Quick snapshot: On your first days in Bogotá, base yourself in Zona Rosa or Chapinero, walk the historic Candelaria district in the morning, ride the cable car to Monserrate for city views, and explore the Gold Museum. The city's elevation means cooler weather year-round, and neighborhoods vary dramatically from colonial streets to modern high-rises. Stay alert in crowded areas, use ride-hailing apps, and don't drink tap water.
Personality: If Bogotá were a person it would be a serious business executive who reads poetry on weekends and always carries an umbrella.
🔝 Top 12 Things to Do
1. Ride the cable car to Monserrate at sunrise
Take the cable car or funicular up the mountain for panoramic city views, best early morning before crowds.
Why 80/20: Iconic Bogotá experience with minimal effort and maximum views.
2. Walk the historic Candelaria district in the morning
Colonial streets, colorful buildings, and main squares. Best explored on foot during daylight hours.
Why 80/20: Core historic center in one compact walkable area.
3. Visit the Gold Museum (Museo del Oro)
World's largest collection of pre-Columbian gold artifacts, located in the historic center.
Why 80/20: Unique cultural experience showcasing Colombia's pre-colonial history.
4. Explore Chapinero's cafés and independent shops
Hip neighborhood for daytime coffee, secondhand stores and ambient evenings.
Why 80/20: Great base for medium-term stays and working from cafés.
5. Try local street food in La Perseverancia market
Traditional market with local dishes, ajiaco soup and typical Bogotá food.
Why 80/20: Authentic local food culture away from tourist restaurants.
6. Sunday Ciclovía bike ride on closed streets
Major streets close to cars on Sundays for cyclists, runners and walkers.
Why 80/20: See the city from a different perspective and join local weekend ritual.
7. Visit Usaquén weekend market
Colonial neighborhood in the north with a popular Sunday market selling crafts and food.
Why 80/20: Local market experience in a charming historic area.
8. Explore Zona Rosa's restaurants and nightlife
Modern district with diverse dining options and bars, popular with locals and expats.
Why 80/20: Safe, walkable area with many options for food and drinks.
9. Walk through Simon Bolivar Park
Large urban park in the north, good for jogging, picnics and escaping the city bustle.
Why 80/20: Green space and local life away from tourist areas.
10. Visit the Botero Museum
Art museum featuring works by Fernando Botero, Colombia's most famous artist.
Why 80/20: Cultural highlight showcasing distinctive Colombian art style.
11. Try ajiaco soup in a local restaurant
Traditional Bogotá dish with chicken, potatoes and herbs, best in family-run places.
Why 80/20: Local food ritual that defines Bogotá cuisine.
12. Evening walk through Zona T
Pedestrian area in Zona Rosa with restaurants, bars and shops, lively in the evenings.
Why 80/20: Safe evening stroll with many dining and entertainment options.
🔎 Unusual facts
Bogotá sits at 2,640 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest capital cities in the world.
The city has a Ciclovía every Sunday where major streets close to cars for cyclists and pedestrians.
Bogotá's Gold Museum houses the world's largest collection of pre-Columbian gold artifacts.
The city's weather is relatively constant year-round due to its equatorial location and high altitude.
Bogotá was founded in 1538 by Spanish conquistadors, making it one of the oldest cities in the Americas.
🕐 Local Time
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👥 Population
7,674,366
💶 Currency
COP
🗣️ Language
Spanish
English (limited, mainly in tourist areas and business districts)
💧 Tap Water
Tap water in Bogotá is generally not safe to drink. Use bottled water or filtered water.
Even if treated, the water quality varies by neighborhood and many locals avoid drinking it directly.
💸 Tipping
Tipping is expected in restaurants (10% is standard), and appreciated in other service contexts.
💳 Cards
Cards are widely accepted in restaurants, shops and supermarkets; cash is still common in markets, taxis and smaller establishments.
🔌 Plugs
Type A, B
110V
🧻 Toilet Paper
Do not flush toilet paper in most places. Use the bin provided in bathrooms.
🛡️ Safety
Generally safe in tourist and business areas, but requires street smarts and awareness.
📋 Basics
🛬 Arrival
Airport
El Dorado International Airport (BOG) — 15 km from center
Modern airport west of the city with good transport links to central neighborhoods.
Official Taxi or Ride-hailing
• 30 min
• ≈ COP 30,000–50,000 (€7–12)
Most convenient option, especially with luggage or arriving late.
