10 of My Very Favorite Things In Bogota

Let me first just introduce you to Bogota. In addition to being the capital, Bogotá is Colombia’s largest economic center and its beating heart. The mountains provide a breath-taking backdrop to the east of the city.

Bogota is definitely a city of contrast. For example check out the colonial architecture and modern buildings. There is a vast divide between rich and poor. And this cosmopolitan city seems stuck in the past. 99% of the population speaks Spanish yet it is a rich tourist destination. Bogota also has a diverse mix of hometown foodie stalls and modern day malls.

Many roads are closed to cars on Sundays from 7am to 2pm and are reserved for bicycles. And it seems everyone here takes advantage of this traffic-free day.

And don’t expect to find people to speak anything but Spanish on the streets of this dichotomous city. The culture in Bogota is prominent everywhere you go. Tell-tale signs of the Spanish colonization and architecture abound.

Now that I’ve given you an introduction to this fabulous city, let me tell you my personal 10 favorite things about Bogota ::

10. THE FOOD + DRINKS

One of the things I loved about Bogota is the food and drinks. Although I loved the food in Armenia and Medellin I would have to rate Bogota above the others if not for anything else but the overwhelming choices you have in this big city.

A. Catacion Publica Let me start with the coffee. This is one place I have to recommend. My experience here was so good. Our barista, Andres, was the best. He was thoughtful, considerate, prompt and not overbearing. He went above and beyond to make sure we were happy and he knew everything there was to know about the coffee. Very conscientious young man and eager to please. Oh, and the coffee is pretty terrific as well!

I am not a coffee drinker so I didn’t expect to be partaking with Roydio and our friend Catalina who brought us here. When Roydio asked for sugar, Andres explained that they do not serve sugar with their coffee in Colombia. Or cream, for that matter. With over 560,000 coffee farms in this country you would think they serve coffee every way a customer would want it. Well, Colombians are very proud about the quality of coffee they serve and I guess to add anything to it would be an insult to its quality.

And another thing I found interesting is that the more popular time to drink coffee here isn’t in the morning. Try more like 3pm and 7pm. There is no emphasis on caffeine when it comes to coffee in Colombia.

Location :: Cl. 120a ##3A-47
Hours :: weekdays from 11am to 6pm and weekends to 7pm
Social Media :: Catacion Publica Facebook page

I also have to mention the juices. You can get any juice at any time and it is always freshly squeezed. My very favorite (and you may remember me mentioning it a few times before) is the limonada de cocos. Coconut lemonade. It is to die for! And I tried lots of other fruit juices as well. Whether in a restaurant or on the street OMG the fresh juice in Colombia is the BEST!

B. Crepes & Waffles I usually don’t go for chain restaurants especially when I’m in another country, but this one is so special and so good with an amazing concept and extensive menu that I just have to recommend it.

The idea for this Colombian chain restaurant was born in 1980 by a couple of CESA university students who had the vision to open a business in which they believed :: hiring only women who are “head of household.”

Trust me, it’s not just the concept that makes this restaurant so popular with lines out the door from open to close. The menu is absolutely amazing. Their original offerings included crepes, waffles and ice cream but has expanded to include many delicious and healthy dishes. But certainly their philosophy behind the food they serve is another big reason it’s grown in popularity.

Locations :: Colombia, Chili, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Peru and Spain
Website :: Crepes & Waffles
Social Media :: Crepes & Waffles Facebook page

C. OBLEAS I’ve mentioned eating on the streets of Colombia but there is one thing I wish I would have enjoyed more than just the one time. Everywhere and in every city you will find a colorful cart selling obleas. And Bogota is no different. The cart will contain a stack of super thin waffles and several jars of colorful sauces that they place between two waffles. You have your choice. I chose the milk caramel sauce. OMG it was so delicious! The waffles are so thin that it really doesn’t take much room in your tummy.

I had every intention of grabbing another before we left Colombia but that never happened. 🙁 Be sure to try one when you see one of those colorful carts on the street. And don’t miss out on having at least another during your time in Colombia! You’ll thank me, I promise!

D. Coctel del Mar We lifted our glasses in celebration of our friendship. And enjoyed the food here very much!

Just a walk around the corner and down the block from our friends Juan and Catalina’s home is this beautiful restaurant. Such a wonderful menu. But most of all we enjoyed the company of Catalina and her mama. What an awesome way to spend our last day in Bogota.

Location :: Cl. 69 #17-60
Phone :: +57 1 2173109
Hours :: Monday to Saturday 11am to 6pm, Saturday 12 noon to 10pm, Sunday 11am to 9pm
Website :: Coctel del Mar
Social Media :: Coctel del Mar Facebook page

E. Carulla One of the things I love doing when I travel the world is to visit a local grocery store. In Colombia this is one I really enjoyed.

