of Bogota from Monserrate.
    Learn more
  • Salt Cathedral

    9 hours | $$$

    Salt Cathedral

    Visit Zipaquira or Nemocon. Use our online form to plan this tour with our local partner & get 5% OFF.
    Get in touch
  • Guatavita

    7 - 8 hours | $$$

    Guatavita

    Easy hike to admire the Guatavita lake, famous because of the legend of the Eldorado. You can also visit the town.
    Get the best price
  • Sumapaz Paramo

    Full day | $$$

    Sumapaz Paramo

    Paramo is a unique ecosystem that appears around at an altitude of 3500m high. Discover the one of Sumapaz.
    Get the best price
  • Chingaza Paramo

    Full day | $$$

    Chingaza Paramo

    Paramo is a unique ecosystem that appears around at an altitude of 3500m high. Visit Chingaza
    Get the best price
  • La Chorerra

    Full day | $$

    La Chorerra

    The highest waterfall in Colombia with more than 590m high. Easy hike and lovely sceneries.
    Get the best price
  • Coffee farm

    5 hours | $$$

    Coffee farm

    Colombia is known for the quality of its coffee beans. Learn all the coffee process on a farm.
    Get the best price
  • Chicaque

    8 hours | $$$

    Chicaque

    Cloud forest at a 45-min drive from Bogota. Ideal for observing Colombia wildlife.
    Get the best price

Partners we recommend Bogota

Some local partners we have met, tested and approved during our stay in the Bogota.

  • Beyond Colombia offers the best walking tours in Colombia (and more!).
  • Casa Legado is a luxury homey hotel located in our favorite Bogota’s district.
  • Masaya hostel is the successful mix between hotel and hostel; social and comfort.
  • Casa Medina is a Four Seasons hotel in Chapinaro. Top-notch facilities and services.
  • Hostel Republica is an affordable and comfy hostel ideally located in Quinta Camacho.
  • Bogota Pass is a professional local agency to plan your activities in and around Bogota.
  • Flavors of Bogota is managed by Karen, a coffee aficionado, who welcomes you in her universe.
  • Bogota Graffiti offers fantastic tours to understand the stories hidden in Bogota’s street arts.
  • Andes Ecotours organizes stunning hiking and cultural trips to discover Bogota’s region.

Where to eat & drink?

For us, good restaurants and exciting nightlife are important when traveling. We gathered our favorite picks on an interactive Map. Download the APP "Mapstr" and look for "Colombia Insider"!

More places in Bogota’s region

More Travel Guides

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