🏙️ Bogotá Travel Guide: What to Eat, See, and Skip in Colombia’s Capital

Bogotá might not charm you at first glance, but give it a little time, and you'll uncover a city rich in history, deliciously diverse in food, and full of culture, contrast, and character. Whether starting your Colombia trip here or making it a weekend stop, here's what you need to know to enjoy Bogotá like a savvy traveler (with some insider tips thrown in for good measure).

🏡 Where to Stay in Bogotá

Bogotá’s neighborhoods feel like different worlds. Where you stay really affects your experience:

• La Candelaria (Budget + Colonial Vibes): Great for hostels and backpackers, but avoid wandering at night.

• Chapinero (Trendy + Local): A more central and safer area, filled with cafes and LGBTQ+ friendly spaces.

• Zona Rosa / Zona T (Upscale + Nightlife): Think bars, restaurants, shopping, and a safer area after dark.

• Usaquén (Chill + Charming): A village-like feel with artisan markets, ideal for relaxing evenings.

  
  

📌 Hostel Picks: These are some hostels I know from friends that have stayed there, in case you want some recommendations:

• Botanico Hostel – Candelaria charm

• Socialtel Parque 93 – Near nightlife & food

• Trip Monkey Hostel – Between chill and central

  
  

🚕 How to Get Around

• From the Airport: Go to the departure floor (second floor) and order an Uber or Cabify for easier pickup.

• Taxis: Use a taxi app or ride with a driver recommended by locals. Check the meter or agree on the fare.

• TransMilenio (Red Bus): Bogotá’s bus rapid transit system. Fast but can be hectic during rush hours.

• Ride Apps: Didi, Uber, and Cabify all work well.

⚠️ Always sit in the front seat in Ubers or rideshares.

🍲 What to Eat (and Where to Find It)

Bogotá is a foodie playground. Some dishes are specific to the Andean region, while others are found all over Colombia. Here's your must-try list:

🥣 Ajiaco

A potato-based chicken soup with corn, capers, and avocado.📍 Try it at: La Puerta Falsa (cash only!)

🍞 Cheese Breads

Pandebono, pandeyuca, and almojábanas = Colombian comfort carbs.📍 Find them: Any neighborhood bakery

☕ Hot Chocolate & Cheese

Yes, cheese in your hot chocolate. Try it before you judge it.📍 Try it at: La Puerta Falsa or any local café

🌽 Tamal Cundiboyacense

Wrapped in a banana leaf, it’s a mountain of meat, rice, and veggies.📍 Try it at: La Puerta Falsa (again!)

🥩 Fritanga

Colombian meat feast: chicharrón, morcilla, potatoes, and more.📍 Try it at: Doña Segunda

🥭 Fruit Juices

Lulo, guanábana, mango, tomate de árbol, maracuyá—some with milk, some with water.📍 Try them: At a fresh market like Paloquemao or pretty much in any restaurant.

🫓 Arepas

Different styles across regions—go for the cheesy, buttery street ones.📍 Find them: Next to TransMilenio stations where taxi drivers eat

📌 Bonus: Saudade Empanadas near Monserrate for a delicious snack.

🖼️ What to Do in Bogotá

🗻 Climb Monserrate

Go early to beat the crowds. You can hike (1 hour up), take the funicular, or ride the cable car. Epic city views.

🏛 Explore La Candelaria

Wander the historic center’s cobblestone streets, colonial buildings, and museums—but only by day.

🛍 Walk Zona T and Usaquén

Shop, eat, and people-watch in Bogotá’s trendiest areas. Usaquén is especially nice on Sundays with craft markets.

🖼 Museum Hopping

• Museo del Oro: Colombia’s golden treasure trove

• Museo Botero: Quirky, chubby art and more

• Casa del Florero: Where Colombia’s independence began

🥭 Fruit Tour at Paloquemao Market

📍 Book the tour – one of the best ways to explore Colombian flavors and exotic produce.

🍽 Food Tour

Get a curated taste of Colombian food in one go.📍 Food Tour Booking

🍻 Drinks & Nightlife

• BBC (Bogotá Beer Company): Craft beers + pub food

• El Coq: Rocker bar with live bands

• La Huerta: Top-notch mixology

• Andrés DC: Food + Party + Theatrical chaos = must-do

🌄 Day Trips from Bogotá

• Guatavita Lagoon: Mythical birthplace of the El Dorado legend

• Nemocón Salt Mine: Underground magic and natural yogurt en route

• Villa de Leyva: Colonial charm with cobblestone drama

• Chingaza Paramo & Siecha Lagoons: Trek among frailejones and pristine nature

• Tatacoa Desert: For stars, silence, and surreal landscapes

  
  

❌ What to Skip

• Eating fresh vegetables from street vendors

• Using your phone on the street (duck into a café or pharmacy to check directions)

• Drinking anything with ice from informal stalls

• Wandering La Candelaria at night

  
  

🧳 Final Word

Bogotá may not be love at first sight, but once you sip a canelazo, climb Monserrate, and try a cheesy hot chocolate, it will win you over. Use it as a jumping-off point, a crash course in Colombian culture, or a place to eat your way through Andean flavors.

Next up: Adrenaline in San Gil – Colombia’s Extreme Sports Capital