With eight million people, Bogotá is Colombia’s largest city and its most vibrant one, known for its rich cultural landscape.
While such size may sound intimidating, most of Bogotá’s main attractions are located in a handful of key neighborhoods. These areas hug the green mountains that form this high-altitude city’s eastern spine.
Stay in the historic area of La Candelaria to be within walking distance of Bogotá’s main museums, or choose Chicó or Chapinero for more modern surroundings and easier access to the city’s top-notch restaurants and nightlife. Alternatively, you can immerse yourself in local life by renting in laid-back Teusaquillo.
1. La Candelaria
Best for museums and historical sites
La Candelaria, Bogotá’s historic core, resembles a village from the past. Its narrow streets and colorful colonial-era homes are now home to inexpensive bars and cafés.
Consider taking a guided tour focusing on Colombia’s rich history or a vibrant graffiti tour that showcases the district’s captivating street art.
Key attractions include the Museo del Oro, one of Colombia’s star attractions, and the Museo Botero, showcasing works by Colombia’s most renowned artist, along with the impressive Plaza de Bolívar, surrounded by historical buildings.
A short taxi ride away is the cable car that ascends to the top of Monserrate, yielding breathtaking views of the city.
With numerous hostels and budget hotels, La Candelaria offers central accommodation, though it calms down on weeknights when many local residents return home.
2. Teusaquillo
Best for local life
Teusaquillo features Tudor-style homes alongside vintage apartment buildings, creating a leafy neighborhood just a 15-minute cab ride from the city center.
This area attracts young professionals and university students, with life revolving around the Park Way—an elongated green space lined with restaurants, cafes, and theaters.
Delight in diverse food options, featuring popular local spots like Curry Masala, Groso, and Chalet Suizo, along with numerous traditional bakeries.
With its relaxed ambiance, Teusaquillo appeals to those wishing to experience life in a trendy Bogotá neighborhood.
3. Chapinero and Zona G
Best for restaurants and nightlife
Chapinero is located midway between the city center and northern Bogotá. This area is known for its mix of residential spaces, modern office buildings, and vibrant nightlife.
The central area around Calle 60 hosts Bogotá’s largest concentration of LGBTQ+ bars, including Theatron, the largest gay-themed nightclub in Latin America.
Chapinero Alto offers quieter streets dotted with enticing restaurants, including the award-winning Leo, famous for its contemporary Colombian cuisine.
Zona G, characterized by harmonious red-brick buildings, is renowned for its culinary scene and is home to a mix of budget and mid-range accommodations.
4. Chicó
Best for parks and nightlife
Located just north of Chapinero, Chicó has a charming atmosphere with leafy streets, peaceful parks, and various coworking spaces, making it ideal for business travelers.
The Zona T area is bustling with energy, featuring numerous restaurants and nightclubs, attracting a lively crowd of revelers.
For relaxation, Parque El Virrey spans much of Chicó, offering a favorite spot for joggers and dog walkers.
5. Usaquén
Best for day trips, handicrafts, and souvenir shopping
Usaquén maintains a charming character with its cobblestone streets and 19th-century church, providing an authentic Colombian experience.
On weekends, the neighborhood buzzes with activity as artists and merchants sell a variety of handcrafted goods, including coasters, hammocks, and local coffee.
6. San Felipe
Best for art galleries and tejo bars
San Felipe, while slightly removed from Bogotá’s central attractions, is perfect for exploring art galleries and experiencing local café culture.
Engage with the local pastime of tejo, a popular game that involves throwing a puck at a target to create an explosive effect. San Felipe features various tejo bars that blend craft beer with this traditional game.
This article was first published on Aug 21, 2019, and updated on Oct 6, 2024.
