Bogota Colombia 4 Day Itinerary

July 28, 2024

4-Day Itinerary for Traveling in Bogota, Colombia

Day 1: Explore Downtown and Montserrath Neighborhood

Morning: Start your day with breakfast at Café Cuba, a cozy spot known for its Cuban coffee and delicious sandwiches.
Places to Visit:
- Plaza de Bolivar: A historic square surrounded by important buildings, such as the Primatial Cathedral of Bogotá and the Chapel of El Carmen.
- Museo del Traje: A museum showcasing a collection of Colombian clothing from pre-Columbian times to the present day.
Afternoon: Head to the La Macarena neighborhood, known for its beautiful streets, shops, and restaurants. Be sure to visit Café Restaurante La Candelaria, which offers delicious coffee and breakfast options in a charming atmosphere.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at El Chico, a popular restaurant serving traditional Colombian cuisine.

Day 2: Monserrate Mountain and Gold Museum

Morning: Start your day with breakfast at Café Catedral, located near the Plaza de Bolivar. This cozy spot offers delicious coffee and pastries in a historic setting.
Places to Visit:
- Monserrate: A mountain overlooking Bogotá, offering stunning views of the city. Take a funicular ride or hike up to the top for panoramic views.
- Gold Museum (El Museo del Oro): A museum showcasing a collection of pre-Columbian gold and other artifacts from various cultures in Colombia.
Afternoon: Head to the Cerro de Guadalupe neighborhood, known for its beautiful streets and parks. Be sure to visit Café La Casa, which offers delicious coffee and snacks in a cozy atmosphere.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at El Patio, a popular restaurant serving traditional Colombian cuisine.

Day 3: La Candelaria Neighborhood

Morning: Start your day with breakfast at Café San Alberto, located in the heart of La Candelaria. This cozy spot offers delicious coffee and pastries in a historic setting.
Places to Visit:
- La Candelaria: A historic neighborhood known for its colorful streets, shops, and restaurants. Be sure to visit Casa de la Independencia, which served as the seat of government during Colombia’s independence movement.
- Museo de La Inquisicion: A museum showcasing a collection of artifacts related to the Spanish Inquisition in Colombia.
Afternoon: Head to the Barrio Tournavista neighborhood, known for its beautiful streets and parks. Be sure to visit Café El Jardin, which offers delicious coffee and snacks in a cozy atmosphere.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at El Mesón, a popular restaurant serving traditional Colombian cuisine.

Day 4: Explore the East of Bogotá

Morning: Start your day with breakfast at Café La Casa, located near the Parque de la Independencia. This cozy spot offers delicious coffee and pastries in a historic setting.
Places to Visit:
- Parque de la Independencia: A park dedicated to Colombia’s independence movement, featuring several monuments and a museum.
- Museo de Arte del Nuevo Granado: A museum showcasing a collection of Colombian art from the 19th century to the present day.
Afternoon: Head to the Barrio La Candelaria neighborhood, known for its beautiful streets and parks. Be sure to visit Café La Casa, which offers delicious coffee and snacks in a cozy atmosphere.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at El Patio, a popular restaurant serving traditional Colombian cuisine.

Transportation

Bogotá is a compact city with a well-developed public transportation system, making it easy to get around. Some options include:

Transmilenio: A bus rapid transit system that connects the city’s main neighborhoods and attractions.
Cable Car: A funicular ride that takes you up Monserrate Mountain for stunning views of the city.
Taxis: Available throughout the city, but be sure to use licensed taxis to avoid any issues.

Tips and Reminders

Be mindful of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas.
Try some delicious street food at local markets or vendors.
Don’t forget to try some Colombian coffee and snacks at the many cafes throughout the city.
Be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting historical sites.

Accommodation

Bogotá offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. Some popular areas to stay include:

La Candelaria: A historic neighborhood known for its colorful streets, shops, and restaurants.
El Centro: The city’s main commercial area, featuring many hotels, restaurants, and shops.
Barrio Tournavista: A charming neighborhood with beautiful streets and parks.

Some popular hotels include:

Hotel Casa San Alberto: A cozy hotel located in the heart of La Candelaria.
Hotel Casa de la Independencia: A historic hotel situated near the Plaza de Bolivar.
Hotel Monserrate: A comfortable hotel overlooking the city from Monserrate Mountain.

Getting Around

Bogotá is a compact city with a well-developed public transportation system, making it easy to get around. Some options include:

Transmilenio: A bus rapid transit system that connects the city’s main neighborhoods and attractions.
Cable Car: A funicular ride that takes you up Monserrate Mountain for stunning views of the city.
Taxis: Available throughout the city, but be sure to use licensed taxis to avoid any issues.

Safety

Bogotá is generally a safe city, but as with any major urban area, take normal precautions to ensure your safety. Some areas to be mindful of include:

La Candelaria: A historic neighborhood known for its colorful streets, shops, and restaurants.
El Centro: The city’s main commercial area, featuring many hotels, restaurants, and shops.

Activities

Bogotá offers a wide range of activities to suit all interests. Some popular options include:

Hiking up Monserrate Mountain: A funicular ride that takes you up the mountain for stunning views of the city.
Visiting the Gold Museum: A museum showcasing a collection of pre-Columbian gold and other artifacts from various cultures in Colombia.
Exploring La Candelaria Neighborhood: A historic neighborhood known for its colorful streets, shops, and restaurants.

Food

Bogotá is known for its delicious cuisine, featuring many traditional dishes. Some popular options include:

Ajiaco: A hearty chicken soup made with potatoes, corn, and herbs.
Sancocho: A stew made with meat or fish, vegetables, and root vegetables.
Empanadas: Meat or cheese-filled pastries that are perfect for snacking.

Shopping

Bogotá offers a wide range of shopping options to suit all budgets. Some popular areas include:

La Candelaria: A historic neighborhood known for its colorful streets, shops, and restaurants.
El Centro: The city’s main commercial area, featuring many hotels, restaurants, and shops.

Some popular items to buy include:

Traditional clothing: Colombia is known for its vibrant traditional clothing, which makes great souvenirs.
Local crafts: Bogotá is home to many local artisans who create beautiful crafts, such as pottery and textiles.