sidst opdateret: 02/08/2020 | 8. februar 2020

Hovedstaden i Colombia, Bogotá var hjemstedet for regionens oprindelige folk, Muisca, da spanskerne kom rundt og plyndrede guld og ressourcer, og det har været landets største by lige siden.

Før jeg gik, fortalte alle mig, at Bogotá ikke var noget specielt: beskidt, overfyldt, svært at komme rundt og mangle charmen fra de andre store byer i Colombia.

”Tilbring et par dage der og gå videre,” sagde de alle.

Nå, jeg tilbragte et par dage der – og derefter et par flere.

Jeg elskede Bogotá.

Det føltes som den mest “colombianske” by, jeg besøgte. Det er ikke som de gryofierede byer i resten af ​​landet. Dens “grusomme” natur var det, der appellerede til mig.

Bogotá var en levende, livlig by, som jeg ikke kunne få nok af.

Museumsscenen er utrolig, der er en masse historie, et blomstrende kunstsamfund, en spændende madscene, et vildt natteliv og super indbydende mennesker.

Det er også en enorm by med et væld af ture, dagsture og andre ting at gøre. Du kunne nemt tilbringe en uge her.

For at hjælpe dig med at få mest muligt ud af dit besøg er her mine top 20 ting at se og gøre i Bogotá.

20 ting at se og gøre i Bogotá

1. Tag en gratis vandretur
En af mine foretrukne ting at gøre, når jeg kommer til en ny destination, er at tage en gratis vandretur. Det er en fantastisk måde at få landets lag, se de vigtigste seværdigheder og få en lokal ekspert til at besvare ethvert og alle mine spørgsmål.

BeyondColombia har en fantastisk gratis vandretur, der giver dig en solid introduktion til byen. Det har også en gratis madturné, som er en fantastisk måde at få en forsmag på nogle lokale colombianske retter (du vil bruge omkring 18.000 cop/$ 6 USD på mad til turen). Bare sørg for at tip dine guider!

For en mere specialiseret turné, se Bogotá Graffiti Tour. Denne opererer ved donation ved hjælp af de penge, der er rejst til at geninvestere i fremtidige samfundskunstprojekter.

2. Se saltkatedralen
Saltkatedralen ligger cirka en times kørsel fra byen i Zipaquirá og er en romersk -katolsk kirke, der blev bygget i tunnelerne i en gammel saltmine. Det er 200 meter under jorden, hvilket gør dette til et af de mere unikke religiøse steder i landet, hvis ikke verden. Hver søndag deltager op til 3.000 mennesker til gudstjenester her.

Parque de la Sal, +57 315-760-7376, Catraldesal.gov.co. Åbn dagligt fra 9 til 5:40. Optagelse er 58.000 politimand for udlændinge med rabatter til rådighed for seniorer.

3. Strentre i de botaniske haver
Den botaniske have i Bogotá blev åbnet i 1955 og er hjemsted for næsten 20.000 planter. Der er fokus på regionale planter, normalt dem, der er endemiske for Andesbjergene og andre høje alpine regioner på kontinentet. Det er et virkelig fredeligt sted at gå rundt, og der er nogle madboder i nærheden, så du kan få en hurtig bid, når du udforsker haven og gennemser de eksotiske blomster og træer.

Cl. 63 nr. 6895, +57 1-437-7060, JBB.Gov.co. Åben dagligt kl. 20 til 17 (9 til 17 i weekenderne). Optagelse er 3.500 politimand for voksne og 1.800 politimand for børn.

4. Deltag i Gringo tirsdage
Dette er en ugentlig sprogudveksling, der udvikler sig til et internationalt parti. Hver tirsdag kan du mødes med andre lokale og rejsende i et par timers samtale. Når det er forbi, begynder den rigtige fest og går sent på natten. Det er en sjov, social aften, hvis du ser på møde med rejsende. En masse vandrerhjem arrangerer festbusser til begivenheden, så hvis du kommer fra La Candelaria, er dette en god transportmulighed.

Street 85 nr. 11-53, Promenade del Faro, +57 311-492-0249, gringotuesdays.com/en. Hver tirsdag forekommer sprogudvekslingen kl. 16-20 efterfulgt af partiet, der kører kl. 20.00.

