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The best Bogota City Tours with an English-speaking guide

The best Bogota City Tours with an English-speaking guide

We recommend that you take a guided tour of Bogota in english to get a better grasp of Colombia’s sprawling capital. We’ve selected for you what we consider to be the best proposals accompanied by the best english-speaking guides !

The agency run by our friend Camila, a Bogotanese with a degree in political science, offers guided tours of Bogota in english that are simply brilliant: a “historical” guided tour to understand the history of the conflict in Colombia, a Graffiti Tour that combines discovery of the most beautiful works and the social role of street art in Bogota, and a visit to the Ciudad Bolivar district in the midst of social transformation.

Camila also offers a more traditional tour of Candelaria , the Gold Museum, the Botero Museum and the Monserrate.

Given the richness of these visits and the interest that this kind of initiative can have for travelers, we recommend them 100%!

Related posts

  • Graffiti Tour in Bogota
  • Historical tour of Bogota
  • Visiting Bogota
  • Bogota surroundings

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TO DO AT THE START OF YOUR TRIP!

This is definitely a tour we recommend you take at the very beginning of your stay in Colombia ! It’s a tour that allows you to immerse yourself in history, breaks down myths and tells the real story of Colombia today: a perfect introduction to a trip to Colombia . It’s the perfect introduction to a trip to Colombia, and an experience that will enable you to see Colombia in a whole new light.

Disclaimer : we apologize in advance for any grammatical or syntactic errors, as our native language is not English (we're a Colombian-French couple), so we hope you'll forgive us and still enjoy the information we share with you! Please note that all the information on our blog is based on our own experience, and is checked and updated regularly.

Bogota Historical City Tour in english

Best bogota city tours in english.

The best Bogota City Tours with an English-speaking guide

This historical guided tour of Bogota in english was created in response to the fact that tourists often leave Colombia without a minimum understanding of the country’s history , peace process, armed conflict… issues that contribute to its identity and uniqueness.

Realizing that there were no tours that explained Colombia’s recent history in depth, Camila’s team decided to organize daily tours of downtown Bogota. The aim: to humanize the history of the conflict in Colombia, while helping people to understand its complexity, far from the binary visions of events of this kind, demystifying clichés, without taboos, 100 based on facts, in an interactive and educational way.

All the guides are Colombian , trained in excellent universities (political science, history, etc.) and have often been involved in organizations linked to the peace process.

An original, alternative guided tour that offers a different way of visiting Candelaria.

CONTACT Camila to take the “Construyendo Paz” tour in Bogota

Guided tour of Bogota in english with a english-speaking Colombian guide (even better than a english guide!)

To contact Martin, our local partner, you can use the form below . You won’t pay more, but it will let her know you’re from us.

IMPORTANT : If you don’t hear from our partner within 72 hours, please check your SPAMS first before contacting us.

The classic Candelaria City Tour

The best Bogota City Tours with an English-speaking guide

A beautiful, long guided tour of La Candelaria in english that takes all day (about 7 hours) and includes a good traditional lunch.

The tour includes all the classics and the main monuments of Bogota’s historic district, as well as the sublime Gold Museum and the no less interesting Botero Museum ! The tour also includes entry to the Monserrate for an end-of-day panoramic view of the Colombian capital.

CONTACT Camila to visit La Candelaria in english

Guided tour of Candelaria in english with a english-speaking Colombian guide (even better than a english guide!)

Bogota Graffiti Tour in english

The best Bogota City Tours with an English-speaking guide

There are several Graffiti Tours in Bogota, but from our point of view, this one’s definitely worth the detour !

For this Graffiti Tour, the agency has teamed up with the BogotArt collective , Colombia’s largest community of graffiti artists and street artists, to create a guided tour that captures the essence of street art in Bogota .

With this direct, privileged access to the artists involved, the guides have first-hand information, updated regularly as new works are added.

On this tour, you’ll discover the history of street art in Bogota and the events behind its evolution. We also learn a great deal about the history of the most famous artists, their backgrounds, how to define their style and how it has evolved over time.

Part of the tour focuses on the socio-political context behind graffiti . We discover the messages which, with the explanations linked to the history of Colombia, take on a whole new meaning.

CONTACT Camila to take the Graffiti tour in Bogota

Why take a city tours in english, english-speaking guide in bogota.

The best Bogota City Tours with an English-speaking guide

As you’ve probably gathered from our post on responsible tourism in Colombia , this type of travel can take many forms, and isn’t confined to a single category. The aim of responsible tourism, beyond its purely economic impact, is to have a positive impact.

Educating the traveller

Here we come to the heart of a key aspect of responsible tourism: educating the traveler . As a bi-national couple who work in Colombia on a daily basis, we can assure you that clichés about the country are hard to dispel! So when a tourism initiative tries to put an end to preconceived ideas by educating travellers, we’re 100% behind it.

You’d think that travellers who decide to go to Colombia would be people who’ve read up on the country’s history, who’ve got over the clichés about drug trafficking and Farc kidnappings. Well, we’ve come a long way !

Transforming the way people look at Colombia

The Construyendo Paz tour, the Bogota Graffiti Tour and the Ciudad Bolivar tour are designed to combat clichés and reveal the complexity of Colombia . By providing a wealth of historical knowledge, we transform the traveller into a conscious traveller , rather than a mere consumer. And one aware traveller is worth two!

Travelling also means respecting, understanding and learning about the country’s culture . And in a country like Colombia, this seems even more important to us, so that every traveler becomes a spokesperson for another reality, different from the image that the world’s media continue to perpetuate.

From our point of view, (good) guided tours of Bogota in english are part of this transformation.

Practical info BOgota

For all practical information on Bogota, please visit our general post and our dedicated posts:

  • General information on Bogota
  • Weather in Bogota
  • How to get to Bogota
  • Getting around Bogota
  • Restaurants and bars in Bogota
  • Best hotels in Bogota

You may also be interested in

How to get to Bogota travel guide

Our list of the best restaurants and bars to eat and drink in bogotá, visit monserrate travel guide: experience the sunset over bogota, 8 off-the-beaten-path destinations to discover in colombia, organize a trip to the pacific coast of choco, the history of street art in bogota, angélica & samuel.

We are Angélica and Samuel, a French-Colombian couple, professional photographers and web editors specializing in travel to Colombia. We created this blog to change the image of the country, help you prepare your trip and inspire you to discover Colombia in a different way!

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Front and Dome of Bogota's Cathedral

Bogotá City Tour

Discover everything there is to learn about bogotá, its rich history and interesting culture in this full day bogota city tour..

The Bogota city tour will take you to different places of interest in the city.

You will ride a cable car up the Monserrate Sanctuary, stroll through the picturesque cobblestone streets of La Candelaria, and visit the Botero Museum and the Gold Museum.

During this trip an English speaking guide will explain you the history and significance of important squares, buildings and architecture you find on your way.

Your guide will pick you up in the morning and drop you off at the end of the afternoon in your hotel.

bogota city tours english speaking

What:  Guided city walk and tour.

Where:  La Candelaria of Bogotá.

Duration: Full day.

What´s Included in The Tour

1.  English speaking guide.

2.  Hotel pick-up and drop-off.

3.  Cable car ticket.

4.  Entrance tickets to places visited.

Suggestions For the Bogota City Tour

The weather in Bogota is very unpredictable. Even when the sun shines in the morning, it might start raining a couple of hours later, or the other way around. Make sure to bring a light raincoat on this trip.

Furthermore, because of the high altitude, the sun really burns. People, especially tourists, easily make the mistake of not applying sunscreen and end up as red as a lobster.

This is a walking tour, meaning you will focus on discovering La Candelaria. However, we can also offer you  our Bike Tour  if you are interested in discovering more than just the historic center.

Discover your ideal itinerary for free!

At Lulo Colombia Travel, we create amazing travel itineraries that are tailor-made to your travel style and preferences.

Let us help you come up with an ideal route for your trip in Colombia. By answering the following short questions we will provide you  on the spot  with a  free  and  personalized  itinerary that will serve as a starting point for an unforgettable journey!

bogota city tours english speaking

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Historic City Tour Bogota

Bogota classic historic tour

From $0 - 7 hours.

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Cerro de Monserrate

Bogota Tour

Majestically overlooking the city of Bogota, Cerro de Monserrate is an iconic symbol in Colombia’s capital. A historic white church sits at the top of the mountain, more than 3,152 metres, or 10,341 feet, above sea level. This religious and cultural landmark allows for beautiful views of the city below and can be reached by train, cable car or by foot.

La Candelaria

Bogota Tours

This is the oldest and most historic part of Bogota. The streets are lined with colourful, colonial-style houses and the main square, Plaza Bolivar, is where the most important government buildings are located. La Candelaria holds rich history, beautiful architecture and fascinating Colombian culture.

Botero Museum

Bogota Tours

This museum is dedicated to Fernando Botero the Colombian most famous painter and sculptor. This museum was created after Fernando Botero gave his own personal collection of artwork to Bogotá in 2004. The museum also includes several works by Picasso, Chagall, Renoir, Monet and Pissarro.

