Angela & Danilo
Things To Do
La Candelaria (Neighborhood)
These colorful, bohemian streets are convenient to several tourist attractions, but the area can but a little sketchy, especially at night, so be aware of pickpockets. Follow the cobblestone streets past colorful Spanish colonial buildings and university halls, check out the street art, and pop into a few cathedrals. Have a drink at one of the many bars, cafes, and restaurants, and people watch – there are many artists and musicians around the area.
Monserrate
Walk the steep steps up the hill (or take the funicular) to this incredible viewpoint of sprawling Bogotá. There’s a little white church at the top, but the act of climbing Cerro Monserrate and seeing the city from above is the real attraction here – be sure to stay hydrated and aware of the altitude though. There are a couple of overpriced fancy restaurants up top, but there’s also a snack bar where you can grab drinks and food while you take in the views (they have coca tea if you’re hurting from the climb). Be careful who you go with though, the Colombian superstition surrounding the hill says that couples who visit Monserrate together will never get married.
Plaza de Bolívar de Bogotá
Head to the center of this capital city to see where government business gets done. This sprawling, pigeon-filled plaza is home to Colombia’s Palace of Justice, the Capitol Building, the Cathedral of Bogotá, and the city mayor’s office. You’ll see lots of police around, but they’re just for security as the Presidential Palace – the Palacio de Narino – is just around the square too. Learn a little about Colombia’s history, from its fight for independence to the days of Pablo Escobar’s siege of the Palace of Justice, to really get the most out of your visit here.
Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá
One of the most popular day trips from Bogotá, the Salt Cathedral is located in the town of Zipaquirá about an hour outside the city. This whole cathedral was carved deep underground in a salt mine, and it contains alcoves for worshipping and beautifully lit crosses. It’s huge too, like a small town set 590 feet (180 meters) beneath the earth with places to eat and buy trinkets as well. Get here early to beat the crowds, sign up for one of the frequent tours, and take some time to explore the colonial town nearby once you’re done.
Graffiti Tour
You could just stroll aimlessly through Bogotá and stumble upon a ton of great street art, but why not get the pros to show you around? Graffiti tours are another super popular activity here, and they’re a great way to see the best of the best. Local guides will tell you a little something about the artist and the social movements that the paintings represent or the politics they’re speaking out against. It’s an eye-opening look into both Bogotá and Colombia’s tumultuous past and hopeful future.
Parque Simón Bolívar
For a big capital city, Bogotá is full of green open spaces where people congregate, exercise, eat, and spend time with their families. Simón Bolívar is the Central Park of the city, and it’s an enormous free park that gets super busy on the weekends. There’s a lake with ducks where you can rent paddle boats and canoes and lots of trails where you can walk, jog, or ride bikes. In the summer, bands and performers take the stage, and a popular event called Rock in the Park attracts famous performers and tons of fans. Pack a picnic or grab a bite at the cheap cafeterías nearby for lunch on a bench, in the grass, or on the sand by the lake.
Play Tejo
The national sport of Colombia is tejo, a game that involves gunpowder, targets, and loud explosions. It’s usually accompanied by a few beers, so you should definitely play a couple of rounds while you’re in Bogotá. Players throw heavy metal disks across the room (about 20 meters) at small gunpowder-filled targets stuck into clay. Hitting one results in a loud bang, cheers, and points for your team if you’re actually keeping score. Try Club de Tejo La 76 if you want to play, and maybe head upstairs for “mini tejo” where it’ll be easier for beginners to hit the targets.
Usaquén Flea Market (or other Feria Market)
Shop for souvenirs and artesanal goods like jewelry and other handmade trinkets.