Bogotá Holidays

Highlights of Colombia's capital city, Bogotá, include the colonial district of La Candelaria, the Gold Museum, Monserrate Hill, street art tours, and bustling food and nightlife scenes.

Downtown La Candelaria is the historical heart of Bogotá and the very birthplace of the city. The cobbled streets take you past elaborately decorated churches and carefully preserved colonial buildings. At the core of La Candelaria is the Plaza de Bolívar, the city’s main square and the country’s political centre. A hub of important buildings steeped in history that flaunt different architectural styles provides a glimpse into Colombia’s convoluted past.

Sprawling out from the square is a range of interesting museums, such as the famous Museo del Oro, which portrays the history of gold in Colombia and boasts the largest collection of pre-Hispanic gold in the world. Fernando Botero, Colombia's most well-known artist, bequeathed his powerful paintings and sculptures to the Botero Art Museum, where his works feature exorbitantly enormous figures. La Candelaria continues its artistic expression outside of the museums on the streets, where the nation has enthusiastically embraced graffiti and murals.

The best way to soak up the city is on a walking or bike tour. Cycling around the city is a safe and excellent way of getting off the beaten path where you can explore the outer neighbourhoods, mix with friendly locals in the open-air markets and even master the art of Tejo, an explosive and traditional sport in Colombia.

Shadowing the city is Monserrate Hill, accessed by funicular railway or cable car. This location boasts the best sweeping views of the entire city and is a perfect addition to any city tour. Surrounding Bogotá, there are many day trips, including to the unique salt cathedral of Zipaquirá. Built 180m below the surface in a salt mine, this Catholic sanctuary is revered as one of Colombia’s greatest architectural achievements, and exploring this wonder and its varying salt sculptures is a fascinating experience.

Bogotá is a thriving and upcoming city to experience. With its array of colonial treasures, fantastic restaurants, and luxury boutique hotels, it is a city not to be missed.