Bogotá Travel Guide: The City That Has Everything (Yes, Even That Too)

colombiawithcamilo
Aug 31, 2025
8 min read

Updated: Jan 8

So, you landed in Bogotá (congrats, your lungs will now discover what real altitude feels like 🫁). At 2,600 meters above sea level, the city is a mix of chaos, beauty, history, salsa, and… traffic (lots of it). But don’t worry—I’ll help you cut through the noise and experience Bogotá like a pro.

Spoiler alert: you’ll want to book a couple of my tours along the way. Why? Because it’s way better than getting lost with Google Maps and ending up three neighborhoods away from where you meant to be.

Must-See Attractions in Bogotá

Monserrate

Let’s start with the obvious one. Monserrate is the mountain that stares at you wherever you go in Bogotá. You can hike up (good luck with those 1,500 steps), take the cable car, or the funicular. At the top: a church, food stalls, and the view. Bring a jacket—it’s not tropical paradise up there.

👉 Pro tip: Want an even cooler, less touristy view? Book my Coffee Tour with a visit to Guadalupe Sanctuary. It’s Monserrate’s quieter, more authentic sibling. You’ll thank me later.

La Candelaria

Old, colorful, and full of graffiti that’s basically free open-air art. This is where Bogotá shows its artistic, colonial, and slightly chaotic soul. Museums? Check. Street food? Double check. Instagram content? Unlimited.

👉 Here’s where my Colombian Music Experience fits perfectly—imagine ending a walk in La Candelaria by learning salsa or cumbia from locals, instead of just staring at walls.

Plaza de Bolívar

It’s the city’s political heart. A giant square surrounded by historic buildings, pigeons that think they own the place, and people protesting (because, well… Bogotá). Worth the walk, but don’t expect to spend hours here unless you’re a pigeon enthusiast.

Salt Cathedral (Zipaquirá)

Yes, it’s literally a cathedral inside a salt mine. Sounds crazy, right? It’s one of Colombia’s most impressive architectural wonders, mixing spirituality with mining tunnels.

👉 Wanna go without worrying about buses and confusing maps?

Book my Salt Cathedral Tour with pickup. Zero hassle, just pure underground magic.

Guatavita Lagoon

Ever heard of El Dorado? This is the place where it all started. A sacred lake for the Muiscas and a mystical landscape that makes you feel like Indiana Jones.

👉 And guess what? We can combine this with Zipaquirá for a perfect day trip—ask me how 😉.

Other Cool Spots

Simón Bolívar Park: Bogotá’s Central Park. Bike, walk, picnic, or just people-watch.
Jaime Duque Park: Theme park + zoo + cultural crash course. Great if you’re traveling with family or with your friends
La Chorrera Waterfall: Colombia’s tallest waterfall—just outside Bogotá.
Sumapaz Páramo: Foggy, mystical, and otherworldly. You’ll feel like you stepped onto a movie set.
Zona T/ Andino mall: Walkable area, with a fancy vibe and perhaps the best area of the city to stay in Bogota. In addition, is the safest and biggest nightlife area in Bogota.
Usaquen/ Flew Market 116st: Cobblestone stone streets, colors, great restaurants and nice coffeshops to grab Colombian Coffe. And if you have enough time you might wanna visit Lumina Center as well for a top-notch cinema experience in Colombia.

🍽️ Where to Eat, Drink and Get a Little Tipsy in Bogotá

Let’s be honest: food and drinks are 50% of traveling (the other 50% is taking pictures pretending you didn’t spend 20 minutes finding the right angle). Bogotá has everything—street food that will test your stomach’s bravery, world-class restaurants, and nightlife that will make you question if you really have that “early hike to Monserrate” in you tomorrow morning.

🍴 Restaurants in Bogotá

🌆 La Candelaria Area (historic center, aka tourist central)

La Puerta Falsa 🍫: Bogotá’s oldest eatery. If you leave without trying the hot chocolate with cheese, tamal, and almojábana… did you even come to Bogotá?
El Gato Gris 🌌: Bohemian vibes, classic Colombian dishes, and a terrace where your beer comes with city views.
Puerta de la Catedral 🍲: Right by the Cathedral in Plaza de Bolívar. Traditional Colombian comfort food with a front-row view of Bogotá’s political chaos.
Quinua y Amaranto 🥗: Small but mighty vegetarian spot in La Candelaria. Think fresh, homemade, and guilt-free.
El Árbol del Pan 🍞: Cozy veggie-friendly café/bakery. If bread had feelings, it would live here.
Salchipapería D.C 🍟: Forget Michelin stars—this is where you get a plate of fries so massive you’ll swear it’s a national treasure.

💡 Pro tip: After filling your belly here, book our Walking Tour of La Candelaria to balance calories with culture.

