Full of fashion, history, and culture, Bogota is a Latin American capital city that should rise to the top of everyone’s travel list. For nature lovers, there are many scenic views and hiking opportunities. The food is fantastic. If you love to party, you will adore the nightlife in this city. A comfortable temperature year-round allows special events to happen frequently.
Go ahead and book your flights now because you can find a variety of places to stay in Bogota. Since there are so many different options available, ranging from high-end boutique hotels in Bogota to hotels in Bogota for backpackers, you should use this guide to help you choose places to stay in Bogota.
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Where to stay in Bogota?
- For the best prices on accommodations and the most choices, Booking.com has been my go-to choice especially once you reach Genius tier and you can find an additional 10-15% off places to stay.
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Where to Stay in Bogota
There are neighborhoods that you will want to stay in based on your travel style, budget, and your needs.
The Main Bogota Neighborhoods
- Chapinero – This trendy neighborhood is filled with lots of restaurants and nightclubs to explore.
- La Candelaria – This neighborhood has plenty of attractions to see, and it also has outstanding restaurants.
- Teusaquillo – If you love street art, then make sure to spend time looking at the street murals in this neighborhood.
- Monserrate – While you need to be safety conscious in this neighborhood, it is filled with beautiful scenery and history.
- Usaquen – This cute neighborhood offers bargain shoppers lots of finds worth hunting for while staying in a Bogota hotel.
Bogota Quick Tips
How to Get Around
TransMilenio is the public bus system that runs throughout the city, with most routes having bus service from 5 AM to 11:15 PM. Many residential neighborhoods are serviced by smaller feeder buses that connect to the main TransMilenio lines. You have the option of buying a single-use ticket or getting a Frequent User Card. If you are going to use the bus while staying in the best hotels in Bogota, then the Frequent User Card usually makes sense. Be careful when reading their maps because the east is at the top where north is normally located.
Public buses are another option for getting around the city. While the TransMilenio buses run in their dedicated lane in the middle of the road, these buses use the lanes designed for regular cars. These buses, however, serve many smaller neighborhoods where TransMilenio buses may not be available.
Taxis are also a great way to get from luxury hotels in Bogota to the places that you want to see. Be sure to phone the taxi company to arrange transportation. They will give you the license plate number of the car that is picking you up along with a code. Make sure that the license plate number matches, and that the driver knows the code to help ensure your safety. You will pay for the mileage that the driver takes you, so be sure that the driver correctly sets the meter is set when you get in the taxi. You need to know what type of cab you want because there are regular-car taxis, but many taxis in Bogota are motorbikes.
There is no train or subway system in Bogota, and Uber has an on-again-off-again relationship with this city, so you may want to consider renting a car. Be forewarned that drivers like to go fast in this city.
Neighborhood Map
Get an idea of where the different Bogota neighborhoods lay by studying this map.
There are of course many more neighbourhoods than the ones we’re focusing on but this gives you an idea of how expansive the city is.
Plan Your Trip
Data Roaming – Unless you have an international roaming plan, you may want to consider getting a cheap phone to use in the country.
Plug adapters – Just like the United States, Bogota has 110-volt electricity, so an adapter is not necessary. It can be a good idea, however, to pack a three-to-two prong adapter as many sockets only have two-prong options.
Currency – Peso Colombiano is used throughout Columbia. Consider exchanging your money at an exchange house located away from the airport for the best rates.
Buying a travel guide – Especially if your Spanish needs some work, a good travel guidebook can help you navigate through this city of 8 million people.
What to pack – Bogota is a city where you want to dress in layers because the weather can change rapidly. Leave your flip flops at home and bring your most sophisticated clothes.
#1. Chapinero
What’s There and Why Visit
This is a neighborhood full of outstanding restaurants and nightclubs, so foodies will want to make sure to visit. This neighborhood is particularly a great place to start your day as there are many quaint coffeeshops with very knowledgeable staff that you will want to visit on your Bogota vacation, and it can be a great place to end it at one of its nightclubs, including many clubs dedicated to alternative lifestyles.
If you are looking for a place to find some solitude, then this neighborhood offers many outstanding opportunities, like following the steep Quebrada La Vieja path or heading to Virrey Park during the migration season, which lasts from October to April.
Suggested Hotels Near Chapinero
AFFORDABLE
Scala 68
You’ll find a great restaurant and a gym at this hotel which is located only 5 minutes away from main financial district. If you enjoy group activities then you can join their Sunday City Bike Days. Your stay includes basic amenities such as a flat-screen TV, private bathroom, hairdryer and towels.
