Bogota Columbia 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Historic Bogotá

  • Morning:

    • Start your day with a hearty Colombian breakfast at Andres Carne de Res (Carrera 3 # 12-80, Chia), about a 45-minute drive from the city center. This popular restaurant offers a unique experience with live music and a vibrant atmosphere.
    • Head to La Candelaria, Bogotá’s historic district. Visit Plaza de Bolívar, the heart of the city where you can find the Colombian Congress, the Mayor’s Office, and the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter the Apostle.
    • Explore nearby attractions like the Museo del Oro (3ra # 7-45) and the Botero Museum (Cra. 11 bis # 6-29). Both museums showcase the works of renowned Colombian artist Fernando Botero.

  • Afternoon:

    • For lunch, try El Huequito (Carrera 7 #3A-54) which is famous for its traditional ‘ajaco’ dish.
    • Spend the afternoon at the Monserrate Mountain (Cra 6 #10-86). You can take a cable car or hike up to enjoy panoramic views of Bogotá.

  • Evening:

    • Have dinner at Leon de Oro (Calle 93b # 8-47) which offers delicious traditional dishes in a warm and inviting setting.
    • Explore the vibrant nightlife of La Candelaria, visit bars like Alquímico (Cra 6 #10A-22) or La Puerta Falsa (Calle 11 bis # 7-53).

Day 2: Art, Culture, and Modern Bogotá

  • Morning:

    • Visit the Museum of Modern Art (Cra. 6 No. 48-08) to appreciate contemporary Colombian art.
    • Explore the Gold Museum Park (Km. 7 CL, Vía a Zipaquirá), home to the largest collection of pre-Columbian gold artifacts in the world.

  • Afternoon:

    • For lunch, try Carmen (Carrera 12 #98-54) which offers a modern take on Colombian cuisine.
    • Spend the afternoon at the Parque Nacional Natural Chicaque (Cra 6 No. Km. 13 CL, Vía Chía). This nature reserve offers zip-lining, hiking trails, and a butterfly farm.

  • Evening:

    • Have dinner at Orfevre (Calle 85B # 12-07) which is known for its innovative dishes.
    • Visit Zona T (Cra 9A # 64-37), Bogotá’s trendy nightlife district with numerous bars and clubs.

Day 3: Weekend Market and Relaxation

  • Morning:

    • Head to the Palio de Usaquén (Carrera 6 No. 9-175) on Sundays for a vibrant market selling food, crafts, and music.
    • Visit the nearby Santa Clara Church (Cra 6 #14-28), one of the oldest churches in Bogotá.

  • Afternoon:

    • For lunch, try El Pozón (Cra. 7 No. 52A-30) which offers traditional Colombian dishes in a charming setting.
    • Spend the afternoon relaxing at one of Bogotá’s many spas or saunas such as Termas La Ruina (Calle 168b #14A-77), offering various thermal baths and massages.

Things to Know:

  • Bogotá is located at an altitude of 2,600 meters (8,530 feet) above sea level, so it can get quite chilly, even during the day. Pack layers!
  • The city has a humid subtropical highland climate, with temperatures ranging from 7°C to 19°C (45°F to 66°F).
  • Bogotá’s public transportation system is extensive and affordable. Taxis are also readily available, but make sure to use official taxis for safety reasons.
  • The official currency is the Colombian Peso (COP). Credit cards are widely accepted in restaurants and shops, but it’s always good to have some cash on hand.
  • Spanish is the official language, but English is spoken in many tourist areas and by younger generations.
  • Tipping is expected in restaurants, typically around 10%.