5. Besøg Museo del Oro (The Gold Museum)
Dette er det mest interessante museum i hele landet og ser over en halv million turister hvert år. Guldmuseet blev åbnet i 1939 og dokumenterer vigtigheden og brugen af ​​guld i før-spanske civilisationer i Colombia og er hjemsted for over 55.000 guldgenstande. Der er en masse information at tage i, så sørg for at få lydguiden (8.000 COP) eller deltage i en af ​​de daglige gratis ture.

CRA. 6 nr. 15-88, +57 1-343-2222, banrepcultural.org/bogota/museo-el-oro. Åben tirsdag-lørdag kl. Optagelse er 4.000 politimand for voksne og gratis for børn. Optagelse er også gratis for voksne på søndage, men det bliver hurtigt travlt, så sørg for at ankomme tidligt!

6. Klatre Monserrate

Når du står højt på over 3.000 meter, kan du se monerrat fra stort set overalt i byen. Det er et populært sted at tage udsigten, og da der er en kirke på topmødet, er det også et populært sted for lokale bryllupper. Du kan gå op på dig selv på en time, eller du kan tage en svævebane eller kabelforhold til toppen. Husk, at turen op ikke er så sikker om natten eller alene – tyve spejder ud ruten. Vær forsigtig!

Funicular løber mandag-lørdag 06:30 til-11:30 og søndage 17:30 til 16:30. Kabelvanen fås mandag-lørdag kl. 12.00-11:30 og søndage 10 til 16:30. Billetter tileither vehicle are the same price: round-trip tickets cost 21,000 cop for adults (12,000 cop on Sundays).

7. check out the Museo de Botero
Founded in 2000, this museum is home to one of Latin America’s most important art collections. The museum was created after Fernando Botero donated hundreds of his works to the Banco de la República de Colombia with the promise that they would be displayed in a free museum for everyone to see. In addition to his own pieces, included in the donation were works by Monet, Picasso, and other world-famous artists. Take a free tour or get the audio guide (not free).

Cl. 11 No. 4-41, +57 1-343-1316, banrepcultural.org/bogota/museo-botero. open Monday and Wednesday-Saturday 9am-7pm and Sundays 10am-5pm (closed Tuesdays). Admission is free, and free guided tours are available daily; see the website for updated times. Audio guides are available for 10,000 COP.

8. wander the Usaquén Market
Every Sunday, artisans line the cobblestoned streets to sell all sorts of local crafts and goods. While it’s usually referred to as a flea market, things here are a bit nicer and more upscale than some of the other markets. It’s still quite affordable, though, and makes for a fun way to spend the day.

The market runs 11am-4pm every Sunday in Usaquén.

9. explore La Candelaria

I really loved this neighborhood. This is the old part of Bogotá. You can wander the narrow cobblestone streets and take in the eclectic architecture, with art deco, colonial, and baroque styles all calling the neighborhood home. many of the city’s best attractions (also, many hostels) are here too, such as the Botero Museum, the Gold Museum, and several churches and universities. watch live music while hanging at Plaza Chorro de Quevedo, try the local chicha (a drink made from corn, often fermented to be alcoholic) on the side streets, and take in some of the amazing restaurants in this district.

10. discover the national museum of Colombia
Situated in the heart of Bogotá, this is the oldest and biggest museum in the entire country (and one of the oldest on the continent). built in 1823, it’s home to over 20,000 pieces of art and historical artifacts, some dating as far back as 10,000 BCE. The building was actually used as a prison initially (it definitely looks imposing) until it transitioned into a museum in 1946. If you’re a history buff or just want to learn more about the country, this museum is a must.

Carrera 7 No 28-66, +57 1-381-6470, museonacional.gov.co. open Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm and Sundays 10am-5pm. Admission is 4,000 cop for adults, 3,000 cop for students, and 2,000 cop for children aged 5-12.

11. See the Santuario Nuestra Señora del Carmen

The national Shrine of Our lady of Carmen is a Gothic church located in La Candelaria. The church has a red-and-white striped pattern — both on the outside and inside — making it look like a giant candy cane. built from 1926 to 1938, the church stands almost 60 meters tall has some incredible Byzantine and Moorish art.

CRA. 5 No. 8-36, +57 1-342-0972. open Monday-Friday 7am-7:30am and 10am-4pm, Saturdays 7am-7:30am, and Sundays 7am-12:30pm.

12. Take a food tour

Bogotá is a great city for foodies, and the best way to get a sense of the culinary offerings is to take a food tour. Bogotá Food tour will take you around La Macarena, Bogotá’s bohemian and artistic neighborhood. The tour lasts three hours and will take you to three different restaurants where you can sample a local dish and drink. tours also include pickup and drop-off at your accommodation.

