Top Things to Do in Bogota, Colombia in 2023

Bogotá, the capital city of Colombia, is an absolutely massive city that offers visitors a unique mix of culture, history, and natural beauty. From the bustling streets of La Candelaria to the stunning views from Monserrate, there is no shortage of things to do in Bogotá. In this blog post, we will highlight some of the top activities and attractions that you can enjoy during your stay in this fascinating city including some of the best neighborhoods to stay in on your trip to Bogota.

Visit the Famous Monserrate

For panoramic views of Bogotá, head to Monserrate, a mountain located just outside the city. You can take a cable car or funicular to the top, where you will be rewarded with stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains. While there, be sure to visit the Santuario del Señor Caído, a beautiful church that is a popular pilgrimage site for locals. This view is undisputedly the nicest viewpoint in all of Bogota, and is a must see for anyone visiting Bogota for the first time.

Explore the Historic District of La Candelaria and Centro Historico

One of the most popular attractions in Bogotá is the historic district of La Candelaria. This neighborhood is home to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Plaza Bolívar, the Cathedral of Bogotá, and the Palace of Justice. Take a stroll through its narrow streets and enjoy the colonial-era architecture, or visit one of its many museums, such as the Botero Museum or the Gold Museum. Also make sure to try out some local cuisine or some delicious Colombian coffee in one of the many locally sourced cafes. The Centro Historico also offers some amazing history and architecture that you won’t want to miss out on.

Discover Colombian Art in One of the Many Famous Museums

Bogota is home to a number of very famous and beautiful museums. Most of them are conveniently located around the centro historico, and La Candelaria. Here is a small sample list:

Museo del Oro (Gold Museum)

This world-renowned museum houses an extensive collection of pre-Columbian gold artifacts, offering insights into the rich cultural heritage of indigenous civilizations in Colombia.

Museo Botero

Located in the heart of La Candelaria, this museum displays an impressive collection of artworks donated by Colombian artist Fernando Botero. It features his signature sculptures and paintings, as well as works by other renowned artists.

Museo Nacional de Colombia (National Museum)

Housed in a beautiful colonial building, the National Museum showcases a diverse range of exhibits covering Colombia’s history, culture, and art, including archaeological artifacts, paintings, and historical documents.

Museo de Arte Moderno de Bogotá (MAMBO)

This museum focuses on modern and contemporary art, featuring a variety of exhibitions, installations, and multimedia artworks by both Colombian and international artists.

Museo de Arte del Banco de la República

Located in a striking building, this museum houses a collection of modern and contemporary art, including paintings, sculptures, and multimedia installations, with a focus on Colombian and Latin American artists.

Museo de Bogotá

Situated in a restored colonial mansion, this museum offers insights into Bogotá’s history, showcasing artifacts, photographs, and documents that trace the city’s development from its pre-Hispanic origins to the present day.

Museo de la Independencia Casa del Florero

Known as the “House of the Vase,” this museum commemorates the events surrounding Colombia’s struggle for independence. It displays historical artifacts and provides a glimpse into the country’s fight for freedom.

Museo de Arte Miguel Urrutia (MAMU)

Located in the Claustro de San Agustín, this museum showcases a collection of Colombian art, including paintings, sculptures, and mixed-media artworks, representing various artistic periods and styles.

Museo de Arte Contemporáneo (MAC)

Focusing on contemporary art, this museum features rotating exhibitions that explore current artistic trends and concepts, showcasing works by both emerging and established artists.

Museo Arqueológico Casa del Marqués de San Jorge

Housed in a historic mansion, this archaeological museum offers insights into Colombia’s ancient cultures through its collection of artifacts, including pottery, tools, and ceremonial objects.

Museo Santa Clara

Situated in a former convent, this museum displays religious art and artifacts, including sculptures, paintings, and textiles, providing a glimpse into the colonial religious traditions of Colombia.

Museo de Trajes Regionales (Museum of Regional Costumes)

This museum celebrates Colombia’s diverse regional costumes, showcasing traditional clothing and accessories from different parts of the country, highlighting the rich cultural diversity.

