If you are planning your trip to Colombia, don’t miss out on these amazing things to do in Bogotá. As I wrote recently, Colombia is a incredible country absolutely worth adding to your travel bucket list. I am especially fond of Bogotá and enjoy all the city has to offer so much that I returned for a second visit.
While there are many things to do in Bogotá, here are 11 must do activities to get you started with you Bogotá, Colombia trip planning.
At a Glance
Things to do in Bogotá, Colombia
Bogotá, Colombia is a lively city nestled in the Cerros Orientales, or the Eastern Hills of the Colombian Andes. Despite sitting at 8,660 feet (2,640 meters) of elevation, Bogotá is well known as a bicycle and pedestrian friendly city.
Filled with high quality museums, a variety of historic architectural styles, friendly people, delicious food, amazing coffee, a beautiful mountain views, Bogotá has plenty to keep you busy for as long as you would like to stay. To get you started on your trip planning, below I have listed my top 11 things to do in Bogotá.
1- Take a cooking class
One of my favorite things to do in Bogotá, and one I would highly suggest to anyone, is to take a cooking class. I chose a cooking class with Esperanza via airbnb experience. I can attest that her 5 star reviews are justified. I enjoyed her company as much as I did learning to cook Colombian cuisine and trying the many dishes we prepared.
2- Visit museums
Bogotá has many amazing museums. Some of favorites include:
- Museo Nacional de Colombia
- Botero museum
- Museo de la Independencia Casa del Florero
- Museum of Modern Arte of Bogotá (MAMBO)
- Dirección de Patrimonio Cultural (part of the National University of Colombia)
Two of the most popular museums, that I have yet to visit, are the Museo del Oro, or the Gold Museum, and the Museo Internacional de la Esmeralda, or the Emerald Museum. The Museo del Oro (Gold Museum) should be a must do on your list of things to do in Bogotá. I look forward to visiting when I return next year.
3- Enjoy the coffee shops
If you love coffee, you will love Bogotá. During my second trip to Colombia, when I spent a week in Bogotá, I decided to try a different coffee shop each morning. Coffee is well known to be amazing in Colombia and Bogotá is no exception. I found that each coffee shop had its own unique, inviting atmosphere. Enjoying a coffee each morning in a different coffee shop was a highlight of my trip.
A few of the coffee shops I visited were Azahar Café, Libertario Coffee Roasters, Xue Café, and Café Cultor.
4- Enjoy the architecture in La Plaza de Bolivar
In La Plaza de Bolivar, you will find three different styles of architecture. My Spanish teacher,* who has a Bachelor’s degree in architecture and a Master’s degree in conservation and restoration, explained the different architectural styles both in and around the plaza as we walked around. The plaza has important historical significance for the country and the city. It is home to the National Capitol, Primatial Catedral, and what was described to me as city hall. *Link to my teacher is my italki referral link.
5- Take a Spanish class
If you are looking for unique things to do in Bogotá, I suggest taking a Spanish class, even if you don’t speak any Spanish. I signed up for Spanish classes through Learn More Than Spanish and was so pleased with the professionalism of the school staff and the quality of instruction from my teacher. The added bonus is that you can request your class to be taken to the streets where you get to practice in real time while experiencing the city with a local.
My teacher from Learn More Than Spanish taught me so much about the city as we walked around and explored. The experience was as the name of school implies, you do in fact learn much more than Spanish. Taking Spanish lessons with this school was one my favorite things to do in Bogotá and, again, I highly recommend it.
6- Try chicha
This kombucha-like, beverage was originally crafted and consumed by indigenous populations in the Andes. It has become especially popular in the Plazoleta Chorro de Quevedo, near the La Plaza de Bolivar, in the Candelaria neighborhood.
The drink was quite interesting and I rather enjoyed it. It may not be for everyone but it is worth trying while enjoying this charming and historic part of the city.
7- Visit Monserrate
Monserrate is one the most popular things to do in Bogotá. You can hike, take the cablecar, or the furnicular to the top of this mountain. As there is a church and a shrine at the top, Monserrate was especially popular during the week of Easter which fell during one of my visits. The views of and from Monserrate are not to be missed.
8- Participate in ciclovia on Sunday
Bogotá is famous for its city design incorporating safe passage for bicyclists and pedestrians. In the middle of some of the major thoroughfares, there are lanes protected by fences and garnished with live, green vegetation that are exclusively dedicated to non-motorized vehicles.
On Sundays, however, there are entire blocks shut down for part of the day so that residents can exercise without the safety concerns or added pollution of passing vehicles. While I didn’t bike, I did enjoy walking. There were bicyclists, runners, walkers, people with strollers, and people of all ages enjoying the closed streets. What a model for other cities to consider in their long term plans.
9- Stroll Paloquemao
Strolling along Paloquemao was another activity that ranks high on the fun things to do in Bogotá list. Colombia is one of the major exporters of fresh flowers and Paloquemao is evidence of that. After admiring the incredible displays of fresh flowers and flower arrangements outside, I walked around the inside market where anything from fresh seafood, meat, fruits, to impressive handicrafts were for sale.
This would be a great place to buy souvenirs for your loved ones. It is also a great place to relax and enjoy a meal, a snack, a coffee, or a fresh juice. I enjoyed all of these things in Paloquemao.
10- Sample the delicious cuisine
If you read my post about Mexico City, you know I love to eat. The food is delicious so naturally, sampling the local dishes is high on my list of recommended things to do in Bogotá, I loved trying the variety of dishes, fruits, breads, and cuisine. From unique combinations like hot cocoa and cheese (mixed together) to amasijos, which I believe is an umbrella term for breads, you will not leave Bogotá, Colombia hungry.
One of the top places recommended by my teacher for trying the delicious and varied cuisine is the Plaza de Mercado Perseverancia. The Plaza de Mercado Perseverancia is somewhat of a farmers market in that there are small stalls with food and goods and cafeteria style dining areas.
11- Shop for handmade souvenirs
If you love surprising loved ones with quality souvenirs from your travels and/or enjoy a souvenir for yourself, you need to add shopping for handicrafts to your list of things to do in Bogotá.
Colombia is known for many types handicrafts, but one of my favorites is the Wayúu bag or satchel. While I purchased Wayúu bags as gifts for others, I purchased a poem for myself from the gentleman below. I would recommend souvenir shopping for these items in either Paloquemao or in the streets near La Plaza de Bolivar.
Conclusion
I hope this list of 11 things to do in Bogotá helps inspire your trip planning. Bogotá is a lovely city filled with so many kind people, delicious foods, impressive museum collections, all surrounded by the beautiful Andes mountains. While there are many other things to do in Bogotá, this list should serve as a great starting point for your planning.
What did you do in Bogotá?
If you have been, what is your recommended list of things to do in Bogotá?
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