Gold Museum

Bogota Tour

On display at the Gold Museum is the largest collection of gold pieces as well as other artefacts from the pre-Hispanic societies who live in the land today known as Colombia. The gold collection started with one single piece, the poporo quimbaya. Today, more than 55,000 pieces are in the exhibition.

One of the highlights of the museum is the famous Muisca Raft, which depicts the ancient El Dorado ceremony, and intricate jewelry and ceremonial objects. The museum offers a deep insight into the spiritual and cultural significance of gold in pre-Hispanic societies. 

Detailed Itinerary

Departure Time: 9am

After picking you up from your hotel in Bogota. We will visit some of the most iconic places in Bogota's historic centre starting with Cerro de Monserrate.  We will take a cable rail to up to the top of the hill to visit the famous church and capture spectacular panoramic views of the city.

Then, we will have the chance to admire the world's largest collection of pre-Hispanic gold at the Gold Museum, and check the artistic work of Fernando Botero, Colombia's most famous painter and sculptor at the Museo Botero. We will glimpse the diversity of architectural styles on display at the historic neighbourhood of La Candelaria. 

Note: Gold Museum is closed on Mondays and Botero Museum is closed on Tuesdays

Finish Time: 4 pm

What's Included

  • Private transfer to and from the hotel
  • Guided tour in English
  • Entry tickets to museums and places mentioned in the itinerary
  • Ticket for Monserrate’s cable car or Funicular (railway)
  • Day tour insurance

What's Not Included

  • Any other personal expenses and tips

How to Book

If you wish to book this tour, please click on the yellow "Book Now" button, select the date, number of people, complete the details and go through a secured online payment platform.

If you have any question, please do not hesitate to contact us .

We highly recommend!

We had a FANTASTIC experience with Uncover. Nidia and her team organized the most magical 4-day trip to the Colombian Coffee Region. I am Colombian but needed assistance as I wasn’t familiar with the area. We went to the Cocora Valley, Rafting down a river, had a fabulous coffee farm experience and even visited a cacao farm where we got to make artisan chocolate. We traveled with our school aged children... – Daniela, July 2024

Highly Recommended

Uncover Columbia, specifically Helena (who handled all logistical questions pre-trip) Sergio (our amazing guide) helped make an unforgettable 4 day experience as part of our honeymoon. – Mates, July 2024

Every day a different experience and not a moment wasted

Uncover Colombia did a wonderful job of providing me with a itinerary covering some of the best of Colombia's many highlights covering cities and villages, mountains and beaches, and more, and accommodating my own wishes and preferences. Every day was a different experience and a chance to see something completely different from my own life, not a moment was wasted and I never felt rushed. –  Robert McTaggart, March 2024

Amazing tour with Uncover Colombia - San Agustin, Tierradentro and Tatacoa

My mother and I did a 5-day trip to San Agustin, Tierradentro and the Tatacoa dry forest/desert with Uncover Colombia. It was absolutely brilliant. The communication was great and Nidia helped us to ensure that the trip was tailored to our needs and wishes. Our driver, Jesus, and guide, Jorge, were very friendly and Jorge was very knowledgable. I can highly recommend using Uncover Colombia for your trip! – Nora, February 2024

3 Week Tour of Colombia

We feel very fortunate to have chosen Uncover Colombia. Your guides were passionate and professional and informative, the accomodation was exceptional at every stop and most impressively, we were aware of you constantly checking in our wellbeing. We return to Australia with an awareness of Colombia’s variety, vitality and positivity. – Mal & Michelle, July 2023

A top trip to Colombia

My wife and I planned a 3 week trip to Colombia, with Nidia at Uncover Colombia. The advice and planning were first class across a range of activities. At every stage we received extra help. The guides were absolutely top class. I much prefer to deal with small travel companies who really know the country they operate in, and have had some excellent experiences, but Nidia and Uncover Columbia are the best A mark of 11 out of 10. – David, February 2023

4 day Amazonas Tour

It was actually two whole days plus two half days. Everything was well organized. I was accompanied by our guide Sergio from the first to the last minute. He was very nice, helpful and knowledgeable. The program was very exciting and I felt safe and in good hands at any time. – Rob, February 2023

A perfect organization!

I'm the Italian President of CIGV (Club Internazionale Grandi Viaggiatori) and I decided to organize the trip to Colombia for 14 club members selecting Uncover Colombia agency. The program they made has been fantastic, touching the most interesting sites of this country but also their, guides, drivers and hotel selection I found simply perfect. Not a mistake, never a delay. I would recommend this agency to everyone... – Luca, January 2023

Great tour of Salt Cathedral

Myself and my wife did a private tour with Juan Carlos to the Salt Cathedral. The tour and Juan Carlos were both great. He had an intimate knowledge of the Salt Cathedral having worked there previously, and also knew a lot about the nearby town and local area. It's a really fascinating structure, and would definitely recommend visiting it if you're in Bogota. – Barra M, January 2023

Arranged an incredible two week trip

We had an amazing two weeks tour arranged by Uncover Colombia for our honeymoon. Nidia suggested great hotels and activities and made adjustments based on our feedback. All our tour guides were friendly, knowledgeable and professional with excellent English. Great activities in a beautiful country. They've got a UK-base so are ATOL protected - reassuring given uncertainty with travel at the moment.  – Louise, October 2022

Fantastic 15 day Tour of Colombia

We selected Uncover Colombia after reading their great reviews online and it was definitely the right choice. They were the best communicators and within a few emails back and forwards, we had tailored our perfect tour. We spent 15 days traveling Colombia, with all connections, accommodation and activities being handled by Uncover... – Ben, September 2022

7 extra days in Colombia

We needed a tailored tour to follow a wedding we were attending and wanted to make the most of our travels. Nidia was helpful, responsive and excellent in organising our trip from Periera to Medellin, Cartagena and Bogota. Everything worked like clockwork. Our 3 guides (one for each place) were also perfect, Andreas, Roberto & Camilo. They knew their stuff, were responsive and very personable. – Daniel, August 2022  

Local experts of "Uncover Columbia" is the best

They Organized activities in Bogota, Medellin and Cartagena for the two of us. They modified the activities to our needs of seeing wilderness as well as a local culture. Been around the word a few times, we were a little demanding as well. They came thru on everything at a very reasonable price.. Pays to have local organizers like them who truly know Columbia and the needs of the Clients... – Dolly, December 2021

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TOURS IN BOGOTA

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bogota city tours english speaking

As the cable cars scale the misty heights of Monserrate, join a tourHQ guide as they weave through the La Candelaria at Bogota’s heart ’ a place of baroque cathedrals, Spanish cottages and winding cobbled streets.

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Bogota Tour Guides

Iván Muñoz

I am a person who loves tourism who has been 7 years and I am very passionate about being able to ...

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I was born in Cartagena -Colombia, Licenced tour guide since 2012 , I am  a ...

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JOAQUIN EMILIO GARCIA

I am a Travel Agent. manager VIAJES PATRIMONIO MUNDIAL "World Heritage Tours" And a PROFESIONAL ...

Juan Burgos

Juan Burgos

Hello, I am always travelling around all Colombia, working for many travel agencies. I speak ...

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Hello, welcome to Bogotá, a link where we can find culture, fun, shopping, graffiti, art, ...

Sebastián Castro

Sebastián Castro

Hello! My name is Sebastián Castro, I'm a historian graduated from the National University of ...

Roberto Rey

Roberto Rey

English speaking tour guide with great people skills and knowldege of the city and its ...

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Hernan David Hueso Linares

My name is David Hueso Linares, I am 26 years old, I live in Bogotá, Colombia. I studied ...

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Alberto Bedoya

I like  interation world culture and nature

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Milena Ramirez

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Hola, Soy Elizabeth, ejerzo la guianza desde el año 2009. Tengo conocimientos generales en ...

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Tours Color Y Sabor

Tours Color Y Sabor

Bogotá, the most populous city in Colombia and one of the tallest capital cities in the world, is located on a high plateau in the Andes region. Called the “Athens of South America”, be prepared to face a vibrant city, home to pleasant locals and panoramic views, as can be observed from the Monserrate on a clear day. Ask your Bogota tour guide for a historic tour and get swept into the lively neighbourhood of La Candelaria, replete with museums, cathedrals, libraries and very importantly, fantastic dining joints. Colonial houses, cobbled streets and statues of famous South American leaders at the Plaza Bolivar provide a good background for a photo opportunity, as does the Casa de Nariño, the Presidential Palace. Of the mindboggling bevy of museums, the Museo del Oro or the Gold Museum and the Botero Museum are highly recommended. An hour’s drive away, the brightly lit Zipaquira Salt Cathedral built inside a salt mine also rate high on a sightseer’s list. Shoppers can hit pay dirt at La Zona Rosa, an area that also carries the distinction of being “nightlife central” for the city. Enjoy the unique flavour of Bogota further by taking a “Graffiti Tour”, tucking into the local cuisine or just absorbing the greens at the urban city parks that adorn the city. 

