It was not that long ago that Bogota was a city off limits to most people. In fact today only the travel savvy consider visiting Colombia’s capital, knowing that the dangerous days are long gone and a modern, cultural and invigorating city awaits those willing to venture there.
I reached Bogota on an overnight bus from Salento, an 8 hour ride accross mountains and valleys that offers spectacular views during the day. In fact most travelers choose this option, but if time is an issue or you’ve already had your share of bus riding in Colombia it really doesn’t matter that much.
Regardless of how your reach Bogota, to keep things on the easy side you might want to book an overland transfer from the airport or bus station with services like bookaway.com . You will have one less thing to worry about and have your transfer at perhaps the best price possible.
I must admit that I didn’t expect Bogota to be as clean, modern, historical and visitor friendly as it is. Many of the buildings have nothing to do with the un-classy concrete structures that abound in so many large South America cities.
People walk comfortably anywhere and everywhere, oblivious to the pick- pockets, assaults and theft most people in the world believe is present. I was happy to see many backpackers were also enjoying the city’s splendor, pulling out maps or asking questions to anyone knowing that Bogotanos (not Bogoteños) are happy and helpful people willing to make life easy on visitors.
I saw plenty of hotels and some pensions, but cannot say much about accommodation because I stayed at the house of a freind’s friend: Wolf, a cool, happy go lucky guy from Cali who had recently moved to Bogota.
It is relatively easy to move inside the city, both walking or by bus. However, although buses do go everywhere in the city, the system is quite confusing and I strongly recommend you ask for the correct bus number that will take you to your destination.
Armed with a good map (free in any hotel), my Nikon D90 and some water I made my way to the “centro historico” (historical center) and straight to the tourist info site. These well organize sites have all the information you need AND give free guided tours of Bogota’s historical center. Try beating that!
Tips for visiting Bogota
- When about to hop on a bus ask the driver if it is indeed going where you want to go
- Join one of the FREE GUIDED TOURS of the historical center
- The Museo del Oro (gold museum) is one of the best in the world. Consider visiting it
- Bogota is very safe (check these Colombia safe travel tips) during the day and early night, but walking alone after 11 pm or midnight is not recommended.
The tours are given by military personnel who offer their time for free. They last about one hour and take you around the main historical buildings in the area and inform about nearby museums (some free like the coin museum or that of well known painter Botero) to be visited. It’s a very interesting walk and one I highly recommend; it is a free opportunity not to be missed.
During the tour I met Adriana, a Venezuelan who was visiting the city while her friend was doing some business. Once the tour was over we visited the free museums and shared a cab to the cable car where we met her male friends and visited Monserrate (a basilica set on Moserrate hill that overlooks Bogota) while enjoying beautiful views of the sunset.
They decided to enjoy dinner at a great restaurant there is, but it was out of my budget and I made my way back down. The breathtaking views confirmed that Bogota is one of the finest cities in South America and should be at the top of any traveler’s list.
That night I had a great dinner with Wolf and we went to sleep right after because he had to work the following day and I would be visiting the world’s only salt cathedral (read my post on the Catedral de Sal in Zipaquira) and make my way to one of Colombia’s most popular yet charming villages (read Villa de Leyva).
I have to say that Bogota has been one of the most gratifying surprises of my travels around the world. Despite knowing that the days of theft, violence and decadence were long gone I had never expected to find such a modern, safe, historical and easy going city. Sure, I did not venture into the streets during the wee hours of the morning, but why would I take any unnecessary risks and leave with any other feeling?
There’s plenty to visit during the day, sunset from the Cerro de Monserrate is awesome, nightlife is vibrant and Bogoteños are superb and friendly people…what else can you ask for? Make sure you give yourself a few days to spend in Bogota when visitng Colombia!
Have you been in Bogota? Were you as surprised as I was to find such a cool city? Share your thoughts, and this post too if you liked it!
“bogoteño”… Bogotano!!!!
You are right, my bad…and will correct!
What unbelievably awesome pics! Very beautiful there!
It’s so easy to take great pics there, really!
Glad to see you enjoyed my adopted city!
I did indeed Jeff, it was a pleasant surprise which I enjoyed all the way!
Federico, com todo o respeito voce tem cara de pegador 🙂
Um abraço !
Monica
Oi Monica!
Que e um pegador? Um abraço
Federico
Terrific article! I love that 3rd photo–it almost looks like a Hollywood backdrop, the way the street goes up and up into the hills, it really plays with your sense of depth perception. 🙂
Thanks Gray! The picture was taken at Plaza de Bolivar, smack in the historical center of Bogota. It’s a great place where to sit anywhere and simply watch people walk by.
Federico
it’s nicely surprising to me to hear about how traveler-friendly and most of all how charming is this city. to be honest, I met few years ago, while living in London, a girl from Bogota that mentioned how rough it was even for locals to go around town so since then I never took interest for this city but you show me a new side of Bogota, thanks for that.
Hi Marta
Bogota was probably something like the wild west until several years ago, but while I was there I had the chance to walk around comfortably and see many things without feeling any danger. I highly recommend this city as one of the most interesting in all South America.
I am glad you liked it so much! For sure it is a beautiful place!
I am prone to believe that you have been there…maybe even are from there? 😉