With a population of eight million, Bogotá is Colombia’s largest city and arguably its most dynamic.
Although the size of the city may seem overwhelming, the majority of Bogotá’s main attractions are concentrated within a few key neighborhoods. These locales are situated against the backdrop of the verdant mountains that form the eastern spine of this high-altitude metropolis.
Reside in the historic district of La Candelaria to enjoy convenient access to Bogotá’s essential museums. Alternatively, consider Chicó or Chapinero for a more contemporary setting and proximity to premier dining and entertainment options. For a glimpse into local life, opt for a stay in the laid-back Teusaquillo neighborhood.
The following are six noteworthy neighborhoods to explore in Colombia’s capital.
1. La Candelaria
Best for museums and historical sites
As the historical nucleus of Bogotá, La Candelaria evokes a sense of a bygone era. Today, its narrow alleyways and vibrantly colored colonial buildings have transformed into affordable bars and cafes.
Begin your exploration of the city with a guided walking tour that delves into Colombia’s rich history, or opt for a mural tour showcasing the area’s vibrant street art.
La Candelaria is also home to the renowned Museo del Oro, a top-tier attraction; the Museo Botero, which highlights works by one of Colombia’s most celebrated artists; and the majestic Plaza de Bolívar, flanked by government edifices and the historic cathedral.
A brief taxi ride will lead you to the cable car ascending to the summit of Monserrate.
With a multitude of hostels and budget-friendly accommodations within easy reach of the main attractions, La Candelaria serves as an ideal base. Although it becomes unusually quiet on weeknights, when students and government employees retreat home.
Within a short distance from La Candelaria, you can find some of Bogotá’s premier music venues, including Casa Quiebra Canto, which regularly hosts live music featuring genres such as ska, reggae, salsa, and Colombian rhythms. Similarly, El Goce Pagano, a renowned salsa club, is also a brief walk away.
2. Teusaquillo
Best for local life
Characterized by Tudor-style residences that once accommodated affluent families, alongside 1970s-era apartment complexes and modest row houses, Teusaquillo is a green locale just a 15-minute cab ride from the city center.
This neighborhood is a favorite among young professionals, intellectuals, and university students. The community lifestyles center around Park Way, an extensive green expanse stretching for approximately 10 blocks, lined with restaurants, cafes, and a few theaters.
Diverse dining options abound, including the Pakistani restaurant Curry Masala, the Argentine cafe Groso, and Chalet Suizo, a Swiss restaurant styled as a chalet. This area also hosts numerous traditional bakeries and reasonably priced roasted-chicken eateries, harking back to its more traditional past.
With its relaxed ambiance and absence of overt tourist attractions, Teusaquillo is ideal for visitors wishing to immerse themselves in a classic, albeit slightly trendy, Bogotá neighborhood. You can unwind at a shop that offers a variety of tea selections, concluding your day at one of the neighborhood’s craft breweries.
3. Chapinero and Zona G
Best for restaurants and LGBTQ+ venues
Chapinero lies approximately midway between the city center and northern Bogotá, encompassing serene residential areas, modern office buildings, and bustling nightlife.
Centered around Calle 60, Chapinero features Bogotá’s highest concentration of LGBTQ+ bars, such as Theatron, a five-story establishment with 19 dance floors, proudly boasting its title as “the largest gay-themed nightclub in Latin America.”
To the east of the prominent Carrera Septima Avenue, Chapinero Alto presents a tranquil setting sprinkled with appealing dining establishments, including the award-winning Leo, renowned for its contemporary Colombian cuisine.
Further north, Zona G consists of a six-block stretch famous for its diverse restaurants and harmonious red-brick architecture. Central Chapinero provides numerous budget hotel options, while mid-range to luxury accommodations are more prevalent in Chapinero Alto and Zona G.
Ascend into the hills to reach Quebrada La Vieja, a favored hiking destination with a path leading into the cloud-forested mountains bordering Bogotá. Access is free each morning, although prior online reservations are necessary.
4. Chicó
Best for parks and nightlife
Northern of Chapinero lies Chicó, a refined neighborhood characterized by tree-lined streets, tranquil parks, stylish accommodations, and numerous coworking spaces—making it a suitable choice for business travelers and digital nomads.
The heart of Chicó is the Zona T, a pedestrian-only area behind the Centro Andino mall filled with restaurants and nightclubs catering to a diverse array of musical tastes.
Zona T attracts both young and mature revelers, enticed by its several live music venues, such as 4.40 Music Hall and the Mexican-themed La Chula.
To the south of Zona T, the Recreo Mall features Andrés Carne de Res, a renowned Bogotá restaurant celebrated for its sizzling steaks and extravagant decor, transitioning into a dance club after hours.
For a more serene experience, head to Parque El Virrey, a 3km (2-mile) park that traverses much of Chicó, popular amongst joggers and dog walkers. Recent enhancements to the park include trail signage detailing the local flora and fauna.
Additionally, the Museo el Chicó, a historical hacienda featuring stone fountains, represents another significant attraction within this neighborhood. Its carefully preserved 18th-century structure now hosts art exhibitions and photography displays.
5. Usaquén
Best for day trips, handicrafts, and souvenir shopping
Usaquén was a separate town until the latter half of the 20th century when it was merged into the expanding Bogotá.
The cobblestone streets and the 19th-century church located in the main square confer a provincial Colombian pueblo atmosphere. The vicinity surrounding the square is replete with bars and upscale restaurants frequented by locals.
On weekends, the neighborhood comes alive as countless artists and merchants set up stalls along its narrow streets, offering a variety of exquisite items, including hand-painted coasters, hammocks, essential oils, and coffee mugs.
Situated at Bogotá’s northern edge, Usaquén serves as a convenient base for those interested in embarking on day trips to the famous “salt cathedral” in Zipaquirá, Suesca, or Lake Guatavita. The tourist train to Zipaquirá operates on weekends from a station in Usaquén, conveniently located near the Santa Ana shopping mall.
6. San Felipe
Best for art galleries and tejo bars
This emerging neighborhood is situated slightly away from the principal attractions of Bogotá, yet it provides a relaxed setting to spend an afternoon exploring contemporary art galleries and cafes that have recently emerged around the main square.
San Felipe is an excellent location to experience tejo, a game some sources describe as Colombia’s “national sport.”
In essence, tejo resembles more of a bar game than a competitive sport. It entails enjoying time with friends, sipping on beer, and launching a heavy puck at a clay board designated by a bull’s-eye, along with small packets filled with gunpowder.
Hit the packets, and you get both an explosion and a few points.
San Felipe boasts several popular tejo bars, including Tejo La Embajada, which infuses the traditional game with craft beer, cocktails, and live DJ performances on weekends.
This article was first published Aug 21, 2019, and updated Oct 6, 2024.
