Bogotá is the melting pot of Colombia. Bogotá is the capital of and largest city in Colombia. The city is a popular backpacking destination in South America and many travellers visit Bogota solo. However, being mindful of safety is crucial before going. Take all the right measures and precautions.
As a solo traveler, you’re likely to get more attention so it’s important that you portray a sense of confidence when walking around to avoid any unwanted interaction. If possible, stay in one of the social hostels in Bogota and see if you can make a friend or two to explore Bogota with.
It’s worth noting that Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, Cali, and other destinations offer a variety of co-working spaces and accommodations with specific programs developed for more extended stays where remote workers will have unforgettable experiences
Use Hostelmatch to find the best accommodation for you.
Must-do attractions
There is a lot of history, a blossoming art community, an exciting food scene, a wild nightlife, and super welcoming people in Bogota. It is also a huge city with a ton of tours, day trips, and other things to do.
This guide will take you through all the necessary details before planning your next trip.
Do make sure to check out Parque 93, Plaza Bolivar, stroll in the Botanical Gardens, attend Gringo Tuesdays, visit the Gold Museum (Museo del Oro), wander the Usaquen Market, Explore La Candelaria, and climb the iconic Monserrate mount for the best views of Bogota.
Accommodation
For whatever reason you decide to travel by yourself there’s one thing we’re sure of; you’ll want to stay at great hostels. Make sure you know which of Bogota’s neighbourhoods you want to stay in. You don’t want to end up miles away from the things you wanted to explore, (Bogota is very big).
A bed in a dorm can be as cheap as 6€ up to 11€ per night. A private in a Bogota hostel starts from 20€ per night and goes up to 40€ per night.
This is a rough average to give you an idea. Prices always depend on the season and holidays.
Whether you want a party hostel in Bogota, a budget Bogota base, a romantic nest for couples, or the best hostel for solo travellers in Bogota, Hostelmatch helps find great hostels.
Here are a few suggestions when booking
Masaya Hostel - best for Female Solo Traveler
Spotty Hostel - best for Solo Traveler
Viajero Bogota Hostel & Spa - best for Digital Nomads
Extra: Botanico Hostel - best for Couples
To get a customized recommendation based on your unique hostel wish-list, click the button below
Safety & Transportation
Important Safety Tip: When arriving at the Airport, only take official cabs. It is safe and other unofficial cabs might be a scam and over-over-overcharge you.
In Bogota, it is also best to use Uber instead of taxis. There have been many reports of taxi drivers robbing their passengers or scamming them by overcharging them, and sometimes travellers may run safety risks.
Pro Tip: Get A Sim Card – Getting a sim card will not only let you get an Uber anywhere you need from the city, but it can also help you navigate around the city. Knowing your way around the city will help you look more confident and prevent anyone from coming up to you to “help”.
Safety in Bogota drops considerably at night when compared to the day, so it’s important to be vigilant when out and about. It is best to avoid walking around alone at night completely.
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Language
Spanish is the dominant language spoken in Bogota. Most locals don’t speak much English, but despite the language barrier, Bogota is known for having some of the friendliest people. It makes it easy to meet new friends while you are in the city. Colombians are very warm and welcoming people, and having friendly people makes for a fantastic vacation!
Night-life
Nightlife in Bogota is one of the best that the country has to offer, but approach with caution. Do not get too drunk and make sure you are not alone.
With a diverse range of nightlife options, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking to dance the night away in some salsa clubs, enjoy live music, or simply have a few drinks with friends for a chill evening, Bogota has it all.
The Bogotá nightlife scene is primarily centered in the neighborhood known as Zona Rosa or Zona T.
Zona T is a smaller section within Zona Rosa and is located near the Andino shopping mall. This is where you can find a concentration of bars, clubs, and restaurants, making it a popular destination for those looking to experience the city’s nightlife.
Not far north from Zona T, you’ll find the Parque 93 area, a little more upscale with fancy cocktail bars and clubs. Many bars and clubs in Bogotá have a dress code, so it’s a good idea to dress nicely and check the dress code for the specific venue you’re planning to visit.
Another unique place to experience Bogota nightlife is La Candelaria, the historic district of the city. Here, you’ll find a variety of bars and clubs, many of which are housed in beautiful colonial-style buildings. For a truly authentic Colombian experience, head to a traditional salsa club, where you can dance to live music and enjoy a few drinks.
Best time to travel based on Weather
The best time of year to travel to Bogotá is probably during the months of December, January, February and March. These are the months when the weather is driest.
Best time to travel based on Price
October is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight to Bogotá.
Bogota has a lot of rain throughout the year, so make sure to pack a light jacket and an umbrella!
E-Sim
E-Sims are great to get connectivity during your travels without having to worry about local sims and connections. E-sims are much cheaper, easy to activate and do not create a dent in your wallet.
