Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit In Bogota, Colombia. #Top Attractions

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Arranging a trip to Bogota, Colombia? Get the most out of your vacation by exploring the best things to do in Bogota, Colombia, and the best places to visit in Bogota, Colombia, below. As a Web 3.0 travel startup, Wondrous Drifter has big plans to shake things up in the field.

Andrés Carne de Res

Andrés Carne de Res, Bogota, Colombia
Andrés Carne de Res, Bogota, Colombia / Leandro Neumann Ciuffo / Flickr

If you ask a local where to eat in Bogota, this is the first diner that will come to mind.

Since it opened in 1982, Andrés Carne de Res has become a popular gathering place for diners, partygoers, and drinkers.

The location run by Andrés Jaramillo is approximately an hour’s drive from Bogotá City. This restaurant is filled with a maze of dining tables and glistening lights. 

Come here for your fill of Colombian cuisine and all the salsa dancing your heart desires. 

A carnival or festival-like atmosphere is created by the many themed rooms, which include confetti, beverages, and even parades.

You can choose from more than 30 different steaks on the menu, as well as a variety of Latin American specialties, including arepas, empanadas, and ceviches. Hence, no matter what your taste buds crave, this restaurant has it.

Coloring books, toys, as well as a climbing wall are available for children.

This spot is not just a restaurant; it’s an ultimate experience. 

Dine here and have the most memorable Bogota experience!

Address: Calle 3 #No 11A – 56, Chía, Cundinamarca, Colombia

Biblioteca Público Virgilio Barco

Biblioteca Público Virgilio Barco, Bogota, Colombia
Biblioteca Público Virgilio Barco, Bogota, Colombia / Robert / Flickr

Watch out for this destination, Book nerds! 

If you aren’t a book lover, you still have to consider this iconic spot in Bogota because of its architectural beauty.

This enormous library is designed by one of the most renowned architects in the country, Rogelio Salmona. The library is surrounded by a bunch of beautiful gardens and reading spots.

To create a peaceful atmosphere, the building is surrounded by mirror-like waters.

In addition to all the books, they have art exhibits and free wifi if you are not for the books. 

You can also enjoy a coffee and a snack at the cafe while watching the lovely views of the library.

When the weather is nice, you can also sit in the open-air theater on the roof, which has fantastic views of the city. You will surely love the beautiful sunset in this spot!

Make sure to visit and explore this beautiful library!

Address: Av. Cra. 60 No. 57 – 60, Bogotá, Colombia

Botero Museum

Botero Museum, Bogota, Colombia
Botero Museum, Bogota, Colombia / Reg Natarajan / Flickr

Witness the chubby artworks of Columbia’s most famous artist.

The Botero Museum is housed in the Banco de la Republica’s museum complex, which was founded in 2000 and featured works by renowned Colombian artist Fernando Botero, noted for his still lifes and exaggerated human figures.

He is also a renowned sculptor, as seen by the curvy bronze figures that adorn the walls of Colombia’s most famous museum.

Botero gave 123 of his own works in this museum and 85 from his personal collection from world-renowned artists, which included works by Picasso, Chagall, Miró, and Monet.

Admission to this internationally significant art collection, housed in a beautiful, refurbished colonial mansion with an inner courtyard, is entirely free.

When you visit the Museo Botero, you will see two levels of artwork, including a fat Mona Lisa and full-figured fruits.

Stop by this iconic landmark and appreciate the beauty of the artworks of Botero!

Address: Cl. 11 #4-41, Bogotá, Colombia

Club de Tejo La 76

Club de Tejo La 76, Bogota, Colombia
Club de Tejo La 76, Bogota, Colombia / Eli Duke / Flickr

Experience the greatest sport invented in Columbia!

The game Tejo is actually a national sport in Columbia. It involves flinging huge spherical bits of metal at gunpowder to cause a loud and blazing explosion.

Tejo in Bogota is extremely popular with locals and has been gaining in popularity with tourists over the last few years.

Playing a few games in Bogotá with a few beers is a must if you’re visiting the city.

To hit small gunpowder-filled targets embedded in clay, you’ll be throwing heavy metal disks across the room (approximately 20 meters).

The best place where you can try Tejo in Bogota is at the Club de Tejo La 76. 

This spot is an authentic tejo court, complete with local tejo players, a horse-shaped jukebox playing only somber vallenato and ballad music, a small kitchen serving only massive meat platters, and eight tejo lanes to play on.