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Bogota Tours and Excursions

Bogota tours and excursions , colombia.

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The capital of Colombia is rich with culture and history that can be experienced by car, on foot or bicycle.

  bogota city tour.

This guided visit to the Colombian capital starts at the Plaza de Bolívar (the city’s main square), which is surrounded by federal government buildings, and continues into the old colonial part of the city better known as “La Candelaria”, the San Francisco Church, the Gold Museum (closed on Mondays) and the Emerald Museum.

We then seek higher grounds by taking a cable car to the top of the Monserrate Hill, which offers a spectacular view of the city. The tour finishes in the north of Bogotá in a shopping center called Hacienda Santa Barbara in Usaquén, which is a small colonial village now surrounded by the city.

Full-day tour: duration – approximately 8 hours.

Half-day tour: duration – approximately 4 hours (abbreviated tour will not include all places on full-day tour)

  Bogota Highlights

Spend the day with a local guide visiting the highlights of Bogota. Begin the day at the Gold Museum, home of the world’s largest collection of pre-Columbian gold, where visitors can learn about ancient indigenous tribes, and the important role gold played in their culture, religion and traditions. Continue walking through the winding streets of La Candelaria, Bogota's historic district, recounting the fascinating stories behind the cobblestone streets, houses, plazas and cathedrals of this neighborhood.

En route, visit the Botero Museum, where maestro Fernando Botero shares his impressive personal art collection, which includes his own plump masterpieces and works by artists like Dali, Monet, Picasso, and Matisse.

Finish the day taking a gondola up to Monserrate Sanctuary, located at an altitude of 3,152 meters, for the best views of Bogotá. Due to long waiting times at Monserrate on weekends, guests can opt to visit other historic neighborhoods such as Usaquen or enjoy a sunset drink at another epic location in Bogotá.  Hotel transfers and entrance fees included. Total duration: 8 hours with 1.5 hours allotted for lunch (not included).

  Galavanting in Bogota

Experience Bogotá like a local alongside an English-speaking host who will give you a one-of-a-kind insider access into this exciting city. Walk around trendy neighbourhoods like Usaquen, Zona Rosa, Quinta de Camacho and La Macarena, visit hip bars and cafés, sample local food, and learn about life and culture of Bogota and Colombia.

Hosts are not traditional guides, they are fun and interesting locals who are happy to show their city to visitors - it's just like having a longtime friend in Bogotá!  Full-day tour - 12 hours. Half-day tour – 6 hours.

  Paloquemao Market

Alongside a chef, visit Paloquemao Market to discover Colombia’s incredible variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, and food stalls. Get away from the tourist trail, and spend the morning learning about local cuisine and traditions, tasting exotic fruits from Colombia’s most remote regions, and meeting the friendly vendors.

Recommended to arrive early in the morning to get in all the action. Hotel transfers included.  Total - 3 hours. We suggest following this tour with our cooking class.

  The World of Coffee

Visit La Palma y El Tucán, an innovative coffee hacienda that has revolutionized the coffee industry in Colombia.

With a model that helps local growers produce quality and not quantity, La Palma y El Tucan have created a exotic variety of specialty coffees. Tour the property with a coffee expert and learn about the process to make one of the best coffees in the world, recently sold at US$182 per pound.

Participate in a coffee tasting in their “secret lab” located among the mountains and surrounded by lush vegetation, spend the rest of the day learning about the different fragrances, aromas, flavors, and unique characteristics of the drink. Full-day tour. Driving time: 90 minutes each way. Please note it is recommended to leave early in order to avoid traffic.

  Bogota Restaurant Hopping

Have the best dinner experience tasting succulent dishes in three of the best restaurants in Bogota. You will get a chance to to eat each course meal in a different place, as you try the best food the city has to offer. Besides dining in the most renowned restaurants in town your guide will also introduce you to some of Bogota's finest chefs who will enlighten you about the wonder of cooking with local ingredients and creating their delicious menus. Duration: 3-4 hours

  Bogota – Street Food Tour

Due to its different cultures, landscapes and climates Colombia is not only rich in music, dances and dialects but has also a high diversity of food. The melting pot Bogotá combines tastes of all regions of Colombia and can be explored and tried in the streets of the capital.

This half-day tour includes tasting of diversity of fresh juices in a traditional shop in Bogotás colonial center, empanadas vallunas including fillings with meat, chicken, vegetables, etc., a workshop about preparation and origin of Bogotás traditional hot chocolate, degustation of chicha at the Chorro de Quevedo and trying exotic fruits at a small market place. Duration: approximately 4-5 hours.

  Panoramic Bus Tour (Small Group Tour)

Hop on the bus and lut us take you on a panoramic tour of Bogotá. We show you the difrerent areas in the North and Centre of the diversified 8 Million metropolis. Inlcuding audioguide in english and Citymap. Duration: approximately 3 hours. Operates from Wednesday to Saturdays.

  Bogotá By Night

Drive out at sunset towards the mountains and the secluded village of “La Calera” just on the outskirts of the city. From selected lookout points called “miradores”, you will be able to appreciate Bogotá’s spectacular sea of lights. The evening concludes with a dinner at a typical Colombian restaurant. Duration: approximately 4 hours.

  Bogotá by Bike

Our English and Spanish speaking guides will take you to a bike tour through Bogotá and will not only show you the plazas, beautiful parks and historical monuments of Colombia’s capital.

On the bike tours you will also see the “real Bogotá”, as well as you will learn about this beautiful nation’s politics, culture, art, graffiti-art and troubled history. The tour is very flexible and can change every day a little bit.

Teusaquillo by bike - you will enter the artistic Teusaquillo neighborhood. We will visit art galleries, Epoque libraries, parks, cultural houses and manufacturing artists.

Engergetic Bogotá by bike - we start with a healthy juice as ‘an energy kick’ for the coming bike tour. We will visit the Simón Bolivar Park, Virgilio Barco Library and we stop to make a Kundalini Yoga class. We will have fruit and drinks during our tour. As time permits, we can visit also the Botanical Garden and have a guided tour in English

  Bogotá Graffiti Tour

Bogotá is considered one of the world’s ‘graffiti-capitals’.

The megacity’s old town Candelaria is decorated with a number of houses covered with graffiti from different artists. The dominant socio-critical topics are represented within the scope of the so-called APC-topics ‘Animals, Power, Culture’ and treat several socially controversial issues such as human rights, animal rights, unequal power relations, or political situations in conflict regions throughout the world.

It’s truly an impressive way for people to get the chance to look behind the scenes of ‘street art’ and its different techniques. The tour shines a light on a variety of historical and societal topics and is appealing to more than just the younger generations.

The walking-tour (SIB) starts every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday at 10am and 2pm. The meeting point is the ‘Parque de los periodistas’ in the old town of Bogotá.

  The Central Cemetery of Bogota – History And Myth

In the year 1836, the cementry of Bogota was built in the outskirts of Bogota.

The half day tour to the Central Cemetery is essential if you are interested in a deep understanding of the country as well as Colombian culture and society. It is a place of history and religion, a place of magic, miracles, and faith.

Here, the remains of many important figures of Colombian history are located: Presidents and revolutionaries, generals and guerrilla-leaders, presidential candidates who were killed by Pablo Escobar, poets and scientists. It is surprising to see the cultural blending: Historic facts mix up with myths, catholic faith, superstition and witchcraft.

A “must see” is the tomb of Leo Kopp, a Jewish-German businessman who emigrated from Germany to Colombia to start „Bavaria“ – nowadays the biggest brewery in Colombia. Leo Kopp is known and respected for his financial success and his care for his employees. Every day a couple of dozen of people come to visit his golden statue where they whisper their wishes into his left ear in order to receive some of his luck. Duration: Aprox. 3 hours.

  Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá

Leaving Bogotá to the north, we cross the savanna landscape to the town of Zipaquirá, about 50 km away. Upon arrival you will be able to visit the fully functioning Salt Cathedral. This unique building was constructed approximately 120 meters underground in a former salt mine. The trip ends with a visit to Zipaquirá’s charming central square. Duration: approximately 4 hours.

  Lagoon of Guatavita (Closed On Mondays)

We leave Bogotá and travel north, enjoying the landscape of the savanna while climbing the slopes towards Guatavita, where we arrive at the legendary Guatavita Lagoon, located at an altitude of 3000 meters.

Hike through the lagoon that is the source of the “El Dorado” (gold treasure) legend. According to legend, the original inhabitants of this region, the Chibcha ethnic group, used to perform a religious ceremony at the lakeside.

The Cacique (or tribal chief), would be covered entirely with gold powder before being submerged in the lagoon, as an offering to the gods, while his subjects threw golden jewelry into the waters. It is said that rumors of this gold-covered man spread to the Spanish invaders and that from then on the legend of El Dorado was born. Duration: approximately 5 hours. 

  Zipaquira and Lagoon Of Guatavita (Closed On Mondays)

Trip to Zipaquira with a visit to the famous Salt Cathedral which was constructed approximately 120 meters underground and used to be a salt mine. Once above ground we visit Zipaquirá’s charming central square and end the day with a visit of the legendary lagoon of Guatavita. Duration: 8 hours approximately.

