Bogota, the Colombian capital, is perched at an elevation of more than 2,500 meters (8,000 feet) above sea level. Bogota is far bigger than most people realize; it’s on par with major cities like New York and Mexico City in terms of population density. Bogota has plenty of interesting places to see. Some of the best tourist spots in Bogota are the ancient district of La Candelaria and the breathtaking vistas from the summit of the Cerro de Monserrate.
10. Museo Santa Clara
A stunning view of the Santa Clara Church in Bogota, Colombia. Image source: OSTILL is Franck Camhi/Shutterstock.com
The interior of Santa Clara is one of the most lavishly ornamented in all of Colombia, and it is also one of the oldest churches in the country. The church was constructed over the course of 50 years in the 17th century, and it boasts elaborate design elements such as a gold floral theme on the barrel vault ceiling and approximately 150 statues and paintings of saints. The Colombian government has acquired the church and turned it into a museum. The Museo Santa Clara is an absolute must-see if you ever find yourself in Bogota.
9. Parque 93
A scenic park in Bogota, Colombia. Image source: Juan Camilo Jaramillo/Shutterstock.com
Parque 93 may be found in the northern Bogota neighborhood of Chapinero. This area, also known as Parque de la 93, is widely regarded as Bogota’s premier eating and entertainment destination. During the day, you may take in the views, go for a walk, or simply relax in the park itself at Parque 93. Festivals celebrating music and the visual arts are held often in the park, and there are also several permanent and temporary displays of public art. It’s a terrific spot to grab a drink and meet people from all over the world, as both residents and visitors flock to the area’s hip bars and clubs after the sun goes down.
8. Iglesia de San Francisco
A stunning view of the Iglesia de San Francisco in Colombia. Image source: Novide/Shutterstock.com
The Iglesia de San Francisco is a significant religious site in Bogota. The church, which was constructed between 1557 and 1621, is the city’s oldest surviving religious structure. The Iglesia de San Francisco is a popular tourist destination because of its proximity to the world-famous Museum of Gold. It seems more like a Christian art museum than a church, with all the elaborate paintings and sculptures that adorn the walls. The 17th-century altarpiece is a work of art, plated in gold and embellished with exquisite details that are worth taking the time to appreciate.
7. Jardin Botanico de Bogota
A view of the botanical garden in Bogota, Colombia. Image source: MatthieuCattin/Shutterstock.com
Bogota is home to the biggest botanical garden in all of Colombia, officially named the Jardn Botánico José Celestino Mutis. The event, which has been held annually since 1955, is a great place to see the vast array of flora that grows wild in the United States. Afterwards, relax while taking in the sight of over 5,000 orchids in one location after strolling through rose gardens and medicinal gardens. The huge structure with its five chambers, each representing a different temperature zone in the nation, is noteworthy. These temperate zones of Colombia may be visited on foot to see the unique flora and fauna of the region.
6. Plaza de Bolivar
A view of Bolivar Square in Bogota, Colombia. Image source: Ilyshev Dmitry/Shutterstock.com
Bogota’s vibrant Plaza de Bolivar is the city’s central plaza. The plaza is surrounded by a number of significant historical structures, including neoclassical mansions, government buildings, and the biggest cathedral in all of Colombia. This location was once known as Plaza Mayor but was renamed in honor of Simón Bolvar, a 19th-century military commander, in his honor. The Plaza de Bolivar serves as Bogota’s symbolic and literal epicenter. When visiting Bogota, the Plaza de Bolivar should be your first and foremost stop.
5. Bogota Ciclovia
A group of cyclists ride through the streets of the Candelaria area in Bogota, Colombia. Image source: Fotos593/Shutterstock.com
Bogota is a great place to walk around and has the greatest network of bike lanes in all of Latin America. The weekly Ciclovia event allows cyclists to take over the streets every Sunday. Many routes are off-limits to automobile traffic every Sunday from 7:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Visitors to the city on bikes, joggers, or roller skates now have a new way to see the sights. There are food vendors and entertainment spread out along the route. The area of La Candelaria is home to many stores that provide bicycle rental services.
4. Museo del Oro
A display of intricate gold artifacts at the Museo del Oro in Bogota, Colombia. Image source: OSTILL is Franck Camhi/Shutterstock.com
Bogota is home to a number of excellent museums, but the Museo del Oro, or Museum of Gold, is among the most captivating. Gold was an important aspect of Colombian culture even before the arrival of Christopher Columbus and other European explorers. That is what the Museo del Oro, home to a fantastic collection of gold from throughout the ages, is all about. Amazing molten gold artifacts, such as the legendary Pasca golden raft, were crafted by various Latin American tribes and communities and may be found here. There is also a gift store and a café on the premises.
3. Museo Botero
An artwork by Fernando Botero on display at the Botero Museum in Bogota, Colombia. Image source: Yasemin Olgunoz Berber/Shutterstock.com
For the most famous and significant Colombian artist, see Museo Botero, named for Fernando Botero. Botero’s personal art collection is on display in this museum, which is also known as the Banco de la Republica Art Collection. The museum has more than three thousand works of art from the sixteenth century to the present day. There are many great artists, like Alejandro Obregón, Gregorio Vázquez de Arce y Ceballos, and many more, and admission is free. Although paintings make up the bulk of the collection, sculptures and multi-media installations are also included.
2. Monserrate
A cable car on its way up to Monserrat mountain in Bogota, Colombia. Image source: A. Blanke/Shutterstock.com
Mount Monserrate towers above the Colombian capital of Bogotá. On the summit, visitors may visit a chapel and a shrine while taking in breathtaking vistas of the city below. There are also two excellent eateries and several gift shops at the peak. As for getting to Monserrate, you’ve got a few options. If you’re up for a climb, the stone route will take you around 90 minutes to reach the summit; otherwise, you may use the funicular. One of Bogota’s most popular sights, Monserrate also provides a bird’s-eye view of the city below.
1. La Candelaria
The colorful colonial architecture of La Candelaria in Bogota, Colombia. Image source: Gabriel Leonardo Guerrero/Shutterstock.com
La Candelaria is one of the city’s most significant neighborhoods. Here is where the Grito de Libertad was chanted and where the revolutionary hero Policarpa Salavarrieta was killed. This is the historic center of Bogota. In addition to its historical importance, La Candelaria is also rich in notable monuments. The Plaza de Bolivar and the Palacio de Nrio are two attractions you just must see. Beautiful colonial buildings can be seen all across this neighborhood, and the emerald market is a popular tourist destination for its brilliant atmosphere.