It’ll be easier for beginners to strike the targets if you head upstairs for “mini tejo.”

Have your ultimate tejo experience here at Club de Tejo La 76!

Address: 56, Ak. 24 ##76, Bogotá, Colombia

Jardín Botánico de Bogotá

Jardín Botánico de Bogotá, Bogota, Colombia
Jardín Botánico de Bogotá, Bogota, Colombia / Freddy Valentina / Flickr

If you get tired of the extreme loudness of playing Tejo, this is a peaceful spot you can visit in Bogota.

Located in the city of Bogotá, Colombia’s largest botanical garden is the Jardin Botánico de Bogotá.

This garden includes greenhouses where plants from every Colombian province, altitude, and temperature can be seen.

You can also witness there in this spot the Palma de Cera, Colombia’s national tree and the largest aquatic Amazonian flower. Artificial waterfalls and laboratories for flowers and plants can also be seen as you roam around the garden.

Aside from flora species, you can also see a variety of animals around the botanical garden, such as peacocks, lizards, ducks, and turtles.

There are also public services inside the garden, such as a tourist information desk and a library.

The scenic and serenity of this garden will surely clear up your mind from stress!

Join a guided tour to learn more about the plants here in the garden!

Address: Cl. 63 #68-95, Bogotá, Colombia

La Candelaria

La Candelaria, Bogota, Colombia
La Candelaria, Bogota, Colombia / Pedro Szekely / Flickr

This is probably the most important spot that most tourists visit in Bogota.

The historic center of the city of Bogota is known as La Candelaria. Some of Bogotá’s most famous museums and attractions are located in this historic landmark.

You’ll notice that the area is a fantastic mix of old and new, ancient and modern architecture.

The lovely houses are characteristic of Spanish colonial heritage, and the streets are lined with some of the most unusual graffiti murals you’ll ever see.

Enjoy a drink at one of the several pubs, restaurants, and cafes. Many artists and musicians can also be seen performing in the area.

Make sure to visit the oldest restaurant in the city, which is the Lapuerta Falsa. The restaurant has been a landmark since it first opened its doors in 1816.

Plaza Bolvar is La Candelaria’s main square and the location of some of the city’s most notable buildings and offices.

Don’t miss this iconic neighborhood on your Bogota trip!

Address: La Candelaria, Bogotá, Colombia

La Chorrera and El Chiflón Waterfalls

La Chorrera and El Chiflón Waterfalls, Bogota, Colombia
La Chorrera and El Chiflón Waterfalls, Bogota, Colombia / t_y_l / Flickr

Up for an exciting adventure?

Located outside Bogotá, these two waterfalls require a 3-hour round-trip journey through vibrant greenery.

In Colombia, the La Chorrera is the tallest waterfall and has a remarkable 590 meters in height. It’s also South America’s sixth highest and the world’s 60th highest waterfall.

You’ll pass through magnificent Andean communities, cliffs, and woods as you make your way through the mountains.

Although the paths are well-marked and the thundering waterfalls are amazing, the routes can be tough and muddy.

You can enjoy a refreshing dip below the falls, a great way to relax after all that walking towards the famous spot.

After the tiring hike, you can dine at the snack shop and restaurant at the smaller waterfall, El Chiflon. 

Take note: Whatever your level of fitness, you’ll need sturdy boots or shoes with good gripping because the rocks are slippery, especially towards the bottom of the falls and when walking behind the El Chiflón fall.

Enjoy and fall in love with this beautiful waterfall!

Address: La Chorrera Adventure Park, Columbia

Laguna de Guatavita

Laguna de Guatavita, Bogota, Colombia
Laguna de Guatavita, Bogota, Colombia / Willys Alberto Sevillano / Flickr

Get a good dose of nature at this legendary attraction in Bogota.

This is the location where the legend of El Dorado began and a spiritually significant spot for local indigenous people.

Guatavita is a 42-year-old architectural complex built to replace the old town, which was flooded by the Tominé Reservoir, a masterful piece of architecture that provides electric power to adjacent communities as well as a significant amount of water to Bogota.

The Indians used this location as a sacred site to honor Chie, the water goddess, during exquisite rituals that arose the legend of El Dorado.

Aside from the renowned legend, there are several other reasons to choose this visit to Bogotá savanna: the spectacular landscape right on the road, ecological reserves that release oxygen into the environment, and the attractive villages.

