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What are the best things to do in Bogota?
Bogota is the vibrant and bustling capital of Colombia and one of the largest cities in South America. From shopping in world-famous markets to exploring ancient monuments, entertainment in Bogota is endless. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway or a family trip, there is sure to be something for everyone in this dazzling city. Here we have collected the 10 best things to do in Bogota that are sure to make your trip memorable.
1. Visit the Gold Museum – Museo del Oro
Located in the heart of downtown, the Museo del Oro is one of the most popular attractions in Bogota. This amazing award winning museum houses an extensive collection of pre-Hispanic gold artifacts. Here, you can explore the cultural artifacts and learn how ancient civilizations used gold in their art and everyday life. Even if you are not a history buff, the collection of incredible sculptures and artifacts will leave you awestruck. The museum has two levels and includes interactive exhibits and audio-visual attractions to make your visit extra interesting.
2. Take a Day Trip to Zipaquirá’s Salt Cathedral
The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá is a must see for anyone visiting Bogota. Located about an hour away from the city, this impressive Roman Catholic church was built inside a 19th century salt mine. The misty atmosphere is incredibly surreal and the carving sculptures inside create awe-inspiring works of art. Every section featured illustrates a different part of Jesus Christ’s journey, from his birth to crucifixion. Despite the church being Roman Catholic, secret tunnels below offer an insight into Jewish and other religious sects.
3. Enjoy Bogota’s Eclectic Nightlife
Bogota has some of the best nightlife spots in South America with plenty of bars, clubs and places to hang out, catering to different crowds. La Macarena district, known as La Zona Rosa (the Pink Zone), is definitely worth a visit if you want to enjoy Bogota’s nightlife to the fullest. Here you can find cozy bars with outdoor seating, salsa clubs, and high end nightclubs with world class DJs tickling the dance floors till late in the night. And if you want something quieter and more romantic, you should visit La Candelaria district, the historic city center with cobble streets surrounded by amazing restaurants and cafés with terraces to enjoy breathtaking views of Bogota.
4. Explore Colombia’s Largest Chinatown – Barrio Santa Fe
Barrio Santa Fe or Colombia’s largest Chinatown is also a must visit destination in Bogota. Here you can find typical stores selling traditional Chinese products such as tea shops or Chinese restaurants, along with Colombian bakeries and queer cafes where you can try Colombian food with a twist. This fascinating place also houses ethnic temples, like Buddha’s Temple and the largest Taoist temple in South America, Janjiang Temple. Additionally, Barrio Santa Fe also offers activities like karaoke nights and open-air tango classes if you want to join the locals and take part in the cultural events hosted here.
5. Visit Monserrate Hill
Monserrate Hill is one of the principle attractions of Bogota and offers incredible views of the city’s skyline. At 3152m high, a cable car or funicular will transport you up the hill, where you can find a 17th Century church that celebrated its 300th anniversary in 2020. Admission to Monserrate Hill offers access to two stunning natural spots, sunset views, playgrounds, souvenir shops, restaurants and even an indoor food market with traditional Colombian dishes.
6. Nutibara Hill
Termed Bogota’s Magic Mountain, Nutibara Hill is another must see destination. At just 1336m high, this hill has several interesting attractions like an open-air amphitheater that presents actors playing local legends, theaters that project classic films, old school cafes as well as several colonial styled churches dating back to centuries ago. It’s a great way to explore Bogota’s history and culture through engaging activities.
7. Catch a Glimpse of Unique Art at Museo Botero
Founded by one of Colombia’s most beloved artists- Fernando Botero, the Museo Botero is the perfect spot for a cultural experience. The museum houses some of his best works including sketches, paintings and sculptures alongside works from renowned international masters like Monet, Renoir and Picasso. The museum also a number of other temporary exhibitions that artists from different parts of the world exhibit throughout the year so it’s worth checking out for sure!
8. Step into La Candelaria Historic Center
Declared as Colombia’s Nobel Square, La Candelaria Historic Center is home to some of Bogota’s oldest colonial buildings with cobblestone streets, churches and historical monuments that are worth seeing at least once on your trip. Here you will also find some top class museums like Museo del Oro as well as boutique shops selling unique art deco and furniture pieces that might interest art lovers. Additionally, La Candelaria hosts several fantastic restaurants which unfortunately remain hidden from sight until one starts exploring this area on foot!
9. Take a Look at Maloka Science Museum
Maloka Science Museum is another great spot to explore some scientific innovations along with interactive experiments that use magnetism, lasers and optics enabling kids to have some fun while learning about science. The museum houses eight sections dedicated to general sciences like geography and biology as well as astronomy and technology offering visitors plenty of choices to check out!
10. Indulge Yourself In Shopping at Hípico CESC El Salitre
Hípico CESC El Salitre is an open-air market located ten minutes away from downtown Bogota. It’s crowded with thousands of locals shopping their day-to-day necessities like flowers, fruits and vegetables but it also caters to entertainment necessities too! Here you can find freshly made empanadas and other traditional Colombian dishes as well as booths selling inflatable toys and clothes with national symbols like frijolanas (bean slippers) that look great as souvenirs too!
Conclusion
Whether it’s history or culture or simply enjoying unique shopping spots that make your trip memorable, Bogota has something for everyone. From its lively nightlife to interactive museums and many amazing natural sights there’s always something exciting waiting for you here! We hope our guide will help you plan a truly exciting trip for your next vacation in Bogota! For more information about tourist activities in Bogota check out TripAdvisor.