Get the best E-Sim for your next trip with Airalo.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is one of the most important requirements as a traveller. Medical bills, Lost Baggage or cancelled trips are costly and you don't want to be stuck with a huge bill from your travels. Always be prepared with travel insurance and make sure to have one that covers you well.
Safetywing is one of the best travel insurance providers for Digital Nomads and Solo travellers.
Colombian Visa
Lastly, be aware of the Colombian visa rules if you plan to stay in Colombia for more than 90 days. The Colombian Area allows visa-free travel for up to 90 days for American & Canadian citizens. If you wish to stay longer, explore other options like applying for an e-visa or alternating between neighbouring countries.
Food
Colombian food is a blend of indigenous, Caribbean, and European traditions. Bogotá is a great city for foodies, with typical dishes from the city including ajiaco (a creamy soup with 3 types of potatoes, corn, legumes, and chicken) and puchero (a meat stew with root vegetables like yuca, squash, and potato). Of course, like in the rest of the country, tasty street snacks like arepas, tamales, and empanadas are plentiful. Some great restaurants to checkout would be Mesa Franca, Salvo Patria, El Chato, and Prudencia.
The best way to get a sense of the culinary offerings, though, is to take a food tour.
4-Day Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Exploring Historic Bogota
MORNING
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Masa, known for its fresh and flavorful dishes. Afterward, head to La Candelaria (Historic Old Town) to immerse yourself in the city's rich history and admire the colonial architecture. We recommend going with a group! Don't miss a visit to the Gold Museum (Museo del Oro) to learn about Colombia's fascinating gold heritage.
AFTERNOON
Enjoy a traditional Colombian lunch at Leo Cocina y Cava, known for its innovative twists on local cuisine. Afterward, visit the Botero Museum (Museo Botero) to admire the iconic works of renowned Colombian artist Fernando Botero. Take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of La Candelaria and stop by Plaza de Bolivar, the city's main square.
EVENING
Indulge in a gourmet dinner at Criterión, known for its exquisite Colombian cuisine with a modern twist. After dinner, take a scenic walk to the Mirador Torre Colpatria and enjoy panoramic views of Bogota's skyline at night.
Day 2: Salt Cathedral & Monserrate
MORNING
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Harry Sasson, a renowned restaurant known for its fusion of Colombian and international flavors. Then, embark on a day trip to Zipaquira Salt Cathedral (Catedral de Sal), a stunning underground cathedral carved out of a salt mine. Explore the majestic chambers and learn about the history and significance of this unique site.
AFTERNOON
Enjoy a traditional Colombian lunch at El Cielo, a restaurant that offers a gastronomic journey through Colombian flavors. Afterward, take a cable car or hike up Mt. Monserrate (Cerro de Monserrate) for breathtaking views of Bogota. Visit the Nariño Palace (Casa de Nariño), the official residence of the Colombian president, located at the foot of Monserrate.
EVENING
For dinner, head to Andrés Carne de Res, a lively and vibrant restaurant known for its delicious Colombian cuisine and energetic atmosphere. After dinner, explore the bustling nightlife of Bogota's Zona T and enjoy drinks at El Chato, a popular cocktail bar.
Day 3: Visit a Coffee Workshop & Attend the Emerald Museum
MORNING
Start your day with a quick breakfast at Eminente, a cozy cafe known for its freshly brewed coffee. If you're a coffee fan, take it a step further and attend a speciality coffee workshop in Bogota!
AFTERNOON
Enjoy a traditional Colombian lunch at Jacques, a charming restaurant that serves authentic local dishes. Afterward, visit the International Emerald Museum (Museo Internacional de la Esmeralda) to discover the fascinating world of emeralds and learn about Colombia's emerald industry.
EVENING
Head back to Bogota and have dinner at Salvo Patria, a trendy restaurant that offers a modern twist on Colombian cuisine. Afterward, relax and enjoy live music at Gabriel García Márquez Cultural Center, a cultural hub dedicated to the renowned Colombian writer.
Day 4: Cultural Experience and Farewell
MORNING
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at Selva, a cozy cafe known for its healthy and organic options. Then, take a Bogota Bicycle City Tour to explore the city's vibrant neighborhoods and iconic landmarks.
AFTERNOON
Enjoy a delicious lunch at Prudencia Restaurante, a hidden gem that offers a unique culinary experience. Afterward, visit the Bogotá Mint Museum (Museo Casa de la Moneda) to learn about the history of Colombian currency and see a fascinating collection of coins and banknotes.
EVENING
For your final dinner in Bogota, indulge in a culinary journey at Osaka, a renowned restaurant that combines Japanese and Peruvian flavors. After dinner, relax and enjoy the cozy ambiance of Bistro El Engaño, a speakeasy-style bar hidden behind a bookshelf.
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