With eight million people, Bogotá is Colombia’s largest and most vibrant city.
Although its size may seem intimidating, most of Bogotá’s main attractions are concentrated in a handful of key neighborhoods, nestled against the green mountains that form this high-altitude city’s eastern spine.
For a historic atmosphere, stay in La Candelaria, where you will be within walking distance of major museums. Alternatively, choose Chicó or Chapinero for more modern amenities and easier access to exceptional restaurants and lively nightlife. A short-term rental in the relaxed neighborhood of Teusaquillo allows visitors to experience the local way of life.
Here are six of the best neighborhoods to explore in Colombia’s capital.
1. La Candelaria
Best for museums and historical sites
Bogotá’s historic heart, La Candelaria, resembles a village from another era. Today, its narrow streets and colorful colonial buildings are home to affordable bars and cafés.
Begin your exploration with either a walking tour highlighting Colombia’s rich history or a vibrant graffiti tour showcasing the district’s street art.
La Candelaria houses many attractions, including the famous Museo del Oro, the renowned Museo Botero, featuring works by Colombia’s most iconic artist, as well as the stately Plaza de Bolívar surrounded by notable government buildings and the historic cathedral.
A short taxi ride can take you to the cable car station for a breathtaking ride to Monte Monserrate.
La Candelaria is a prime location to stay due to numerous hostels and budget hotels, along with easy access to key attractions. However, keep in mind that the neighborhood becomes quiet on weeknights when local students and professionals leave.
Just a few blocks away, you’ll find some of Bogotá’s best music venues, such as Casa Quiebra Canto, which hosts live music featuring ska, reggae, and salsa. El Goce Pagano, an iconic salsa club, is also conveniently located nearby.
2. Teusaquillo
Best for local life
In Teusaquillo, Tudor-style homes stand alongside 1970s apartment buildings, creating a unique urban environment just a 15-minute cab ride from the city center.
This area is favored by young professionals, intellectuals, and university students. Life in Teusaquillo centers around the Park Way, a long green space lined with restaurants, cafes, and theaters.
Food options abound, ranging from the delicious Curry Masala, a popular Pakistani restaurant, to the Argentine café Groso, and the charming Swiss eatery Chalet Suizo. The neighborhood also features many traditional bakeries and casual dining spots offering affordable roasted chicken, reminiscent of its past.
With a relaxed vibe and fewer tourist attractions, Teusaquillo provides an authentic glimpse into traditional Bogotá life. Consider visiting a shop with dozens of tea varieties or unwinding at one of the neighborhood’s craft breweries.
3. Chapinero and Zona G
Best for restaurants and LBGTIQ spots
Chapinero is situated midway between the city center and northern Bogotá, featuring a blend of quiet residential areas and lively nightlife.
The central part of Chapinero, around Calle 60, hosts Bogotá’s largest collection of gay bars, including Theatron, a five-story nightclub renowned for its numerous dance floors.
Chapinero Alto, east of Carrera Septima, presents a quieter ambiance, dotted with delightful restaurants, notably the award-winning Leo, celebrated for its contemporary Colombian cuisine.
Northern of Chapinero, Zona G is famed for its restaurant scene and charming red-brick architecture. Budget accommodations are widespread in central Chapinero, while mid-range and luxury hotels prevail in Chapinero Alto and Zona G.
For nature enthusiasts, Quebrada La Vieja, a popular hiking area, is accessible for free every morning, although a prior online reservation is required.
4. Chicó
Best for parks and nightlife
Located just north of Chapinero, Chicó features elegant streets, serene parks, upscale hotels, and numerous coworking spaces, appealing particularly to business travelers and digital nomads.
The central hub of Chicó, Zona T, is a busy pedestrian area behind the Centro Andino mall filled with diverse restaurants and nightlife options.
This vibrant Zona T attracts younger crowds, highlighted by live music venues like 4.40 Music Hall and the Mexican-themed La Chula.
Further south in Zona T, the Recreo Mall features Andrés Carne de Res, an iconic Bogotano restaurant known for its lively atmosphere and delectable dishes that transform into a dance party at night.
For a tranquil experience, spend time at Parque El Virrey, a 3-kilometer-long park favorited by joggers and dog walkers, which now includes trail signage detailing local trees and birdlife.
Don’t miss visiting Museo el Chicó, a historic hacienda showcasing art and photography in its well-preserved 18th-century environment.
5. Usaquén
Best for day trips, handicrafts, and souvenir shopping
Usaquén was once its own town until its annexation to Bogotá in the latter part of the 20th century.
The cobblestone streets and 19th-century church give the main square a quaint provincial Colombian pueblo feel, complemented by an abundance of local bars and chic restaurants.
Weekends in Usaquén are vibrant, with numerous artists and vendors setting up stalls, offering a diverse array of handmade crafts, including hand-painted coasters, hammocks, essential oils, and coffee mugs.
Situated at the northern edge of Bogotá, Usaquén is also a convenient base for those planning day trips to the famed “salt cathedral” at Zipaquirá, Suesca or Lake Guatavita. The weekend tourist train to Zipaquirá has a station near the Santa Ana shopping mall in Usaquén.
6. San Felipe
Best for art galleries and tejo bars
This up-and-coming neighborhood is a bit removed from Bogotá’s main attractions, but it offers a relaxed setting for enjoying art galleries and cafés that have recently emerged in the area.
San Felipe is also known for its tejo bars, where you can engage in what some describe as Colombia’s national sport.
While tejo is more like a bar game than a traditional sport, it involves enjoying drinks with friends while throwing a heavy puck at a clay target embedded with bull’s-eye markings and small gunpowder-filled envelopes.
Strike the envelopes, and watch as they explode, rewarding you with points and excitement. Tejo bars like Tejo La Embajada also include craft beer and live DJs on weekends, enhancing the local experience.