Visiting this location is a delightful experience that includes water activities on the reservoir and bird watching.

Make sure to visit this spot and learn more about the world-famous legend!

Address: Laguna Guatavita, Bogota, Columbia

Mercado de las Pulgas de Usaquén

Mercado de las Pulgas de Usaquén, Bogota, Colombia
Mercado de las Pulgas de Usaquén, Bogota, Colombia / Juan Carlos Pachón / Flickr

A great place to enjoy your Sundays in Bogota!

This street market is held on Sundays in Usaquén, a district in the northwestern part of Bogotá, Colombia.

According to Agreement 544 by the ‘Concejo de Bogotá,’ it is one of the most emblematic events in the city and even the country. The government designated it as a “cultural and tourism national heritage” event.

Vendors set up kiosks and tents in the park and along the streets to offer handicrafts, trinkets, and a variety of other items which aren’t typical Colombian souvenirs. 

You can also purchase fine leather items, bags, jewelry, and other handcrafted goods.

This street has a lot of upscale restaurants and cafes. Still, on market days, you’ll discover a lot of inexpensive food alternatives on the road, such as sausages, cheesecakes, and fresh juices.

When you’re finished shopping, stop by the Bogotá Beer Company – for a bottle of beer or two!

Address: Calle 119 Con Carrera 6a, Bogotá, Cundinamarca, Colombia

Monserrate

Monserrate, Bogota, Colombia
Monserrate, Bogota, Colombia / Juan Carlos Pachón / Flickr

Want to witness the spectacular view of the whole of Bogota? 

The Monserrate sanctuary in Bogotá’s eastern slopes may be seen from absolutely anywhere in the city.

Devotees climb up a nearly two-mile path to this historic religious pilgrimage destination, which dates back to 1620 when the shrine of Our Lady of Monserrate was built.

You can walk the Stations of the Cross at the top of the basilica, which features the image of the Fallen Lord of Monserrate, a picture of Christ that, according to the believers, works miracles.

If you wish to climb the hill, three ways will provide you with a different stunning view of the city, as you will be able to see the entire capital of Colombia along the way.

You’ll witness a broad variety of handicrafts, traditional meals, statues of the Stations of the Cross, and a chapel dedicated to the Virgin of Monserrat if you trek up on foot.

Taking the funicular or cable car up the hill provides a spectacular perspective of the city and the hill’s biodiversity, which includes over 80 bird species.

This is the place you must visit! 

Address: Monserrate, Bogota, Colombia

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Museo Nacional de Colombia

Museo Nacional de Colombia, Bogota, Colombia
Museo Nacional de Colombia, Bogota, Colombia / Reg Natarajan / Flickr

An essential destination to visit on every Colombian trip.

Museo Nacional de Colombia was originally a prison that was built in a design of a fortress in 1823.

This museum is extremely huge, with over 20,000 artifacts of Colombian history displayed in 17 permanent galleries that were formerly cells.

You can understand the social, cultural, economic, and political concerns that shape the country’s national identity in these galleries.

You will find here pre-Colombian relics as well as Spanish colonial exhibits.

Check out the museum’s Afro-Caribbean and art collections and its artwork and furnishings, and don’t forget to ask about any current or upcoming touring exhibits.

The museum’s gardens, cafe, restaurant, and theater, which feature a comprehensive cultural and academic calendar, await you at the end of this tour of the galleries.

This is a great place for you to understand better the history and country of Columbia. 

A journey will never be complete without learning a thing or two!

Address: Archie’s, Avenida Carrera 7, UPZ Sagrado Corazón, Localidad Santa Fé, Bogota, Colombia

Parque Central Simón Bolívar

Parque Central Simón Bolívar, Bogota, Colombia
Parque Central Simón Bolívar, Bogota, Colombia / Margarita Restrepo Uribe / Flickr

Are you looking for a place to enjoy a picnic with your loved ones?

The Simón Bolivar Metropolitan Park, commonly known as the Simón Bolvar Park, is a greenery and sports and entertainment complex in the heart of Bogotá, Colombia.

Simón Bolvar is the city’s Central Park, and it’s a massive free park that becomes extremely crowded on weekends. It is known as the most crowded and most prominent park in the city.

There is a lake with ducks where small boats can be rented. There are also numerous trails where you can ride your bike, jog, or walk.

If you get the chance, you can also attend the Rock in the park, which is a renowned summer event that attracts prominent musicians and a large crowd of admirers.

