A high-altitude city reborn as one of Latin America's most exciting capitals
Bogotá sits at 2,600 metres above sea level in the eastern Andes, a city of eight million people that has undergone one of the most remarkable urban transformations in Latin America. Once notorious for violence, Bogotá is now a thriving cultural capital with world-class museums, a booming street art scene, and one of the continent's best restaurant and café cultures. La Candelaria, the historic colonial centre, is home to the Gold Museum — one of the world's finest pre-Columbian collections — and the striking Botero Museum. The bohemian neighbourhood of La Macarena and the upscale Zona Rosa offer galleries, live music venues, and excellent dining. Bogotá is also the ideal base for day trips to the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá and the Sabana de Bogotá, and the main hub for connecting flights to Cartagena, Medellín, and the rest of Colombia.
Planning your Bogotá trip?
Salt Cathedral tours and Chingaza Park have limited daily capacity.
One of the world's great museums — 55,000 pre-Columbian gold objects representing the goldworking traditions of every major Colo…
The Botero Museum houses 208 works donated by Medellín-born Fernando Botero — his signature voluminous sculptures and paintings…
A cable car (or funicular) climbs 3,152 metres to the Cerro de Monserrate — the mountain that dominates the Bogotá skyline. The…
One of South America's most extraordinary experiences — a full-scale cathedral built 180 metres underground inside a salt mine, …
The colonial heart of the city — the Gold Museum, Botero Museum, Plaza Bolívar, and the National Library are all here. Hostels and budget hotels dominate. Lively during the day; exercise caution at night and in the surrounding streets.
The fashionable northern neighbourhood with the best restaurants, craft beer bars, and nightlife in the city. The Zona Rosa and Parque 93 areas are particularly lively and safe. International hotels and boutique guesthouses cater to tourists and business travellers.
The most charming neighbourhood in Bogotá — a former colonial village absorbed into the northern city, with cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, excellent restaurants, and the famous Sunday market. Quieter and more atmospheric than Zona Rosa.
Bogotá's most interesting neighbourhood for food and culture — independent restaurants, galleries, street art, and a young, creative atmosphere. Walking distance from La Candelaria and adjacent to the Parque Nacional. Excellent mid-range accommodation options.
Two dry windows are the best time to visit. December–January is peak season for Colombians. July–August of…
Transition months between wet and dry. Generally fine weather with some afternoon showers. Lower hotel prices …
Two rainy periods with afternoon downpours — mornings are usually clear. Rain rarely prevents sightseeing an…
At 2,600m Bogotá is always cool — average temperatures sit between 7°C (night) and 19°C (midday) year-rou…