  Fusagasugá

Departure from Bogotá driving south, down the Easter slopes of the Andes mountain chain on route to Fusagasugá, about one and a half hour’s drive away. The town is surrounded by tropical landscapes and has a pleasant warm climate.

Once there, a guided visit leads us to a beautiful hacienda where it will be possible to discover a wide variety of orchids and bromeliads, which are exported all over the world. A tour through a typical coffee plantation together with a detailed explanation of the coffee cultivation process will end the day. Duration: approximately 8 hours.

  Villa de Leyva

At dawn, we leave Bogotá via the Northern Expressway. After about 2 hours, we will arrive at the most important monument in Colombian history: the “Boyacá Bridge”. It is on this bridge that Simón Bolívar fought and won his most decisive battle against Spanish settlers.

Travel continues until we arrive in Villa de Leyva, one of the most beautiful and well-preserved colonial villages in South America. A walk around the town will be followed by lunch in a rustic setting (lunch not included in price). On the return journey to Bogotá we visit Ráquira, a village famous for its clay pottery and Chiquinquira, an important pilgrimage site. Duration: approximately 12 hours.

Travelling from Bogotá to Villa de Leyva takes about 4 hours (one way). The journey is varied and the landscapes are beautiful, but the time in the car or bus is quite long. We suggest to stay at least 1 night in Bogotá (see our packages Boyacá). The daytour to Villa de Leyva is ment for guests who have few time and dont mind about long journeys.

  Savanna Train

In the morning, transfer to one of the “Savanna Train Stations”. The day starts with a ride in an old steam locomotive, taking you at a leisurely pace through the outskirts of the city towards Zipaquirá.

During the ride one can enjoy the view as the train passes through several picturesque villages. It will be possible to drink Aguardiente, Colombia’s national drink, and typical music will lighten your journey. You will be free to walk up and down the train, meeting Colombian tourists and families for whom the “ Tren de la Sabana “ is a pleasant Sunday outing.

The train stops in Zipaquirá, with the opportunity to visit the Salt Cathedral, (not included in the price the entrance fee and the transport from Zipaquira train station). In the afternoon, return to Bogotá and transfer to the hotel. (Scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays) Duration: approximately 10 hours.

  Chingaza National Reserve

Morning drive northwards to the Chingaza National Park, 50 kilometers out of Bogotá. Lunch should be a take away for time reasons and is not included. The park, which covers more than 504 square kilometers, is located on the Easter slopes of the Andes. Vegetation varies from forest to moorlands and lagoons. Here one encounters frailejones, ancient plants that flourish in the cool, mystical climate, and many varieties of fauna. Entrance allowed Friday to Sunday for a maximum of 30 people. Duration: approximately 8 hours.

  Chicaque Trekking Reserve

Morning departure from Bogotá to the south of the savanna. After a 1-hour drive we arrive at Chicaque Natural Reserve. You will be able to enjoy 15 kilometers of paths surrounded by spectacular landscapes and a well-preserved native forest. One of the great route options is the Eagle Peak, were you will have a spectacular view of the Tequendama Region. Overnight accommodation is available. Duration: approximately 8-9 hours

  Workshop – Colombian Dances

Drive from the Hotel to a district at the mordern north of Bogotá to the dancing school Punta y Taco.Two hours of dancing lessones to get to know the most important steps of: Salsa, Cumbia, Vallenato, Merengue and Bachata. As an extra gift guests get a link to a short video of the lesson. Fun is guaranteed. The lessons are given individually and by professional dancing teachers. Duration: approximately 3 hours.

  Special: Emerald Workshop

Colombia is the world’s largest exporter of emeralds.

A tour of approximately 2 hours, in which you will learn about the marvellous world of emeralds. Our experts take you to the commercial heart of the world of emeralds, where they will immerse you in our knowledge of the history and the reality of this market. Our experts have amassed over 30 years of experience in the field of emeralds and as such have substantial knowledge and a wealth of experiences to share with you.

On this tour of the Emerald District you will visit the traditional, relaxed and picturesque market, followed by a workshop to learn the process of carving and finally an office, for a presentation about gem stones. There will also be opportunities to admire and touch an innumerable amount of emeralds, in their crude and carved forms, as well as when used in jewellery. The goal of this tour is that by the end you will be an expert in the world of emeralds. Duration: approximately 2 hours. (Only from Mon to Fri)

  Special: Colombian Cooking Experience

Get to know the diversity of Colombia through its food, guided by a local expert. In this tour, you will experience a day of food shopping, cooking and conversation with a local chef or family.

The Colombian cooking experience begins at the local market! Here we will experience the diverse type of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers that are unique to this country. After purchasing the necessary ingredients, we will head to the kitchen to cook typical Colombian recipes.

Sit down to lunch with the chef or family and enjoy the fruits of your labor, while getting a personal, first-hand experience of local life and culture in Bogota.  Enjoy your meal!Duration: approximately 4-5 hours.

  Special: Playing Tejo, Colombians National Sport

Playing tejo requires great ability and concentration. It is the designated national pastime of Colombia, a sport invented by the Chibcha Indians. Metal discs are thrown at the targets, and those targets embedded in sand are small explosive charges of gunpowder wrapped in paper known as mechas. The goal is to hit these Mechas with your Tejo, so that the black powder will explode. 

  Mountain Biking and Waterfall Hike

You will be met at your hotel by your guide and depart Bogota by vehicle to the east first stopping at the viewpoint of Guadalupe, with a panoramic view of Bogota.

Continue to the starting point of your downhill bike ride at 9000 feet above sea level. You will be given all safety gear and test ride your bike. Begin the descent from the highlands on a scenic ride along single-track trails to the town of Choachi.

Lunch will be served in Choachi. Afterwards, continue the bike ride to the start of the hiking trail to the tallest waterfall in Colombia - La Chorrera - a unique and scenic place that is a must for adventurers and lovers of the nature. Lunch is included.

Our private transport picks you up from your hotel in the afternoon and takes you to one of Bogotá's beery tejo venues. These are very rustic and authentic places, where people use to drink a lot of beer. Duration: approximately 2-3 hours.

  La Chorrera De Choachi – The Highest Waterfall in Colombia

After breakfast in the hotel (in the Old City Candelaria) we leave the bustling big city of Bogota in just some minutes and pass above Cerro de Guadalupe  and Cerro de Monserrate on a small Andean road with light traffic.

On this way you can enjoy the stunning views of Bogota! On our way to the 598 meter high cascade, the highest (interrupted) waterfall in Colombia, we cross the mystic Paramo landscapes in more than 3000 meters above the sea level. Here you can experience this unique ecosystem of the Andean mountains with their  Fraylejones, the typical Paramo vegetation.

We descend the twisting road and in just 45 minutes away from Bogota we start our hike through the mountains to La Chorrera waterfall. The narrow trail passes through amazing cloud forest, filled with orchids, bromelias and dozen of species of birds. At the end of the hike you will be impressed by the degree of sound intensity of La Chorrera de Choachi.

On our way back we have lunch (not included) and we have time to take a refreshing bath in the cold waters of the “Cascada el Chiflón”. We hike back through the cloud forest and reach Bogota in the afternoon. The hike takes about 4 to 5 hours.Duration: approx. 8 hours

Explore one of Bogota’s most charming and traditional neighborhoods, filled with quaint narrow streets lined with colonial houses. Delight yourself peeking into boutiques and artisan shops, or relax at a café while delighting in people watching. The neighborhood really comes to life on Sunday with the street market. Transfers included.

  The Local Experience at Andres Carne De Res

Depart your hotel for the hour drive to the small town of Chia and the restaurant where Alice-in-Wonderland meets Moulin Rouge, with theatrical services, colorful ceramic cows and the most contagious dancing vibes.

However, to truly experience this magical place, you will be accompanied by local English-speaking hosts who will guide you through the never-ending menu options, teach you some dance moves and show you what it means to be Colombian!  Hotel transfers included.  Total -  about 5 hours.

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20 Best Things to Do in Bogota, Colombia (2023)

20 of the best things to do in Bogota, Colombia – including Bogota must-sees, local experiences, and hidden gems. Experience the best of the Colombian capital.

Big, bad Bogota. At least that’s what they told me.

Bogota’s reputation precedes it, and unfortunately not everyone has good things to say about the capital of Colombia .

Locals warned us to watch our step, reciting sad tales of lost possessions and uncomfortable encounters. Some travellers told us to stay away from Bogota altogether.

Never ones to pass on a place based on second-hand information, I was curious to see what Bogota was all about and made room in my Colombia itinerary for a quick visit.

Provided you exercise common sense and read up on other travellers’ Colombia tips before you go, you’ll find that Bogota (like the rest of the country) is a culturally vibrant , welcoming place full of interesting things to see and do.

View of the city of Bogota, Colombia, with beautiful colonial buildings in the foreground.