CONDO HOTEL
Cassa Luxury Homes
What guests love about this hotel: “Everything. This was our first stop in Colombia and couldn’t have loved this place more. They took care of every need. The facilities were excellent. Everyone from the cleaning staff, the front desk, the breakfast chef, and the management were exceptional in every single way. We will return at the end of our trip. Couldn’t recommend this hotel more! 5 thumbs up!”
MID-RANGE
Ayenda 1073 Suites
Real 97
Get choices when you stay with Ayenda. Choose between their apartments that include a robust amount of amenities like a sofa bed and dining area or choose their hotel rooms that feature a TV, mini-bar, and a desk. Many restaurants and cafes are located within 500 metres.
LUXURY
Hotel City Flats
This hotel is modern and provides self-catering accommodations with a bar. Each apartment features of beautiful city view and includes laundry facilities, private bathrooms, and shuttle services to the airport.
Things to See Near Chapinero
Parque 93 – This green square is often home to fashion and design expos along with concerts.
Virrey Park – See tanagers, hummingbirds, and falcons while jogging at this park.
Quebrada La Vieja – This mountain path takes you to the summit of Cerros Orientales, and you need to make reservations at least 24 hours ahead of hiking it.
Casa Libreria Wilborada 1047 – This combination bookstore and coffeehouse is set in a 300-year-old building.
Museo del Chico – This museum of decorative arts sits in one of the oldest houses in the neighborhood.
Iglesia de la Veracruz – Approximately 80 heroes of Columbia’s independence fight are in a vault at this chapel, which has a very ornate interior.
Getting There
Parque 93 – Take the bus to 044A00 and then walk east until reaching Calle 93, turn right and walk to Carrera 12, turn left, and the park will be on your right.
Virrey Park – Take the bus to AK15- CL91, and then walk northeast to Carrera 16, turn right and walk until you get to the park on your right.
Quebrada La Vieja – Take the bus to AK7-CL3, and the start of the trail will be to your south.
Casa Libreria Wilborada 1047 – Walk about five minutes south from the AK 15 – Cl 91 bus stop.
Museo del Chico – Take the bus to CL94-KR14 and walk southeast on Calle 94 until you reach Carrera 14, look up because your destination will be on your right after you turn the corner.
Iglesia de la Veracruz – Take the bus to Museo del Oro A – 1 and walk about five minutes to the east.
Suggested Activities in Chapinero
Chapinero: Drinks & Coolture Route -Accompany locals as they take you on a cultural tour of the cool places where locals hang out in Chapinero.
Layover City Tour in Bogota (Private tour) – This private tour is a perfect way to explore Chapinero if you have a layover at the airport.
#2. La Candelaria
What’s There and Why Visit
This is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Bogota, and it has many historical sites to explore. The amount of history available for viewing makes this a popular neighborhood for visitors to explore, and you may wish that the buildings could talk so that they could tell you their stories.
Along the narrow, colorful streets, you can find many things to do, but one of the best is to start walking and explore the area on foot. The people in this neighborhood are amiable, and they will tell you where to visit, and the amazing places in this neighborhood to eat.
Suggested Hotels Near La Candelaria
AFFORDABLE
Hotel Casa de la Vega
This classy hotel offers colonial-style accommodations in the historical center of Bogota. Some of the rooms offers a balcony or patio and all rooms include a private bathroom with a shower. Located 300m from Chorro de Quezedo and Luis Angel Arango Library.
MID-RANGE
Selina La
Candelaria Bogotá
Expect a full-service stay at this hotel that includes a restaurant, bar, shared lune and garden. Evenings include some fun entertainment or you can consult their tour desk for other activities to enjoy in the area. The hotel also has Billards, a bike hire and car hire.
HOSTEL
Casa Quinta Hostel
“Perfect location: in the middle of la Candelaria, but very quiet. Staff friendly and helpful. They also cleaned and tidied our room thoroughly, even when we just stayed for 2 nights. Breakfast good and we liked the variety. ”
LUXURY
Lloyds Apartasuites Parque 93
Find modern furnishings and decor in these spacious apartments that include kitchens and a dining area. All of the apartments include Wi-Fi, complimentary parking and a lovely seating area and fully-equipped kitchen area. Your stay also includes a daily American breakfast with croissants, jams, and fresh fruit.
Things to See Near La Candelaria
Museo Botero – See the works of Fernando Botero, who is one of Columbia’s most famous artists along with other artwork from around the world.
Centro Cultural Gabriel García Márquez – This space designed by architect Rogelio Salmona holds numerous cultural events monthly.
