Bogota, Colombia-2-day-itinerary
Day 1: Explore Bogotá’s Historical Center
Morning
- 9:00 AM: Start the day at the iconic Plaza Bolívar, surrounded by historic buildings, including the Cathedral of Bogotá and the Capitolio Nacional.
- 10:00 AM: Visit the Museo del Oro (Gold Museum), showcasing a vast collection of pre-Columbian gold artifacts. (Address: Carrera 6 #3-20)
- 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at La Macarena, a trendy neighborhood with plenty of restaurants and cafes. Try Café Havana for Cuban cuisine or El Rinconcito de Don Julio for traditional Colombian dishes.
Afternoon
- 1:30 PM: Explore the nearby Museo Nacional de Colombia (National Museum), which features a diverse collection of art and artifacts from pre-Columbian to modern times. (Address: Carrera 7 #28-66)
- 4:00 PM: Visit the Cerro de Monserrate, a hill with stunning views of the city. You can hike up or take a funicular ride to reach the top.
- 6:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at La Casa Moneda, a historic building turned restaurant, offering Colombian cuisine in an elegant setting.
Evening
- 8:00 PM: End the day with a visit to the lively neighborhood of La Zona Rosa, known for its bars, clubs, and live music venues.
- 10:00 PM: If you’re feeling adventurous, try some street food at the Mercado de San Telmo.
Where to Stay
Consider staying in the historic center or nearby neighborhoods like La Macarena or Chapinero. Some recommended hotels include:
- Hotel Casa Azul: A cozy boutique hotel with a relaxing atmosphere.
- Hotel Plaza Bolívar: Located in the heart of the city, with comfortable rooms and a rooftop pool.
Transportation
- Taxi: Available throughout the city, but be aware that prices may vary depending on traffic.
- TransMilenio: A convenient bus system connecting various neighborhoods. Use the app to track schedules and plan your route.
- Walking: Bogotá’s historic center is pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore on foot.
Tips and Things to Know
- Altitude: Bogotá is situated at 2,640 meters above sea level. Be prepared for potential altitude sickness symptoms like headaches or fatigue.
- Weather: The weather in Bogotá can be unpredictable. Pack layers for changing temperatures.
- Safety: As with any major city, take necessary precautions to ensure your safety, especially at night.
Day 2: Explore Modern Bogotá
Morning
- 9:00 AM: Start the day in the trendy neighborhood of La Macarena, known for its upscale restaurants and boutique shops.
- 10:30 AM: Visit the Parque del Ferrocarril (Railway Park), a former train station turned park, offering stunning views of the city.
- 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at Café con Arte, a cozy spot with delicious coffee and sandwiches.
Afternoon
- 1:30 PM: Explore the vibrant neighborhood of Usaquén, known for its street art, independent shops, and lively atmosphere.
- 3:00 PM: Visit the Botero Museum, showcasing an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. (Address: Calle 11B #3-15)
- 5:00 PM: Relax in the beautiful Parque Simón Bolívar, a large park with plenty of green spaces, walking paths, and street performers.
Evening
- 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at La Puerta Falsa, a historic building turned restaurant, offering Colombian cuisine in an elegant setting.
- 9:00 PM: End the day with a visit to the lively neighborhood of El Poblado, known for its bars, clubs, and live music venues.
Transportation
Same as Day 1.
Tips and Things to Know
- Safety: Be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas or at night.
- Language: While many Bogotanos speak some English, it’s always helpful to learn a few basic Spanish phrases to communicate with locals.
- Respect local customs: Dress modestly when visiting churches or other cultural sites.
Additional Recommendations
- Try the famous Colombian coffee at Café Havana or El Rinconcito de Don Julio.
- Explore the street art scene in Usaquén and La Macarena neighborhoods.
- Take a day trip to nearby attractions like the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá (about an hour outside Bogotá).
Enjoy your time exploring Bogotá!