I believe Carulla is a little more high end than the typical supermarket but it was walking distance to where we stayed in Bogota and we ended up having breakfast there a couple of mornings. The bakery is pretty extensive and always fresh. For the first time ever I tried the pan de yucca (yucca bread) and it was so delicious! Thank you, Catalina, for introducing us to it!

A little fun fact :: Carulla was the first retailer in Colombia to introduce a loyalty card and it currently has 250,000 members.

Location :: 206 locations throughout Colombia
Hours :: 7am to 10pm
Website :: Carulla
Social Media :: Carulla Facebook page

F. La Puerta Falsa I can’t be remiss in recommending an iconic restaurant with a one-page menu which is famous for their tamales. In fact, they have been serving them for 200 years. Best tamale I’ve every had. Anywhere.

Expect to stand in line and wait for at least half an hour (if you’re lucky) or longer. This two-story cafe is tiny and always packed. We had thought about going elsewhere but I’m so glad we waited. Trust me, patience is your friend at La Puerta Falsa as you will ultimately experience a piece of Bogota culinary history.

Location :: Cl. 11 #6-50, Bogota
Hours :: 6am to 9pm every day
Phone :: +57 1 2865091

9. IGLESIA SANTA BIBIANA

Our sweet friend Catalina took us to an adorable church in Bogota that is definitely worth a mention here. I know there are lots of iglesias (churches) in Bogota but this one is truly special. I hope you get a chance to visit.

Location :: Cl. 109, Bogotá, Colombia
Hours :: Tuesday to Saturday 7am to 6:30pm, Sunday 7:15am to 8pm, closed Monday
Entrance Fee :: FREE (donations are always welcome)
Phone :: +57 1 2134683
Social Media :: Iglesia Santa Bibiana Facebook page

8. VILLA DE LEYVA

Although this town is not in Bogota itself you would be remiss in not taking the opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a couple of days to relax. Villa de Leyva is home to some of Colombia’s best-preserved architecture with cobblestoned streets, white-washed buildings and terra cotta tile roofs.

In this little town you will just park your car and walk around. Immediately upon entering you will see why. In the center, Plaza Major spans 150,700 square feet and is one of the largest cobblestone squares in South America. What a gorgeous place. Not much to do here but relax and enjoy this sweet 16th-century environment.

Campanario de la Villa de Leyva is the place you want to stay. It is a beautiful colonial property including breakfast (8-10am daily) a shared lounge, fireplace, swimming pool (open 11am to 7pm) and a spa and wellness center.

Our room came with a wrap-around balcony with wonderful views of the city. I highly recommend this property.

Location :: Villa de Leyva is located about 100 miles northeast of Bogotá.
Phone :: +57 310 5500216
Website :: Villa de Leyva (translated to English)

7. CASA TERRACOTA

Within the city limits of Villa de Leyva you will find an amazing piece of clay architecture (artwork, really) that is unlike anything I’ve ever seen.

Location :: Casa Terracota is located about 1.2 miles west of Villa de Leyva, about a 10-minute drive or a 30-minute walk – Vereda Monquira, Villa de Leyva
Hours :: Daily 9am to 6pm
Entrance Fee :: $5 (in COP only)
Website :: Casa Terracota
Social Media :: Casa Terracota Facebook page

6. RAQUIRA

Located in Boyaca Department of Colombia, Raquira “village of the pans” is a cute little colorful town and sits at an altitude of 7000 ft above sea level directly on the Raquira River.

This truly adorable town is known for its terra cotta clay pottery and the artisans who make them. In fact it is known as the pottery capital of Colombia. When driving around the area you will find clay everywhere and it seems that the mountains here are all made of terra cotta.

Location :: 3.5 hrs drive north of Bogota
Social Media :: Raquira Facebook page

5. USAQUEN FLEA MARKET

I have to say that this is seriously the BEST flea market I’ve ever been to and I’ve been to many all over the world. The variety of products and quality craftsmanship and unique designs and absolutely delicious homemade food of all kinds all play into my five-star rating of this great market. When you visit Bogota make sure you spend your Sunday here.

While walking around this flea market you will be entertained with a background of vibrant music. This adorable couple were so happy to receive a few pesos from passersby. And I just had to include a video of this amazing violinist.

My opinion is that he belongs in a concert hall (don’t you agree?) but his love is to play for the locals on the street.

