Last updated: 24/4/19 | April 19, 2024
Located on the Andean plateau at an altitude of 2,640 meters (8,660 feet), bogota It is the third tallest capital city in the world (after Quito and La Paz). Most travelers usually bypass it in favor of popular digital nomad hotspots Medellin Or the coastal city of Cartagena.
Most travelers think Bogota is only worth a few days. I think this is a shame and does a disservice to this vibrant destination. I loved my time in Bogota and ended up extending my visit here! This city feels better Colombia Compared to some other big cities with larger expat and tourist populations.
There’s lots to do and see here Museums, parks, hiking, amazing street art, great nightlife and an incredible food scene.
With this in mind, you need to choose where to stay in Bogota carefully. It is a huge city divided into different Estratosor areas, there are also some “no-go areas” that you need to avoid as well. There is a lot of petty crime in Bogota, so don’t risk going too far.
Here’s my breakdown of Bogota’s most tourist-friendly neighborhoods (along with recommended accommodations in each):
Neighborhood
most suitable
Best Hotel
la candelaria
Budget travelers and sightseeing
Championro
Nomads and foodies
Rose District
Nightlife, Luxury and Shopping
Tesacillo
history, culture and family
Best for Budget Travelers and Sightseeing: La Candelaria
La Candelaria is the city’s historic center and has all the main Bogotá Attractions Within walking distance are the Gothic National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmen, the Botero Museum and the Gold Museum. It is also the main gathering place for backpackers and there are many hostels. If you are on a budget and/or want to spend a lot of time visiting the sights, stay in La Candelaria.
Best places to stay in La Candelaria:
- Budget: Angry crocodile – This is a backpacker institution. Set in a converted colonial house, this hostel has everything you need including comfortable bunk beds and private rooms, a fully equipped guest kitchen, great showers, an on-site bar/restaurant and plenty of communal areas space (including outdoor terrace).
- Mid-range: Magdalena Hostel – This affordable guest house is basic but modern and comfortable, with a small garden area and internal courtyard, a resident cat and lovely owners. The showers are always hot (not always the case in this neighborhood!), the beds are comfortable, and there’s a kitchen for guests to use.
- luxurious: Hotel Muisca – This is a historic hotel, named after the indigenous people of the area, housed in a beautiful 200-year-old colonial house. You’ll find amenities you need, like flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi, as well as luxury amenities like saunas, spas, complimentary breakfast, and rooftop dining areas.
Best for Digital Nomads and Foodies: Chapinero
Chapinero is a trendy, bohemian neighborhood (there’s a park here called Hippie Park). It’s famous for its street art, cafes, local markets, and thriving LGBTQ+ community (the largest LGBTQ+ nightclub in South America, Theatron, is located here). Furthermore, Chapinero is a paradise for gourmets and is home to Zona G (Gastronomy), home to the best fine dining restaurants in town. It is also one of the safest areas in the city.
Best places to stay in Chapinero:
- Budget: Selina Championro – Selina is a Latin American hotel chain targeting digital nomads. Like the other locations, the hostel is a large, design-forward hostel with co-working spaces, a bar/restaurant, plenty of common areas, a communal kitchen and organized social events.
- Mid-range: HAB Bogota Hotel – Located on a quiet residential street, this hotel offers luxury at a mid-range price, with stylish interiors, a 24/7 fitness center, gardens, outdoor terraces and its own farm-to-table restaurant/bar. Get a good night’s sleep in your stylish, modern room with your own desk, high-quality mattress and blackout curtains.
- luxurious: Casa Legado – There are many luxury hotels nearby, but the five-star Casa Legado is particularly outstanding, beautifully designed in a mid-20th century style. Each of the 13 rooms has its own character; some have balconies, others have garden views. The hotel offers free breakfast, bicycles for guests’ use, a peaceful inner courtyard and a tour desk to help organize activities.