La Puerta Falsa – This restaurant has been run by the same family since 1816, and they are extremely well known for their tamales.
Espacio Odeón – This contemporary art space holds one of the largest alternative art fairs in Latin America every October, but they host many exhibits throughout the year.
Museo del Oro – See over 55,000 gold objects from Columbia’s pre-Hispanic cultures.
Museo Iglesia Santa Clara – This church that is one of the oldest in Bogota contains artwork from some of Colombia’s most revered Baroque artists.
Teatro Colón Bogotá – Opening in 1892, this richly marbled theater is the national theater of Columbia, and performances are often held there.
La Casa de Poesía Silva – The former home of writer José Asunción Silva, this house contains many of his works along with his furniture and processions.
Getting There
Museo Botero– Ride the bus to the Museo del Oro A – 1 stop and walk about nine minutes south.
Centro Cultural Gabriel García Márquez– Take the bus to Musco del Oro A – 1, walk along Carrera 6a to Calle 12, then follow Calle 12 to reach your destination in about five minutes.
La Puerta Falsa– Get off at the Musco del Oro A-1 bus stop and walk northwest on Avenue Jimenez De Quesada, then turn left on Carrerra 7 and walk until you get to Calle 11.
Espacio Odeón– Get off at Musco del Oro A-1 and walk around the block to reach this venue on Carrera 6.
Museo del Oro– Get off at San Victorino A – 3 or 6 bus stop and walk southeast until you come to this museum.
Museo Iglesia Santa Clara– From Musco del Oro A-1, walk northwest on Avenue Jimenez De Quesada, turn left and walk about 10 minutes to get to this museum.
Teatro Colón Bogotá– Head southeast on Carrera 6a, turn left toward Calle 12c, turn left again on Calle 10 to reach this destination in about 14 minutes.
La Casa de Poesía Silva– Head southwest on Carrera 6a, and turn left on Calle 12 to reach this house on your left in about six minutes.
Suggested Activities In La Candelaria
Shared Graffiti Tour in La Candelaria Bogotá – This two-hour walking tour shows you the street art in this neighborhood and offers local insights.
La Candelaria + Monserrate + Museums Bogotá City Tour 7H – This seven-hour tour features museums, local food tastings, and coffee sampling.
#3. Teusaquillo
What’s There and Why Visit
If you are a sports fan, then you will want to visit the Teusaquillo neighborhood of Bogota as it is home to many infamous sports facilities, including the Olympic swimming facility and the largest soccer stadium. There are opportunities to hear concerts in some of these stadiums throughout the year.
This neighborhood is also home to many cultural attractions and events, with many focusing on Bogota’s wonderful food, like ajiaco, tamales, changua, and arepas. This capital city is known for its great food, and you can find it in many different places within the Teusaquillo neighborhood.
Suggested Hotels Near Teusaquillo
AFFORDABLE
TRYP By Wyndham Bogota Embajada
“Our stay here was perfect! The staff is absolutely wonderful – they went above and beyond to accommodate us in a room better suited to three people, than the one we had booked. The free breakfast is a large buffet that’s delicious, and their free airport shuttle is a great perk. The rooms were very clean and spacious, and we would all stay here again in a heartbeat!”
MID-RANGE
Wyndham Bogota
Each room is air-conditioned and features modern decor and includes a TV, mini-bar, and private bathroom with shower. Take advantage of their fitness center and free Wi-Fi. You will find an on-site bar and a restaurant with international cuisine. There are many choices for delicious restaurants within a short 5 minute walk of the hotel.
APARTMENT
Apartamentos 5 Elementos
“I loved the location, it is half a block from the 26 transmilenium station. It is then very close to corferias and a 5 minute drive to the shopping center of large station, it also has parking, the reception staff was very friendly, the common areas are nice and the apartment is really very nice, it had a TV, microwave, large fridge. The comfortable bed and the pillows too. in general very well, I would go back without hesitation.”
LUXURY
Grand Hyatt Bogota
This hotel has many features such as free private parking, a fitness center, and a bar. Take in their gorgeous gardens or enjoy their tasty breakfast buffet. Relax and unwind at their 4-star accommodations that include a sauna and a terrace, or visit their on-site pool, hairdresser, or business center.
Things to See Near Teusaquillo
Estadio el Campín – Since 1938, fans have been enjoying soccer matches at this stadium along with concerts given by top-name entertainers.
Biblioteca Virgilio Barco – This circular library that contains more than 150,000 books was designed by Rogelio Salmona to set naturally into the area.
Parque Simón Bolívar – Rent paddleboats, listen to concerts, ride the rides at the amusement park, visit the children’s museum, go for a swim in the three swimming pools, and do many other activities at this 400-hectare park.