The Bogota I experienced is a city filled with history, ritual, and the beauty of everyday routine. Sure, Bogota has some of the hallmarks of a large, densely populated capital, but there’s a softer side to it too.

Whether you’re on a quick transit break or Bogota is your first stop on a bigger trip through the region, Colombia’s capital city is more than worthy of a look in.

Here are 20 unmissable things to do in Bogota Colombia that I think every traveller should make time for.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Transparency: I visited some of these places as part of a Bogota City Tour hosted by Impulse Travel. As always, all opinions and recommendations are 100% my own.

Bogota trip essentials

FLIGHTS: Find affordable flights to Colombia on Skyscanner .

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Insure your trip with HeyMondo , my preferred provider for single-trip and annual travel insurance.

STAY CONNECTED: Pre-purchase an eSIM for Colombia from Airalo and get online as soon as you arrive in Botoga (from $9.50).

AIRPORT TRANSFER: Pre–book a private Transfer from El Dorado Airport to your hotel in downtown Bogota – check prices here on Viator (starting from $27 per group).

WHERE TO STAY IN BOGOTA: HAB Hotel Bogotá (boutique); Hotel Habitel Select (mid-range); Hostal Macondo Bogotá (budget).

Top 5 Bogota city tours & experiences

  • Bogota Graffiti Tour in La Candelaria: Walking tour of the murals in La Candelaria urban art district (from $12).
  • Bogota Bike Tour: Half-day sightseeing tour of La Candelaria, including street art, fruit markets and a coffee factory (from $20).
  • El Paraíso Neighbourhood Tour: Social transformation tour and cable car ride with a local guide (from $50).
  • The Bogota Food Experience: Bogota food tour visiting 7 family-run restaurants for Colombian specialty food and street snacks (from $28).
  • Specialty Coffee Workshop: Tour of Bogota’s trendiest coffee shops with plenty of tastings (from $34).

Bogota video: Bogota in 2 minutes!

Check out my Bogota City Tour video then read on to find out where it was filmed!

Audio track courtesy of Nekzlo – Bloom ( Vlog No Copyright Music ).

Best things to do in Bogota that no first-time visitor should miss

Here are the 20 attractions, experiences and day trips that I think are worthy of a place on your Bogota itinerary.

1. Head straight up to Monserrate for a panoramic view of Bogota

View of Bogota city from Monserrate, with a walking path and forest trail over the city.

Whenever I arrive in a new city, my first inclination is to go somewhere high up to get a view and find my bearings. The best place for a city view in Bogota is obviously the city’s highest point, Monserrate.

At 3,152 metres above sea level, Cerro de Monserrate (Monserrate Hill) soars above the city. The mountain was considered auspicious by the area’s indigenous Muisca people (more about them a little later) long before Spanish settlers erected a chapel at the summit in 1640.

The sweeping views of Bogota you get from the top of Cerro Monserrate are unmatched and unmissable. Believe it or not, it’s not possible to get a full panorama – there are parts of Bogota that can’t be seen from Monserrate because the city is just that big.

The best way to visit Monserrate is to ride the funicular up (try to stand in the last compartment to get the best views). In the afternoons, the funicular is swapped out for a cable car. Or, if you’re game enough to follow in the footsteps of countless pilgrims before you, you can walk up the hill .

The trail starts from the base of the mountain and goes all the way up to the sanctuary, signposted with the Stations of the Cross towards the top. A word of warning: The climb involves 1,500 stairs and a gain of 400m, so some preparation may be required if you’re not used to hiking at high elevations. It takes around 3 hours to complete.

2. Make a pilgrimage to Monserrate Sanctuary

While it’s worth visiting Monserrate just for the city views, you shouldn’t descend the mountain without first going inside the 17th-century Monserrate Sanctuary . Legend has it the neo-Gothic Catholic church that dominates the site was completed with the aid of eager pilgrims, each of whom carried a single brick for the 2.5km walk up the mountain.

The church’s spartan interior is a match for its all-white facade . On either side of the nave, lavishly decorated nooks conceal icons including a Statue of the Black Madonna (also known as the Morena Virgin), Patron Saint of Catalonia.

It only takes 15 to 20 minutes to cover the church. If you’re lucky, you might end up sharing the pews with a group of modern-day pilgrims like we did.

Just as we were entering, a group of religious devotees who had apparently summited Monserrate on their hands and knees entered through the doors and formed a final procession down the aisle. It was quite a sight to behold.

The sanctuary is open from 10am daily. Entrance is free.

3. Learn about Pre-Columbian culture at the Gold Museum

A small gold statue exhibited at the Gold Museum in Bogota, Colombia.

Being Australian and having grown up with the Gold Rush narrative, I was fully expecting the Gold Museum (Museo del Oro) to focus on Colombia’s colonial history and the so-called New World quest for God, Gold and Glory. In fact, the museum examines Pre-Columbian Colombia – that is, the Colombia that existed before the conquistadors arrived.

If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating chapter of Colombian history, the Gold Museum is the perfect place to do it.

Never heard of the Muisca ? You’re not the only one. Colombia’s most prominent indigenous group did pioneering work in metallurgy that is nothing short of breathtaking considering the resources available to them at the time. It should have earned them a name akin to the Zapotecs, Mayans or Aztecs – but alas, sadly not.

Housing the world’s largest collection of gold artefacts (there are more than 6,000 individual pieces of gold on display at any one time), the Gold Museum is your chance to learn about Muisca culture through the ritual objects they crafted from gold and other alloys. The highlight for us was hearing about the ‘real’ El Dorado and seeing an interactive exhibit that simulates the ritual that led credence to the myth.

If you’re visiting alone, definitely opt for the audio guide – it’s worth the extra cost.

History isn’t the only thing the Gold Museum is good for: According to our guide, the museum cafe serves some of the best Colombian coffee in town. Exit through the gift shop for a beautiful range of handicrafts .

The Gold Museum is open daily from 9am-6pm (from 10am on Sundays). Entrance costs 3000 COP.

Tip: Entrance to the Gold Museum is free on Sundays, but it is always very crowded so it’s best to visit on a weekday instead.

4. Roam Bogota’s oldest neighbourhood, colourful La Candelaria

Rows of colourful houses and cobbled streets in Bogota's La Candelaria neighbourhood.

The Gold Museum is conveniently positioned on the edge of La Candelaria, the oldest part of Bogota . After wandering around the dramatically lit museum exhibits, the light of day is a bit of a shock to the system. But trust me, this is one part of Bogota you definitely don’t want to miss.

A man rides his bicycle through the centre of Bogota city, Colombia.

The only way to explore La Candelaria district is by foot. Take your time as you wander the cobblestones ; soak up every little detail of the crumbling architecture and picture-perfect street scenes .

The next few items on this list of must-sees in Bogota are located in the La Candelaria area.

5. Discover street art & cafe culture on Callejón Embudo

A colourful street mural in Bogota, Colombia.

Undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Bogotá is to stroll along the narrow street known as Callejón Embudo. Located in the oldest part of Bogotá, it captures the uniquely Bogotano mix of historic charm and modern urban culture with a touch of grunge.

You’ll find Callejón Embudo just off of the Plazoleta Chorro de Quevedo , the plaza where the Spanish established the first settlement in what became Bogotá, not far from Plaza Bolívar in La Candelaría. This area is one of the popular areas to stay in Bogotá for backpackers as there are many hostels.

While you can do this as a guided tour either as part of a larger tour of La Candelaría or a graffiti tour , it’s also possible to do on your own since it’s an easy detour from the other sites in La Candelaría. Just head down the narrow alleyway to the right of the small church on the Plazoleta Chorro de Quevedo.

You can see lots of neat street art as you walk along the couple blocks of this tiny street. The name ‘Embudo’ literally means bottleneck in Spanish. You can also duck into one of the little bars to enjoy a drink, or check out Casa Galería to enjoy some of that famous Colombian coffee and maybe a sweet treat.

Suggested by Adam from Cartagena Explorer

Tip: If you love street art and cafe culture, another cool neighbourhood to check out in Bogota is Zona Rosa (AKA Zona T) in El Espartillal on the north-east side of the city. It too has pedestrianised streets, and plenty of bars, restaurants and nightclubs to enjoy.

6. Pop into the Gabriel Garcia Marquez Cultural Center

Tourists walk around the open courtyard at the The Gabriel Garcia Marquez Cultural Center.

The Gabriel Garcia Marquez Cultural Center lies in the middle of the La Candelaria neighbourhood. The building was a gift from Mexico to honour Gabriel García Márquez , a Colombian-born writer known for his literary works all over Latin America and the world.

This is just one of many tributes to García Márquez you can find in Colombia. It is unique because it showcases the special relationship between Mexico and Colombia, hence why there is a huge Mexican flag that pays homage to the country where the author spent the majority of his life.

Forget the usual concerns about safety in Bogota : This is one place in the city where you’ll feel welcome and totally at ease.

The building has an intriguing design that consists of two giant circles, one with a tranquil fountain in the centre. When you walk up the stairs, you come to a huge open space where you can relax and admire the views of Bogota’s oldest neighbourhood as well as epic views of the mountains towards the east . This is one of the best places for photos of La Candelaria and the famous Calle 11 .