Taste the Local Cuisine

Bogotá is a food lover’s paradise, with a range of delicious dishes that reflect the city’s diverse cultural heritage. Some must-try dishes include the hearty ajiaco soup, the crispy empanadas, and the traditional bandeja paisa, which is a hearty plate of rice, beans, meat, and plantains. You can find these and other local delicacies at the city’s many restaurants and street food stalls. In the centro historico there are tons of stalls selling things like sugar cane juice, arepas, street meat, fresh fruits, and many other amazing local treats. Bogota is also known to have a variety of high quality cuisines from around the world.

Take a Party Bus Through the City at Night

For a truly unique perspective of Bogotá, take a party bus, known to the locals as Chivas, through the city. You’re destined to meet some amazing locals and tourists alike and can party and share drinks while also being able to see the city’s sprawling urban landscape, as well as the lush greenery of the surrounding mountains. This is something that you can do in almost every tourist town in Colombia and is really fun.

Visit the Local Parks

Bogotá has a number of beautiful parks that are popular with locals, but often overlooked by tourists. Some of the best parks include Parque Nacional, Parque Simón Bolívar, and Parque de los Novios. These parks offer a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the city, and are great places to relax and enjoy the scenery. My favorite area is the Parque 93 which is a bit more north, but very clean, and relatively safe. This area has some amazing restaurants, and usually has some sort of event going on in the park.

Go to a Music Festival or Concert

Bogota is known internationally as a city that gets some amazing musical talent. If you’ve been traveling around the rest of the country, or through some rural spots, check out to see if there are any concerts or festivals in town while you’re there. International artists are known to usually stop exclusively in Bogota before moving on to another South American country during their Latin American tour dates.

Some notable music festivals include:

Estéreo Picnic

Estéreo Picnic is one of Colombia’s largest and most popular music festivals. It features an eclectic lineup of national and international artists across various genres, including rock, pop, indie, electronic, and more. The festival takes place over multiple days and offers a vibrant and energetic atmosphere.

Rock al Parque

Rock al Parque is a free outdoor music festival that showcases a diverse range of rock and alternative music genres. It is held in Bogotá’s Simon Bolivar Park and attracts both local and international bands. With multiple stages and a lively crowd, it’s a must-attend event for rock music enthusiasts.

Festival Iberoamericano de Teatro

Although not solely focused on music, the Festival Iberoamericano de Teatro (Iberoamerican Theater Festival) is a significant cultural event that includes various artistic performances, including music shows. It brings together theater companies, musicians, and artists from across Latin America and beyond, creating a vibrant cultural experience.

Jazz al Parque

Jazz al Parque is an annual jazz festival held in Bogotá’s Simón Bolívar Park. It features a lineup of renowned jazz musicians, both national and international, showcasing a wide range of jazz styles, from traditional to contemporary. The festival attracts jazz enthusiasts and offers a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

Salsa al Parque

Salsa al Parque is a celebration of salsa music and dance. Held in Simón Bolívar Park, this festival brings together top salsa bands, dancers, and enthusiasts for a weekend of lively performances, dance workshops, and salsa parties. It’s a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the infectious rhythms of salsa.

Festival Centro

Festival Centro is a multi-disciplinary arts festival that includes music, art installations, film screenings, theater performances, and more. It showcases local and international talent across various artistic disciplines, providing a unique and immersive cultural experience.

Hip Hop al Parque

Hip Hop al Parque is an annual event that celebrates hip-hop culture. It features performances by national and international hip-hop artists, including rappers, DJs, and breakdancers. The festival also includes graffiti exhibitions, workshops, and other activities related to hip-hop culture.

Overall

Bogota has some amazing opportunities to do some amazing things that are not possible in any other region you visit. It’s unique charm and kind people make this a one of a kind destination. If you think we missed anything feel free to reach us on any of our socials, and if you liked this post please share it with your friends below!