Ciudad Universitaria – Seventeen buildings on this college campus, which is the largest in Columbia, have been declared national monuments, including buildings designed by Leopold Rother, Erik Lange, and Ernesto Blumenthal.
Teatro Ditirambo – Watch theatrical performances or join in the fun of educational workshops at this theater.
Getting There
Estadio el Campín– Take the bus to AC 53 – Kr 28 bus station, then walk north about 650 meters to this stadium.
Biblioteca Virgilio Barco– From the AC53 – Kr 28 bus station walk southwest to Carrera 27, turn left onto Calle 53, turn right on Carrera 28, turn left on Carrera 53b bis, turn right on Avenue Cdad. de Quito, and the library will be on your right.
Parque Simón Bolívar– Ride the bus to the AC 53 Kr 28 bus stop, and you are at the southeast corner of this park.
Ciudad Universitaria– Take the bus to the
AK 50 – AC 26 bus stop and walk two minutes to the northwest.
Teatro Ditirambo– Take the bus to the Avinda Calle 45 bus stop and walk one minute to the northeast.
Suggested Activities In Teusaquillo
Private Architecture Tour in Bogotá – Tickets, snacks, transportation, and guide- Learn more about this city’s architecture on this four-to-six-hour tour with a private guide.
Tourebikes: Taste the city flavors on electric bikes – This three-hour tour on electric bikes allows you to sample pandebonos and salpicón.
#4. Monserrate
What’s There And Why Visit
Even in pre-Columbian times, many tourists made a pilgrimage to this mountain that they considered sacred. Today, tourists can still hike up the mountain, or they can take the aerial tramway or funicular.
The top of this mountain is a trendy spot to watch the sunset, and you can dine in restaurants. Pilgrims created the sanctuary at the top of the mountain, with each carrying a brick to the top of the mountain, and it contains the effigy of the fallen Christ, but the effigy is carried down the mountain in troubled times.
Suggested Hotels Near Monserrate
AFFORDABLE
Hotel bh Bicentenario
Located very close to the La Candelaria historic area and the financial center. This hotel offers free Wi-Fi, a restaurant on-site, a business center, and laundry services for your convenience. Free parking is a great perk as well as how close it is to El Dorado airport.
MODERN
Mika Suites
“Amazing place! Relaxed atmosphere, very kind, friendly and attentive staff, nice buffet breakfast including eggs to order. The rooms are spotless and the bed is very comfortable (love the 2 pillows per person!!!). Very easy to take a taxi or Uber wherever you need to go. We didn’t use the public transportation, but I’m sure that is fine too. They seem to go everywhere. We liked Mika Suites so much, we are staying there again when we go back to Bogota before we fly home.”
MID-RANGE
GHL Hotel
Tequendama Bogotá
This mid-range hotel feels luxurious with it’s spa facilities, indoor swimming pool, and a great selection of gourmet food options. The decor is beautiful and you can enjoy a buffet breakfast each morning. There is also an on-site cafe that serves pastries and hot beverages.
LUXURY
JW Marriott Hotel Bogotá
Take in the celebrity style treatment with this hotel’s deluxe rooms, four restaurants, a bar, fitness center, AND a spa! Each room features bedding fit for a king with down feather mattresses a 300-thread count linen. You can take in Asian fusion food or choose fresh ingredients and build your own dishes at The Market Restaurant.
Things to See Near Monserrate
Monserrate Sanctuary – Built between 1650 and 1657, mass is celebrated at this Catholic shrine three times daily.
Monserrate Aerial Tramway – This tramway takes four minutes to go 2,690 feet in the air to the mountain’s summit.
Monserrate Funicular – Since 1923, people have been riding the funicular up and down the mountain.
Monserrate Hike – This hike to the mountain top gains 1,968 feet in elevation over the course of 1.5 miles.
Getting There
Monserrate Sanctuary – You can take the aerial tramway, the funicular or hike up the mountain.
Monserrate Aerial Tramway – Take the bus to the
Taquilla Monserrate Teleférico bus stop and walk southwest until you reach your destination in about two minutes.
Monserrate Funicular – Take the bus to the
Taquilla Monserrate Teleférico and walk southwest until you reach your destination in about two minutes.
Monserrate Hike – Take the bus to the Taquila Monserate Teleferico, and you will see the beginning of the paved path to the southwest in about two minutes.
Suggested Activities in Monserrate
Shared Monserrate Tour – Sample many traditional Colombian foods and learn the important role that Catholicism plays in Columbia’s culture while touring the Monserrate Sanctuary.
