Oh Bogotá. Colombia’s artsy, gritty, often-overlooked capital city.
El Distrito Capital has certainly earned a reputation, one too often preceded by tales of petty theft and inconspicuous encounters. While most people’s trips to Colombia begin and end in the city, you’ll far too often hear people telling you not to spend too much time in Bogota.
But I’m here to tell you a different story. Sure, Bogota is a great jumping off point for a trip to the coffee region or the pueblos of Boyaca, but there’s plenty to be found in the city itself. From art to music to history, Bogota has an edgy, artistic vibe, with stories found on every corner. It’s also one of the best places in the world to celebrate the Christmas season!
So if you’ve only got 24 hours to spend in Bogota, here’s a guide to all the best things to do to get to know the city. But I assure you – after a day of exploring, you might just want to extend your trip!
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Guided Tours of Bogota
🚴 Bogota Bicycle City Tour – Explore Bogota by Colombia’s favorite mode of transportation – bicycle!
🏙️ Bogota Private City Tour – Explore Bogota’s major tourist destinations with a private guide
🚶 Bogota Walking Tour – Explore Monserrate, La Candelaria, and El Centro with a group tour
Looking to spend more time in Colombia? Check out my full 3-week itinerary!
Where to Stay in Bogotá
The most popular neighborhood for tourists in Bogota is La Candelaria. Located walking distance from many of the city’s major tourist attractions and characterized by its colorful colonial architecture, it’s a great place to base yourself for one day in Bogota. It’s home to a number of different options, from backpacker hostels to upscale hotels.
Here are a few more recommendations in Bogota:
Budget: Viajero Hostal Bogota ($) – This popular hostel chain has locations all over Colombia, but their Bogota location is also home to an on-site spa. It’s the perfect place to relax, or warm up in the heated pool after a chilly day exploring Bogota! Privates and shared dorms are available, and breakfast is included.
Mid-Range: Casa Aranjuez ($$) – This quaint hotel is located in a traditional home in La Candelaria, featuring a central courtyard and cozy private suites. Each room is equipped with their own kitchenette, making it a great place to stay if you have more than 24 hours in Bogota.
Luxury: Candelaria House Boutique ($$$) – This cozy boutique hotel is located right in the heart of La Candelaria, featuring beautifully decorated private rooms with private bathrooms. Relax after a long day exploring by the fireplace, or enjoy the central garden on the property.
Explore all accommodation in Bogota on Booking.com
Tips for Exploring Bogota
Most of the major tourist attractions in Bogota are located within walking distance from La Candelaria, but here are a few things to know before you set out exploring the city.
Keep Your Valuables Safe – Bogota does unfortunately have a reputation of petty theft – it is a major city after all! While the tourist areas are generally safe, it’s still important to keep an eye on your valuables and not “dar papaya,” or basically give someone an excuse to rob you!
Wear Layers – Due to its location in the Colombian Andes, Bogota’s weather can change in minutes. You can never predict rain or shine – rather, you’re likely to experience a little bit of both in a single day! Nights can also be chilly, so it’s important to have layers like a jacket, and even a hat and gloves if you’re prone to cold.
Carry Cash – You’ll find a higher likelihood of places that accept cards in Bogota than elsewhere in Colombia, but the majority of street vendors still primarily accept cash. If you plan on buying any souvenirs in any of Bogota’s bustling markets, having some cash on hand is essential.
Colombia Quick Links
✈️ Flights – Use Kiwi.com or WayAway to find the cheapest and fastest flights to Colombia
🛏️ Accommodation – Find the best places to stay throughout Colombia on Booking.com
✅ Get Insured – I personally use Safety Wing Nomad Insurance for my travels all around the world! VisitorsCoverage is another great option.
🚗 Rent a Car – Find the best deals for a Colombia road trip on RentalCars.com
🗺️ Find Things to Do – Check out Get Your Guide or Viator for exciting adventures all around Colombia
☎ Buy a Sim – Airalo offers eSIMS for over 200 countries and regions
How to Spend 24 Hours in Bogota
Wondering what to do in Bogota for a day? With 24 hours in the city, you’ll have a chance to do some of the best things in the city. So grab a Colombian coffee to start your day and let’s get going!
8:00AM – Start your day with Colombian coffee
It wouldn’t be a day in Colombia without a cup of tinto, sweetened black coffee served on nearly every street corner! If you’re feeling a little bougier (or just want more coffee) the La Candelaria neighborhood is a hotspot for coffee shops, featuring brews grown in Colombia’s nearby coffee region!
