Fun Things to Do in Bogota (Perfect For Your First Visit)

Posted 11/08/2024 | 11th August, 2024

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Nestled high in the Andes at an altitude of 2640 meters, Colombia’s capital city has a diverse population of over seven million.

Bogota is a city of contrasts, where colonial architecture meets modern skyscrapers, and traditional markets coexist with contemporary art scenes.

Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a history buff, or a foodie (or even better, a wonderful combination of all three), Bogotá offers an array of experiences that will captivate any first-time visitor. So, here are all the best things to do in Bogota, ideal for a first time visitor.

Table of Contents

9 Fun Things to Do in Bogota, Colombia

Botero Museum

The Botero Museum, located in the heart of Bogota, is an absolute must-visit on your trip to Colombia. I don’t profess to be an art expert, but this museum and the Frida Kahlo Museum in Mexico City are two of my favourites!

This museum houses an impressive collection of works by the renowned Colombian artist Fernando Botero. Botero is famous for his unique style of “Boterismo,” which depicts people and figures in exaggeratedly large, robust forms.

The museum features Botero’s own works as well as pieces from his private collection, including works by Picasso, Monet, and Dali. Admission is free, making it an accessible cultural experience for all visitors.

On our first day in Colombia, we visited the Botero Museum. While trying to keep a low profile, we set off all of the alarms by overstepping the laser protection— an embarrassing lesson learned!

Drink Delicious Coffee

Colombia is synonymous with coffee, and Bogotá offers some of the best coffee experiences in the world. Head to one of the city’s many speciality coffee shops, such as Café San Alberto, Azahar Coffee Company, or Amor Perfecto, to savour freshly brewed, locally sourced coffee.

These cafes often provide insights into the coffee-making process from bean to cup, and some even offer tasting sessions or barista courses.

If you’re a coffee lover planning your Colombia itinerary, do not miss Salento, a beautiful town located in Colombia’s coffee region.

Take a Street Art Tour

Bogotá is famous for its vibrant street art scene, and taking a street art tour is an excellent way to explore the city’s creativity and culture. Guided tours will take you through the colourful neighbourhoods of La Candelaria and beyond. You can see murals and graffiti by both local and international artists.

These tours not only showcase stunning artworks but also provide context about the social, political, and historical messages behind the pieces. Street art tours are also a great way to meet other like-minded travellers. We had a fabulous group of eight from all over the world, along with our Venezuelan guide, who was an expert in both Bogota and street art.

What we learned was that the street art in Bogota is constantly being updated and replaced. Meaning, what you see one day might not even be there the next… magic!

La Candelaria Region

La Candelaria is Bogotá’s historic district, brimming with colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and cultural landmarks. Stroll through this picturesque neighbourhood to visit key sites such as Plaza Bolívar, the primary square surrounded by significant buildings like the Capitolio Nacional and the Catedral Primada.

Don’t miss the colourful houses, artisanal shops, and charming cafes that add to the area’s charm. However, I found that this area felt a little unsafe at night. So, I recommend exploring before dark and using taxis to get home in the evening.

Museum of Gold

The Museum of Gold (Museo del Oro) is one of Bogotá’s most iconic attractions. This world-class museum boasts an extensive collection of pre-Columbian gold artefacts, with over 55,000 pieces on display.

Exhibits highlight the craftsmanship and cultural significance of gold in ancient indigenous societies. There are heaps of interactive displays and detailed explanations in both Spanish and English.

This museum is huge! In fact, we didn’t explore every exhibit, as it was challenging to keep up with all the information.

Ride The Funicular to Monserrate (Most Popular Thing to Do in Bogota)

For breathtaking views of Bogotá, ride the funicular to the top of Monserrate, a mountain that towers over the city at 3,152 meters above sea level. The funicular ride itself is an adventure, offering scenic vistas as you ascend.

You don’t need to purchase tickets in advance and can just buy them when you arrive, using either cash or card.

Once at the top, you can explore the beautiful Monserrate Sanctuary, a church that has been a pilgrimage site for centuries.

I made the small mistake of visiting on a very rainy Sunday afternoon. Although beautiful, it was extremely chaotic with huge crowds! For a slightly more tranquil experience, I recommend visiting on a weekday.

Enjoy Tamales and Changua

No visit to Bogotá is complete without trying some of the local cuisine. Tamales and Changua are two very popular local delicacies, which you will find in almost all central restaurants.

Tamales are hearty, savoury packets made of masa (corn dough) filled with meats, vegetables, and spices, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed.

Changua, on the other hand, is a comforting breakfast soup made with milk, eggs, and onions, typically served with bread. For an authentic experience, head to local eateries or markets such as Paloquemao Market, where you can enjoy these dishes in a bustling, local atmosphere.

Practice Your Spanish at Gringo Tuesdays

Gringo Tuesdays is a popular language exchange event held at various bars in Bogotá. Locals and visitors come together to practice different languages, including Spanish and English.

It’s an excellent opportunity to improve your Spanish skills in a fun and social environment and a great way to make new friends. The evening typically starts with language exchange activities and transitions into a lively party with music and dancing.

As you would expect, many beginner-level Spanish speakers turn up to these events. Therefore, to get the most from them, make sure you’ve done some practice and revision beforehand.

Spend a Relaxed Sunday at Usaquén Flea Market

For a laid-back, more unique Sunday experience, visit the Usaquén Flea Market. It’s located in the charming neighbourhood of Usaquén in northern Bogotá.

This bustling market is packed with artisanal crafts, handmade jewellery, unique clothing, and local artwork. As you wander through the stalls, you’ll encounter street performers, live music, and a variety of food vendors offering delicious Colombian snacks and treats. (Be sure to treat yourself to an empanada or two!)

The market’s vibrant atmosphere makes it a perfect place to soak up local culture, find one-of-a-kind souvenirs, and enjoy a leisurely day. After exploring the market, relax at one of the many cafes and restaurants in the area.