Location :: Usaquen Park, Calle 119 Con Carrera 6a
Hours :: Open Only on Sundays from 8am to 6pm
Entrance Fee :: FREE

4. MUSEO DE ORO

Museo de Oro (Museum of Gold) in Bogota is a truly impressive collection of 55,000 pieces through history, the life and thought of the different societies which lived in present-day Colombia before the Spanish conquest of the Americas.

Museo de Oro also happens to be one of the most visited attractions in Colombia with over 500,000 tourists every year. 

Location :: Cra. 6 ##15-88, Bogota
Hours :: Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday 10am to 5pm
Phone :: +57 1 3432222
Entrance Fee :: $4000 COP ($1.35 US) and FREE to Senior Citizens
Website :: Museo de Oro
Social Media :: Museo de Oro Facebook page

3. LA CANDELARIA WALKING TOUR

Your English-speaking tour guide will walk you through all the nooks and crannies that make La Candelaria so special. The colors and the graffiti make this area stand out. Begin the tour with a fruit and juice tasting at a local stand, walk through the town and learn all about it and end with a demonstration and tasting of the famous Colombian coffee.

This 2-hour tour is free but make sure you make a reservation ahead of time to reserve your spot. You do not want to miss this beautiful part of Bogota. After the tour you will want to check out some of the cute shops and restaurants (there are many) and get your camera ready to get some amazing footage!

Location :: La Candelaria, Bogota
Hours :: 10am to 5pm
Cost :: FREE (pay what you think your guide is worth) – in English
Website :: Freetour Bogota

2. TELEFERICO UP TO MONSERRATE

Rather than take the funicular up the mountain we decided on the teleferico instead. It was a much quicker ride up. Steep as all get out, though, so be prepared! But oh the amazing views!

Taking this ride up the mountain was pretty amazing. But when we finally got to the top the views were magnificent!

Plan to spend time up there, there is so much to see. Two restaurants, the church, shopping, snacks, lots of paths and arches and flowers and statues… it is pretty incredible.

We were even blessed to witness a church service up there. Wow. What a beautiful place. And don’t forget your camera because you will take photos that you’ll talk about for years to come.

Location :: Carrera 2 Este No. 21-48 Paseo Bolívar
Hours :: 7:30am to 8pm
Entrance Fee :: $27,500 COP ($8.25 US), Senior Citizens $22,000 COP ($6.75 US)
Website :: Cerro de Monserrate
Social Media :: Cerro de Monserrat Facebook page

1. ZIPAQUIRA SALT CATHEDRAL

Zipaquira is the salt mining capital of Colombia. The story of the Salt Cathedral begins in the 1930s. Miners carved out a makeshift chapel in the mine tunnel. There, they prayed for their safety each day before starting work.

One of the most spectacular sites I’ve seen in my lifetime is the Catedral de la Sal Zipaquira. What an amazing structure. To take the walking tour you’ll need at least two hours and you will walk about a mile while inside, if not more, if you’re anything like me and want to go back and capture some beautiful images at your leisure.

There were so many amazing facets to this place. Just take a look at some of the photos I took and I’ll let you decide for yourself.

While I was video taping one of the exhibits someone started singing in one of the chambers and you could hear it clearly throughout the entire cathedral. It was definitely a moment that gave me chills.

Not only did we take the tour inside the cathedral but we also took the mining tour (extra fee). It was so interesting to put on hardhats and walk into and through this giant shaft.

Tips :: 1. They do not give this tour in English, only in Spanish. 2. Also, there is a part of this tour that you will be walking in the pitch black, holding on to the person in front of you. Only after that section can you turn on your headlamp and actually see the inside.

Your entrance ticket to the cathedral includes a shuttle to the town.

It is also nice to walk the town of Zipaquira if you have some time.

Location :: Parque De La Sal, Zipaquirá
Hours :: 9am to 6pm, free tours are given in Spanish and English, every hour on the hour
Entrance Fee :: $58,000 COP ($18 US), with mine tour $89,000 ($28 US)
Website :: Catedral de Sal Zipaquira
Social Media :: Catedral de Sal de Zipaquira Facebook page

Read More ::

Medellin :: 10 Do’s and Don’ts You Must Know

Bahamas :: 5 of My Favorite Things

Lisbon :: 95 Images to Inspire You to Go

To sum up my time in Bogota and its surrounding areas I have to say that it held a lot of inspiration for me. Besides the difficulty breathing due to the high altitude nothing stopped us as we experienced as many of Bogota attractions as possible. From the simple things to the absolutely unbelievable Bogota proved to be amazing. Many thanks to our friends Juan and Catalina for hosting us in the the city! We love you guys!