Bogota, the capital of Colombia, is among the most culturally rich and multifaceted cities in South America. There is an abundance to explore in this dynamic and lively city. Regardless of whether you are a budget traveler or someone who enjoys luxury, Bogota offers experiences for all preferences.
While not the most densely populated city in South America, Bogota provides weary travelers with a refreshing atmosphere and ample space to settle in. Nonetheless, Bogota showcases a contrast of experiences. The busy and bustling commercial center may often feel crowded, but those who venture to the historical districts will uncover an entirely different environment. La Candelaria is an excellent starting point for visitors who wish to immerse themselves in the vibrant life of Colombia.
Bogota is one of the safer cities in Latin America. Although travelers should exercise standard safety precautions, they can have confidence in knowing that Bogota is a warm and inviting destination. It serves as an outstanding base for a longer exploration of Latin America.
From the historical to the contemporary, from serene parks to the energetic urban core, let’s delve into the various neighborhoods to consider for accommodation in Bogota.
Usaquen
Usaquen is a favored area for diverse travelers in Bogota. With an ideal combination of upscale hotels and budget-friendly hostels, it is easy to understand why Usaquen is a commendable choice.
For culinary enthusiasts, Usaquen should be prioritized. The city is renowned for its street food stalls and authentic Colombian cuisine. Visitors can enjoy arepas, buñuelos, cachapas, and more in the alleyways of Usaquen. For those on a budget, street food presents an economical option in Bogota, with hearty meals starting at approximately $4 per person.
Usaquen is particularly noted for its Asian fusion dining establishments, an extensive range of French-style bistros, and numerous coffee-centric cafes.
Every type of traveler should attend the Usaquen Sunday Flea Market, which takes place weekly at Usaquén Park. Offering everything from street food treats to handcrafted souvenirs, it is an experience that should not be overlooked.
Ideal For: Active Travelers, Art Enthusiasts, Architecture Aficionados, History Buffs, Budget Backpackers, Urban Explorers, Couples, Culture Seekers, First-Time Visitors, Families, Food Lovers, Luxury Seekers, Sightseers, Shoppers, Quick Visitors
Neighborhood Features: Usaquen Sunday Flea Market, Usaquén Park, Multiparque Amusement Centre, Unicentro Bogotá Giant Shopping Mall, Palatino Mall, Hacienda Santa Barbara Shopping Centre, Casino Millionaires, Crown Casino Unicentro, Country Club De Bogota Golf Club, Restaurant Teo Estiatorio, Yanuba Restaurant, La Provence de Andrei French Restaurant
Accommodation Suggestions:
- Hotel Hill House – Offers both self-catering and full-service options, with room service and kitchen facilities in all accommodations, alongside cable TV and complimentary WiFi. The helpful staff can assist with travel arrangements.
- W Bogota – A highly recommended establishment featuring a fitness center. The modern and stylish rooms come with private ensuite bathrooms, enhancing the luxurious experience.
- TRYP by Wyndham – Located just a 10-minute walk from the Hacienda Santa Barbara Shopping Centre, this hotel is ideal for shoppers. It boasts a top-floor terrace perfect for relaxation and offers a complimentary breakfast.
Chapinero
Chapinero is one of the more affluent neighborhoods in Bogota and boasts an impressive collection of restaurants and upscale hotels. Many travelers opt to use Chapinero as their base for exploring the city.
As in various neighborhoods across Bogota, shopping is a favored activity in Chapinero. A variety of expansive malls are appreciated by both locals and travelers. Notable visits should include Unilago Mall and Avenida Chile Shopping Mall, with Andino Shopping Mall being a local favorite.
Chapinero is perfect for those who enjoy urban parks. Parque del Chicó, along with its associated museum, ranks among the most popular attractions in the area, showcasing a colonial hacienda that features a chapel and displays ranging from ceramics to textiles.
Among Chapinero’s iconic landmarks is the Monument to the Heroes, dedicated to those who fought for independence in Colombia and Venezuela.
