Bogotá is the city most visitors do not choose and most are glad they saw. Two or three days is the right amount; a week is a mistake on a first trip.
The short verdict#
| You want | Worth it? |
|---|---|
| Museums, history, the best food in Colombia | Yes |
| Two or three days at the start of a Colombia trip | Yes |
| Sun, warmth, ease | No, that is Medellín or the coast |
| A week in one city | No, not on a first trip |
| Nightlife and a food scene | Yes, Chapinero and Zona Rosa (nightlife, food) |
What makes it worth it#
The Gold Museum, the best in the Americas for pre-Columbian gold, and the Botero collection, free, in La Candelaria. La Candelaria itself, the colonial quarter with its painted houses and graffiti tours. Monserrate, the cable car or the steps to the church above the city. The food: ajiaco in a Candelaria kitchen, the restaurants of Chapinero and Usaquén, the Paloquemao market in the morning. The Sunday ciclovía, when the main avenues close to cars and the city rides bikes. Zipaquirá, the cathedral carved in a salt mine, a half day away. The Bogotá travel guide and the 3-day itinerary.
What makes it not worth it#
The altitude and the cold: 2,640 metres, grey skies most afternoons, cold nights all year, and a day or two to adjust. The size and the traffic, which is the worst in Colombia. A centre that is not for wandering after dark. If a trip is sun and ease, Bogotá is the airport and two days, not more.
Safety, honestly#
City rules in Chapinero, Usaquén and Zona Rosa; La Candelaria by day and with care at night. Is Bogotá safe?
How long and when#
Two or three days. The weather is the same all year, cool and changeable; December to February and July to August are the driest. Bogotá in January and the rest of the months from there. Bogotá on a budget for the money, airport to city for the arrival, Bogotá vs Medellín if you must choose one.
With a rolo#
A Candelaria kitchen, a Sunday on the ciclovía, the right bar in Chapinero: Roavi has a few Local Friends in Bogotá, with profiles you can open and message. Local Friends in Bogotá, rent a friend in Bogotá, the Colombia travel forum for a question first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bogotá worth visiting?
Yes, for two or three days: the Gold Museum, Botero, La Candelaria, Monserrate, the food scene and the Sunday ciclovía. It is not a city to spend a week in on a first trip; it is the start of the trip, then Medellín, the coffee region or the coast.Is Bogotá safe for tourists?
In Chapinero, Usaquén, Zona Rosa and La Candelaria by day, with city rules: phone away on the street, apps or licensed taxis at night, no wandering in the centre after dark. Is Bogotá safe has the detail by neighbourhood.How many days in Bogotá?
Two for the museums, La Candelaria and Monserrate, three with Zipaquirá or a Sunday on the ciclovía. Bogotá in 3 days has the plan.Does the altitude in Bogotá affect visitors?
At 2,640 metres, some people feel a mild headache or breathlessness for a day or two. Drink water, go easy the first day, and save Monserrate, which is higher still, for the second.
