Oh, Bogota, the bustling, culturally significant, and slightly adventurous heart of Colombia! The perfect destination to quell your itching to see the world. It’s high time you discovered what makes this fascinating city so special.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Bogotá
The high-altitude capital of Colombia, at almost 2,500 metres (8,000 feet) above sea level, is significantly larger than most people realise. It is on par in size with major cities such as New York and Mexico City.
The vibrant neighbourhood of La Candelaria, the world-class museums, and the breathtaking vistas from the summit of Cerro de Monserrate are just a few of the city’s many must-sees.
These suggestions will help you make the most of your time in Bogota, whether you wish to learn about the city’s history or experience its modern attractions. Come along as we explore some of the top attractions in Bogota and help you make the most of your time in Colombia’s capital.
1. La Candelaria
La Candelaria is one of the most significant neighbourhoods in the city. It is where the Grito de Libertad was shouted, where the revolutionary heroine Policarpa Salavarrieta was killed, and where Simon Bolivar made his famous escape. Not only is La Candelaria rich in history, but it also features various notable landmarks.
The Plaza de Bolivar and the Palace de Nario are two attractions that you simply must see. Beautiful colonial buildings dot the streets of this area, and the emerald market is a popular attraction for tourists.
At last, sate your appetite at one of the area’s genuine restaurants serving authentic Colombian fare. Traditional foods like arepas, empanadas, and ajiaco will satisfy your cravings.
2. Museo Botero
Fernando Botero, Colombia’s most famous and important artist, is honoured with a museum bearing his name. This museum houses Botero’s private art collection and is also known as the Banco de la Republica Art Collection.
The museum houses about three thousand works of art spanning the sixteenth century to the present day. There are many great artists, including Alejandro Obregón, Gregorio Vázquez de Arce y Ceballos, and many more, and admission is free.
Although paintings make up the bulk of the collection, sculptures and multi-media installations are also featured.
3. Museo del Oro
The Museum of Gold (Museo del Oro) in Bogota is one of many excellent museums in the city. Gold was an important aspect of Colombian culture long before the arrival of Christopher Columbus and other European explorers. That’s what the Museo del Oro is all about; it has an incredible collection of gold that dates back generations.
Several Latin American tribes and communities have produced extraordinary molten gold artefacts, such as the legendary Pasca golden raft. There is also a gift shop and a cafe on the premises.
4. Monserrate
The peak of Monserrate towers over the Colombian capital of Bogotá. The mountain is home to a church and a shrine in addition to providing breathtaking vistas of the city below. There are also two excellent eateries and numerous gift shops at the peak.
You can get up and down Monserrate in a number of different ways. The ascent up the stone path takes roughly 90 minutes on foot, although the funicular is also an option. One of Bogota’s most popular sights, Monserrate also provides a bird’s-eye view of the city below.
5. Visit Catedral de Sal in Zipaquirá
Visiting the extraordinary Catedral de Sal in Zipaquirá is one of the most unusual things to do in Bogota. The Salt Cathedral is a prominent tourist attraction due to its impressive architecture and religious importance; it was cut into the walls of a defunct salt mine.
Buses leave often from the Portal del Norte bus terminal in Bogota, making the journey to Zipaquirá a simple one. During the weekends, you can also take the “Tren Turstico de La Sabana,” a leisurely train journey through the countryside that is both entertaining and relaxing.
Zipaquirá’s cathedral is adorned with stunning salt sculptures and subtle illumination; to see them, you’ll have to descend into the mine. The Catedral de Sal is an architectural and artistic marvel, the product of the extraordinary ability of Colombian artisans.
The complex includes a museum that details the cultural significance of salt mining in the area, in addition to the main cathedral.
6. Iglesia de San Francisco
The Iglesia of San Francisco is a significant religious site in Bogota. The structure dates back to between 1557 and 1621, making it the city’s oldest still-standing church. Its proximity to the world-famous Museum of Gold makes the Iglesia de San Francisco a popular tourist destination.
The inside looks more like a Christian art gallery than a place of worship due to the abundance of elaborate wall decorations. Spend some time appreciating the 17th-century altarpiece, which is a work of art in its own right thanks to the gold leaf and intricate carvings.
7. Parque 93
Park 93 is located in the Chapinero neighbourhood in northern Bogota. This area, also known as Park de la 93, is widely regarded as Bogota’s premier dining and entertainment destination.
During the day, you may take in the views, go for a stroll, or just relax in the park itself at Parque 93. The park hosts a number of annual music and art festivals and has numerous permanent and temporary public works of art.
It’s a terrific spot to grab a drink and meet people from all over the world, as both locals and visitors flock to the area’s hip bars and clubs once the sun goes down.
8. Plaza de Bolivar
The Plaza de Bolivar is Bogota’s bustling central plaza. A number of significant buildings, including neoclassical palaces, government structures, and the largest church in all of Colombia, surround the square.
Formerly called Plaza Mayor, this location was rechristened after the 19th-century military hero Simón Bolvar. Bogota’s growth can be traced back to the Plaza de Bolivar, which serves as the city’s symbolic heart. If you only have time for one site while in Bogota, make it Plaza de Bolivar.
9. Museo Santa Clara
Santa Clara is not just one of the oldest churches in Colombia, but also one of the most ornately ornamented. The church was constructed over the course of 50 years in the 17th century, and it shows. About 150 statues and paintings of saints adorn the walls of the church, while the ceiling is decorated with a gold flowery theme.
As of recently, the church has been turned into a museum by the government of Colombia. There are several stunning cathedrals in and around Bogota, but if you only have time to see one, make it the Museo Santa Clara.
10. Simón Bolívar Park
One of the largest and most popular parks in Bogotá, Simón Bolvar Park provides a tranquil refuge from the city’s hustle and bustle. There is a wide variety of fun things to do, so you won’t ever be bored. Explore the beautiful lake in a rented paddleboat, or play a friendly game of football, volleyball or tennis with your pals.
Instead, you may take it easy and go for a stroll through the park, where you can see a variety of trees and plants and stop by the Children’s Park, the Forest of Tales, and the Simon Bolivar Monument. Even a theme park is present.
