4-Day Solo Adventure: Nightlife and Shopping in Bogota, Colombia

Bogota, Colombia

4 days

La Candelaria historical district
Los Pueblos colorful district
Color colonial building in the centre of the city
La Santamaria
Bolivar Square and Cathedral

About Bogota, Colombia

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Bogota, Colombia's capital city. Nestled in the Andes, Bogota offers a blend of colonial charm and urban sophistication. Explore the cobblestone streets of La Candelaria, the city's historic heart, home to top attractions like the Gold Museum and Plaza de Bolivar. Ascend Monserrate Hill for panoramic city views. Savor local cuisine, from hearty arepas to exotic fruits at Paloquemao Market. Experience Bogota's thriving arts scene at the Botero Museum or during the Ibero-American Theater Festival. Night owls will love Zona Rosa and Zona T, known for their lively bars and clubs. Bogota, a city of contrasts, promises an unforgettable journey.

4-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Exploring the Local Market and La Candelaria

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the vibrant Local Market. Here, you can immerse yourself in the local culture, taste exotic fruits, and buy unique souvenirs.

Lunch

Enjoy a traditional Colombian lunch at a local eatery. Try Bandeja Paisa, a typical Colombian dish, or Ajiaco, a hearty soup.

Afternoon

Spend your afternoon exploring the historic district of La Candelaria. Visit the museums, admire the colonial architecture, and stroll through the charming cobblestone streets.

Dinner

Have dinner at a restaurant offering a panoramic view of the city. Try some local delicacies like empanadas or arepas.

Evening

Experience Bogota's vibrant nightlife at a local Salsa Club. Dance the night away or simply enjoy the energetic atmosphere.

Morning

Visit the famous Gold Museum, which houses one of the largest collections of pre-Hispanic gold work in the world.

Lunch

Have lunch at a trendy restaurant in the Zona Rosa, known for its gastronomic scene.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon shopping at the upscale boutiques and designer stores in the Zona Rosa.

Dinner

Dine at a restaurant offering fusion cuisine, combining traditional Colombian ingredients with international flavors.

Evening

Explore the T Zone, a popular area for nightlife with a variety of bars and clubs.

Morning

Take a cable car up to the top of Monserrate Hill for breathtaking views of the city.

Lunch

Enjoy a picnic lunch at the top of Monserrate Hill, surrounded by beautiful gardens.

Afternoon

Visit the Botero Museum, which houses one of Latin America's most important international art collections.

Dinner

Have dinner at a restaurant in the Usaquen district, known for its bohemian vibe and culinary scene.

Evening

Experience the nightlife in the Usaquen district, with its lively bars and music venues.

Morning

Explore the vibrant Paloquemao Market, where you can buy fresh produce and local handicrafts.

Lunch

Have lunch at a local seafood restaurant, where you can try dishes like ceviche or grilled fish.

Afternoon

Spend your last afternoon in Bogota shopping for souvenirs at the local Artisan Markets.

Dinner

Enjoy your last dinner in Bogota at a restaurant offering traditional Colombian cuisine.

Evening

End your trip with a visit to a rooftop bar, where you can enjoy a cocktail while taking in the city lights.

Attractions in Itinerary (10)

Local Market

1
Local Market

A place where locals sell a variety of goods, including food, clothing, and crafts.

Shopping
Food and Drink
La Candelaria

2
La Candelaria

Historic neighborhood in downtown Bogota, known for its colonial architecture and vibrant cultural scene.

Neighborhoods
Cultural Experiences
Architecture
Salsa Club

3
Salsa Club

A lively venue where locals and tourists alike come to dance and enjoy the rhythms of salsa music.

Entertainment
Cultural Experiences
Gold Museum

4
Gold Museum

One of the most visited tourist destinations in the country, it displays an extraordinary collection of pre-Hispanic goldwork.

Museums
Cultural Experiences
Zona Rosa

5
Zona Rosa

Zona Rosa is a stylish and upscale neighborhood known for its shopping, nightlife, and dining options.

Neighborhoods
Food and Drink
Shopping
Entertainment
T Zone

6
T Zone

Known as Zona T, this area is famous for its shopping, dining, and nightlife. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

Attractions
Shopping
Neighborhoods
Monserrate Hill

7
Monserrate Hill

A famous mountain that dominates the city center of Bogota, it rises to 3,152 meters above the sea level, where there is a church with a shrine, devoted to El Señor Caído.

Attractions
Landmarks
Botero Museum

8
Botero Museum

The Botero Museum located in Bogotá, Colombia, houses one of Latin America's most important international art collections.

Museums
Cultural Experiences
Paloquemao Market

9
Paloquemao Market

One of the largest markets in Bogota, offering a wide variety of fresh produce, flowers, and local food.

