What to Do in Bogota, Colombia

thingstodo

Bogotá Bike Tours

Bogota, Colombia

Yes, it’s quite touristy but you’ll cover a lot of ground, hunt down not-so-toursisty spots and get some exercise in. A local guide will take you through the city’s street-art scene and green spaces, before you visit an artist’s home-turned-rubbish-dump and a fruit market (tasting included). Finish with a game of tejo.

Address

Carrera 3, 12-72 La Candelaria

thingstodo

Casa Libreria Wilborada 1047

Bogota, Colombia

Libreria Wilborada is an architecturally striking book shop in a classic 1940s four-story home. Inside you’ll find Café Cultor – a staple around the city – and plenty of couches to curl up on and read.

Address

Calle 71, #10-47 Bogotá 110231

thingstodo

Teatro Garaje

Bogota, Colombia

A once under-utilised garage was transformed into the multi-use space of dreams. Recently renovated and expanded, there’s a long list of activities that go on at this outdoor garage: plays, concerts, cultural fairs, ceramics workshops and yoga classes. Add to that a café, restaurant and boutique tattoo parlour – plus, the fact it’s pretty cheap.

Address

Carrera 10, 54a-27 Bogotá

thingstodo

Fundación Teatro Odeón

Bogota, Colombia

This art space is nestled in what used to be a 2000 square metre derelict theatre. It was renovated in 2011 and now hosts some of the city’s best contemporary art exhibitions.

Address

Carrera 5, #12c-73 Bogotá

thingstodo

Centro Cultural Garcia Márquez

Bogota, Colombia

Named after Colombia’s Literature Nobel Prize winner, this cultural centre has over 100,000 books to peruse and buy. Grab coffee at the nearby Juan Valdéz café and read in the public courtyard.

Address

Calle 11, 5-60 Bogotá

thingstodo

Monserrate

Bogota, Colombia

Don’t give up an opportunity to blend nature and culture. Monserrate is a church atop a mountain – 3153 metres above sea level, to be exact. A hike, funicular, or cable-car ride will take you to the sanctuary, where you’ll catch a mesmerising view of Bogotá and its accompanying mountains. Careful if you decide to hike as there have been several violent muggings on the path.

Address

Carrera 2E, 21-48 Paseo Bolívar Bogotá

thingstodo

Quebrada La Vieja

Bogota, Colombia

Put on comfortable clothes and walking shoes and head to the limit of Calle 72. There you’ll find the entrance to a subterranean tunnel and the entrance to Quebrada La Vieja, a waterfall near the city. Open to the public 5–10AM, this one requires an early wake-up call.

Address

Calle 71

thingstodo

Casa Museo Quinta de Bolivar

Bogota, Colombia

This historic home and museum is the ultimate sanctuary for history-buffs and nature-lovers seeking refuge from the bustling streets of Bogotá. Originally built in 1800 and gifted to Simon Bolivar in 1820, this extravagant home retains many of its original pieces. Stroll the cobblestone paths that surround the museum to find tranquility in the property’s impressively quiet gardens.

Address

Calle 21, 4A-31 East

thingstodo

Paloquemao Market

Bogota, Colombia

Paloquemao is a foodie’s dream come true. With its seemingly never-ending corridors of fresh fruits and vegetables, meats and flowers, this is the place to while away the hours. Whether it be sampling the country’s diversity of fruits, squeezing in with locals at one of many food stalls for some traditional fare, or simply marvelling at the hurried rush of delivery men with overflowing carts of produce, you can experience Colombian culture at its most authentic here. Arrive between 5-10am to catch the impressive daily flower market.

Address

Avenida 19, 25-04

thingstodo

Bogotá Graffiti Tours

Bogota, Colombia

Even if you have little interest in graffiti, the captivating murals of the historic district provide a unique window into Bogotá’s history and culture. Tours are funded by donations, and proceeds are given back to local artists through community projects spread throughout the country. English tours are held daily at 10am and 2pm, and private tours in other languages are available. Meet in the Parque de los Periodistas, no reservations required.

Address

Parque de los Periodistas La Candelaria

thingstodo

Clandestine Dinners with chef Paula Silva

Bogota, Colombia

Despite the success of vegetarian hotspot Hippie, its owner and chef Paula Silva closed the restaurant out of a desire to educate diners in a more meaningful way. Now she shares her knowledge of local ingredients and organic cooking through her clandestine dinners; a nine-course, vegan tasting experience offered in her own home. Dinners promote conscious cooking with ingredients sourced from local producers and the use of crystals to infuse a spiritual element into the meal. Ten seats are available on a monthly basis.

thingstodo

FLORA ars+natura

Bogota, Colombia

Set among the industrial garages of San Felipe, this contemporary art space displays local and international artists whose work explores the relationship between art and nature. The founder, Jose Roca, lends curation expertise from his former role as the curator of Latin American art at the Tate Modern in London. This gallery offers a unique way to connect with nature – one of Colombia’s greatest assets – in an urban setting.

Address

Calle 77, 20C-48

thingstodo

Play Tejo

Bogota, Colombia

This local sport is not particularly well-known – and that’s exactly why it’s remained such a popular activity among Colombians. All you need is plenty of beer to last you a few hours and a good arm. Wondering how to play? Throw a heavy stone puck towards a clay mount and aim for the gunpowder in the centre. If you score, it explodes. And of course, drinking multiple beers is a rule. Think of it as a bit like boozy bowling.