Best place for nightlife, luxury and shopping: Zona Rosa
While Chapinero has a great nightlife, if you really want to blend in, stay in the Zona Rosa. Known as the Zona T because of its shape, the area is home to numerous trendy nightclubs, bars and restaurants, as well as high-end shopping malls and designer stores. It’s a bit expensive to live here because it’s the trendiest area of town. local bogotanos People come here from all over the city to party and shop, and it’s very walkable day or night.
Best places to stay in Zona Rosa:
- Budget: Urbana Lodge – This hotel is basic, but clean, functional, and since accommodation in the area is expensive, it’s definitely the best place to stay if you’re on a budget. There is a small shared guest kitchen and a rooftop terrace, and all bunks have privacy curtains and sockets. There are also a variety of private rooms available.
- Mid-range: NH Bogotá Royal Boheme – It doesn’t get any better than this location in the heart of Zona Rosa. All rooms are soundproofed and air-conditioned, so you can still have a good night’s sleep when you come back at night. There is also a fitness center, buffet breakfast and very attentive staff.
- luxurious: AC Hotel by Marriott Bogota Zone T – The level of luxury at Marriott hotels needs no introduction. This new hotel in Zona Rosa features a fitness center overlooking the city, a free complimentary breakfast buffet, a bar/lounge and free bicycles for guest use. Rooms are spacious and equipped with air conditioning, flat-screen TV and high-speed Wi-Fi. This is a popular place to stay for business travelers.
Best for history, culture and family: Teusaquillo
Located just north of La Candelaria, Teusaquillo is an ideal place to stay if you want to be close to all the main attractions but don’t want to live within the confines of La Candelaria. It’s a vast area, mostly residential, with tree-lined streets and 20th-century mansions and buildings that the neighborhood developed alongside the city’s upper class.
The area is famous for its green spaces, including Bogota’s largest Park Simon Bolivar, the city’s Botanical Gardens, and the Parque de los Novios, known for its large children’s play area. Teusaquillo also has a sizable financial center, so there are many hotels suitable for the business traveler group.
Best places to stay in Tessaquillo:
- Budget: Bandido Inn – A beautiful red brick building is home to this fantastic accommodation that almost feels like a hotel but at the price of a hostel. There are private rooms and dormitories with modern, comfortable pod-style beds and super-fast Wi-Fi. There is also a fully equipped kitchen, shared lounge, bar and outdoor garden area.
- Mid-range: 5 Elements Apartments & Suites – Combining the best amenities of staying in a hotel and renting an apartment, all units at Hotel 5 are fully furnished apartments with their own kitchens (in addition to the usual mid-range hotel amenities). A free breakfast is served every morning in the shared lounge, which also houses a fitness and business center.
- luxurious: Grand Hyatt Bogota – If you really want to splurge (or maybe have some hyatt points Cost), it doesn’t get much more luxurious than this in Bogotá! The Grand Hyatt is home to Latin America’s largest urban spa, featuring a stunning indoor pool, sauna, hot tub, treatment rooms and fitness center with personal trainers. Rooms and suites are spacious and feature floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Andes or the city itself.
decide where to live bogota This is a crucial decision for any visitor to Colombia’s capital city. This huge and sprawling city can take some time to tour and there are some real security issues Same here. Pick an area based on what you want to spend most of your time doing, then take a bus or Uber to get around.
Plan more time here than you think you’ll need. There is a lot to see in Bogota. I don’t think highly of it.
Booking a trip to Colombia: Logistical tips and tricks
Book a flight
use Skyscanner Find cheap flights. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines all over the world so you always know no stone is left unturned.
Book accommodation
You can book a hostel via hostel world Because they have the largest inventory and the best prices. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hotel, use Booking.com Because they always provide guesthouses and budget hotels at the cheapest prices.
Don’t forget travel insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft and cancellation. It provides complete protection in case any issues arise. I never travel without it as I have used it many times in the past. My favorite companies that provide the best service and value are:
Looking for the cheapest company?
look at mine Resource page Providing you with the best companies to use when traveling. I’ve listed all the ways I use to save money while traveling. They also save you money when you travel.
Want to learn more about Colombia?
Be sure to visit our Colombia’s Powerful Destination Guide Learn more planning tips!