For a meal, bring a picnic or get something from the cheap cafeterias nearby and enjoy it in the grass, on the sand by the lake, or on a seat around the park.

Have fun, and make sure to explore this beautiful park!

Address: Av. Calle 53 y Av. Esmeralda, Bogotá, Cundinamarca, Colombia

Plaza Bolívar

Plaza Bolívar, Bogota, Colombia
Plaza Bolívar, Bogota, Colombia / Pedro Szekely / Flickr

Walk around this pigeon-filled plaza in Bogota.

This destination is where the government business gets done. For centuries, Bolivar Plaza has served as the heart of the country’s historical narrative.

This spot used to serve as a bull market and a public circus, and it still hosts a variety of cultural and social events.

This public space is framed by landmarks such as the Capitol, the Capitol, and the Palacio Liévano, which is illuminated with thousands of bright lights every year for Christmas.

There would be a lot of cops there, but that’s only for safety because the Palacio de Narino, which is the Presidential Palace, is close by.

To get the most out of your journey to Colombia, learn a little about the country’s history, from its war for independence to the times of Pablo Escobar’s siege of the Palace of Justice.

Visit this spot, and you will surely go home with a lot of instagrammable pictures!

Address: Cra. 7 #11-10, La Candelaria, Bogotá, Colombia

Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá

Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, Bogota, Colombia
Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, Bogota, Colombia / ollie harridge / Flickr

Everything was dark until there was light.

Located only 48km from Bogota, the Salt Cathedral in Zipaquirá is a huge architectural masterpiece that was created by the miner themselves and has since become a lovely temple.

Over 13 million people have visited this underground attraction from all over the world. 

Its structure, which combines flawless engineering and fascinating history, earned it the title of Colombia’s First Wonder on February 4, 2007.

When you walk into the Cathedral, you will smell the minerals, and the darkness descends upon you. A series of lights then illuminates the cut rock and tunnels that house the Stations of the Cross.

When you visit, your tour of the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá will last for 60 minutes. The Cathedral is frequently used for weddings.

The plaza of flags, where the sculpture of the patron of miners, Virgen de Guasá, (which means salt and water), is located, is the first thing you see before entering the church. You will notice in the sculpture a miner in her feet. 

Visit and be mesmerized by the beautiful lighting inside this spot.

Address: Parque De La Sal, Zipaquirá, Cundinamarca, Colombia

Street Art Tour

Street Art Tour, Bogota, Colombia
Street Art Tour, Bogota, Colombia / young shanahan / Flickr

Walking tours made more colorful!

Bogota’s movement, like that of many other gritty cities with street art, was influenced by the 1980s graffiti explosion in New York City.

The Bogota graffiti culture was dominated by gangs, disgruntled adolescents, and soccer hooligans for most of the 2000s. Graffiti was a serious crime, and kids were frequently arrested.

In today’s time, every neighborhood now has a graffiti committee, and there are painting events, commissions, and ongoing paintings.

You could just roam freely through Bogotá and come across fantastic graffiti art, but why not hire a guide?

Experience graffiti tours, another popular activity in this city. They’re a terrific opportunity to explore the finest of what the city has to offer.

During the tour, you will have a background on these incredible works of art, and you will be pointed in the right direction to find them.

Make sure to check out the street arts as you explore Bogota!

Address: Bogota, Colombia

Teatro Colón

Teatro Colón, Bogota, Colombia
Teatro Colón, Bogota, Colombia / Beatrice Murch / Flickr

Witness the majestic national theatre of Columbia!

Founded in the late 19th century and created by an Italian architect, the Teatro Colón is Colombia’s national theater and has been named after Christopher Columbus.

An architectural masterpiece, it featured stunning frescoed interiors and was designed in the Neoclassical Revival style.

After a six-year renovation, it reopened in mid-2014 with its new, magnificent interiors.

You will notice that the seats are arranged in a horseshoe pattern, similar to the Palais Garnier in Paris but half the size.

You may look up what performances are playing online and then go to the theater to purchase tickets. You can also take a guided tour of the building to get a better sense of what it’s like.

There are concerts, operas, and contemporary plays to select from, and the entire experience you will have is lovely and romantic.

It also hosts ballet shows and electronica DJ sets!

Don’t miss exploring this beautiful attraction of Bogota!