Shopping
Food and Drink
Artisan Markets

10
Artisan Markets

These markets are a great place to find local crafts, jewelry, and other handmade items. They offer a unique shopping experience and a chance to support local artisans.

Shopping
Cultural Experiences

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Ajiaco

Ajiaco

A traditional Colombian chicken soup made with three types of potatoes, corn, and guascas (a local herb). It's a staple dish in Bogota and is often served with a side of avocado and cream.

Changua

Changua

A typical breakfast dish in Bogota, Changua is a milk soup with eggs. It's a hearty start to the day and a unique taste of the city's culinary culture.

Tamal Bogotano

Tamal Bogotano

A traditional Bogota breakfast dish, Tamal Bogotano is a corn dough filled with chicken, pork, carrots, and peas, wrapped in a banana leaf and steamed.

Lechona

Lechona

Lechona is a popular Colombian dish, especially in Bogota. It's a whole pig stuffed with rice, peas, and spices, then roasted for several hours.

Empanadas

Empanadas

Empanadas are a popular snack in Bogota. These deep-fried pastries are typically filled with meat, potatoes, and spices.

Bandeja Paisa

Bandeja Paisa

Bandeja Paisa is a traditional Colombian dish that's popular in Bogota. It's a platter that typically includes beans, rice, plantains, avocado, minced meat, chorizo, and a fried egg.

Arepa de Choclo

Arepa de Choclo is a sweet corn cake that's popular in Bogota. It's often served with cheese and is a delicious snack or breakfast dish.

Chicha de Jora

Chicha de Jora is a traditional Colombian fermented corn drink. It's popular in Bogota and has a unique, slightly sour taste.

Obleas

Obleas are a popular dessert in Bogota. They're thin wafers filled with arequipe (a sweet caramel-like spread), cheese, jam, or condensed milk.

Chocolate Santafereno

Chocolate Santafereno is a traditional hot chocolate drink served with cheese. It's a popular treat in Bogota, especially during the colder months.

Pandebono

Pandebono

Pandebono is a type of Colombian cheese bread that's popular in Bogota. It's typically served warm and is a delicious snack or breakfast item.

Agua de Panela

Agua de Panela is a traditional Colombian drink made from unrefined cane sugar. It's often served with lime or cheese and is a popular refreshment in Bogota.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Bogota, Colombia as a tourist is during the dry season, which runs from December to March. During these months, you can expect less rainfall and more comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Another good time is July and August which also tend to be drier. However, Bogota has a relatively stable climate year-round, so it's possible to enjoy your visit at any time of the year. Just remember to pack a light jacket as the city is located at a high altitude, which can make evenings a bit chilly.

National holidays

Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.

DateDayHoliday Name

January 1

Mon

New Year's Day

January 8

Mon

Epiphany

March 25

Mon

Saint Joseph's Day

March 28

Thu

Maundy Thursday

March 29

Fri

Good Friday

May 1

Wed

Labor Day / May Day

May 13

Mon

Ascension Day

June 3

Mon

Corpus Christi

June 10

Mon

Sacred Heart

July 1

Mon

Feast of Saint Peter and Saint Paul

July 20

Sat

Independence Day

August 7

Wed

Battle of Boyacá Day

August 19

Mon

Assumption of Mary

October 14

Mon

Columbus Day

November 4

Mon

All Saints' Day

November 11

Mon

Independence of Cartagena

December 8

Sun

Feast of the Immaculate Conception

December 25

Wed

Christmas Day

Please note that during national and public holidays, opening hours for establishments, museums, etc. may vary. Don't forget to check in advance!

How to get around

Bogota's main public transportation system, the TransMilenio, is a rapid transit bus system that covers a large portion of the city. It operates much like a subway system with designated lanes on the road, frequent service, and stops at stations rather than individual bus stops.

In addition to the TransMilenio, Bogota has a network of smaller public buses that cover areas not reached by the TransMilenio. These buses are often slower and less reliable than the TransMilenio, but they can be a good option for reaching specific destinations.

Taxis are a common way to get around Bogota. They are relatively inexpensive and can be hailed on the street or ordered through a taxi dispatch service. Always ensure the meter is running to avoid being overcharged.

Ridesharing services like Uber and Cabify are available in Bogota. These can be a convenient and safe option, especially for visitors who are not familiar with the city. You can order a ride and pay directly through the app.

Bogota has an extensive network of bike lanes, and the city's bike-sharing program, BiciBogota, allows you to rent a bike for short trips. The city also closes certain streets to motorized traffic on Sundays for Ciclovia, a weekly event that encourages cycling and walking.

Renting a car is an option in Bogota, but it's not recommended for most visitors due to the city's heavy traffic and complex driving conditions. If you do choose to rent a car, be aware that there are restrictions on driving during peak hours based on license plate numbers.

