12 Best Things to Do in Bogotá, Colombia
Colorful, chaotic, and culturally rich — Bogotá is a city that surprises and inspires. Colombia’s high-altitude capital is packed with history, art, and stunning views, and it’s the perfect gateway to the country’s diverse regions. Whether you’re strolling through colonial streets or sipping world-class coffee, Bogotá offers something for every kind of traveler. Here are the 12 best things to do in Bogotá to make the most of your visit.
Ride the Cable Car Up to Monserrate
Towering over the city at 3,152 meters (10,341 ft), Monserrate offers the best panoramic view of Bogotá. You can reach the summit either by hiking (expect a steep, hour-long trek), taking the funicular, or riding the scenic cable car. At the top, you’ll find a beautiful white church built in the 17th century, a few local restaurants, and stunning panoramic views of the city below.
Wander Through La Candelaria
La Candelaria is Bogotá’s cultural and historical epicenter — a neighborhood where time seems to slow down. With its narrow cobbled streets, colorful colonial-era houses with overhanging balconies, and lively street art, it’s a perfect area to explore on foot. The district is packed with museums, boutique shops, cafés, and universities, giving it a youthful and artistic vibe.
Must-see stops include Plaza Bolívar, surrounded by the Capitol Building, the Cathedral, and the Palace of Justice. It’s also a great spot to people-watch and soak in the rhythm of the city.
Visit the Gold Museum (Museo del Oro)
The Museo del Oro is not only Bogotá’s most famous museum, but one of the most important museums in Latin America. It houses an extraordinary collection of over 55,000 gold artifacts and pre-Columbian treasures from Colombia’s indigenous civilizations.
Each room tells a story — of mythology, craftsmanship, and ceremonial life. The way the exhibits are curated — with dim lighting and dramatic displays — makes it feel more like a treasure hunt than a museum visit. It’s a place where history comes to life and offers deep insight into Colombia’s rich ancestral heritage.
Explore the Botero Museum
Located in a beautiful colonial house in La Candelaria, the Botero Museum showcases the works of Colombia’s most famous artist, Fernando Botero, known for his distinctive style of exaggerated proportions. T
he museum features over 120 pieces by Botero himself, including paintings, drawings, and sculptures, many of which playfully critique politics and society. Even more impressive, the museum also displays works by world-renowned artists like Picasso, Renoir, Dalí, and Monet — all donated by Botero to make art accessible to the public. Best of all? Admission is free.
Take a Food Tour or Coffee Tasting
Colombian cuisine is as diverse as its landscapes, and Bogotá’s food scene is thriving. Joining a food tour is one of the best ways to discover local flavors — try everything from hearty empanadas and arepas stuffed with cheese to exotic fruits from the Andes and Amazon. For coffee lovers, Bogotá is the perfect place to dive into Colombia’s coffee culture.
Book a coffee tasting workshop to learn about the different brewing methods and regions while sipping freshly roasted beans. It’s a sensory experience that goes far beyond your average cup of joe.
Experience Local Markets
For a truly authentic taste of Bogotá life, head to Paloquemao Market — one of the city’s oldest and most beloved food markets. It’s a bustling, colorful maze of fruit stands, flower stalls, spice vendors, and local street food. Try freshly squeezed juice, buy exotic fruits you’ve never seen before, or taste traditional Colombian snacks like pan de bono(cheese bread) or buñuelos.
The flower market section is especially photogenic, filled with vibrant roses, lilies, and orchids. It’s an ideal place for photographers, foodies, and curious travelers alike.
Street Art Tour in Bogotá
Bogotá is a global street art hub, and one of the best ways to understand its social and political heartbeat is through a graffiti tour. Head to La Candelaria or nearby neighborhoods like Chapinero and Teusaquillo, where walls come alive with color, commentary, and creativity.
These murals aren’t just decorative — they tell stories about Colombia’s history, peace process, environmental struggles, and local heroes. Many tours are led by local artists who offer unique insights into the meaning and technique behind each piece.
Visit Usaquén for a Local Sunday Market
Located in northern Bogotá, Usaquén is a charming district that blends colonial architecture with an upscale, bohemian vibe. Every Sunday, the cobblestone streets transform into a vibrant artisan market where you can shop for handmade crafts, jewelry, art, and traditional snacks.
The area is also known for its excellent restaurants and cafés, making it the perfect place to enjoy brunch or relax after a morning of shopping. Street performers, musicians, and friendly locals add to the lively and welcoming atmosphere.
Explore Parque Simón Bolívar
Need a break from the city buzz? Head to Parque Simón Bolívar, Bogotá’s largest green space and a favorite weekend retreat for locals. Covering over 400 acres, it offers bike paths, walking trails, paddle boats, picnic areas, and even a lake.
The park also hosts major concerts, cultural festivals, and public events. Whether you’re jogging, people-watching, or just stretching out on the grass, it’s a peaceful escape surrounded by nature right in the heart of the city.
Dance the Night Away in Zona T
Zona T, also known as the Zona Rosa, is Bogotá’s most vibrant nightlife district. By day, it’s a hub for shopping and dining, but at night, it transforms into a playground of bars, clubs, and rooftop lounges.
Whether you want to sip cocktails with a view, dance to salsa or reggaetón, or enjoy live music, you’ll find a spot that matches your vibe. It’s also one of the safest and most tourist-friendly areas to go out at night — just be sure to bring your ID and dress the part!
Tour the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá
Just an hour’s drive from Bogotá, the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá is one of Colombia’s most unique and awe-inspiring attractions. Built 180 meters underground in a former salt mine, this massive cathedral was carved entirely from salt rock.
The dimly lit tunnels lead you through a series of symbolic Stations of the Cross, culminating in a dramatic main chamber with a massive illuminated cross. Whether you’re religious or not, the sheer scale and atmosphere of this place are unforgettable — a true marvel of engineering and faith.
Try Ajiaco — Bogotá’s Signature Dish
If there’s one dish you must try while in Bogotá, it’s ajiaco. This hearty soup is made with three types of potatoes, shredded chicken, corn on the cob, and guasca — a local herb that gives it its signature flavor. It’s typically served with avocado, rice, and a dollop of cream or capers on the side. Warm, comforting, and perfect for Bogotá’s chilly mountain weather, ajiaco is more than just a meal — it’s a taste of Colombian tradition.