Things to Do in Bogotá: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
Bogotá, Colombia's capital, sits at 2,600 meters in the Andes and has become one of South America's most exciting cities. The colonial La Candelaria district, the dazzling Gold Museum, the Botero Museum, the view from Monserrate, street art, markets and the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá make it far more than a stopover.
This guide covers the best things to do in Bogotá, with itineraries for 3, 5 and 7 days, ideas for weekends, couples and families, local food, where to stay and how to get around.
Top things to see in Bogotá
La Candelaria
Colonial old town.
Gold Museum
Pre-Columbian gold artifacts.
Botero Museum
Works by Fernando Botero.
Monserrate
Mountain sanctuary with city views.
Plaza de Bolívar
Main square.
Usaquén
Sunday flea market.
Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral
Underground church.
Paloquemao Market
Fruit and flower market.
Bogotá in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · La Candelaria
Begin at Plaza de Bolívar with the cathedral and Capitol, then wander La Candelaria's colorful colonial streets to the Botero Museum, which is free. Lunch with ajiaco, Bogotá's chicken and potato soup. In the afternoon, a graffiti tour, then chocolate with cheese at a traditional café.
2Day 2 · Gold Museum and Monserrate
Visit the Gold Museum, home to tens of thousands of pre-Columbian gold pieces. Lunch downtown. In the afternoon take the cable car or funicular up Monserrate for sweeping views over the city at 3,150 meters, and stay for sunset.
3Day 3 · Markets and north Bogotá
Morning at Paloquemao Market tasting exotic fruits like lulo and granadilla. Lunch in Chapinero. Afternoon in the Zona G and Parque 93, and dinner at a top restaurant. Chapinero is also home to many of the city's best coffee shops and independent boutiques.
Bogotá in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Zipaquirá
Day trip to the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral, carved inside a salt mine 180 meters underground. Lunch in the colonial town. Return in the evening. The cathedral's illuminated crosses and the main nave are impressive; combine it with a ride on the weekend tourist train if you can.
5Day 5 · Usaquén and Botanical Garden
Sunday flea market in Usaquén, then the José Celestino Mutis Botanical Garden. Lunch in Usaquén. Evening in Zona T. The Sunday market is the best time to visit, with crafts, food stalls and street performers in the old plaza.
Bogotá in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · Villa de Leyva
Day or overnight trip to Villa de Leyva with its huge cobblestone plaza and fossil museum. Lunch on the plaza. Return late. The town sits about three to four hours from Bogotá, so an overnight stay makes the trip far more relaxing.
7Day 7 · Farewell
Coffee tasting at a specialty roaster, last purchases of emeralds or crafts, and a farewell dinner with tamales or bandeja paisa. El Dorado airport is about 30 to 45 minutes away depending on traffic.
What to do in Bogotá on a weekend
Things to do in Bogotá on a weekend? Saturday: La Candelaria and Gold Museum. Sunday: Ciclovía, Usaquén and Monserrate.
Ciclovía every Sunday closes over 100 km of streets to cars.
What to do in Bogotá in the evening
In the evening, Zona T and Chapinero bars.
Monserrate at sunset.
Bogotá for couples
For couples, Monserrate at sunset, Villa de Leyva and fine dining.
Bogotá with kids
With kids, Maloka science center, Salt Cathedral and parks.
What to eat in Bogotá
Ajiaco
Chicken soup.
Tamales
Steamed corn.
Arepas
Corn cakes.
Chocolate with cheese
Local tradition.
Coffee
Colombian.
Where to stay in Bogotá: best areas
La Candelaria
Historic.
Chapinero
Trendy.
Zona T
Upscale.
Usaquén
Quiet.
What to do in Bogotá when it rains
Things to do in Bogotá when it rains? Gold Museum, Botero Museum, National Museum and cafés.
How much does a trip to Bogotá cost?
Expect $50–150 per night; museums are cheap.
Practical tips for Bogotá
Best time to visit
December–March and July–August.
Getting around
Uber, taxis via apps and TransMilenio.
Our practical tips
- Acclimatize to altitude.
- Use ride apps.
- Layers for weather.
- Ciclovía on Sunday.
- Free Botero Museum.
- Watch belongings.
Mistakes to avoid
- Hailing street taxis.
- Walking alone at night in the center.
- Flashing valuables.
- Overexertion at altitude.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Bogotá?
La Candelaria, Gold Museum and Monserrate.
Is Bogotá safe?
Take normal big-city precautions.
How high is Bogotá?
About 2,600 meters.
Best time to visit?
Dry seasons.