On the bottom floor, there is a bookshop which is unrelated to the attraction per say but has some great novels for sale and a coffee shop where you can enjoy a drink or a snack. There are sometimes exhibitions on the first floor too, but you must walk up the stairs to the upper floor of the building to really connect with the story of this landmark.

The Gabriel Garcia Marquez Cultural Center is open daily from 9.30am (10am on Sundays). Entrance is free.

Suggested by Daniel from Layer Culture

7. Visit the incredible Botero Museum

The Botero Museum, a beautiful central courtyard surrounded by white Spanish colonial buildings in Bogota, Colombia.

The Botero Museum (Museo Botero) is one of the most popular places for art lovers to visit in Bogota. The museum was founded in the year 2000 and has over 200 art pieces including 123 works by Botero himself.

Medellin-born Fernando Botero is one of Colombia’s most famous artists and a keen art collector. His works have been exhibited all over the world and can be found in parks and plazas as far away as Yerevan in Armenia, Barcelona , Singapore, Bamberg and Jerusalem.

The most unique feature of Botero’s work is his characters’ shape: They are all larger than life with rounded figures. Some are humorous, others represent political criticism.

The Museo de Botero is housed in a two-storey colonial mansion with a beautiful courtyard . Apart from Botero’s own paintings and sculptures, you can also see other pieces that used to belong to his private collection. This includes works by Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró, Claude Matisse, Henri Monet and other world-famous artists.

The Museum is located in La Candelaria, close to other popular tourist attractions. Entry is free of charge and you should spare at least two or three hours to enjoy the galleries and relax in the courtyard.

The museum is open Wednesday to Monday from 9am-7pm (from 10am on Sundays). Closed on Tuesdays.

Suggested by Pedro from Travel With Pedro

8. Take a social transformation tour of Barrio Egipto

The Church of Our Lady of Egypt in Bogota's Barrio Egipto.

If you want to understand Colombia’s violent past better, do not miss a tour of Barrio Egipto. This district is only a street away from La Candeleria, the popular hub of Bogota’s nightlife and cultural scene. Until a couple of years ago, a wall separated it from downtown so that even policemen could not enter.

Much like Comuna 13 in Medellin , Barrio Egipto was once the most dangerous and poorest part of Bogota . Not all that long ago, rival gangs ruled the district and crime was a part of daily life.

Tired of the constant violence, the people of Barrio Egipto decided to put the past behind them and make peace. They converted the district into a touristic place, where symbolic graffiti recalls both the cruelty and the hope for a better future. A group of former gang members founded Breaking Borders and now share their experiences in Barrio Egipto with visitors as tour guides.

Bogota’s second-oldest church, the Church of Our Lady of Egypt , stands at the entrance to the barrio. This is where the annual celebration of Three Kings Day takes place on 6th January every year.

Suggested by Agnes from Voice of Guides

9. Shop for handicrafts at Bogota’s vibrant local markets

Hats and bags for sale at the Usaquen Flea Market in Bogota Colombia.

Markets provide a window onto local culture and commerce, which is why I always recommend visiting at least one when you arrive in a new city. Bogota is home to some excellent local markets and flea markets where you can shop Colombian handicrafts and rummage for second-hand treasures . 

Located directly opposite the Gold Museum, the Galeria Artesanal de Colombia is a permanent undercover handicraft market that’s mainly designed for tourists. Dozens of stalls stretch out under glass-roofed corridors, each selling a colourful array of local products.

Among the offerings, I spotted some beautiful molas (indigenous textiles), leather goods and painted masks. Unlike the San Alejo Handicraft Market, one of my favourite places in Medellin , there is definitely a mix of handmade and mass-produced goods here (the hats and ponchos, for example, aren’t the best quality). So it pays to take your time and shop around before committing to buy.

A shop in Bogota, Colombia.

A few blocks away, I happened upon the Mercados Campesinos de Cundinamarca , a pop-up produce market organised by the local government. More than 114 producers from 46 municipalities of Cundinamarca Department (the area surrounding Bogota) gather for the occasion, selling fresh fruit and veg as well as locally made dairy products, sweets and coffee.

Read next: 3 local markets you can’t miss in Medellin .

In the Plaza Bolivar, I encountered a very special market, the PaZiempre Fair . Organised by the Mayor’s Office of Bogota and the High Council for the Rights of Victims, Peace and Reconciliation, this market is designed to promote entrepreneurship and cultural revitalisation. Stallholders here are primarily former victims of armed conflict. A good mix of food and handicrafts is on offer.

A few blocks from Plaza de Bolivar, I paid a quick visit to one of Bogota’s oldest marketplaces, Pasaje Rivas . This maze of undercover shops connected by narrow alleyways was the biggest and most atmospheric market I visited in Bogota.

Stallholders here mainly sell handicrafts, including wicker baskets, carriel bags, wooden kitchen utensils, and wool ponchos. Again, it takes a good eye to sort the handmade items from the mass-produced, but I felt the range here was a lot better (and less touristy) than at Galeria Artesanal.

Other weekly markets in Bogota include the San Alejo Flea Market (9am-5pm on Sundays) and Usaquen Flea Market (every Saturday and Sunday).

10. Try coca tea & sample Bogota’s favourite street foods

Two cups of coca tea on a beautiful tablecloth at an open-air market in South America.

Despite what the size of their dinner plates might tell you, Colombians are grazers. In Bogota, street snacking is an activity in itself. Everyone has their favourite roaming vendors and hole-in-the-wall bite bars. Food can be found all over the city – the tricky thing is deciding what chow to try.

My street food rule of thumb holds true in Bogota: Choose a spot that’s busy, and always go for something that’s cooked fresh. Of course if you’re travelling on a tour, your guide will point out the cream of the crop.

Chances are whatever you choose is going to be fried (at least once, maybe twice!). Arepas and empanadas are crowd pleasers (Pro tip: Always pair a hot, salty empanada with a glass of cool, sweet orange juice ).

But my favourite snack is buñuelos . Pillowy on the inside and crispy on the outside, I first tried these cheesy balls of goodness in Medellin.

More intrepid travellers might be tempted to stop for a cup of coca tea . Brewed in large silver pots with different herbs and spices added, it purportedly assists with acclimatising to Bogota’s high altitude.

11. Soak up the city’s modern history in the Plaza de Bolivar

A statue of Simon Bolivar in Bogota, Colombia.

Walking into Plaza de Bolivar is like stepping into a living museum . No where in Bogota can you find more history and legacy concentrated in one place.

The historic centre of Colombia’s capital, the plaza itself is a classic Spanish Square – the same you see in small towns such as Jardin and Jerico . But unlike most other Colombian towns and cities , Bogota’s main square is enormous .

There’s a funny story behind the discrepancy: Squares were measured out using a ‘Spanish Stick’ in an effort to keep them uniform. Evidently no one thought to establish a standard length for the sticks first, so each square turned out to be a different size.

It’s easy to miss the petite statue of Simon Bolivar that sits atop a raised platform at the centre of the square. Instead, it’s the buildings on the periphery that vie for visitors’ attention, positively dwarfing Bolivar with their grandeur.

Along the southern border, the grand National Capitol building houses Colombia’s National Congress. The neoclassical Lievano Palace on the western side was completed at the turn of the century and now serves as the City Hall . At the head of the square is Bogota’s main cathedral, aptly named Catedral Primada de Colombia .

The Catedral Primada de Colombia in Bogota.

In the middle distance, you can spot the rooftop of Colombia’s oldest school . One building on the square sticks out like a sore thumb – the Palace of Justice , site of the infamous 1995 siege, is a hulking modernist block.

Plaza de Bolivar is a place where Bogotanas of all stripes gather to commune. It’s a must-visit if you want to get right into the thick of it and pursue some seriously good people-watching opportunities.

There are often markets and live music events happening in the square, which makes it all the more lively.

12. Visit a few of Bogota’s charming small churches

Inside the Iglesia San Agustin La Candelaria church in Bogota, Colombia.

The Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of Bogotá on Bolivar Square might be the city’s biggest and most impressive church, but there are scores of smaller churches to discover in the backstreets and alleys around the city centre.

My favourites include the lavishly decorated, 17th century Iglesia San Agustin La Candelaria , the National Shrine of Our Lady of Carmen ( Santuario Nuestra Señora del Carmen ), a Florentine Gothic church with a distinctive striped facade near the Botero Museum, and the Iglesia de San Francisco .

For something different, the 1647-built Santa Clara Church (Iglesia de Santa Clara) has been transformed into a gallery, the Museo Santa Clara , housing a huge collection of original artworks from the 17th-20th centuries.

13. Play a game of tejo, Colombia’s national sport

A tejo game set up at a bar in Bogota, Colombia.

Ever heard of Colombia’s national sport, tejo ? Tejo is a traditional throwing game , mainly played in local bars. It is one of the oldest sports in the country dating back to the time of the Muisca.

