CO
Bogotá
Colombia’s high-altitude capital, with a colonial old town, world-class museums and a big food scene
Colombia’s high-altitude capital, with a colonial old town, world-class museums and a big food scene
⚠️ Travel advisory: check before you go
Governments advise against travel to some regions of Colombia, mainly border and rural areas affected by armed groups, and the US asks travellers to reconsider travel. The main cities and tourist areas are widely visited; check the latest regional advice.
Latest official advice: UK FCDO · US State Department · Reviewed September 2026
The colonial old town, with colourful houses, street art, Plaza de Bolívar, the cathedral and the Botero Museum, where entry to the permanent collection is free.
Explore by day; some streets are best avoided after dark.
Photo: Felipe Restrepo Acosta, CC BY-SA 4.0
The Museo del Oro holds tens of thousands of pre-Columbian gold objects, including the famous Muisca raft linked to the legend of El Dorado.
It is closed on Mondays.
Photo: Reg Natarajan, CC BY 2.0
A mountain above the city topped by a church at over 3,100m, reached by cable car, funicular or a steep walking path, with sweeping views over Bogotá.
Take it slowly; the altitude makes the climb hard.
Photo: Felipe Restrepo Acosta, CC BY-SA 4.0
An underground church carved into a salt mine about an hour north of Bogotá, with chapels and a vast nave lit in changing colours.
Photo: BCSmith, CC BY-SA 3.0
Try ajiaco (chicken and potato soup with corn and guascas herb), tamales, empanadas, hot chocolate with cheese and the many tropical fruits at Paloquemao market.
Zona G, Chapinero, Usaquén and La Macarena have the best restaurants.
El Dorado International Airport (BOG) is about 30 to 45 minutes from the centre by taxi, depending on traffic. The TransMilenio bus system covers the city but is crowded at rush hour; ride-hailing apps are convenient.
Citizens of the EU, the UK, the US, Canada, Australia and many other countries can visit Colombia visa-free for up to 90 days. All foreign visitors must complete the free online Check-MIG migration form before arriving. Check current rules before you travel.
Bogotá is good value by international standards. Colombia uses the peso (COP). Cards are accepted in cities, but carry cash for taxis, markets and small towns; use ATMs inside banks or malls.
Old town, museums and the mountains.
Take a walking or graffiti tour, visit the Gold Museum and the Botero Museum, and see Plaza de Bolívar.
Go up Monserrate in the morning, then explore Paloquemao market and Chapinero.
Take a day trip to the Salt Cathedral, then spend the evening in Usaquén.
At 2,600m you may feel short of breath; drink water and take it easy on the first day.
Carry a light rain jacket; showers are common at any time of year.
Use ride-hailing apps or taxis ordered by phone or through your hotel rather than hailing them on the street.
Do not show phones carelessly on the street, never leave drinks unattended, and be careful meeting people from dating apps; drugging and robbery are known risks.
Quick answers for planning time in Bogotá.
Citizens of the EU, the UK, the US, Canada, Australia and many others can stay up to 90 days visa-free, but must complete the online Check-MIG form before arrival.
About 2,600m above sea level; Monserrate is over 3,100m.
Zipaquirá is about an hour north by car, or longer by bus or train.
Cool all year, around 14°C on average, with frequent showers.
Yes, it is one of the world’s great collections of pre-Columbian goldwork.
Google Maps and Moovit work well in cities; download offline maps for treks.
Free
Spanish is the language; English is limited outside tourist businesses.
Free
WhatsApp is used for almost everything in Colombia, from hotels to tour bookings.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our Colombia travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.