If you’re looking for some coffee recommendations, I highly recommend Jaguar Coffee House – a funky, colorful coffee shop featuring cafe de origen from around the country and Colombian specialties for lunch. Coffee aficionados will love San Alberto Coffee, Colombia’s highest rated coffee, grown in the department of Quindio!
9:00AM – Summit Monserrate Mountain
Monserrate Mountain towers over the city of Bogota, and if you can make it to the top, you’ll be rewarded with some seriously epic views of the city below. Luckily, there are a few different ways to reach the summit.
If you’re feeling up for it, there is a 3km (1.8 mile) pedestrian trail heading to the monastery at the top of the mountain. There are plenty of places to stop for empanadas along the trek, and you’ll pass integrated stations of the cross and you continue uphill. It’s a great way to get some exercise while experiencing this iconic Bogota site. The hike generally takes around 2 hours.
However, if hiking isn’t your speed, you can also reach the peak of Monserrate via funicular. Tickets can be purchased at the bottom of the hill, and the ride up takes about 5 minutes, featuring stunning views of the city the whole way! Click here for the most up-to-date prices and timings.
At the peak of Monserrate you’ll have the best views of Bogota, as well as the Sanctuary of Monserrate, it’s steeple towering over the city. Inside is the statue of “El Señor Caído,” a masterfully carved icon of fallen Jesus that draws pilgrims from around Colombia and beyond.
11:30AM – Grab some ajiaco for lunch
The unofficial dish of the city, you can’t spend 24 hours in Bogota without trying some ajiaco santafereño. This hearty stew is the perfect companion to a chilly Bogota day, made with a base of chicken and potatoes, then topped with capers, avocado, corn on the cob, and fresh cream. It’s cozy, filling, and absolutely delicious.
Ajiaco is served up all around the city, but my favorite spot is at Mercado la Perseverancia, slightly outside the city center. If you have time after Monserrate to make it to the market, it’s a great place to try ajiaco santaferaño as well as see a more local side of the city. If you’re short on time, plenty of places around La Candelaria offer the dish, but some local favorites include Casa Vieja and Calle Luna.
12:30PM – Explore the Plaza Bolivar
Nearly every Colombian city has a Plaza Bolivar, named for Colombia’s famous libertador, Simón Bolivar. As the nation’s capital, Bogota’s Plaza Bolivar is home to the primary cathedral of Bogota, as well as the President’s Palace. It’s truly a sight to see – and often covered with very friendly pigeons!
Located just beside the Plaza Bolivar is El Mercado de las Pulgas de San Alejo, an outdoor market offering everything from Colombian souvenirs to second hand household items. Haggle over a traditional Wayuu mochila from La Guajira or a Millonarios F.C. Jersey, or try some Colombian street foods, from chicharron to pan de bono to arepas.
El Mercado de las Pulgas is also often home to street performers, salsa dancing in the streets or playing the saxophone for passersby. It’s a colorful, crowded look into Bogota, and one of the best things to do in Bogota.
2:00PM – Join a graffiti tour
Bogota’s street art scene defines the city, with colorful murals and layered tags on nearly every corner. One of the best ways to get to know the city through its street art is through a Bogota Graffiti Tour, a tip-based walking tour of the city guided by Bogota natives.
There are two free tours a day, beginning at 10AM and 2PM from the Parque de los Periodistas. The tour takes around 2.5 hours, passing through the La Candelaria neighborhood and visiting the Plazoleta Chorro de Quevedo, the founding spot of the city. Along the way, you’ll visit some of Bogota’s most notable murals, telling different stories of the city and wider Colombia.
Please note that while the tour is free, donations are highly encouraged. Please remember to have cash with you to tip your guide – around 50,000 COP ($13) is a good amount.
Schedule doesn’t line up with the free walking tour? Check out this graffiti tour on GetYourGuide to have a little more time flexibility.
5:00 PM – Enjoy Happy Hour at Bogota Beer Company
Bogota Beer Company is a Colombian favorite, but why not try it straight from the source, in Bogota itself?
Brewed in small batches using all natural ingredients, Bogota Beer Company began outside of Bogota but has now expanded across the country. Bogota is chock-full of locations, including a BBC right in the La Candelaria neighborhood. It’s a great place to relax after a long day of exploring and enjoy happy hour!
BBC offers a variety of options, from dark malts to lighter IPAs. My personal favorite is the Cerveza Rubia con Miel de Abejas, a sweeter, lighter beer that has a rich honey aftertaste. But as the premier Colombian beer label, it’s hard to go wrong with Bogota Beer Company!