Horseback Riding from Guadalupe to Monserrate – Join this horseback tour on the Guadalupe Mountain and ride through the forest to Monserrate.
#5. Usaquen
What’s There And Why Visit
This upper-middle-class neighborhood is one of the oldest in Bogota, and while you may not find any cheap hotels in Bogota there, it boasts many old buildings that have been given a new purpose, like shopping, restaurants, and nightclubs. You can also ride a historic train, visit a flea market and shop at antique stores.
There are many fun things to do in this neighborhood, including playing golf, listening to storytellers, and watching street performers, so it is definitely one to consider when looking for where to stay in Bogota. Still, the neighborhood also has large green spaces that make this a great place to escape from the hustle of other parts of the city.
Suggested Hotels Near Usaquen
AFFORDABLE
Hotel Le Manoir Bogotá
“The breakfast buffet was nice and always fresh, staff very diligent and welcoming, clean and tidy always, very close to lots of nice places for dinner and shopping. Easy access and very nice location. Will recommend to any fellow traveller who visits Bogota”
ECO-FRIENDLY
Biohotel Organic Suites
You won’t be surprised to find delicious organic foot at the Green Peace Restaurant in this hotel. Take the time to unwind in their gardens or unwind at their in-house spa. This hotel is only 701m from the Unicentro Shopping Mall and roughly 45 minutes from El Dorado Airport.
APARTMENT
Apartaestudios
Los Andes
These apartments feel like home, but better, with their self-catering accommodations, free Wi-Fi, and a delicious American breakfast. The rooms feature a private bathroom, cable, maid service and some rooms have kitchens. Laundry and dry cleaning services can be arranged.
LUXURY
Dann Carlton Bogota
Located in a formidable, and beautiful, building in upscale northern Bogota. This hotel features a fitness center, and restaurants. Each room is elegantly decorated with wood accents and stylish furniture. You can request a massage session and guests love the hotel sauna.
Usaquén Flea Market – This flea market that is only open on Sundays consists of two flea markets that are set up next to each other with vendors selling arts, crafts, and local produce.
Hacienda Santa Barbara – This shopping plaza is built around a casona home that was originally constructed in 1847.
Cinema Paraiso – See independent and foreign films at this small theater.
Tren de la Sabana– Take a historical train pulled by a steam or diesel locomotive on the weekends to see Zipaquira`s Salt Cathedral, The Nemocon`s Mine of Salt and Cajica.
Church of Santa Bárbara de Usaquén – See the artwork of XVII Century School of Colombian art movement painted on the walls of this Catholic church.
Country Club De Bogota – This 36-hole, private golf course is home to the Professional Golf Association’s Bogota Championship.
Getting There
Usaquén Flea Market – Take the bus to the AK7 –Cl123 bus stop, and then walk southwest for about six minutes along Carrera 7.
Hacienda Santa Barbara – Take the bus to the AK 7 – Cl 117 bus stop and walk south until you reach Carrera 6, turn left and walk a short distance to this location on your right.
Cinema Paraiso – Take the bus to the OAK 7-Cl 123 bus stop, then walk along Carrera 7 until you reach Calle 120a, turn left and the theater will be on your right.
Tren de la Sabana – Take the bus to AK 7 – Cl 110 bus station, and then walk northwest along Calle 110 until you reach your destination in about 10 minutes.
Church of Santa Bárbara de Usaquén – Take the bus to the AK 7 – Cl 123 bus stop, then walk along Carrera 7, turn left on Calle 120a and right on Carrera 6 to reach your destination in about seven minutes.
Country Club De Bogota – Take the bus to the Cl 114 and CRA 14 bus stop, walk west to AK 15, then walk north about 11 minutes until you reach the country club.
Suggested Activities in Usaquén
3 Amazing Destinations in Bogota – You choose up to three locations in Bogota to visit, and your driver takes you there, serves as your tour guide, and stops along the way for photo opportunities.
Colombian Handicrafts Private Shopping Tour in Bogota – Learn about arts and crafts in Columbia with a personal guide who will help you make selections and offers discounts in some shops.
Frequently asked questions
It’s one of the colder climates in Colombia with temperatures ranging between 12 °C and 17 °C.
The Colombian peso is the country’s legal tender. It is generally identified with the abbreviation COP, and you’ll find that the official peso symbol ($) is used locally.
Since 2010, the National Network has been managed by the National Tourism Fund (Fontur) and has facilities in a wide range of regions across the country. The main cities like Bogotá and Medellín have multiple Tourist Information Points (TIPS) dotted throughout their districts.
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