Bogota is the capital city of Colombia and the first city I ever visited in Latin America (LATAM) in August 2022. Bogota has a good climate — sunny but not too hot — lots of tropical fruits, affordable prices, and Colombian food is pretty delicious. It feels uniquely South American but I do see some similarities with Asia.
Colombia, if you didn’t already know, has a history with drugs. Well, I didn’t know before I went and I only watched Narcos on Netflix after my trip!
Pablo Escobar is the infamous drug lord that inspired the Narcos Netflix show (please watch it before you visit Colombia). In every corner of Colombia you can find traces of this person, such as walking tours and tourist attractions. I visted various historic sites, such as the parliamentary building that were destroyed and rebuilt when Pablo Escobar declared war on the government.
However today, it has largely removed that stereotype. Colombia has attracted a lot of people from all over the world to visit this beautiful country.
Is Bogota Worth Visiting?
When you think of Colombia, you think of Bogota, Medellin, and Cartagena. I have only visited the first two, and most people would choose the last two. Regardless, between Bogota and Medellin, I think Bogota caters to the crowd that wants more history, modern facilities, and a big city vibe. Medellin caters to digital nomads and people who want more quirky neighbourhoods.
It is difficult if you can only choose one of the three, but I liked my time in Bogota because Medellin felt too internationalized (very similar to HongKong).
How Many Days in Bogota
I spent about three days in Bogota and it was enough to see the main sights, eat delicious Colombian food, and get a feel for the city. Two days for the city centre — Plaza de Bolivar, La Candelaria, and Monserrate — and one day for a trip to the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira.
If you are combining Bogota with Medellin or Cartagena, three days is a good amount. If Bogota is your only stop, four to five days would let you explore more neighbourhoods and do a cycling tour.
What to Eat in Bogota
Huevos Pericos and Chunchullo — A Bold Colombian Breakfast
On the left is Huevos Pericos, a Colombian-style scrambled egg dish, typically made with eggs, tomatoes, and green onions (scallions). It’s a popular breakfast in Colombia and Venezuela, often served with arepas (corn cakes), bread, or rice. Also there’s a cup of hot chocolate.
On the right is Colombian grilled Chunchullo (fried beef intestines) at Andres Carne de Res D.C., a famous multi-level restaurant with a dance floor in Bogota. Chunchullo is a Colombian dish made of grilled beef intestines, commonly enjoyed as a street food snack.
I went with two friends, one Indonesian, one Colombian, and we had a very fun time just eating and dancing there. South Americans can really dance well. I highly suggest visiting Andres Carne de Res D.C. but the queue to get in can be pretty long so go early!
Caldo de Costilla and Sashimi — Comfort Food and International Cuisine
There are staples in Colombian cuisine such as Caldo de Costilla (beef and potato stew), a warm, hearty Colombian beef rib soup usually eaten for breakfast. It can be found in other LATAM countries like Peru.
If you are thinking of fancy food, there are cuisines from all over the world — Bogota is very international. As usual I got some sashimi because I am a sushi guy and always find sushi around the world.
Colombian Coffee — Sip World-Class Brews
Colombian coffee is famous for its rich flavour and aromatic profile. It is typically medium roasted with a balanced taste and is a cornerstone of Colombian culture, celebrated for its quality and rich heritage.
I joined walking tours and cycling tours, and a cafe is always a stop on the itinerary. Coffee makes a great souvenir and you can find Colombian coffee powder and beans at almost any cafe or supermarket.
These are some random dishes I ate — mainly soups, hot chocolate, and grilled intestines. I love intestines. I know some people may not eat it at all, but maybe because I am culturally Chinese… and Chinese people love to eat intestines.
Things to Do in Bogota
Plaza de Bolivar — The Historic Core of Bogota
Plaza de Bolivar is the prominent public square in Bogota, surrounded by significant historical buildings like the Palace of Justice, the Capitol, and the Cathedral Primada. It serves as a central hub for social, political, and cultural activities in the city. It is named after Simon Bolivar, the military leader who played a key role in Colombia’s independence.
There are many interesting buildings in this area. I suggest taking a good one to two hours just to walk around, soak in the vibes, and grab something to eat from the many street vendors.
Colombia’s Capitol building (Capitolio Nacional) is on the south side of Plaza de Bolivar. Built between 1848 and 1926, it is one of Bogota’s most important neoclassical structures. It houses the Congress of Colombia, including the Senate and House of Representatives.
Monserrate — Iconic Views From the Top of Bogota
Monserrate is one of the most famous landmarks in Bogota, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city and a historic church at the summit. It is a popular tourist attraction, religious pilgrimage site, and hiking destination. If there is one destination to visit in Bogota, this is it!
There’s both a cable car and rail train taking you up that you can purchase a ticket for at the bottom of the mountain. From this photo, you can see the downtown area and the skyline.
There is a church at the top and many people seem to go there to pray. The view from the top is incredible — Bogota is so sprawling and big. I never knew it was such a large city until I saw it from above.
Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira — A Surreal Underground Church
The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira (Catedral de Sal de Zipaquira) is a stunning underground Catholic church built inside a salt mine. It is one of Colombia’s most famous landmarks and a unique architectural and religious site. It is located in Zipaquira, about 50 km north of Bogota, so I had to hire a driver for this. This can easily be a day trip.
There were many tourists but it is a very different kind of place. I liked the architecture, the ambience, the lights. It is a huge place too, so be prepared to walk a lot and take lots of photos.
Luckily, there’s a cafe in there — Miner’s Cafe (Cafeteria del Minero). I was pleasantly surprised to see this in the cave. Pretty sure such a layout is not that common elsewhere.
Bogota Streets — Art, Chaos, and Everyday Colombian Life
I cannot really put a title to this section because I joined a cycling tour and went through these neighbourhoods to get a feel of the area and the history. The photo on the left is Avenida El Dorado, which is quite a popular photo spot. Have a feel around the main areas in Bogota and you will understand and love the feeling of this city.
Final Thoughts
Bogota is a good introduction city to LATAM and Colombia. It has a ton of history, is convenient, but not as distinct as Medellin. Nevertheless, it is a top capital city worth visiting for a couple of days.