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Located at 2,600 meters above sea level, Bogota, the capital of Colombia, stands as one of the new favorite destinations in South America. People from all over are coming to see what this cosmopolitan yet traditional city has to offer.

Photo by M.Peinado

Bogota’s main attraction is La Candelaria, a traditional neighborhood that dates from colonial times. It is one of the best-preserved examples of colonial architecture in Latin America and its streets are all surrounded by different artistic venues like theaters, libraries and universities.

Walking a few blocks down La Candelaria is Plaza de Bolivar, the city’s central square. Here you can find some of the most important buildings in the city like the Palace of Justice, the Capitol Building, and the City Hall, as well as, some antique churches. It was named after Simón Bolivar the Latin-American liberator from the late 1800s.  Local people usually meet here, especially on weekends, and blend among the many performers and tourists everywhere.

Also in La Candelaria is the Botero Museum which is dedicated to the work of Colombian painter Fernando Botero.  Close to 100 paintings and sculptures, most of them from the artist’s personal collection, are on display.  Another great museum nearby is the Museo del Oro.  It displays the world’s biggest collection of pre-Hispanic gold work composed of around 50,000 gold pieces. Around the city there are more interesting places worth visiting like the Maloka Museum; an interactive science museum with a really cool façade.

Another popular tourist attraction is the Monserrate Hill. It rises to 3,152 meters above sea level. To get to the top, take a ride in the funicular and enjoy an amazing view of the city. Try to get there in time to see the sunset.  It is also a pilgrim destination; many people go up to visit a traditional 17^th century church that has a beautiful shrine dedicated to “El Señor Caído” (Fallen Lord).

Bogotá has endless options for having fun.  It is filled with great coffee shops, restaurants as well as bars and clubs. A great area to spend an evening is Usaquen, a bohemian neighborhood.

Also you can’t leave the city without visiting Bogotá’s most famous restaurant, Andres Carne de Res, and enjoying a cup of delicious Colombian coffee, considered among the best in the world.

Hotel Boutique Alma
Average Price: € 45
Guest Rating: 9.5

Hotel Hospedaje Casa Paquín
Average Price: € 49
Guest Rating: 9

Arlington Hotel
Average Price: € 79
Guest Rating: 7