Address: Cl. 10 ## 5-32, La Candelaria, Bogotá, Colombia

The Gold Museum

The Gold Museum, Bogota, Colombia
The Gold Museum, Bogota, Colombia / McKay Savage / Flickr

Check out this most “expensive” museum in the city!

The Museo del Oro in Bogotá is the city’s most popular and exciting museum, with over 30,000 gold pieces. It’s such a unique location that National Geographic magazine rated it as one of the best museums in the world’s history in 2018.

The renowned poporo quimbaya, a vase used by indigenous civilizations to contain lime for their ritual chewing of coca leaves, is one of the museum’s various gold artifacts.

The Muisca Raft, which depicts the ceremony that gave rise to the renowned legend of El Dorado, is another truly gorgeous piece.

According to legend, there was once a place in South America where everything was made from gold. Many Europeans in the 16th century were enthralled with the mythology of El Dorado and went enormous distances in search of its fabled jewels.

Don’t miss out on learning about these wonderfully magnificent artifacts of Colombian history by visiting the Gold Museum.

Address: Cra. 6 #15-88, Bogotá, Cundinamarca, Colombia

Villa de Leyva

Villa de Leyva, Bogota, Colombia
Villa de Leyva, Bogota, Colombia / Reg Natarajan / Flickr

A sweet escape from the busy cities of Bogota

This charming village features a large central plaza and well-preserved Spanish architecture. Villa de Leyva’s colonial design has been preserved in its whole, including cobblestone streets and whitewashed buildings, since it was declared a national monument in 1954.

While you’re here, check out some interesting sights, such as Casa Terracotta, a fully functional house built entirely of clay that many consider the world’s largest piece of pottery.

You can also find a vineyard and a fossil museum in the area.

Outsiders have always been drawn to the surrounding countryside because of its natural beauty and mild, dry climate.

If you wish to stay the night, there are many boutique hotels to choose from.

On weekends, the small lanes of Villa can be clogged with travelers from Bogotá. On weekdays, though, it goes back to a calm, peaceful community.

Travel back in time to this beautiful ancient town!

Address: Carrera 9 No 13-11 154001 Villa de Leyva Colombia

Zona G

Zona G, Bogota, Colombia
Zona G, Bogota, Colombia / Corona Mejora Tu Vida CORONA / Flickr

Food-hunters, you will love this spot!

It’s an upscale neighborhood in Bogota surrounded by chic restaurants, cafes, bars, luxurious hotels, and tree-lined streets.

Zona G serves a variety of cuisines. While it isn’t very inexpensive, it is a wonderful spot to spend an evening dining and bar-hopping.

“G” stands for Gourmet, which explains why the accommodations here and restaurants are expensive. It is a major destination in Bogota when talking about dining.

Restaurants specializing in meat, breakfast, brunch, crepes, and burgers can be found here! If you are looking for international cuisine, you can also find superb French, Chinese, Italian, Spanish, and Peruvian cuisine around the area.

This spot is also a perfect place to spend a Sunday because of the live bands and other musical performances.

Aside from drinks and fine, romantic dinners, the Plaza de Lourdes is known for its majestic chapel and inexpensive food such as churros and fried arepas.

Fill your tummies in this beautiful foodie spot in Bogota!

Address: Zona G, Chapinero, Bogotá, Colombia

Zona Rosa

Zona Rosa, Bogota, Colombia
Zona Rosa, Bogota, Colombia / Jimmy Baikovicius / Flickr

An area in Bogota that is rich in nightlife.

The Zona Rosa is home to cafés, pubs, fine dining restaurants, and nightclubs. People frequently gather here at the end of the day, particularly on Fridays. 

Many shopping malls, designer shops, and hotels are scattered around this neighborhood in the city’s northern portion, where the nightlife is a major attraction.

It’s also a fantastic area to stay if you don’t mind being close to the city’s tourist attractions.

From laid-back bars offering craft beer to screaming nightclubs and the party restaurant Andres D.C., you’ll discover whatever night activities your heart desires here.

When night falls, “Zona T” is an excellent commercial area with outdoor seats and plenty of places to dance.

Within Zona Rosa, El Chapinero is a gay-friendly neighborhood with numerous gay and lesbian establishments.

Dance your night out and have your most incredible night in Bogota here at this destination!

You haven’t made up your mind to go to Bogota, Colombia, yet, have you? Click here for all the reasons to visit Bogota, Colombia, at least once in your lifetime here.

Address: Zona Rosa, Bogota, Colombia

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