Tours are available Monday-Saturday and begin around 7pm. Booking in advance is required so you can secure your transportation. Tickets are 188,500 cop per person.

13. visit Simon Bolívar Metropolitan Park

This is one of the most popular parks in Bogotá. created in 1979, it spans almost 1,000 acres. You can find people exercising, relaxing, or attending concerts here. The park is named after the famous Simón Bolívar, who led the liberation of the region from its Spanish overlords.

Open daily 6am-6pm. Admission is free unless there is a concert or event in progress.

14. sample the local brews
Bogotá (and the country has a whole) has a growing craft beer scene. Bogotá Craft Beer offers a four-hour tour that takes you to some of the best bars and breweries in town. The tour includes a knowledgable guide as well as secure transportation from place to place. I highly recommend it.

Tours are available daily 4pm-9pm and need to be booked in advance via their website. Tickets are around 95,000 cop per person.

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send me my tips!15. wander Plaza Bolívar

This is the main square of Bogotá, home to Colombia’s palace of Justice, the Cathedral of Bogotá, the mayor’s office, and the Capitol Building. It’s the historical heart of the city, with buildings from as early as the 16th century. Under the Spanish, the plaza was home to bullfights, circus acts, and public markets. watch out for the plethora of pigeons!

16. explore Parque 93
This is the area of town with some of the best restaurants, nightclubs, and bars in the entire city. The park itself is home to an ongoing rotation of temporary art exhibitions. located in one of the nicer areas of town, you’ll find a lot of good restaurants and cafés lining the park.

17. visit the Iglesia de San Francisco
Built in the 16th century, this Catholic church is the oldest surviving church in Bogotá. The interior is incredibly ornate, with a beautiful altar that dates back to the 17th century. It’s still in use, and you’ll likely see some locals praying during your visit, so make sure to dress appropriately and be respectful.

Av. Jimenez De Quesada No. 7-10, +57 1-341-2357. open Monday-Friday 6:30am-10:30pm; 6:30am-12:30pm and 4pm-6:30pm on Saturdays; and 7:30am-1:30pm and 4:30-7:30pm on Sundays. Admission is free.

18. Head to the Laguna de Guatavita (Lake Guatavita)
If you want to take a break from the city and get some fresh air, head out on a day trip to Lake Guatavita. located around 60 kilometers north of Bogotá, this small lake is a sacred site to the region’s indigenous people and is apparently where the rumors of El Dorado originated. There are also hot springs in the nearby town of Sesquilé if you’re in need of some relaxation.

Day trips to the area last around 6 hours and will vary in price. expect to pay at least 180,000 cop per person.

19. explore the Museo Santa Clara
This church was built in the 17th century and is actually one of the oldest in the entire country. It was deconsecrated in the 1960s and converted into a museum by the government. There are over 148 baroque paintings that almost entirely cover its walls, making this one of the most beautifully decorated churches you’ll see in Colombia.

CRA. 8 No. 8-91, +57 1-337-6762, museocolonial.gov.co. open Tuesday-Friday 9am-4:30pm and Saturday-Sunday 10am-3:30pm. Admission is 4,000 cop for adults and 2,000 cop for children.

20. grab a snack from La Puerta Falsa
This little shop has been serving locals for over 200 years! La Puerta Falsa (The false Door) is a small restaurant with room for fewer than 20 people, yet the tamales and ajiaco soup have been community staples for generations. If you’re looking to try traditional Colombian food, this is the place to go!

Calle 11 No. 6-50, +57 1-286-5091, restaurantelapuertafalsa.inf.travel. open daily 7am-10pm though its schedule isn’t set in stone.

***
It’s true that Bogotá is an “edgy city” with a lot of petty crime. Yet I loved the atmosphere and vibe of the city. It had grit (kind of like Naples, Italy). I loved the art, the museums, the food. The city has so much to offer travelers. You can really fill a lot of time between all the sights, tours, parks, and activities. I would have liked to stay longer in Bogotá if I could.

I’d budget three to five days for your visit. It will definitely be worth it.

Book Your trip to Colombia: Logistical tips and Tricks
Book din flyvning
Use Skyscanner or Momondo to find a cheap flight. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned. start with Skyscanner first though because they have the biggest reach!

Book din indkvartering
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for