7:00 PM – Try some Colombian dishes for dinner
Though you may have already tried ajiaco, there are plenty more flavors of Colombia to discover! As the nation’s capital, Bogota offers plenty of restaurants offering Colombian specialties – from the bandeja paisa of the Antioquia region to arroz de coco typical of the Colombian coast. Whatever you’re craving, you can find it in Bogota.
One of the best places to try traditional Colombian food in La Candelaria is La Puerta Falsa, a Bogota institution. It’s been around since 1816 and serves up all the Colombian dishes you could dream of – from pan de bono to tamales tolimenses. Fulanitos is another unique spot, focusing on food from Colombia’s Pacific region.
If you’re looking for more international food, you might want to consider taking a taxi to Bogota’s Zona T, about 30 minutes north of La Candelaria. This popular spot features some of the best international cuisine in the city – you’ll choose from ramen, Italian, Indian, you name it.
Have more time in Bogota and want to learn more about Colombian cuisine? Check out this guided food tour of the city – including a coffee tasting!
10:00PM – Dance the night away at Theatrón
Colombians love to celebrate, and Bogota is one of the best cities for nightlife in the country. However, one of the most unique nightlife experiences in Bogota is Theatron. This club is home to 19 dance spaces featuring an eclectic mix of music – so whether you’re looking to attend a rave or put your salsa skills to the test, there’s something for you.
Listen, I’ve considered myself a nightclub person, but Theatron changed the game. I tried my skills in the merengue room, played pool in the Beerlin Bar, and watched the light show in the Theatron theater. Whatever you’re looking for – or not looking for – you’re sure to find it!
A quick tip – while Theatron opens its doors at 9PM, the club doesn’t usually get crowded until AT LEAST 10:30PM. Colombians like to do things late, so keep that in mind after a busy day exploring Bogota!
The Best Time to Visit Bogota
Because of its location at 8,700 feet above sea level, Bogota remains a little bit chilly year-round compared to other parts of Colombia. Temperatures vary slightly, but are generally around 15-20 degrees celsius during the day and 5-10 degrees celsius at night.
However, the weather is generally the same no matter the season, with the drier months of December-March often a popular time amongst tourists. No matter when you visit, it’s important to pack layers, preferably with a waterproof outer layer in case of unexpected rainstorms. And in Bogota, well, a rainstorm could always be on the horizon!
How to Get Around Bogota
If you’re only spending 24 hours in Bogota and plan to spend most of your time around the La Candelaria neighborhood, walking will be your best option. Most major tourist sites in the area are located around 15-20 minutes from one another, so it’s a great way to get some exercise.
However, if you do want to visit parts of the city that are a little further out, your fastest option would be flagging down a taxi. Taxis are always yellow and frequent the tourist areas in the center, making it easy to find one to take you anywhere in the city. Rides around Bogota can range anywhere from 10,000-30,000 COP ($3-$8 USD) depending on how far you want to go.
Bogota does have a public bus system called TransMilenio, which can also be used to navigate the city. You’ll have to purchase a refillable ticket at any station. You can find the TransMilenio bus routes here.
Why Visit Bogota in 24 Hours?
Bogota will most likely be your jumping-off point for any Colombian trip, but it’s worth it to spend at least a day getting to know the city. There’s plenty more to see and do – from the abundance of museums to quirky coffee shops on nearly every corner.
However, there’s plenty more to see in Colombia besides its capital city! From the Caribbean islands of San Andres to the colorful streets of Cartagena, the country is bursting with experiences to add to your bucket list. In fact, I’m on a mission to visit all 32 departments of Colombia – you can follow along on YouTube to see the whole journey!
What’s your favorite thing to do in Bogota? Have you visited before?
What to Pack for Colombia
Planning a trip to Colombia? Consider adding some of these essentials to your suitcase for a truly epic trip!
💧 Filtered Water Bottle – Save on the single-use plastic and protect from parasites!
🧥 Heavy-Duty Rain Jacket – For the ever-changing Colombian weather!
🎒 Anti-theft Backpack – Perfect for exploring big cities or trekking in the jungle
🧖♀️ Microfiber Travel Towel – A go-to travel essential anywhere in the world!
🔌 Portable Charger – Keep your phone charged out on the go
🔐 Mini Padlock – Perfect for securing your backpack or locking up your items at the hotel
🔋 Universal Travel Adapter – Charge all your devices anywhere in the world!
Virginia Taylor (Ginna) is a travel writer and photographer exploring the world until her boots wear through. She’s currently on a mission to explore all 32 departments of Colombia, though she formerly called the Middle East home. Want to know more? Visit the About Page.