Before heading to Bogotá, I read several blogs telling me to skip the city. I read time and time again that it wasn’t worth going to see. Despite the lacklustre review, there was a niggling thought at the back of my mind that said I should give it a chance and that I should check it out for myself.
I’m pleased I didn’t listen. I ended up staying in Colombia’s capital city for three days and loved it, so I figure I should try and rebalance the scales by writing up my highlights. If you’re pressed for time however, I reckon most of the things I did could be squeezed into two days.
With a rich history and a promising future, Bogotá is a fascinating place to be right now. Forget the outdated notion of this place being a hub of criminal activity. I felt extremely safe, but of course, like everywhere, you should still be sensible.
It’s way bigger than I imagined it to be so you could easily spend longer exploring many of the districts if you have lots of time to play with. The city is sprawling, and with a population of nearly ten million people, it dwarfs most European cities.
Now here’s how to experience Bogotá in two days!
How to get to Bogotá & City Centre
El Dorado Airport is about nine miles west of the city centre. We grabbed a taxi because we arrived late at night and its much quicker than public modes of transport. It takes around 30 minutes and costs around 15,000 Colombian pesos (about $5 USD).
Language
Similar to most countries in South America, the official language of Colombia is Spanish. Before you go it’s really useful to learn a few key phrases. Locals are very friendly so having a few greetings and basic sentences under your belt will go a long way.
Currency
1 Colombian Peso equals 0.00020 pound sterling, so you’re looking at around 4945 pesos to the pound (as of Nov 2023).
Where to stay in Bogotá
I stayed in a super cute and affordable Airbnb in La Candelaria which is historic centre of Bogotá, and where most of the main tourist attractions are located.
It’s super vibrant, with lots of colourful and fanciful facades as well as colonial style architecture.
The Airbnb I stayed in cost £25 per night and it came complete with a gorgeous little hammock swing!
If you’re prefer to book a hotel, take a look at booking.com. To help you in your search, Hotel Dios in La Candelaria has excellent reviews and looks amazing,
Day 1 in Bogotá
Bogotá Graffiti or Walking Tour
The best way to get a better understanding of the city is by joining a walking or graffiti tour. I joined a walking tour which also includes seeing some incredible wall murals.
There are several tours you can join which usually last for two and a half hours, the Bogotá Graffiti tour will let you see the city like a local while you take in the striking street art. Many of the tours are free but tips are appreciated. The suggested tip is around 20,000 COP.
Read my post about street art in Bogotá which includes more photos and the symbolism behind some of the wall murals.
The Gold Museum
One of Colombia’s most visited attractions, this museum is home to over 50,000 gold artefacts from the pre-Spanish days of South America. Not only is the bling visually spectacular, the displays provide an in-depth look into Colombia’s various indigenous populations.
Lunch at Prudencia
Only a 5-minute walk from the Gold Museum is Prudencia in La Candelaria. Housed in a wonderfully renovated colonial house with a surprisingly contemporary interior, it’s the perfect setting from which to enjoy the 4-course set menu which Prudencia offers each lunchtime.
The menu changes daily with original and surprising choices that are never repeated. It is open for lunch every day (noon-4pm) and on Friday evenings. Visit their Facebook page to get the menu for the following day.
Bolivar Square
Surrounded by gorgeous architecture, Bolivar Square is one of Bogotá’s most iconic sites. Buildings such as the Palacio Liévano, the Capitol, and the Cathedral frame this large square, and there are a number of cultural events that take place here throughout the year.
Historically, it is also the site where protests have taken place for numerous reasons including government cuts on education and pension plans. For sure, this square has a place in the city’s history and social tapestry.
Stroll down the main avenue… and join in the activities
7th Street or Carrera Séptima is one of Bogotá’s main streets and holds great historical value.
Built during Colonial times, the urban planning was based on an old indigenous route that linked salt mining towns of Nemocón and Usaquén. Its first section went from Plaza de Bolivar to Parque Santander, and it joined the main squares of the city at that time.
Now it is one of the capital’s axes, being the epicentre of many cultural activities and street entertainers. Since I’m a massive fan of chess I couldn’t resist sitting down for a game with the locals!
Soak up the atmosphere in La Candelaria
La Candelaria is super fun to explore due to its hippy atmosphere and many winding side streets. Its always buzzing, every street seems to tell a story with its blend of of Spanish colonial, art deco, and Baroque buildings. Plan on at least a couple of hours to wander around.
Dinner at Santa Fe Restaurant
For true Colombian cuisine with a hint of fine dining look no further, as this Santa Fe Restaurant truly delivers. You will find a number of unusual dishes, so this place is great if you get joy from trying new things. For meat lovers there’s avestruz de puerto tejada (ostrich), the lengua al estilo de la marquesa de ahumada (beef tongue) and omito de cordero (lamb), but if you’re more into fish, their seafood soup is a must. Vegetarians will also find a selection of salads and vegetables, but as you might expect, South America still has a way to go for veggies compared to Europe.
Day 2 in Bogotá
On your second day, it’s all about reaching the top of the city for panoramic views, and mixing with the locals!
Paloquemao Food Market
For a truly immersive experience, arrive early at Paloquemao Market. It’s a sensory delight, where the colours, aromas, and flavours of Colombia come alive through its bustling stalls. Without doubt some of the freshest fruit and vegetables I’ve laid my eyes on.
If you’re looking for a refreshing morning snack, this place will sort you out. Check out my other post: Visiting Paloquemao Food Market in Bogota
If your taste buds want to go deeper, join a local food tour to sample Colombian specialties and learn about the culinary traditions that define the country.
Monserrate
No matter where you are in the city, you can see the iconic Monserrate Mountain. A Colombian spiritual and cultural symbol, this must-see attraction is something you’ll want to spend the morning taking in. Ride the funicular or the cable car up the mountain for a panoramic view of Bogotá and beyond.
At the top explore the walking trails and several buildings including a church, shrine, restaurant and some shops. You really get a sense of how big the city is and photo opportunities of the panorama are abound.
Admire artwork at the Botero museum
Fernando Botero is a famous Colombian artist whose distinctive work you might already recognise. His style is unique, so much so the term ‘Boterismo’ has been coined for his depiction of voluptous figures, which often represents political criticism with a healthy dollop of humour to offer a unique perspective on art and culture.
He has donated many sculptures and pieces to various museums around the world, but no place is more synonymous with his work than Botero Square in Medellín, the city where he was born.
However, the Botero Museum is where you’ll get the chance to learn more about the man himself, and get up close and personal with his body of work. In addition are several works by other big names including Picasso, Chagall, Renoir, Matisse and Max Ernst. Afterwards, you can enjoy a few peaceful minutes relaxing the pretty courtyard of this beautiful colonial building. Admission is free.
Buy Artisan Goods from Pasaje Rivas Craft Market
Pasaje Rivas craft market is the place to get souvenirs in Bogotá so come ready to haggle!
You’ll find lots of beautiful gifts for your loved ones or, if you’re anything like me, you’ll end up just buying something for yourself lol!
For a true Colombian gift, buy one of the woven bags. They are handmade and famous across the region. Interestingly, each indigenous group has their own weave so it’s worth doing a little research to know what you’re after before purchasing.
Bags are priced differently based on the quality of their weave, but 90k to 120k is a fair price to aim for on a nice bag, however, bags with a double weave can be considerably more.
Night Out in Chia at Andres Carne de Res
If you’re in Bogotá on a Friday or Saturday night, you’re in luck! This place has bags of atmosphere and a favourite among locals. The food is amazing with plenty to choose from, the music is loud and the decor is something to marvel at!