Ideal For: Active Travelers, Art Enthusiasts, Architecture Aficionados, History Buffs, Budget Backpackers, Urban Explorers, Couples, Culture Seekers, First-Time Visitors, Families, Food Lovers, Luxury Seekers, Sightseers, Shoppers, Quick Visitors
Neighborhood Features: Unilago Mall, Avenida Chile Shopping Mall, Andino Shopping Mall, Monument to the Heroes, Parque del Chicó, Museo del Chicó, El Virrey Park, Casa del Tolima, Enrique Olaya Herrera National Park, Quebrada La Vieja Hiking Area, Galeria Klenner, Metropolitan Club – Golf Club, Waterfall Rio Archbishop
Accommodation Suggestions:
- JW Marriott Hotel Bogota – A highly recommended hotel featuring luxurious and spacious rooms, many with deep soaking bathtubs in ensuite bathrooms, alongside a spa complex and fitness center.
- Hotel Estelar Suites Jones – A splendid hotel offering free parking and WiFi for all guests, with spacious rooms and an in-house restaurant serving local favorites.
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Bogota – Delivers world-class service with a refined ambiance, offering many rooms with mountain views and complimentary spa facilities.
Teusaquillo
Teusaquillo is strategically situated right in the heart of Bogota, making it an excellent location for transient travelers eager to check off their must-see attractions.
While centrally located, Teusaquillo lacks the historical gems found in areas like Santa Fe and La Candelaria. Instead, it offers easy access to modern landmarks, high-end accommodations, and is within walking distance of Bogota’s pride, Simón Bolívar Metropolitan Park.
Simón Bolívar Metropolitan Park is expansive and features a plethora of walking trails, a lake for paddle boating, and a children’s playground, making it an excellent venue for mingling with locals or escaping the city’s hustle and bustle.
For families visiting Bogota, Teusaquillo presents a great accommodation option, with attractions such as the Kid’s Museum and Salitre Mágico Parque de Diversiones close by.
Ideal For: Active Travelers, Art Enthusiasts, Architecture Aficionados, History Buffs, Budget Backpackers, Urban Explorers, Couples, Culture Seekers, First-Time Visitors, Families, Food Lovers, Luxury Seekers, Sightseers, Shoppers, Quick Visitors
Neighborhood Features: Simón Bolívar Metropolitan Park, Kid’s Museum, Salitre Mágico Parque de Diversiones, Biblioteca Pública Virgilio Barco – Public Library, Parque de Los Novios, Official Millionaires Club Football Museum, National Geological Museum José Royo y Gómez, Art Museum of the National University of Colombia, Museo de Historia Natural, Estadio Nemésio Camacho El Campín
Accommodation Suggestions:
- Suna Bacta – An affordable option in Teusaquillo, ideal for budget-conscious travelers, providing free WiFi and breakfast in select rates, with seating areas in all rooms.
- GHL Hotel Capital – Offers cable TV, free WiFi access, and a minibar in each room, along with a complimentary airport shuttle service available by prior arrangement.
- NH Bogota Urban 26 Royal – A modern, upscale hotel in Teusaquillo with kitchenettes in all rooms and complimentary toiletries, plus free WiFi for all guests.
Santa Fe
Santa Fe is often regarded as the Downtown area of Bogota, attracting backpackers and culture enthusiasts eager to absorb the sounds and sights of this exciting city.
Overshadowed by the iconic Monserrate mountain, this area provides a remarkable opportunity for active travelers willing to hike to the peak, which offers stunning views of the city from above.
There is a myriad of attractions in Santa Fe. The National Museum is a must-see for those interested in deepening their understanding of Colombia’s history, housing over 20,000 artifacts dating to the 16th Century.
The Gold Museum is widely recognized as one of the most intriguing museums in Bogota, as it provides fascinating insights into one of Colombia’s significant exports—gold. Similarly, the International Emerald Museum is another essential visit.
Ideal For: Active Travelers, Art Enthusiasts, Architecture Aficionados, History Buffs, Budget Backpackers, Urban Explorers, Couples, Culture Seekers, First-Time Visitors, Families, Food Lovers, Luxury Seekers, Sightseers, Shoppers
Neighborhood Features: Monserrate Mountain, The Gold Museum, The International Emerald Museum, Museo Colonial, Military Museum of Colombia, Independence Museum – Casa del Florero, Archaeological Museum Casa del Marqués de San Jorge, Bogotá Museum, Metropolitano Tercer Milenio Park, Museo del Mar, Bogotá Museum of Modern Art MAMBO, District Planetarium Bogota, House – Museum Quinta Bolívar
Accommodation Suggestions:
- Hotel Grand Park – A mid-range hotel featuring a restaurant serving traditional Colombian cuisine at reasonable prices, with 24-hour front desk support and facilities such as a swimming pool and spa.
- Hotel bh Bicentenario – A popular choice in Santa Fe, conveniently located near key attractions, with bright, inviting rooms in shades of white and blue, and free parking available.
- Bed & Breakfast Chorro de Quevedo – A vibrant and quintessentially Colombian lodging located in the heart of Santa Fe, offering simple double rooms and spacious suites, with a well-reviewed breakfast served.
Engativa
Engativa is located in the western part of the city. This neighborhood is ideal for visitors seeking a more authentic experience of the city, and its proximity to El Dorado International Airport makes it an excellent choice for those on a brief visit.
Engativa provides travelers with convenient access to must-visit neighborhoods such as Teusaquillo and Chapinero, while also showcasing an array of activities to enjoy within its own borders.
The impressive Titan Plaza Shopping Mall serves as Engativa’s primary attraction. Home to over 200 shops, it is a paradise for those wishing to indulge in retail therapy.
The southern edge of Engativa borders the northern edge of Teusaquillo, featuring highlights such as the Bogotá Botanical Garden and Simón Bolívar Metropolitan Park that should not be missed.
Compared to the more upscale Chapinero, Engativa provides more budget-conscious accommodations.
Ideal For: Active Travelers, Art Enthusiasts, Architecture Aficionados, History Buffs, Budget Backpackers, Urban Explorers, Couples, Culture Seekers, First-Time Visitors, Families, Food Lovers, Sightseers, Shoppers, Quick Visitors
Neighborhood Features: Bogotá Botanical Garden, Simón Bolívar Metropolitan Park, Titan Plaza Shopping Mall, Cristobal Colón Monument, Reina Isabel, Diver Plaza Shopping Center, Parque San Andrés, Santa María del Lago, Galaxy Park Amusement Park, Primavera Centro Comercial, Barrio Santa Helenita Public Park, Villas de Granada Park, Salitre Mágico Parque de Diversiones
Accommodation Suggestions:
- Hotel Dorado Gold Airport – A budget-friendly option offering simple rooms at an affordable rate, with a dedicated team eager to assist guests, along with a 24-hour front desk and communal lounge.
- Hotel Titan Ji – A top choice for families, this hotel caters to groups of backpackers, featuring free parking and non-smoking rooms equipped with coffee makers.
- Hotel Confort Bogota – A cheerful and economical establishment situated in a prime location, with comfortable rooms, private bathrooms, and complimentary WiFi access.
La Candelaria
Enclosed by the Santa Fe neighborhood is the colonial district of La Candelaria. For those eager to experience the historical essence of Bogota, La Candelaria represents the ideal locale for a stay.
This vibrant and lively area presents a unique atmosphere that allows visitors to feel as though they have traveled back in time, browsing souvenir stalls and shopping for authentic emeralds in local jewelry shops.
Recognized as the cultural nucleus of Bogota, La Candelaria is an essential stop on any itinerary through the Colombian capital. At its center lies Bolivar Plaza.
Bolivar Plaza, a renowned landmark, is constantly teeming with tourists. Surrounded by the Cathedral of Colombia and other significant political structures, one can view the National Capitol, Palacio Liévano – City Hall, and Independence Museum – Casa del Florero.
Ideal For: Active Travelers, Art Enthusiasts, Architecture Aficionados, History Buffs, Budget Backpackers, Urban Explorers, Couples, Culture Seekers, First-Time Visitors, Families, Food Lovers, Luxury Seekers, Sightseers, Shoppers, Quick Visitors
Neighborhood Features: Bolivar Plaza, National Capitol, Palacio Liévano – City Hall, Independence Museum – Casa del Florero, Museo de Trajes, Plazoleta de Cuervo, Museo Colonial, Casa Sanz de Santamaría, Bogotá Museum, Military Museum of Colombia, Miguel Urrutia Art Museum – MAMU, Coin and Bill Production Museum, House of the Colombian Institute of Anthropology
Accommodation Suggestions:
- The Orchids – A delightful hotel located in the heart of La Candelaria, providing high-quality service without exorbitant costs, featuring rooms with fireplaces and hot tubs.
- Hotel De La Opera – A cherished hotel offering a welcoming atmosphere, there is an airport shuttle service and breakfast included in all room rates.
- Casa Platypus – Centrally situated, this hotel allows guests to easily access Bogota’s major attractions, with a relaxing rooftop terrace for leisure.
