• courtyard of the Botero Museum in Bogotá
    Provided by: Banrep cultural/cc by-sa 2.0/Wikimedia Commons

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La Candelaria

La Candelaria

Once a sacred site for the ancient indigenous community of Muiscas, La Candelaria neighbourhood is where Bogotá was founded back in 1538. Naturally, this is the first stop for many tourists. Steep stone streets are lined with colonial buildings that house cafes, restaurants and artisanal shops. Some buildings are showing signs of their long life, while others have been revitalised with colourful street art. You will find major cultural hotspots like the Gold Museum, Museo Botero, the colonial-era cathedral dedicated to the Virgen de la Candelaria and the neoclassical Capitol flanking Bolivar Plaza. Navigate the winding streets of the historical centre yourself or follow a guided tour of La Candelaria.
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Free Walking Tour

Free Walking Tour

You can find free walking tours in most major cities, and Bogotá is not an exception. Most guides will take you through the historic centre of La Candelaria — the creative hotspot of the city set in the winding cobbled streets. You will learn about colonial houses and baroque churches, the Colombia's colonial and indigenous past, striking graffiti and the impact of the Colombian drug trade. The most popular free tour is organised by Gran Colombia Tours, but check the link below to find a tour that fits your interests best.
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Botanical Garden

Botanical Garden

Beautifully laid out and maintained botanical gardens. A refuge from Bogotá's hectic traffic, this place is always peaceful and never too crowded. Spectacular tropical greenhouses were completed in 2020 and now offer special exhibitions that feature the various climates and regions of Colombia. Stroll around the pond and try your luck spotting lizards, turtles, ducks, peacocks, and other animals. The small outdoor cafe on the premises serves great spiced coffee. Nature lovers will benefit from a guided tour — a perfect introduction to Colombia's ecosystem.
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Mount Monserrate

Mount Monserrate

Monserrate is a dramatically high mountain over 3,152 meters (10,000 feet) high that dominates the city centre of Bogotá. You can reach the top on foot, but be warned that it won't be the easiest trek of your life because of the altitude. Alternatively, take the cable-car or the funicular. They will safely deliver you to the church with a shrine devoted to El Señor Caído with astonishing views over the city. If you are superstitious, be warned: Colombians believe that couples who visit Monserrate together will never get married.
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National Museum of Colombia

National Museum of Colombia

The National Museum of Colombia houses in a sprawling 19th century prison built in the style of a fortress. Without a doubt, this is the biggest and oldest museum in Colombia. Permanent exhibitions will introduce you to over 20,000 archaeology and ethnography samples from Colombian treasures dating 10,000 years BC, up to twentieth century indigenous and afro-Colombian art and culture. Fine art lovers must not miss the chance to see paintings by masters Débora Arango, Fernando Botero, Enrique Grau, Ignacio Gomez Jaramillo, Santiago Martinez Delgado, Alejandro Obregón, Omar Rayo, Andrés de Santa María and Guillermo Wiedemann.
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Plaza de Bolívar

Plaza de Bolívar

Plaza de Bolívar is the political heart of Colombia. The massive square is surrounded by the Cathedral of Bogotá, the mayor's office and the Capitol Building. The Palace of Justice, once besieged by the infamous Pablo Escobar, is also here. Just around the corner you'll find the heavily guarded Casa de Nariño — the official home and principal workplace of the President of Colombia. Spend some time on this square crowded with street-sellers, pigeon and monumental buildings. An absolute must-see.
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Usaquén Flea Market

Usaquén Flea Market

Every weekend, the sweet little village of Usaquén on the city's edge hosts a flea market. So many beautiful things to decorate your house or to gift to friends back home: blankets, ponchos, pictures, jewellery, antique kitchen stuff, purses, personalised leather bags and famous Colombian mochilas — the list goes on and on. Cash is king. The flea market is a major attraction for tourists and locals. Numerous cafes and restaurants have sprung up in the area, serving traditional Colombian dishes as well as international cuisine.
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Graffiti Tour

Graffiti Tour

Bogotá is a major attraction in the world of street art — enough to compete with the likes of Miami, Amsterdam, Río, and México City! You can stroll around and find the graffiti at random, finding surprises around every corner. Or you could join a walking or biking tour of the city and get an eye-opening look into Colombia’s tumultuous past and hopeful future as depicted by local artists. You'll learn about artists and get the necessary background to truly understand Bogotá's street art. The whole city is a museum!
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Cinemateca de Bogotá

Cinemateca de Bogotá

Cinemateca is a fantastic cultural place for movie lovers. The venue has three screens dedicated to showing lesser known, alternative films from Colombia, Latin America and the entire world. The tickets are super cheap and you never know what kind of masterpiece you'll get to watch. Cinemateca also hosts several film festivals every year. Don't forget to check out the gallery in the basement of the building. The modern art exhibitions are small, but always interesting.
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Bogotá Food Experience

Bogotá Food Experience

Two birds with one stone: walk through the historic streets of Candelaria and experience Bogotá's gastronomy. You will be guided through flavours of several Colombian regions. The tour is always changing and evolving to better showcase seasonal dishes prepared by family-owned businesses. Your guide will make accommodations for vegetarian and vegan guests as long as you let them know in advance. Make sure to bring a strong appetite, good walking shoes, an umbrella and some water.
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Play Tejo

Play Tejo

Tejo (or turmequé) is a popular game that is similar to pétanque or cornhole, only played with a flat puck rather than a ball or a sack. Beer companies and small breweries have been promoting the game as a perfect pastime — and for a good reason! Enjoy a glass or artisanal beer and compete in a game of marksmanship. Tejo is a lot more explosive than pétanque — the target is rigged to explode if hit just right. Fireworks and beer are a winning combination when done safely.
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