The tejo game consists of throwing a steel disc (called a tejo), onto an angled board that is covered with clay. The goal of the game is to hit one of the mechas , exploding paper triangles located inside a ring ( bocin ) that contain gunpowder. As soon as the tejo collides with its target, a small explosion occurs . And this – accompanied by a loud bang and lots of cheering, of course – makes for points.

If you want to feel local for a night and play the tejo game yourself, you want to go to Tejo la Embajada in Bogota. It’s a fun place where you can enjoy artisanal beers, bites, and a good game with old and new friends! The energy is something you won’t soon forget.

Remember the rules of tejo are honestly a bit complicated, but you just have to go with the flow and learn from the locals.

Suggested by Deborah from Passport The World

14. Gear up for Ciclovia, a Sunday ritual in Bogota

Men cycle down the empty streets of Bogota, Colombia on Ciclovia Sunday, a special tradition in Bogota.

Sunday is usually a day of rest – but in Bogota, Sunday means Ciclovia. Join the locals and get on your bike for this weekly celebration of all things cycling .

Colombia is a great country for cycling , but bustling Bogota is not exactly bike-friendly. That’s until Sunday (and every national holiday) when more than 75 miles (120 km) of public streets are closed to motorised vehicles.

A Bogota institution since 1976, Ciclovia is a weekly party in the streets . Locals use it for socialising and exercise, so it’s a great way for tourists to experience a slice of Bogota life and see some sights along the way. While cycling through parks, past landmarks, neighbourhoods, and city streets, you’ll encounter joggers, dog walkers, yoga classes and more. Ciclovia is certainly a Bogota bucket list experience.

Plan in advance for Ciclovia by booking a Sunday morning cycling tour . A general tour will take you to top city attractions, or a graffiti tour showcases Bogota’s exemplary public art.

Alternatively, rent a bike from one of the many vendors out for Ciclovia and ride wherever you want. With 75-plus miles of open road , you can see Bogota safely while cycling its car-free streets.

Ciclovia runs every Sunday and on public holidays from 7am-2pm.

Suggested by Melinda from Mel On The Go

15. Admire the orchids at the Botanical Garden of Bogota

If you find yourself craving fresh air and greenery, the Botanical Garden is the leafy oasis you’ve been searching for. Located right in the centre of the city of Bogotá, it offers walking paths, waterfalls and playgrounds , making it perfect for anyone who’s travelling in Bogota with kids .

The Jardín Botánico first opened in 1955 and covers more than 20 acres . Colombia’s incredible biodiversity is front and centre, with groves of ferns and beautiful arrangements of native orchids alongside a huge variety of flora from the Amazon region .

You can take a tour of Colombia without leaving the city: As the country’s biggest garden , it showcases plants from every Colombian altitude, climatic area and geographical region.

More terrific things to do around Bogota

16. take a day trip to the colonial town of villa de leyva.

A Colombian man in a poncho walks past stone arches in the colonial town of Villa de Leyva near Bogota.

Located just over 3 hours’ drive from the Colombian capital, the colonial town of Villa de Leyva is one of the most popular day trips from Bogota.

A tentative UNESCO World Heritage Site , Villa de Leyva is prized for its original colonial architecture – much of which dates all the way back to the 16th century. The town centres on a magnificent cobbled square, the Plaza Mayor, which is surrounded by beautiful low-slung white buildings.

A full-day guided tour to Villa de Leyva is a great way for those on a tight travel timeline to experience this beautiful small town. Ideally though, you’ll want to spend a night or two at one of the cute boutique hotels , enjoying the serenity of Villa de Leyva after hours when the day trippers have gone home.

Other things to do in the area include the Muisca astronomy observatory, while outdoor enthusiasts can explore the nearby cloud forests and La Periquera waterfalls .

17. Go underground at the incredible Zipaquira Salt Cathedral

An underground cross at Zipaquira Salt Cathedral, a popular excursion from Bogota.

Another of the best side trips from Bogota is the Zipaquira Salt Cathedral, a 200-metre-deep cathedral built completely inside a salt mine . Known as the ‘First Wonder of Colombia’ , the Zipaquira Salt Cathedral is a marvel of engineering and an amazing example of what humanity can create when faced with a seemingly insurmountable obstacle.

The salt cathedral was originally built around 1932 as a small altar that miners used to pray at before starting a day of treacherous work. Throughout the years, the altar expanded more and more, and the cathedral you see today dates to 1995.

The underground cathedral is massive and takes a few hours to explore. At the end of the walking route, you’ll find the three naves representing the three stages of Jesus’s life – his birth, life and death, and Resurrection. In the main nave, you’ll see what is considered the biggest underground cross in the entire world .

Zipaquira Salt Cathedral is a must on any Bogota itinerary , but it can be quite challenging to get to. The easiest way is to travel with a local tour company . Public transportation is also an option, as there are buses that go directly to the town of Zipaquira. The two bus stations where you can get a bus from Bogota to Zipaquira are Portal Norte and Terminal del Norte.

Either way, if you’re visiting in high season, it’s a good idea to pre-purchase skip-the-line tickets ahead of time .

Suggested by Sean from LivingOutLau

18. See the glacial lakes in Chingaza National Park

A glacial lake in Chingaza National Park, the ideal place for hiking near Bogota.

Just a 2-hour drive north-east from Bogotá, Chingaza National Park is one of the most significant natural reserves in Colombia .

The Natural Park is located in the eastern row of the Colombian Andes Mountains , which range from 800 metres to as high as 4000 metres above sea level. Inside Chingaza, there are 40 glacial lakes , the biggest being Lake Changaza and the most beautiful being the Siecha Lakes.

There are many different options available for exploring the park, including a range of short hiking trails that are suitable for day trippers. The 3-hour trail to the Lagunas de Buitrago is perfect for a short visit. The unpaved road provides a great day hike that is manageable for anyone with a decent fitness level. On the way to the lagune, you can enjoy the unique flora and fauna, as well as the stunning views. 

For anyone interested in visiting the Siecha Lakes , these can be reached by continuing on the unpaved road after Lagunas de Buitrago. Note that you have to take a smaller trail to get the trail and a good sense of direction and a map are necessary.

Temperatures inside the park vary from 4°C-21.5°C so be sure to check the weather forecast ahead of time and pack the appropriate gear and hiking essentials for your adventure.

Suggested by Josephine from Josephine Remo

19. Hike to the tallest waterfall in Colombia, Cascada La Chorrera

Cascada La Chorrera, a beautiful waterfall near Bogota, Colombia.

Standing at a jaw-dropping 590 metres high, Cascada La Chorrera is worthy of inclusion on any extended Bogotá itinerary. Colombia’s highest waterfall is the perfect place for nature lovers to visit as an easy side trip from the capital.

The waterfall sits halfway along a circular 5 km (3 mile) hiking trail that runs through the countryside in a steep-sided gorge. From Bogota, you can quite easily reach the trailhead using public transport . First, take a local bus towards Choachi and then either take a taxi or walk the remaining 5 km downhill from the bus stop.

The hiking trail is easy to follow and mostly flat . When you reach Cascada La Chorrera, you can stand right underneath the falling water. The waterfall is so tall, it’s impossible to see all of it at once – especially from below!

There’s a second waterfall on the hiking trail that also offers beautiful views. Small in comparison at just 55 metres tall, Cascada El Chiflon is worth seeing up close, particularly since you can walk directly behind it. And, if that’s not enough, the park also offers a range of adventure activities such as abseiling and zip lining .

Suggested by Zoe from Zoe Goes Places

20. Immerse yourself in the legend of the El Dorado at Lake Guatavita

Lake Guatavita, the birthplace of the Legend of El Dorado.

Located 1.5 hours outside of Bogota, Laguna de Guatavita is a lake that is engulfed in a legend of gold. Exploring Guatavita is a great day trip from Bogota to soak up a small town, nature, and folklore all in one.

For the native Muisca people that lived in this area, Laguna de Guatavita was a sacred site. As the legend goes, when a new leader was appointed they would perform a ritual in the lake. The new leader would be covered in gold dust and sent off on a raft into the lake.

Once in the middle, he and other spectators would throw gold pieces into the lake as an offering to the gods. When the Spanish found out, they named the chief El Dorado (the gilded one) and attempted to obtain the gold by draining the lake.

Today you can take a guided mountain hike to Laguna de Guatavita where you’ll learn about the Muisca people and the Legend of El Dorado.

If you have time, you should definitely plan to explore more of the area or ideally spend a night in the town of Guatavita , which is situated along a large reservoir. The original town was flooded some years ago, so present-day Guatavita is a small, picturesque town full of white buildings .

Suggested by Julien from Cultures Traveled

Discover the best of Colombia’s capital on a Bogota City Tour with Impulse Travel

It would be easy to walk away from Bogota without really getting to the heart of the place. I really believe it’s one of those rare examples of a city where having a guide to show you the ropes makes all the difference. Although we had a great experience in Bogota, there is some truth to the rumours.

