Places / South America / Colombia
Bogotá
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At a glance
- Country
- Colombia
- Region
- Capital District
- Population
- 7.9 million
- Best time to go
- December to March
- Main airport
- Bogotá El Dorado International (BOG)
- Coordinates
- 4.71°N, 74.07°W
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Overview
Colombia's capital sits on a high plateau in the Andes at around 2,600 metres, hemmed in by green mountains to the east. The altitude keeps it cool all year, with crisp mornings, sudden showers and plenty of sunshine in between.
Bogotá is big, creative and full of surprises. The colonial streets of La Candelaria hold world-class museums and street art, while the north has smart restaurants, and the Andean landscapes beyond the city are easy day trips.
Things to see
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Photo: Mariordo (Mario Roberto Durán Ortiz), CC BY-SA 3.0 Gold Museum
Tens of thousands of pre-Hispanic gold pieces, culminating in a dazzling darkened vault.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Felipe Restrepo Acosta, CC BY-SA 4.0 Monserrate
Ride the cable car or funicular to the hilltop church for a view across the whole sprawling city.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Felipe Ortega Grijalba, CC BY-SA 4.0 La Candelaria
The colonial old town of colourful houses, cobbled lanes, churches and street murals.
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Photo: Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Public domain Museo Botero
Fernando Botero's own art collection, including his rounded figures and works by Picasso and Monet.
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Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 4.0 Plaza de Bolívar
The great main square, framed by the cathedral, Congress and the Palace of Justice.
Things to do
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Photo: Novoaparra, CC BY-SA 3.0 Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá
An underground church carved into a salt mine, an hour or so north of the city.
Find tours -
Photo: - HOGRE -, Public domain Graffiti tour
Walking tours explain the stories and artists behind the huge murals of the old town.
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Photo: Lombana, CC BY-SA 4.0 Ride the Ciclovía
On Sundays and holidays, major roads close to cars and fill with cyclists, runners and skaters.
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Photo: Mauricio Giraldo from Bogotá, Colombia, CC BY-SA 2.0 Eat ajiaco
The city's signature chicken and potato soup, served with capers, cream and avocado.
Where to stay
La Candelaria
Historic and full of hostels and guesthouses, close to museums. Quiet after dark.
Hotels in La CandelariaChapinero
Lively and diverse, with great cafés, bars and restaurants.
Hotels in ChapineroZona G and Zona Rosa
Upmarket areas with the best dining, nightlife and international hotels.
Hotels in Zona G and Zona RosaUsaquén
A former village in the north with colonial charm and a Sunday flea market.
Hotels in Usaquén
Getting around
TransMilenio buses run on dedicated lanes but are very crowded; taxis and ride-hailing apps are convenient. Take it easy for the first day while you adjust to the altitude.
El Dorado airport is around 30 to 45 minutes from the centre by taxi, depending on traffic.
When to go
Bogotá is spring-like all year. December to March and July to August are the drier months, while April to May and October to November bring the most rain.
Plan your trip to Bogotá
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.