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Ultimate Bogotá Travel Guide: Best Places to Stay, Eat & Stay Safe
From a Former "Rolo-Gringo"...
CT Dool
March 05, 2025 • Read Time: 12 minutes
Welcome to the Colombian capital—booming, bustling, beautiful Bogotá.
I spent time living in Bogotá… and loved it (despite what every Colombian outside the capital will tell you).
Thing is, Bogotá gets a bad wrap in the other cities. Don’t believe the hype…
Bogotá, like most mega-cities, is entirely different depending on what part you’re in.
At times, it’s calm, pleasant, and safe—at others, it can be downright dangerous.
Table of Contents
Let’s jump into the expert guide, from someone who lived there, to get you sorted on safety, the areas to go (and avoid), and the real list of cool things to do.
[This guide is part of our Colombian series—check out the Ultimate Colombia Travel Guide if you’re planning to see more of the country.]
Best Time to Visit Bogotá
Bogotá towers above most of the world’s capital cities—seated at 9,000 feet (2700m) above sea level.
It’s blessed with a mild (albeit cool, at-times chilly) climate year-round.
Almost no variation in temperature throughout the year. (F° vs. C° is less important here—we simply demonstrate the consistency)
Bogotá has probably my favorite weather. But keep in mind I’m from a swamp and go nuts for a crisp breeze…
Northern Europeans coming out of a 8-month depression of a winter seeking beach and sun may not agree.
Reason being… Bogotá is notorious for it’s overcast days and rain—in certain months.
While Bogotá has almost no variation in temperature month-to-month, it varies drastically in terms of clouds and rain.
They key is to go in the good months, when the sun is shining all day, erryday.
Best time to visit Bogotá—dry season:
July to September
December to March
Outside of these windows, you’re risking enduring a lot of rain and clouds. If you love cool, rainy weather, then that might be the move…
A nice day in Bogotá
I was in Bogotá from July to October, and I kid you not, it was sunny and beautiful nearly every day.
The mix of a strong tropical sun plus the altitude’s perpetually-crisp breeze made walking around quite enjoyable.
Regardless of when you visit Bogotá, bring a light/rain jacket for nighttime, mornings, and sudden downpours.
Is Bogotá Safe for Tourists?
Short answer… yes. Long answer…
[I strongly recommend reading the Rules for Staying Safe in LatAm before traveling to Colombia.]
Safety in Bogotá is a common concern for travelers, and while the city has improved significantly in recent years, it still requires street smarts.
You hear countless stories of robberies, and upon asking any Colombian about the city, they’ll casually respond:
“Ah yeah they rob a lot there.”
‘Tis true. Robbery happens, unfortunately fairly often, but you can avoid it…
Tips to Stay Safe in Bogotá
Stick to well-trafficked areas…
Like Zona T, Chapinero, and La Candelaria (La Candelaria can get a bit dodgy after dark).
Other dodgy areas to avoid—Ciudad Bolivar, Bosa, San Cristóbal, Soacha. You will not accidentally find yourself here, so it’s unlikely these places present an issue.Use ride-hailing apps like DiDi or Uber instead of hailing street taxis.
Avoid displaying valuables anywhere—but especially downtown (Centro), La Candelaria, and in bus terminals or TransMilenio stations.
Do not walk alone at night, always grab an Uber. Here’s something I encountered while walking solo at night.
With proper precautions, Bogotá is safe for tourists.
Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Bogotá
Your choice of neighborhood can make or break your experience in Bogotá. Here are the top picks:
Overall Best, Ideal for Luxury Travelers (Budget Options Too): Zona T / Parque 93
Probably Bogotá’s safest area. It’s best for upscale dining and nightlife. We’ll get into the various nightlife options later, under “Things To Do.”
I stayed here many a night, and always felt safe.
Best for Laid-Back Travelers Who Enjoy Their Peace: Usaquén
A bit more out of the way—it will be quite a ride (about an hour) to go do stuff downtown from here. But…
It’s much quieter, safer, and residential than most of the city.
I settled in Usaquén, and loved it. I identify with the “laid-back, enjoys peace”…
Best Location-Wise and for Trendy Cafes: Chapinero
The best location geographically. This puts you in between downtown and the northern neighborhoods.
Plus, Chapinero is badass—it’s hipster, local, and full of Bogotá’s best restaurants and cafes.
Before booking an Airbnb here, make sure you’re not next to a nightclub and read reviews carefully, checking for words like “noise” or “quiet”.
Thank me later.
Best for Backpackers and First-Time Visitors: La Candelaria
Colorful and vibrant, plus mountain views
Classic Colombia. Cultural and simply cool… a must for first-time visitors.
The historic district, filled with colonial streets and colorful buildings, is honestly best for backpackers.
If you don’t stay here, you’ve got to at least visit during the day.
If you’re looking to meet travelers, try a salsa class, buy some cool (and cheap) stuff on La Septima (Carrera 7), and climb Monserrate, then this is your neighborhood.
