Things to do

21 Exclusive Things To Do In Bogota, Columbia

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Bogota is an active capital city of Colombia. Good food, beautiful parks, and history can be spotted at any corner you turn. You should not leave Bogota without seeing the Gold Museum or hiking up Monserrate for a view.

La Candelaria is ideal for walking through painted streets and visiting architectural monuments of colonial times. There is a lot of action even at night in Zona Rosa!

The city holds so much tradition combined with the contemporary world, so it is advisable to visit. Immerse yourself as much as you can into this energy by exploring the following things to do in Bogota.

1. Visit The Gold Museum (Museo del Oro)

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It is considered one of the most popular and Instagram-worthy sites in Bogota. It contains more than 55, 000 gold and other related artifacts belonging to the pre-Hispanic period of Colombia.

The design of the exhibits allows one to make several rounds in a clockwise or anti-clockwise manner as one may prefer. You will be shocked to see things like the Muisca Raft which is a small gold boat with historical folklore narratives. The gold exhibits are all on the top 2 floors, and there are many more things to see than you might have anticipated.

One could easily spend 1-2 hours if one wanted to see it all including a special exhibit on an underground level. Do not leave the museum without visiting the Offering Room where methods of using gold within ceremonies are depicted.

2. Explore Bogotá's Graffiti Scene

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Some recommended graffiti tours include the very famous Original Bogota Graffiti Tour. It is a free walking tour where you get a brief about the history and significance of the art.

You will go out on colorful streets on La Candelaria where every mural represents something special. Tour guides educate people about the artists themselves or the meaning of the artwork regarding society.

Do not leave your camera at home; there are marvelous pictures to be taken.

3. Browse Usaquén's Flea Market

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If you are wondering what to do in Bogota Colombia, make sure you head to the Usaquen Flea Market when you have time! This exciting historic marketplace of arts and crafts takes place every Saturday and Sunday, with locally made crafts and exciting antiques on display.

There are lovely ponchos for purchase, handmade accessories such as jewelry, and Colombian-style mochilas. Moreover, many stalls sell more conventional snacks and hot and cold beverages.

There is always the backup of live music that enhances the place to be fun to visit. Shopping randomly through the stalls is a good way to experience the culture of the given region. Usaquen itself is pretty and has colonial houses with sometimes even stones in the streets.

4. Enjoy Jazz al Parque Festival

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This is an annual live music festival that is always held over two days with great performing artists from all over the world. It takes place at Parque El Country.

It is such a nice place to lay on the lawn, watch the colorful action, and find out something new and fascinating in musical life. No matter whether you're a jazz fan or just one who cannot understand the meaning of passion for this kind of music, you will find something interesting here.

You can come with your friends, take some popcorn and be ready to have a great musical night!

5. Camp At Lake Neusa

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This beautiful reservoir is situated just about 70 kilometers from the city. The place is perfect for those interested in camping, and fishing, and those who just enjoy nature.

It has areas where you can pitch your tent, have some barbeque, wash all your canned foods, and still enjoy marvelous views of the lake. It is strictly prohibited to swim because the water there is extremely cold!

Make sure to add this to your list of things to do Bogota Colombia.

6. Experience The Tropical Fruit Safari At Mercado Paloquemao

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This colorful market is not only great for the taste buds but for all of your senses as you can try more than 20 different exotic fruits such as guanabana or lulo. It is a typical market of fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and everything in between. Full of wonderful foods that are native to the area.

Notably, you will get details on their health implications and cultural worth from the local vendors. This is an exciting and engaging must-do in Bogota Colombia that brings out the very best in Colombia's agricultural legacy.

Also, you will finish your journey with a rather pleasant thing, a drink of freshly squeezed juice.

7. Explore The City On Bike During The Sunday Ciclovia

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On Sundays, Bogota becomes Ciclovia wherein the major streets are closed to cars starting at 7 in the morning until 2 in the afternoon. It is to open the streets for cyclists, runners, and inline skaters.

Now with over 120 kilometers of routes, one is well-equipped to ride through different neighborhoods and explore the local culture. Catch a bike, join a thousand others on the road, and experience the city vibe while cycling.

The vibe is electric!

8. Take Your Kids To Salitre Mágico

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This place has many incredible and curving attractions such as a roller coaster and bumper cars so that nobody will remain bored.

Children will never get bored with the water activities and performances, while the grown-ups will be relieved that the place is secured for them. Moreover, due to the examined features, Salitre Magico looks like an excellent location for creating family memories.

It is also important not to overlook the giant Ferris wheel which provides a great view of the city. This is a perfect outing as a family on your vacation.

9. Hike or Take A Cable Car To Monserrate

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You may opt to go for a 1.8 km hiking trail taking approximately an hour through the beautiful scenery of the trail.

However, if one cannot endure the walk, there is a cable car that takes one to the top in less than 5 minutes, and the view of the city is very breathtaking.

Either way, you are in for an awe-inspiring view and also for those who require it a visit to the church at Monserrate.

10. Take A Day Trip To Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá

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An amazing-looking church, situated at 180 meters below ground level in a former salt mine. It also comprises remarkable sculptures and the world's biggest underground salt cross.

The operations are fascinating and you can freely traverse through tunnels with gorgeous architecture and some historical background. Also, spend some time for a walk through one of the most beautiful towns, Zipaquira.

One should not miss these places to visit in Bogota.