🍖 Beyond La Candelaria

Harry Sasson 🍷: Bogotá’s celebrity chef. Pricey? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely.
El Cielo 🍷: Not dinner, an experience. A tasting menu that will literally have you eating with your hands (in a classy way).
Cumbia House 🎺: Food, music, and full-on Colombian cultural explosion in one place.
Andres D.C: is one of Bogotá’s most iconic dining experiences and a must-visit stop in Zona T. More than just a restaurant, it’s a multi-floor celebration of Colombian culture where food, music, art, and nightlife blend into one unforgettable experience. Here you’ll find classic Colombian dishes like ajiaco and bandeja paisa, inventive cocktails, and live music that turns dinner into a party as the night goes on. Colorful, eclectic, and full of energy, Andrés D.C. is the perfect place to experience Bogotá’s vibrant social scene all in one place.
Mala Flor: is a standout dining and nightlife destination in one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Inspired by the relaxed, tropical vibes of Tulum with modern Mexican flair, Malaflor offers a stylish, multi-floor space, plus the food is a fusion between Mexican and Asian food.
Compañia Criolla: is one of my favorite spots for real Colombian flavor without the fuss. Think empanadas, arepas, tamales, and hearty traditional dishes done right — all in a cozy, welcoming space. It’s the kind of place I’d take someone who wants authentic local food and a friendly vibe (no touristy stuff). If you’re in the mood for something comforting, delicious, and truly Colombian, this is your go-to in Zona T.
El Chato: is actually kinda a big deal right now — it was just named the 1 restaurant in Latin America in the Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 list, topping spots from Peru and Argentina and making Colombian cuisine shine on the regional stage.
But beyond the awards, if you’re into a really thoughtful meal that highlights Colombian ingredients in creative, elevated ways, this is one of those places I’d tell a friend to try
Bombay Rooftop: is a rooftop spot in Zona T, Bogotá that mixes Indian-inspired flavors with Colombian ingredients and a lively terrace vibe — perfect for my indian tourists and friends looking for something a little different when you’re out and about in the city. The setting is warm and decorative with good views, and people really dig the fusion dishes and cocktails up there.

🍸 Bars and Nightlife in Bogotá

🎭 La Candelaria and Chorro de Quevedo

El Gato Gris 🌌 (Bar side) – Not just for food—its upstairs bar has a magical, bohemian vibe with views over La Candelaria. Perfect to start the night before salsa-ing away.
Babou 💃 – Not fancy, not “Instagrammable,” but trust me: the tiny salsa bars here are raw Bogotá fun. Think cheap rum, loud music, and sweaty dancing.
Irish Pub Candelaria: is one of my favorite relaxed spots to unwind after wandering the historic streets of La Candelaria. It’s a classic Irish-style pub tucked into an old colonial building with a laid-back patio and friendly staff — perfect for grabbing a cold beer or a pint of local craft and chatting with friends.
Bellagio: is one of those spots I’d tell a friend about if you’re looking to keep the night going after exploring the historic heart of Bogotá. It’s a lively bar with a great mix of reggae and dancehall vibes, fun energy, and solid cocktails that locals and visitors both dig.

🌟 Zona T / Zona Rosa / Chapinero Alto

Colombian Pub 🍻 – Classic Bogotá bar with local beers, football on the screens, and a mix of travelers and locals. A safe, fun place to begin your night.
Federal Rooftop 🍸 – Rooftop vibes, city views, signature cocktails. If you like to feel fancy while sipping a gin tonic, this one’s for you.
Bambule 🥂 – One of Zona T’s hottest current bars. Cool crowd, great music, and a guaranteed fun night out and also best spot for meeting new beautiful Bogotan women. Heads up, It´s a reggaeton bar don´t expect salsa music, cumbia or any other latin dances. But if you like to dance reggaeton, I´d go for it.
Theatron 🌈 – The monster. The biggest LGBTQ+ nightclub in Latin America. Multiple floors, each with a different music genre.
Clandestino Bar 🍸 – Hidden speakeasy vibes. Fancy cocktails, dim lights, and a perfect date-night place if you don’t want the chaos of Theatron.
La Chula 🍹 – Mexican theme, mariachi shows, tacos, and giant margaritas. It’s kitschy, it’s loud, and it’s awesome.
Presea Rooftop: is one of those Bogotá nightlife spots I’d tell a friend about if you’re ready to dance your night away to reggaetón up on a rooftop. It’s perched above Calle 85, packed with energy, and known for its old school and Latin urban beats that keep people moving until late — perfect for weekend vibes with locals and travelers alike

🌟 Usaquen

Pedro Mandinga Rum Bar: is a super chill rum-focused bar in Usaquén that feels like a little Caribbean escape right in Bogotá. Think warm vibes, salsa playing in the background, and a huge selection of rum-based cocktails — many crafted with their own Pedro Mandinga Silver Rum that gives drinks a sweet, tropical touch you don’t usually find around here.

⚡ Pro tips:

Nightlife in Bogotá usually kicks off late (don’t expect full energy before 11 PM).
For my solo travelers looking for a Colombian women, just be a bit careful and don´t allow anybody to take you to shady hotels, bars or houses.

☕ Colombian Coffee Shops You NEED to Try

Colombian coffee isn’t just a drink—it’s therapy, a religion, and sometimes the only reason you’ll survive Bogotá’s altitude.

San Alberto Café ☕: Premium coffee from the famous San Alberto farm. You’ll feel fancy just saying the name.
Divino Café 🌿: Chill vibes, quality coffee, and perfect for a recharge between museums.
Casa Galería 🎨: Coffee meets art gallery—because caffeine is culture too.
Azahar Café 🌸: Hipster-friendly, bean-to-cup specialty coffee.
Arte y Pasión Café 🎓: Ever wanted a barista school vibe? This is the place.

I was raised in Quindio, Colombia where the best coffe of Colombia is planted and one of my other hoobies is coffe. If you´d like to buy coffe bags (beans or powder), just give me a call and I´ll deliver it at your hotel.

💡 Pro tip: Want the full “from seed to cup” experience? Skip the city cafés and join our Coffee Farm Tour near Bogotá—with hotel pickup, bilingual guide, and a stop at the Guadalupe Sanctuary. (Way cooler than just ordering a cappuccino.)

✨ Final Word: Why Bogotá Will Surprise You

Bogotá is not just a stopover—it’s a mix of history, food, art, nature, and nightlife. You can see colonial streets in the morning, hike in the páramo in the afternoon, and end with salsa at night.

And here’s the thing: you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself. That’s where I come in—local tours with bilingual guiding, pickups, and the kind of experiences that make you feel less like a tourist and more like an insider.

👉 Ready? Check out these must-do experiences: