The city of Bogotá is one of the destinations that offers the widest variety of possibilities when traveling through Colombia. The options are countless, but, if you have little time, the flight and hotel metasearch engine Viajala offers the best plans to make the most of your stay when deciding what things to do in Bogotá. From a rich cultural scene to fun-filled party nights, the activities presented below will make your experience in the capital an unforgettable one.
Day 1
After arriving at the airport and checking in to your accommodation, we suggest first visiting the city’s most iconic places. Most are in the center, so it will be quite easy to get around.
Visit the Gold Museum, open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There you will find a complete collection of goldsmith pieces and pottery from the indigenous cultures of the pre-Columbian period. Admission is free on Sundays.
After going to the Gold Museum, you can take a walk through the La Candelaria neighborhood. This neighborhood, located in the eastern central part of the city, makes up a large part of Bogotá’s historic center, making it a virtually obligatory stop on your itinerary. In La Candelaria you will find the Plaza de Bolívar, the Palacio de Nariño (the presidential palace), and hundreds of artistic institutions, theaters, museums, and libraries.
Finally, we recommend you go up Monserrate and end your first day by taking in a spectacular panoramic view of the city. Monserrate is one of Bogotá’s largest and most visited surrounding hills. If you are in good physical condition, you can climb the hill on foot, or if you prefer, there is also the option to use the cable car or funicular.
Day 2
Bogotá’s cultural agenda is one of the most active in Colombia. Therefore, we suggest that your second day involves a tour of the Botanical Garden, the Planetarium, and the Chicó Museum.
All these places, in addition to their permanent attractions, have interactive cultural programming that ranges from exhibitions, talks, and conferences, to concerts, events, and screenings. Programming can be found on their websites.
Start with the Botanical Garden, a space that covers an area of more than 20 hectares, focused on the Cundiboyacense highlands and páramo ecosystems. Among the different attractions are: the rose garden, waterfall, Andean forest, herb garden, an indigenous settlement, and an exotic plant collection.
Continue your tour by visiting the planetarium, with a 5-room space museum offering 35 audiovisual and interactive experiences related to astronomy and sky observation. Enjoy the projection of the most recognized stars and constellations in the dome stretching 23 meters in diameter.
Finally, head towards the Chicó Museum, a typical 18th-century colonial farmhouse. Its permanent exhibition includes a Viceroyalty Hall and three French salons. In addition, the green space around it, which serves as a park open to the public, is the perfect setting for a picnic.
Before turning in for the night, explore Bogotá’s nightlife. The capital offers a diverse array of bars, clubs, and restaurants throughout the city. Some good options for nightlife are the Modelia neighborhood, the Zona T and Zona G areas, and the streets around Parque 93.
Day 3
The last day of your trip should be loaded with fun. To end your stay with a flourish, we suggest you visit one or more of Bogotá’s amusement and theme parks. These are our recommendations:
- Maloka: Maloka is an interactive science and technology museum, located in the Salitre neighborhood. There you will find movie theaters and a rich cultural agenda, with different options depending on your interests.
- Mundo Aventura: Mundo Aventura is an amusement park located in the Kennedy neighborhood. Experience thrills on the many rollercoasters and then relax at one of the most beautiful aquariums in Colombia.
- Salitre Mágico: Salitre Mágico is one of the most popular amusement parks in Colombia. Located in the Salitre neighborhood, it has more than 30 rides and 24 fright-inducing spaces. Like other theme parks, you can purchase a passport that gives you access to various attractions.
If you still have time after enjoying the amusement parks, we suggest you visit Usaquén. Although it is considered a neighborhood, this beautiful area has retained its village feeling, with cobbled streets and ancient buildings.
Walk through the main park, visit the flea market, and pick up several Colombian handicrafts as souvenirs of your trip. If you prefer something more modern, check out the Hacienda Santa Bárbara, a shopping center that spectacularly combines colonial and modern design.
After a whole day of fun, rest assured that you saw the best of Bogotá in a short time. However, if you decide to stay to experience all that Bogota has to offer, you will discover the limitless possibilities of the Colombian capital.
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An express guide to Bogotá for half a day, one day or a weekend.