11. Wander Through La Candelaria

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Strolling along the streets of La Candelaria is like observing the life of the Colombian past. The area features lots of colonial architecture, Latin American-styled houses, cobbled pathways, and exceptional street art that depicts the history of Bogota.

There is culture to see, for instance in the Gold Museum and the Botero Museum, but also nice places to sit down for a cup of coffee. It is interesting to visit the Plaza de Bolivar and look at the highlights of the place.

12. Admire The Unique Works At Botero Museum

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Botero Museum is a splendid gallery of different kinds of artwork by Colombian artist Fernando Botero, who painted wide and fat subjects. The museum has more than 120 of his creations and artworks by legendary artists, including Picasso and Monet, in a beautifully restored colonial house in La Candelaria.

Best of all, entry is free! Take two hours of your precious time to greet the palette of vivid colors and amiable shapes, which is a joy of life and culture.

Still, you should remember that it is closed on Tuesdays only. Tourists usually take between two and three hours to tour the attractions. It is very informal, and a good-tasting courtyard is provided, which is preferable for taking a coffee break.

13. Relax At Simón Bolívar Park

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Simon Bolivar Park is among the amazing Bogota tourist places where you will get the feeling that you are in the countryside. The park occupies over 1000 acres of land within Bogota.

People can paddle boats within the lake, eat snacks in the areas adequate with trees, or exercise in provided trails. It is also popular for concerts and cultural functions and as such it is a lively area to sit and watch the world go by.

Some festivals are held at the park such as Rock al Parque. Can you think of attending a live band with thousands of other music freaks? There are plenty of playgrounds for children and they may visit a nearby Children's Museum. It has the best kinds of food for all ages.

14. Sample Local Cuisine At Street Markets

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While in Bogota, scratching the surface of street food is definitely on the list! Visit great markets such as Paloquemao or La Perseverancia where you may find and taste all types of fruits, strong arepas, and yummy empanadas.

These food markets are truly full of tastes and colors typical for Colombian cuisine. Have a plate of ajiaco and then have some sweet bunuelos and enjoy the energetic vibe around you. Believe me, your tongue will not regret that.

15. Make Your Stay At Four Seasons Hotel Bogotá

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Located in a dynamic area of Mexico City known as Zona T, the Four Seasons Hotel Bogota is ideal for a guest interested in a dynamic environment. Feel comfortable in stylish and cozy rooms with contemporary facilities and spectacular vistas.

Wish yourself a good morning with a delicious breakfast in La Biblioteca, which will provide you with the necessary energy for a day. Relax in the couple's spa after taking a tour around the nearby shopping and dining facilities as well as the bars.

Naturally, due to its convenient location within proximity to one of Bogota's more prominent streets, it is easy to immerse oneself in the culture of the city.

16. Check Out El Goce Pagano

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This legendary place has been welcoming people for more than 40 years providing opportunities to dance, drink and listen to live music. The energy is phenomenal, the music in particular, the salsa makes you want to dance and everyone around you is like your extended family.

It has less to do with playing music and more with having a history and built-in nostalgia for every visit. Thus, invite some friends and come to El Goce Pagano for a great time and amazing experiences!

17. Watch Performances At Teatro Colón Bogotá

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This is wonderful for anyone with an interest in arts and culture. This magnificent theatre is in neo-classical and barrier style and provides a rather comfortable but magnificent mood for operas, ballets, and concerts.

Teatro Colon Bogota has excellent sound systems, and any show can be enjoyable through sound. Besides, if you have an interest in its history, then you can easily go on a historical tour to read all about it.

18. Travel To Bogotá Botanical Garden José Celestino Mutis

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It hosts over 19,000 plant species, wonderful orchids, and the flora of the Andes region. This establishment offers themed gardens, an ornamental pond, and gardens for yoga and tai chi or any kind of practice.

It is also a beautiful location through which one can easily appreciate the flora and fauna of Colombia. Furthermore, the cafe serves good quality food, which you can munch on while admiring the scenery.

This place should not be missed as a part of the tour around Bogota!

19. Try Your Hand At Tejo

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Tejo is Colombia's official national sport and involves throwing metal discs towards markers. It is loaded with gunpowder, which detonates when it makes contact with anything.

You are in a large tejo hall with your friends and people having beers watching and clapping as the targets explode. To have fun, dance, and even laugh your pants off Tejo promises an entertaining time.

This is one of the activities a tourist must practice while in Bogota Columbia.

20. Admire The International Emerald Museum

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This place is a treasure, where a person is submerged in the world of Colombian emeralds. It is a tastefully designed showroom on the 23rd floor of the Avianca Building and displays emeralds in their natural rough state to classic settings.

When you are finished, you will know how the mining process happens and why Colombian emeralds are so unique. And on top of that it is really beautiful up there!

But, it is a lovely, educational, and entertaining destination for anyone who would like to have a peculiar day in Bogota.

21. Enjoy Nightlife In Zone T (Rose Zone)

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This colorful place has numerous modern bars, superb restaurants, and swinging nightclubs that open after sunset. You can find quiet bars such as El Irish or BBC before you rush onto the dancing floor of the most famous clubs like Mad Radio or El Coq.

The streets are so energetic, and you can easily get into whatever mood you want; to hang out with friends, have fun, and enjoy the night. So gather your friends and go have a good time in any of Bogota's night zones.