Quick Answer
Bogota is Colombia's high-altitude capital at 8,660 feet with the colonial La Candelaria district, the Gold Museum's pre-Columbian collection, and Monserrate hill above the city. Hotels start from $60/night. December through March and July and August are dry months; the city is cool year-round (55-70F).
Explore Bogota in Detail
Find Hotels in Bogota
Hotel listings for Bogota are currently being updated.
Top Tours in Bogota
Bogota City Tour with Monserrate and Gold Museum
Half-day tour covering La Candelaria, Bolivar Plaza, the Gold Museum, and the Monserrate funicular to the 10,300-foot mountaintop sanctuary.
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Zipaquira Salt Cathedral Day Trip
Coach to Zipaquira (1 hour north) for a guided tour of the underground Salt Cathedral carved 600 feet into a working salt mine.
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La Candelaria Street Art and Coffee Tour
Walking tour of La Candelaria's street art with stops to learn about Colombia's history through murals, finishing at a local coffee tasting.
Book This Tour →Top Things to Do in Bogota
The experiences travelers come back to Bogota for, year after year.
Itineraries for Bogota
Day-by-day plans built by travelers who actually went.
Bogota in 3 Days
The essential first-time itinerary — the must-sees you came for, plus the local moments you came home talking about.
Bogota for Couples
Quiet mornings, slow dinners, and the views the brochures don't show. Built for two.
Bogota with Kids
Activities everyone enjoys, restaurants that welcome little ones, and downtime built into the plan.
Getting Around Bogota
Renting a car is one of the best ways to explore Bogota at your own pace. Compare rates from all major suppliers in one search.
Best Time to Visit Bogota
Best months to visit Bogota: April–June and September–October offer mild weather and fewer crowds. July–August is peak season. December–February is coldest but cheapest.
Why Visit Bogota?
Bogota gets unfairly skipped by travelers heading to Cartagena or Medellin. The food, museums, and street art scene make it a worthy 3-day stop, and the altitude (8,660 feet) actually makes the climate pleasant year-round.
La Candelaria is the historic colonial district, with the Bolivar Square at its center surrounded by the Cathedral, Capitolio Nacional, and Palacio de Justicia. The streets around the plaza hold the city’s best collection of preserved colonial buildings, brightly painted and narrow. The Botero Museum is free and holds 123 works by Colombia’s most famous artist (the inflated figures you’ve seen). The Gold Museum (Museo del Oro) holds the world’s largest pre-Columbian gold collection: 55,000 pieces from 9 indigenous cultures. The Sunday-only Usaquen Flea Market is worth planning your week around. Monserrate is the 10,300-foot hill above downtown, reached by funicular or cable car. The view at the top across all of Bogota is spectacular and the colonial sanctuary at the summit has been a pilgrimage spot since 1657. The Zona Rosa (Zona T) is the upscale dining and nightlife district. Chapinero and Quinta Camacho are hipper neighborhoods with the city’s best coffee scene. Bogota’s street art (especially around La Candelaria and on Calle 26) rivals Berlin’s for scale and quality. Beyond the city, Zipaquira’s Salt Cathedral (a Catholic cathedral 600 feet underground in a salt mine) is 1 hour north. Guatavita Lake (the origin of the El Dorado legend) is 1.5 hours. Villa de Leyva (perfect colonial town) is 3 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions — Bogota
How much do hotels in Bogota cost?
Hostels start at $10/night for private rooms. 3-star hotels run $60-$130. 4-star hotels are $130-$250. Luxury 5-star hotels like Four Seasons Casa Medina, JW Marriott, or Hotel B.O.G. are $200-$500/night.
When is the best time to visit Bogota?
December through March and July and August are dry months with the most reliable sunshine. April through May and September through November have the most rain. Temperatures stay cool year-round (55-70F) due to the 8,660-foot altitude. Bring layers and a rain jacket always.
How many days do I need in Bogota?
Two to three days for the city itself, including Monserrate, the Gold Museum, La Candelaria, and a street art tour. Add a day for the Salt Cathedral or Villa de Leyva. Pairs well with Cartagena or Medellin for a 7-10 day Colombia trip.
Is Bogota safe for tourists?
Bogota requires standard South American precautions. Stay in Zona Rosa, Chapinero, or La Candelaria during the day. Avoid La Candelaria at night, walk in groups. Pickpocketing and 'paseo millonario' (express kidnapping) happen. Use Uber or Cabify. Standard street smarts and you're fine.
What area should I stay in?
Zona Rosa (Zona T) for upscale safe streets, restaurants, and nightlife. Chapinero for hipper local feel and best coffee shops. La Candelaria for the colonial district atmosphere (only stay if you'll go in by 8pm). Usaquen for residential calm and Sunday market access.
How do I get around Bogota?
Uber and Cabify are the standard for tourists, with rides usually $3-10. The TransMilenio bus rapid transit system covers the city but is crowded and pickpocket-prone. Walking is fine in Zona Rosa and Usaquen during the day. Skip yellow street taxis unless metered.
What food should I try in Bogota?
Ajiaco (chicken-potato-corn soup with capers and cream) at La Puerta Falsa, bandeja paisa (massive platter with beans, rice, meat, plantain) at Andres Carne de Res, tamales tolimenses anywhere, chocolate completo (hot chocolate with cheese inside) at La Puerta Falsa, and arepas with everything.