There are parts of the city that aren’t ideal for tourists to visit, and there are lots of hidden gems that you’d have no hope of finding without a local’s guidance. Even the city’s most popular landmarks have a lot more to them than meets the eye, which is why it really pays to have local knowledge on hand.

A Bogota city tour is a great way to find your bearings in Colombia's capital. Here's what to expect from a guided Bogota City Tour with Impulse Travel—plus the seven Bogota sights I think every first-time visitor should take the time to see.

I only had a couple of days to try and squeeze everything in, which would have been impossible on our own. So I was thrilled to partner up with Impulse Travel for a half-day Bogota City Tour to uncover some of the capital’s best sights.

Impulse Travel hosts immersive tours all around Colombia, including a range of thematic itineraries in Bogota. The half-day Bogota City Tour provides an excellent overview of Colombia’s capital and hits on all seven of my Bogota must-dos. It’s the perfect choice for first-time visitors to the city.

This tour has a maximum group size of 8 people, and includes an English-speaking guide plus transfer to and from your accommodation by private car.

Book your Bogota City Tour with Impulse Travel using this link and enter the code BOGOTA10 at checkout to receive 10% off the cost of your reservation. Even if a different itinerary takes your fancy, you can still use the code to receive a 10% discount on all Impulse Travel tours in Colombia.

Over to you! What’s your favourite thing to do in Bogota? Would you consider taking a Bogota city tour to learn more about the capital? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Best things to do in Bogota: Save it

A Bogota city tour is a great way to find your bearings in Colombia's capital. Here's what to expect from a guided Bogota City Tour with Impulse Travel—plus the seven Bogota sights I think every first-time visitor should take the time to see.

Colombia trip essentials

Here are some of the websites and services I recommend for planning a trip to Colombia. Remember to check out my full list of travel resources for more tips.

FLIGHTS: Find affordable flights to Colombia using the Skyscanner website .

VISAS: Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa or a Health Declaration form for Colombia and apply for your documents online.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Insure your trip to Colombia with HeyMondo , my preferred provider for single-trip and annual travel insurance.

AIRPORT TRANSFERS: Book a safe and reliable private transfer from the airport to your hotel in Medellin , Bogota or Cartagena (prices start from $18 per group).

ESIM FOR COLOMBIA: Stay connected during your trip – pre-purchase an eSIM for Colombia and get online as soon as you arrive without having to visit a phone shop.

CAR HIRE: Use the Discover Cars website to compare prices and features across all the major car rental companies.

ACCOMMODATION: Find the best Colombia hotel deals on Booking.com .

CITY TOURS & DAY TRIPS: Browse the Viator website to find the best day trips, city tours, Colombian cooking experiences and more.

More Colombia travel resources

  • Bogota cooking class , a local Colombian experience
  • 30 best things to do in Medellin , my favourite city in Colombia
  • 2 days in Medellin , the ideal city itinerary
  • 30 authentic Colombian souvenirs , the best things to buy in Colombia
  • Markets in Medellin , for fruit, flowers and more
  • 30 best places to visit in Colombia , the ultimate bucket list
  • What to do in Colombia , activities for every traveller
  • Visiting Medellin’s Comuna 13 , things to know before you go
  • Guide to Jerico , Antioquia’s loveliest pueblo
  • El Despertar Hotel , the best accommodation in Jerico
  • Guide to Jardin , Colombia’s colourful colonial town
  • Colombian coffee tour , bean to cup in Concordia

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  • Internacional

Video: 'Bogotá, Your Home' - A Campaign to Captivate the World

I am Bogotá. Your breathtaking adventure. Born from the Andes and the Eastern Hills. A home among wetlands and lush forests. I am the heart of art.

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This excerpt from the manifesto highlights the qualities of Colombia's capital featured in the launch video of the 'Bogotá, Your Home' city brand campaign. The campaign aims to further establish our city as a top global destination, attracting both travelers and investors from around the world. Already active at tourist information points and other venues, the campaign features the official image and slogan, 'Bogotá, Your Home,' symbolized by a house icon. It is promoted in international markets and initially translated into English and Portuguese.

Check out: Tourism in Bogotá: The Top 11 Traveler-Rated Spots on TripAdvisor

"Driven by the Bogotá Tourism Institute (IDT) under Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán's guidelines, we are committed to positioning Bogotá as a world-class destination. Our goal by the end of 2024 is to attract 15 million tourists, including nearly 2 million international visitors, and to create over 100,000 jobs in the tourism sector. We are on the right track. From January to June this year, we saw over 860,000 foreign visitors—a 5.6% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Additionally, there was a 16.2% increase in passenger traffic through the city's transport terminals," adds Andrés Santamaría, director of IDT.

The new campaign, designed to evoke emotions and trust among locals and visitors alike, is a result of diligent co-creation and effective collaboration between the Mayor’s Office, the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce (CCB), and Invest in Bogotá. These institutions are committed to the development and competitiveness of our destination.

Ovidio Claros Polanco, president of the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce, affirmed, "Bogotá continues to strengthen its position as an international destination, attractive for tourism, investment, business, and as a regional events hub. Home to nearly 500,000 active companies—24.3% of the total in Colombia—and more than 150,200 annual flights, Bogotá is undoubtedly the country’s premier business tourism destination. This year alone, as of June, hotel occupancy was at 59.5%, with 55.2% attributed to work or business, according to DANE (National Administrative Department of Statistics). Therefore, we remain dedicated to fostering public-private partnerships to keep Bogotá as the preferred destination."

Isabella Muñoz, Executive Director of Invest in Bogotá, highlighted: "Bogotá has it all! We are the go-to for meetings, events, and investment tourism, thanks to a stable economy larger than those of countries like Costa Rica, Panama, and Uruguay; a strategic location facilitating connections through trade and investment treaties with over 67 countries; and a skilled workforce of over six million. For these reasons and more, Bogotá is your home!"

Inspired by international destinations like London, New York, and Barcelona—which have established strong city brands—the campaign showcases Bogotá's main attractions: 75% of its territory is rural, offering hiking, birdwatching, bicycle tourism, and both local and international cuisine at traditional market squares and fine dining restaurants. Museums, cultural offerings, and infrastructure for national and international music festivals and top-tier corporate events also stand out, alongside the warmth of its people.

A golden era for our tourism

Recall the great momentum tourism in the capital has seen this year. In February, TripAdvisor, the leading global travel platform, recognized it as the sixth best tourist destination in the world.

At the World Travel Awards, known as the ‘Tourism Oscars,’ Bogotá was named ‘Leading Business Destination in South America,’ outperforming cities like Buenos Aires, Lima, Medellín, Montevideo, Rio de Janeiro, and Sao Paulo. Events like the Slot Conference of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), held in Bogotá in June with over 1,300 delegates and representatives from 300 airports and more than 200 airlines worldwide, further consolidate the city as a business tourism leader. Notably, Bogotá will host the Grand Meeting of World Tourism Cities in 2025.

Also read: 'Visit Bogotá': Your Mobile Guide to Colombia’s Capital

 “We aim to position Bogotá as a destination that has everything, where you’ll feel at home, thereby generating a greater economic impact and spending in the city. We are convinced that tourism is a vital part of our economy, and if Bogotá thrives, so do other regions. Therefore, the campaign highlights Bogotá’s main attractions: nature, hiking, birdwatching, bicycle tourism, and both local and international cuisine, as well as museums, cultural offerings, and infrastructure for national and international music festivals and top-tier corporate events,” concludes Santamaría, Director of the Bogotá Tourism Office (IDT).

‘Bogotá, Your Home’—a campaign marking a new era for our city.

Learn more about ‘Bogotá, Your Home’ and things to do in this city, situated 2,600 meters above sea level—2,600 meters closer to the stars—on VisitBogota by clicking here .

  • 'Bogotá, mi Ciudad, mi Casa'
  • Bogotá internacional
  • Bogotá turismo urbano
  • agroturismo en Bogotá
  • Hotelería y turismo
  • Instituto Distrital de Turismo - IDT

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  21. Bogota Tours and Excursions

    Experience Bogotá like a local alongside an English-speaking host who will give you a one-of-a-kind insider access into this exciting city. Walk around trendy neighbourhoods like Usaquen, Zona Rosa, Quinta de Camacho and La Macarena, visit hip bars and cafés, sample local food, and learn about life and culture of Bogota and Colombia.

  22. 20 Best Things to Do in Bogota, Colombia (2023)

    20 Best Things to Do in Bogota, Colombia (2023)

  23. THE 10 BEST Bogota Cultural Tours (with Prices)

    La Candelaria, Monserrate and Museums Bogotá Private City Tour. 695. Historical Tours. 5-7 hours. Gain a comprehensive overview of Colombia's capital on this private tour that combines museum visits, cultural workshops…. Free cancellation. Recommended by 98% of travelers. from. $67.

  24. A Campaign to Captivate the World

    Already active at tourist information points and other venues, the campaign features the official image and slogan, 'Bogotá, Your Home,' symbolized by a house icon. It is promoted in international markets and initially translated into English and Portuguese. Check out: Tourism in Bogotá: The Top 11 Traveler-Rated Spots on TripAdvisor