Many of Bogota's neighborhoods are walkable, and walking can be a pleasant way to explore the city. However, be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

Currency$ COP

Time zoneUTC-5

Driving sideRight

Emergency phone119

Drinking waterOpt for bottled water

Power sockets

Power socket type APower socket type B

Voltage110 V

Things to know about Bogota, Colombia as a first time visitor

1

Bogota is located at a high altitude (2,640 meters or 8,660 feet), so you may experience altitude sickness. Take it easy for the first few days to acclimate.

2

The official language is Spanish. While some people may speak English, it's beneficial to learn some basic Spanish phrases.

3

The local currency is the Colombian Peso (COP). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always good to have some cash on hand for smaller vendors.

4

Bogota has a temperate highland tropical climate. Average temperatures range from 41°F to 66°F (5°C to 19°C). Always carry a jacket or sweater as it can get chilly, especially in the evenings.

5

Tipping is not mandatory in Colombia, but it's appreciated. A tip of 10% is considered generous.

6

Bogota is generally safe, but like any major city, it has areas that are best avoided. Always be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure.

7

Public transportation is widely available and includes buses, taxis, and a rapid transit system called TransMilenio. However, traffic can be heavy, so plan accordingly.

8

Bogota operates on Colombia Time, which is 5 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-5).

9

The city has a vibrant nightlife, with many bars, clubs, and live music venues. However, be aware that the legal drinking age is 18.

10

Colombian cuisine is diverse and delicious. Try local dishes like ajiaco (a hearty soup) and bandeja paisa (a platter of meats, beans, and rice).

11

Bogota is a city of contrasts, with modern skyscrapers next to historic colonial buildings. Respect the local culture and history.

12

The city has a strong coffee culture. Don't miss trying a cup of locally grown Colombian coffee.

13

Bogota has a thriving arts scene. Look out for street art, galleries, and cultural events.

14

The city is located in a seismic zone, and while major earthquakes are rare, smaller tremors are not uncommon.

15

Bogota has a large number of parks and green spaces. Enjoy the outdoors, but remember to clean up after yourself.

16

Colombians are known for their friendliness and hospitality. Don't hesitate to ask for help or directions.

17

Bogota has a strong cycling culture. Consider renting a bike to explore the city, especially on Sundays when certain streets are closed to motorized traffic for Ciclovía.

18

Tap water is generally safe to drink in Bogota, but if you have a sensitive stomach, you may want to stick to bottled water.

19

Colombia uses the Type A and Type B plug. The standard voltage is 110 V, and the standard frequency is 60 Hz.

20

Always carry a copy of your passport and keep the original in a safe place. It's also a good idea to have a copy of your travel insurance policy.

Basic Spanish to know as a first time visitor

English phrase

Native phrase

Pronunciation

When to use it

Hello

Hola

O-la

Greeting someone

Goodbye

Adiós

A-dee-os

Leaving or saying goodbye to someone

Please

Por favor

Por fa-vor

When asking for something

Thank you

Gracias

Gra-see-as

After receiving something or someone's help

Yes

See

Agreeing with someone or something

No

No

No

Disagreeing with someone or something

Excuse me

Perdón

Per-don

Getting someone's attention or apologizing

I'm sorry

Lo siento

Lo see-en-to

Apologizing

Do you speak English?

¿Hablas inglés?

Ab-las in-gles

When you need to communicate in English

I don't understand

No entiendo

No en-tee-en-do

When you don't understand what is being said

Where is the bathroom?

¿Dónde está el baño?

Don-de es-ta el ban-yo

When you need to use the bathroom

How much does this cost?

¿Cuánto cuesta esto?

Kwan-to kwes-ta es-to

When you want to know the price of something

I would like...

Me gustaría...

Me gus-ta-ree-a

When ordering food or asking for something

Help

Ayuda

A-yu-da

In case of emergency or need of assistance

Call the police

Llame a la policía

Ya-me a la po-lee-see-a

In case of emergency

Can I have the menu, please?

¿Puedo tener el menú, por favor?

Pwe-do te-ner el me-nu, por fa-vor

When you want to order food at a restaurant

Water

Agua

A-gwa

When you want to order water

Beer

Cerveza

Ser-ve-za

When you want to order beer

Wine

Vino

Vee-no

When you want to order wine

Check, please

La cuenta, por favor

La kwen-ta, por fa-vor

When you want to pay at a restaurant

Packing List

  • Clothing

  • Lightweight clothing for warm weather

  • Long pants and long-sleeved shirts for cooler evenings

  • Underwear for 4 days

  • Socks for 4 days

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Rain jacket or umbrella

  • Swimsuit (if your hotel has a pool)

