Guide to Bogotá

Planning a trip to Bogotá? Here's everything you need to make the most of Colombia's capital: what to see, where to eat, how to get around and the best experiences in and around the city.

Plan your trip to Bogotá

About Bogotá

Before visiting a city, it helps to know as much as possible so your trip goes smoothly. Here's everything you need to know about Bogotá: its weather, the best time to go, our top tips for your visit and a must-do day trip to Zipaquirá.

Weather

Bogotá has a cool mountain climate all year round, with temperatures between 8 °C and 19 °C. The weather can change quickly within a single day, so always carry a jacket and an umbrella or raincoat.

When to visit Bogotá

The weather is fairly similar all year, although April–May and October–November tend to be the rainiest months. December is a great time to visit, as there is much less traffic.

Tips for your visit

Where to stay: there are options for every budget. For a good location, we recommend La Candelaria (historic center and museums), Chapinero/Zona G (food scene) or Usaquén (boutique feel and a Sunday flea market).

Best times to explore the city: try to avoid rush hour, when traffic is heavy: from 6 to 8 a.m. and from 5 to 7 p.m. Head up Monserrate early to beat the lines and the fog that often rolls in during the afternoon.

Enjoy the city safely: La Candelaria and the historic center are touristy and safe during the day, but take extra care at night: don't show off valuables and use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps after dark.

Budget: Bogotá has plenty to offer for every budget. These figures are for reference only and may vary by season and provider:

Budget trip: between 180,000 and 250,000 COP per day (hostel, market-hall food or set lunch, public transport).
Mid-range trip: between 500,000 and 750,000 COP per day (3–4-star hotel, mid-range restaurants, an activity such as Monserrate or the Zipaquirá day trip).
High-end/luxury trip: from 1,500,000 COP per day (5-star or boutique hotel in Zona T or Usaquén, chef-driven restaurants, private transport).

Things to do in Bogotá

Bogotá blends colonial history, art, world-class museums and mountains, and the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral is travelers' favorite day trip.

Must-sees

Monserrate

The city's most iconic hill, crowned by a church and offering one of the best panoramic views of Bogotá. You can go up by funicular, cable car or on foot along a marked trail.

La Candelaria

Bogotá's historic center: colonial streets, colorful houses, street art and some of the country's most important museums, all within a few walkable blocks.

Gold Museum (Museo del Oro)

One of the world's largest collections of pre-Columbian goldwork, with thousands of gold pieces crafted by Colombia's Indigenous cultures.

Plaza de Bolívar

The political and historic heart of the city, surrounded by the National Capitol, City Hall, the Palace of Justice and the Primatial Cathedral.

Usaquén Park

A neighborhood with a small-town feel inside Bogotá, famous for its Sunday flea market, its restaurants and its laid-back atmosphere.

Zipaquirá and the Salt Cathedral

The most popular day trip from Bogotá. You'll find everything you need to plan it below. You can also check out our blog: Salt Cathedral: prices, tickets, opening hours and how to get to Zipaquirá in 2026.

Day trip to Zipaquirá and the Salt Cathedral

Less than an hour from Bogotá, Zipaquirá is one of the most popular day trips from the capital. Its Salt Cathedral, carved inside a salt mine some 180 meters underground, is one of the most visited sites in Colombia. This experience is now available to book on Exploreti.

How to get there: by intercity bus from TransMilenio's Portal Norte station (about 50–60 minutes; reference fare around 10,000 COP) or, on weekends and public holidays, aboard the Tren Turístico de la Sabana, which departs from Estación de la Sabana or Usaquén.

Admission: from 75,000 COP for Colombian adults, 110,000 COP for international adults and 54,000 COP for children (reference box-office prices).

Learn more here

Getting around Bogotá

Bogotá has a wide range of public and private transport options. Here's what you need to know about each one.

TransMilenio and SITP

The city's mass transit system, with articulated buses (TransMilenio) and local buses (SITP). A ride costs about 3,550 COP, paid with a rechargeable card.

TransMiCable

A cable car system linking Ciudad Bolívar with the rest of the city; beyond getting you around, it offers a different view of Bogotá.

Taxis and ride-hailing apps

Taxis in Bogotá use meters. Ride-hailing apps are also widely used and are a convenient alternative, especially at night.

From the airport

Bogotá is served by El Dorado International Airport and the Puente Aéreo (Terminal 2), about 20–40 minutes from downtown and areas such as Chapinero or Usaquén.

Food in Bogotá

Bogotá's traditional santafereño cuisine is a reason to visit in itself.

Ajiaco santafereño

The city's signature dish: a hearty soup of chicken, three kinds of potato, corn on the cob and guascas herb, served with cream, capers and avocado.

Chocolate santafereño with almojábana or cheese bread

Bogotá's most traditional breakfast or afternoon snack: hot chocolate served with cheese, almojábana or cheese bread, a classic at the historic cafés downtown.

Tamal santafereño

Wrapped in a banana leaf and filled with rice, pork or beef, chicken, egg and vegetables. A Bogotá breakfast classic.

Puchero bogotano

A hearty stew with several meats, potato, cassava, plantain and vegetables, a staple of the capital's traditional cooking.

Where to eat

La Candelaria is home to historic, affordable restaurants that are perfect for trying traditional food, while Zona G and Chapinero offer the city's best mid-range and upscale dining.

Map of Bogotá

If you're looking to make memories that last a lifetime, you've come to the right place. Since 2020, Exploreti has been selling tickets and bookings for the best events, parks, tours and attractions in Colombia.

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