Bogota – What Are the Must-See Sights?

Bogota is the capital city of Colombia and is home to some of the most iconic landmarks and sights in the country. With its mix of colonial history and vibrant culture, Bogota offers visitors a unique experience that is hard to find anywhere else. In this article, we will take a comprehensive look at some of the must-see sights in Bogota and why you should visit them.

Gold Museum

One of the most popular attractions in Bogota is the Gold Museum. Located on the second floor of the Casa Moneda, the Gold Museum houses thousands of gold artifacts from Colombia’s past. From pre-Columbian pieces to colonial coins, visitors will get an incredible overview of Colombia’s amazing history.Visitors can explore thousands of objects, including walking sticks and jewelry, made out of gold and other precious materials. Additionally, the museum also houses a variety of ancient tools, pottery, and even skeletons. For those looking to experience the sheer beauty and craftsmanship of Colombia’s long history, the Gold Museum should definitely be on your list.

Bolivar Square

Next on our list is Bolivar Square, or Plaza Bolívar, located in the heart of Bogota. Bolivar Square has been the center of Bogota’s main civic scene since independence, and it is now a must-see for any visitor to Bogota. The square features a large bronze statue of the revolutionary leader Simon Bolivar along with two other monuments dedicated to other revolutionary leaders of Colombia. The area is surrounded by a variety of impressive colonial buildings and churches that offer a glimpse into Bogota’s historic past. Additionally, on weekends, the area often hosts a variety of festivals and cultural events that you can attend and experience a unique flavor of Colombian culture.

La Candelaria

No visit to Bogota is complete without a trip to La Candelaria. This vibrant part of Bogota is home to a variety of cobbled streets, plazas, and churches that offer an incredible insight into Colombia’s colonial past. La Candelaria is also home to the iconic Plaza de Bolívar, where visitors can explore the city’s rich history and get to know some of its most remarkable landmarks, such as the Cathedral Primada de Colombia and the Primate Chapel. Another great sight to take in is La Cuidad Bolívar – an old Spanish fort which offers an amazing view over the city. La Candelaria also imbues visitors with an amazing nightlife scene – spectacular bars, restaurants and cafes can be found everywhere. On top of it all, the area is also renowned for its incredible street art, which lines some of its colorful walls and makes for great photography opportunities should you be visiting Bogota.

Monserrate

The last must-see sight in Bogota is Monserrate. Sitting atop one of Bogota’s highest hills at 3152 meters above sea level, Monserrate offers spectacular views of both the city skyline and surrounding Andean Mountains. To get there, visitors have the opportunity to ride a funicular up the mountain or to take a tram that runs all year round during daylight hours. Once at the top, visitors can explore stunning vistas overlooking much of Bogota as well as visit a number of colonial churches set against picturesque terrains. Moreover there are also many points you can trek or hike up to reach many different lookouts over bogota as well as access to natural pools where you can potentially swim should you so choose.

Conclusion

The sights listed above are only a few of the many amazing places to visit in Bogota. From iconic monuments like Bolivar Square to the vibrant nightlife scene located in La Candelaria, there is something for everyone in this amazing city. For more information about Bogota and other Colombian destinations, Lonely Planet’s travel guide is an excellent source for all kinds of tourist related information.

Bogota – An Insider’s Guide

If you are looking for an offbeat and exciting travel destination, Bogota, the capital of Colombia, is an excellent choice. While there are plenty of well-known tourist spots in the city, this insider’s guide will take you on a journey beyond the conventional and will introduce you to some hidden gems, culinary delights, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions that will make your trip unforgettable.

Local Attractions

While La Candelaria, the old town, is a must-visit spot, and so is Montserrate, the famous hilltop peak offering a panoramic view of the city, there are many other places you should check out. Explore the street art of the city by taking a Graffiti tour – you’ll get a unique glimpse of local life through the art that dots the city. Visit the Usaquén Flea Market for a lively shopping experience and some delicious street food. The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá is a fascinating underground cathedral carved out of salt mines that is worth seeing.

Dining Spots

Colombian cuisine is a treat for food enthusiasts – the flavors and spices are distinctive and vibrant. For fantastic traditional Colombian food head to “Andrés Carne de Res” where the ambiance is as lively as the food is delish. Alternatively, “La Puerta Falsa” is a favorite spot for breakfast, especially their famous hot chocolate and cheese bread. The Mercado Paloquemao is an open-air market where you can pick up fresh produce and try some local street food, including the exotic fruits of Colombia.

Cultural Experiences

Bogota is a city with a rich cultural and artistic history, and there are plenty of ways to soak in the vibes. If you enjoy classical music, attend a performance by the Bogota Philharmonic Orchestra at Teatro Colon, built-in 1895, and considered a national heritage site. Visit the Casa de la Moneda Museum, which showcases the history and art of Colombian currency. For a more immersive experience, try a traditional Colombian dance class or take a coffee plantation tour to learn about Colombia’s most famous export.

Local History

Bogota’s past is fascinating, and there is no better way to understand it than through its stories. The Gold Museum, locally known as Museo del Oro, is the best place to begin exploring Colombia’s pre-Columbian history, with over 55,000 gold artifacts and pieces of pottery on display. For a more recent history lesson, head to Museo Casa de la Memoria, which is a moving memorial to the victims of the country’s long civil war, focusing on the healing and reconciliation process.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

For a unique experience, take a bike tour through the city’s neighborhoods, visit a local brewery for a craft beer tasting, or take a hot air balloon ride to see the city from above. You could also get in touch with “Bogotá Walks”, which offers community tours that provide insights into the city’s neighborhoods while supporting local businesses.

Bogotá presents an amalgamation of history, culture, and beauty. This insider’s guide hopes to offer ways to experience the city from different angles, however, be open to venturing out and exploring on your own to discover the charming surprises this amazing city has to offer.