  • Sleepwear

  • Toiletries

  • Travel-sized shampoo and conditioner

  • Travel-sized body wash or soap

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Deodorant

  • Razor and shaving cream

  • Sunscreen

  • Insect repellent

  • Prescription medications

  • First-aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, tweezers)

  • Travel documents and essentials

  • Passport

  • Driver’s license or other ID

  • Credit and debit cards

  • Cash (Colombian Pesos)

  • Travel insurance documents

  • Hotel and transportation reservation confirmations

  • Emergency contacts and important addresses

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Smartphone

  • Charger for smartphone

  • Universal power adapter

  • Headphones

  • Camera (if you don’t use your phone for pictures)

  • Charger for camera

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Travel pillow

  • Earplugs and eye mask

  • Snacks

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Books or e-reader for entertainment

  • Travel guidebook for Bogota

  • Spanish-English dictionary or phrasebook

Weather Conditions

Bogota, Colombia, is known for its mild, temperate climate. The city is located at a high altitude, which contributes to its cooler temperatures. The average temperature in Bogota ranges from 50°F (10°C) to 66°F (19°C), so it's advisable to pack layers to adjust to the varying temperatures throughout the day. The city experiences two main seasons: dry and rainy. The dry season typically occurs from December to March and from July to August. This is the best time to visit if you want to avoid rain and enjoy outdoor activities. However, even during the dry season, Bogota can experience occasional rain showers, so it's always a good idea to carry an umbrella or raincoat. The rainy season usually occurs from April to May and from September to November. During this time, the city experiences frequent and sometimes heavy rainfall. If you're planning to visit during the rainy season, waterproof shoes, rain jackets, and umbrellas are essential. Despite the rain, Bogota's beauty shines through, and there are plenty of indoor activities to enjoy. Regardless of the season, Bogota can be quite cool in the evenings and early mornings. It's advisable to pack warm clothing like sweaters or jackets. Also, due to its high altitude, the sun in Bogota can be intense, so don't forget to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Remember, weather can be unpredictable, so it's always a good idea to check the forecast before your trip to ensure you're adequately prepared. Enjoy your visit to Bogota!

MonthHi / Lo (°C)Weather Overview

January

20° / 6°

January is a relatively dry month in Bogota, making it a good time for outdoor activities.

February

21° / 7°

February is a bit warmer but still dry, perfect for exploring the city and its surroundings.

March

22° / 8°

March sees a slight increase in temperature and the start of the rainy season, so pack a raincoat.

April

23° / 9°

April is one of the wettest months in Bogota, so indoor activities are recommended.

May

23° / 9°

May continues to be rainy, but the city's lush greenery is at its most vibrant.

June

22° / 8°

June marks the end of the rainy season, with temperatures dropping slightly.

July

21° / 7°

July is a cool and dry month, ideal for hiking and sightseeing.

August

21° / 7°

August is similar to July, with cool temperatures and low rainfall.

September

22° / 8°

September sees a slight increase in temperature and the start of the second rainy season.

October

23° / 9°

October is the wettest month in Bogota, so be prepared for frequent showers.

November

23° / 9°

November is still rainy, but the temperatures remain mild.

December

22° / 8°

December is a festive month in Bogota, with cooler temperatures and less rainfall.

Did you know?

Did you know that Bogota is the capital and largest city of Colombia, with a population of over 7 million people?

1 of 10

Places near by Bogota, Colombia

Zipaquira Salt Cathedral

Zipaquira Salt Cathedral

An underground Roman Catholic church built within the tunnels of a salt mine 200 meters underground.

1.3h
49 km / 30.4 mi
How to get there
Villa de Leyva

Villa de Leyva

A colonial town and municipality, known for its cobblestone square, Plaza Mayor, surrounded by colonial-style buildings.

3h
158 km / 98.2 mi
How to get there
Guatavita

Guatavita

A picturesque town known for its traditional white-washed buildings and the nearby Lake Guatavita, a sacred site for the Muisca people.

1.5h
56 km / 34.8 mi
How to get there
La Vega

La Vega

Known for its warm climate and natural beauty, including the Cascada La Chorrera waterfall.

1.5h
66 km / 41.0 mi
How to get there
Chicaque Natural Park

Chicaque Natural Park

A cloud forest reserve with hiking trails, waterfalls, and a variety of bird species.

1h
30 km / 18.6 mi
How to get there
Chingaza National Park

Chingaza National Park

A high-altitude national park known for its páramo ecosystem, diverse wildlife, and pristine lakes.

2h
50 km / 31.1 mi
How to get there
Suesca

Suesca

A small town known for its rock climbing and outdoor activities.

1.5h
59 km / 36.7 mi
How to get there
Choconta

Choconta

Known for its hot springs and the nearby Laguna de Guatavita.

2h
78 km / 48.5 mi
How to get there

Other Destinations in Colombia