Best Places to Stay in Bogotá
Here are some of the best hotels in Bogotá, catering to different budgets:
Luxury Hotels Bogotá
Four Seasons Hotel Bogotá ($$$) - 5-star experience in Zona T, top-tier service.
Grand Hyatt Bogotá ($$) - Modern luxury with stunning city views.
JW Marriott Bogotá ($$) - Classic elegance, perfect for business travelers.
Mid-Range & Boutique Hotels
Bioxury Hotel ($$) - Eco-friendly boutique hotel in Zona T.
Casa Legado ($$) - A stylish and personalized boutique stay in Chapinero.
Click Clack Hotel ($$) - Trendy design, perfect for digital nomads.
Budget Stays
Selina Bogotá ($) - Great for backpackers with coworking spaces. It’s got one of the best locations in the city—right off of Parque de la 93.
Botanico Hostel ($) - A cozy, affordable stay in La Candelaria.
Best Things to Do In Bogotá
Whether you’re looking to get into nature, relax in a park, sip amazing coffee, or party your face off…
Bogotá has something for everyone.
Top Experience: Monserrate
My (not so good) sunset photo, descending Monserrate
Three ways to get up that bad boy:
Teleferico: most exhilerating way—the air-born cabin that hoists you up the mountain.
Funicular: less sketch but still cool—the grounded cable cars.
By foot—pretty steep but paved, takes about an hour or more.
The teleferico and funicular each cost 32.000 pesos ($7.75) round-trip.
Best time to go: for sunset. Bring a jacket.
Explore La Candelaria, the Historic District
Walk around, eat ajiaco, go to Plaza de Bolívar, maybe pet an alpaca…
Walk down the 7 (La Septima)
You can find anything on this open-air, street-long market. If nothing else, it’s great people watching. Interesting cats around these parts…
Sip delicious coffee at Cafe Azahar
Controversial opinion, but this place has the best tinto (filtered coffee) around.
This is a nice, upscale spot where you’ll see lots of foreigners and Colombians alike. Excellent coffee and great food.
Pro tip: get a tinto and an almond croissant. Thank me later.
Nightlife and shopping in Zona T
Want to see some of the fanciest stores and people in Colombia? Head to Centro Comercial (mall) Andino.
Beforehand, grab a coffee at Colo Coffee. Or, a proper Colombian spot, Juan Valdez.
Bars and clubs are endless ‘round these parts.
Whether you’re:
Hitting Gringo Tuesdays to practice Spanish and meet people
Shooting your shot at Mono Bandido (a mind-blowing concept of a bar where you pass notes as a secret admirer via napkins and waiters)
Or going to one of many reggeaton clubs to perrear…
There’s something for everyone.
Best Salsa Classes in Bogotá
You’re in Colombia, fam, you gotta dance…
While Bogotá prides itself on being serious and less loose than its coastal or Cali compatriots, you’ll still find plenty of dancing here.
Finding places online is difficult. I’ve saved you the hassle and given you my list, built over months:
Zafra
Sandungera
Dance in Motion
La Suculenta
Son de Habana
Salsa Camara
If you’re already experienced or you just want to send it and go to a proper salsa club (not a class)… I recommend Salsa Camara.
Bogotá’s Top Restaurants
Bogotá has an exciting food scene, blending Colombian flavors with international influences.
Most cities and towns in this country unfortunately miss the mark on food.
I say this having traveled Colombia extensively and lived in different regions.
Bogotá, however, knows food.
Here are some of the best spots:
Traditional Colombian Cuisine
Andrés Carne de Res - The most famous steakhouse. I was a nerd and got the salmon instead of the famous steak—not a day passes that I don’t regret this awful decision.
La Puerta Falsa - Bogotá’s oldest restaurant, famous for ajiaco.
Misia by Leo Espinosa - Traditional Colombian dishes with a modern twist.
Veggie Beans and Shakes - all vegan, Colombian-inspired dishes. While I’m no vegan, this place had me rethinking that… with some of the best flavors I’ve ever had in Colombia.
Fine Dining
Leo - Latin America’s best-ranked restaurant (Michelin-star level).
Harry Sasson - Upscale Colombian fusion with excellent seafood.
El Chato - Contemporary Colombian cuisine, ranked among the world's best.
International Flavors
Gordo - New York-style burgers and cocktails.
La Cabrera - Argentine steakhouse with premium cuts.
Prudencia - Fusion tasting menu with a farm-to-table focus.
You will generally find Colombia’s best international food in Bogotá.
Go all in on Colombian cuisine, but for when you get tired of it, it’s nice to have options.
Where to Next—Medellín, the Coffee Region, the Coast?
Check out our expert guides on Medellín, the Coffee Region, and Cartagena and the Coast.
Going to Bogotá? DM me on Instagram for any questions, I’m happy to help.
Bogotá is a dynamic city with something for every traveler.
With the right precautions, you can safely explore this beautiful city—it’s well worth it.
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To your growth and travels,
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