Monserrate

The culture and character of Bogota is heavily influenced by the massive mountain peak overlooking the city called Monserrate (mon-sayr-a-tay). Rising 10,341 feet above sea level, this is a seriously tall mountain peak. If you feel some shortness of breath and fatigue due to the thinner oxygen at high-altitude, don’t be alarmed, just make sure to drink lots of water and go at a leisurely pace.  

If you’re up to the challenge, there are a few ways to get up and down. For the fit and adventurous, you can climb to the top in approximately 90 minutes. But for the rest of us there is the aerial tramway, aka teleférico, which is simply one of the best ways to see the city.

Tickets run from 14,000 to 23,500 pesos (2.86-4.80$) and can be purchased at the ticket office at the base of Monserrate or ahead of time online here. When you arrive at the top of the mountain, you’ll find a beautiful 17th century church and a shrine dedicated to El Señor Caído (The Fallen Lord). 

The extreme altitude got you feeling hungry? There are plenty of great restaurants to choose from: Casa San Isidro, Santa Clara Home Restaurant and Monserrate Grill. And If you’re looking for souvenirs there are plenty of shops and stalls at the Monserrate Bazaar. 

The mile-high capital city of Colombia is host to a variety of incredible restaurants, bars, museum and parks. Bogotá is much bigger than you might expect. It is home to over 7 million people, making it closer in magnitude to mega cities like New York City and Mexico City.

All around Bogotá you’ll find interesting places to visit; from the mountain peaks of Monserrate to the gastronomic playground of the Zona G neighborhood.

Below are some of the most attractive and budget friendly tourist spots in Bogota that you definitely do not want to miss.

The Botero Museum

If you’re an art lover you simply can’t miss this museum located in the heart of La Candelaria district in downtown Bogota. The Botero Museum is named after painter and sculptor Fernando Botero, the most renowned Colombian artist of all time. This (FREE!) museum exhibits over 200 of the best paintings and sculptures from Botero himself and from other internationally famous artists. The huge assortment of works was donated from Botero's own art collection. So, you’ll have the opportunity to see the work's by Salvador Dali, Willem De Kooning, Chuck Close, Alejandro Obregón, Gregorio Vázquez de Arce y Ceballos, and many others.

You’ll find the museum on Calle 11, just a few blocks east of Plaza Bolivar. The museum is open Monday from 9am to 7pm, Wednesday from 9am to 7pm and Sunday from 10am to 5pm. The museum is closed on Tuesdays. Last admission is one hour before close. Keep in mind that the hours may change at any time. So, make sure to check the hours before making the journey to the museum. 

Plaza Bolivar

Plaza Bolivar is the historic main square of Bogotá and dates back to 1539. It’s one of the main attractions of the La Candelaria neighborhood. In the main plaza you’ll find a statue of the plaza’s namesake, political leader Simón José Antonio de la Santísima Trinidad Bolívar y Ponte Palacios y Blanco- that's a mouthful!

All around the plaza there are vendors selling fruits, juices and other street foods as well as a variety of street performers. There are llama rides for the kids and plenty of souvenir shops to browse along the streets bordering the plaza. For dinner, make sure to stop at the famed La Puerta Falsa for some typical Colombian dishes. Don’t forget to try the cheesy hot chocolate!

The beautiful, sprawling plaza is bordered by Calle 10 in the south and Calle 11 in the north and Carrera 7 and Carrera 8 in the east and west. It covers an area of approximately 13,903 square meters (149,650 sq ft) and features many important civic buildings, like the Palace of Justice and the National Capital building. 

Be sure to take extra precaution in this area with your personal items. Carefully guard wallets, phones, other expensive belongings as it does get super crowded and pickpockets are around.

Zona G: Bogotá’s Gourmet District

Foodies take note; Zona G is the place to be! In fact, the “G” in Zona G stands for “Gourmet.” The area is jam packed with great restaurants and a variety of high-end shopping with a hip urban vibe. In addition to great food, you’ll find bohemian cafes, bars, breweries and trendy boutique shops.

Zona G is a great, safe neighborhood to stay in. If you decide to stay nearby, getting around the neighborhood is simple, all the best options for food and drink are within a few minutes walk.

Some of the can’t-miss restaurants are: Cantina y Punto (Mexican), Masa 70 (Brunch/Breakfast), La Fama (Barbecue) and Leo Restaurant (Gastronomy).

While there are some affordable options in the area, restaurants here can be on the pricey side, so if you’re looking for cheap eats stay to the west of Carrera 7 where you’ll find the more budget friendly options. 

Bogotá is a city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity. From the historic La Candelaria neighborhood to the lively street art scene, you’ll find something to love. The city's diverse food options and nightlife are also not to be missed. While Bogotá can be overwhelming at times due to its size and pace, taking the time to explore its different neighborhoods and experiencing its vibrant culture is well worth the effort. Whether you're a history buff, foodie, or just looking for a new adventure, Bogotá is a city that you just can’t miss.

Photo by Michael Schmid on Unsplash