Use official airport taxis from the stand or ride-hailing apps (Uber, DiDi, Cabify). Avoid unmarked taxis.
TransMilenio or SITP bus
• 45 min
• ≈ COP 2,500–3,000 (€0.60–0.70)
Cheapest option but slower and can be crowded with luggage.
Requires a rechargeable card (Tullave). Not recommended for first-time arrivals with heavy bags.
SIM & Internet
Good mobile coverage in Bogotá. Prepaid SIMs are easy to get at the airport or in the city.
Esim
International eSIMs work but may be expensive. Local prepaid SIMs are usually better value.
Physical
Get a prepaid SIM from Claro, Movistar or Tigo at airport kiosks or city stores. Bring ID to register.
Money
ATMs are common in shopping malls, banks and major streets.
Use bank ATMs inside banks when possible for security. Decline dynamic currency conversion. Watch for card skimming.
First night tip: Take an official taxi or ride-hailing app directly to your accommodation. Avoid walking with luggage, especially after dark. Get your bearings the next morning in daylight.
💰 Costs
Bogotá is relatively affordable for a capital city, especially compared to major cities in North America or Europe, though prices have risen in recent years.
A visitor can get by on COP 80,000–150,000/day (€18–35) excluding accommodation. Digital nomads often live comfortably on COP 2,500,000–4,000,000/month (€550–900) including rent.
Coffee (tinto)
≈ COP 2,000–4,000 (€0.45–0.90)
Cheap local coffee in small cups; specialty coffee costs more.
Beer (local)
≈ COP 5,000–10,000 (€1.10–2.20)
In local bars and restaurants.
Lunch (almuerzo corriente)
≈ COP 12,000–20,000 (€2.70–4.50)
Set lunch with soup, main course, drink and sometimes dessert.
Mid-range dinner
≈ COP 40,000–80,000 per person (€9–18)
Without fancy wine. Expect later dining hours.
Taxi within city
≈ COP 15,000–30,000 (€3.40–6.80)
Depends on distance and traffic. Ride-hailing apps are similar.
Public transport (TransMilenio/SITP)
≈ COP 2,500–3,000 (€0.60–0.70)
Per ride with rechargeable card.
Room in shared flat (long-term)
≈ COP 800,000–1,500,000/month (€180–340)
Cheaper in outer neighborhoods, more expensive in Zona Rosa or Chapinero.
1-bed apartment (long-term)
≈ COP 1,500,000–3,000,000/month (€340–680)
Zona Rosa and Chapinero at the higher end; outer areas cheaper.
🏘️ Where to Stay
Bogotá is organized into zones: north (wealthier, modern), center (historic, mixed), and south (more local, affordable).
Best for first visit
Zona Rosa / Zona T
— Modern, safe and walkable
Upscale area with restaurants, bars, shopping malls and international hotels.
Pros
- Safe, well-lit streets.
- Many dining and nightlife options.
- Good base for first-time visitors.
Cons
- More expensive than other areas.
- Less local character than historic center.
Chapinero
— Hip, diverse and central
Trendy neighborhood with cafés, restaurants, and a mix of locals and expats.
Pros
- Good balance of safety and local vibe.
- Plenty of cafés and coworking spaces.
- Walkable to many attractions.
Cons
- Can be noisy at night in some parts.
- Prices rising as area gentrifies.
Good for digital nomads
Chapinero and Zona Rosa
Best mix of coworking spaces, cafés with Wi-Fi, and expat-friendly infrastructure.
Several coworking spaces offer day passes and monthly memberships. Good internet infrastructure.
Usaquén
Quieter, more residential area in the north with some cafés and a weekend market.
Less crowded, good for longer stays if you prefer a calmer base.
Beach areas
Not applicable
Bogotá is a high-altitude inland city. No beaches nearby.
Quiet areas
Usaquén and northern residential areas
More residential, quieter neighborhoods in the north with local shops and parks.
Good for longer stays if you want peace and don't mind being further from nightlife.
🔎 Is this city for you?
Come if
- You want a capital city experience with cultural institutions and business opportunities.
- You don't mind cooler weather and can handle high altitude.
Avoid if
- You're looking for warm beach weather (Bogotá is cool year-round at 2,640m altitude).
- You want a relaxed, slow-paced city (Bogotá is busy and fast-paced).
🛡️ Safety
Bogotá has improved significantly in recent years, but petty crime like pickpocketing and phone theft remains common. Violent crime against tourists is rare but can happen.
Common Issues
- Pickpocketing and phone theft, especially on public transport and in crowded areas.
- Scams targeting tourists (fake taxis, overpriced tours).
- Mugging in less safe neighborhoods, especially after dark.
Simple Rules
- Don't flash expensive phones or jewelry in public.
- Use ride-hailing apps instead of hailing taxis on the street.
- Keep bags in front of you and stay alert in crowded places.
- Avoid empty streets and parks after dark.
🚨 Emergency Numbers
General: 123 (emergency services)
National Police: 112
💻 Digital Nomad
Growing hub with a solid infrastructure for remote workers, though still less established than Medellín.
🚇 Getting Around
Mix of public transport (TransMilenio bus rapid transit, SITP buses), taxis, ride-hailing apps, and walking in safe neighborhoods.
- TransMilenio for main corridors (fast but can be crowded).
- SITP buses for areas not covered by TransMilenio.
- Ride-hailing apps (Uber, DiDi, Cabify) are popular and safer than street taxis.
- Walking is fine in safe neighborhoods like Zona Rosa and Chapinero.
🎭 Culture
Busy and fast-paced for a Latin American city, especially in business districts. More relaxed in residential areas.
Mealtimes
🍽️ Lunch
Usually 12:00–14:00. Almuerzo corriente is the main meal of the day for many locals.
🍽️ Dinner
19:00–22:00, though some restaurants serve later.
😴 Siesta
Not common in Bogotá; businesses generally stay open all day.
What Tourists Get Wrong
- Expecting warm weather year-round – Bogotá is cool due to high altitude (often 10–18°C).
- Assuming everyone speaks English – Spanish is essential outside tourist areas.
- Walking around with expensive phones visible – keep them hidden.
- Drinking tap water – stick to bottled or filtered water.
Useful Phrases
¿Cuánto cuesta?
How much does it cost?
¿Dónde está el baño?
Where is the bathroom?
No entiendo
I don't understand
📅 When to Visit
Special Events
- December – Christmas lights and celebrations throughout the city.
- August – Summer Festival with concerts and cultural events.
👥 Meet People
Regular language exchange meetups in Zona Rosa and Chapinero bars where locals and foreigners practice Spanish and English.
Nightlife Areas
- Zona Rosa / Zona T – upscale bars, clubs and restaurants with mixed local and international crowd.
- Chapinero – hip bars and restaurants, popular with younger locals and expats.
- La Candelaria – some bars and hostels, but be careful at night.
❓ FAQ
Can you drink tap water in Bogotá?
No, tap water in Bogotá is generally not safe to drink. Use bottled water or filtered water. This is standard practice throughout Colombia.
Is Bogotá safe for solo travellers and digital nomads?
Bogotá is generally safe in tourist and business areas like Zona Rosa and Chapinero, but requires street smarts. Petty crime like pickpocketing is common. Stick to well-lit areas at night, use ride-hailing apps, and don't flash valuables.
What is the best area to stay in Bogotá for a first visit?
For a short first stay, Zona Rosa and Chapinero are the best 8020 options. Zona Rosa is modern and safe with many amenities, while Chapinero offers a good balance of safety, local vibe and walkability.
What is the best area to stay in Bogotá for digital nomads?
Chapinero and Zona Rosa have the best mix of coworking spaces, cafés with Wi-Fi, and expat-friendly infrastructure. Usaquén is a quieter alternative in the north.
How do you get from Bogotá airport to the city centre?
The 8020 option is a taxi or ride-hailing app (Uber, DiDi, Cabify) which takes about 30 minutes and costs around COP 30,000–50,000 (€7–12). Public buses are cheaper but slower and not recommended with luggage.
How expensive is Bogotá compared to other Colombian cities?
Bogotá is more expensive than smaller Colombian cities but still affordable compared to major cities in North America or Europe. Coffee around COP 2,000–4,000, lunch COP 12,000–20,000, and long-term 1-bed flats around COP 1,500,000–3,000,000/month are typical.
Do you need to tip in Bogotá?
Yes, tipping is expected in restaurants (10% is standard and often added automatically). Rounding up for taxis and leaving small change in cafés is appreciated.