Bogotá
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Bogotá - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Museo Botero
In 2000, world-famous artist Fernando Botero made headlines when he donated dozens of works from his private collection to Colombia. Botero's artwork interprets his subjects from a distinctly Latin American standpoint—Colombians affectionately refer to him as "the man who paints fat people." Many of his subjects are well-known in Colombia, especially in his native Medellín. The collection includes 123 of his own paintings, sculptures, and drawings. Equally impressive are his donation of 85 original works of renowned European and North American artists. This part of the collection, practically a review of art history since the late 19th century, includes original pieces by Corot, Monet, Matisse, Picasso, Dalí, Chagall, Bacon, and de Kooning.
Calle 11 No. 4–41, La Candelaria, Bogota D.C., 111711, Colombia1-343–1316Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Closed Tues., Mon. and Wed.–Sat. 9–7, Sun. 10–5 -
2. Museo de Oro
Bogotá's phenomenal Gold Museum contains an astounding collection of pre-Hispanic Colombian artifacts, with more than 34,000 gold pieces (in weight alone worth $200 million) and more than 20,000 ceramics, textiles, and semiprecious stones. The pieces on display represent more than 2,500 years of civilizations including the Musica, Nariño, Calima, Tairona, and Siní. There are four permanent exhibitions that take visitors through ancient metallurgical technique and the ceremonial, political, and religious uses of gold in pre-Hispanic society, as well as providing insight into a culture informed by a unique mythology and cosmology. Most of the gold is in the guarded top-floor gallery, along with the largest uncut emerald in the world. All the exhibitions are bilingual, and free English tours are available Tuesday through Saturday at 11 am and 4 pm; entry to the museum is free on Sunday—and it gets crowded.
Carrera 6 at Calle 16, La Candelaria, Bogota D.C., 111711, Colombia1-343–2222Sight Details
Rate Includes: 3,000 pesos; Sun. free, Closed Mon., Tues.–Sat. 9–6, Sun. 10–4 -
3. Teatro Colón
Considered one of the oldest opera houses in the Americas, this masterpiece of baroque architecture---inspired by the Parisian Palais Garnier---was designed by Italian architect Pietro Cantini and inaugurated in 1895. The exterior facade reveals little of the opulence inside, a breathtaking display of delicate ornamentation dominated by the frescoes of the six Greek muses painted by Italian masters Filippo Mastellari and Giovanni Menarini. Try to catch a performance for the full experience, or take a tour available Wednesday and Thursday at 3 pm and Saturday at noon and 3 pm. Tours in English are possible, but must be organized in advance through the website.
Calle 10 No. 5–32, Bogotá, Bogota D.C., Colombia1-381–6380Sight Details
Rate Includes: 5,000 pesos -
4. Biblioteca Luis Ángel Arango
The modern Luis Ángel Arango Library, one of many cultural institutions in the capital funded by the state bank, sponsors changing international art exhibits. It's also known for its occasional chamber music concerts, which are listed in the local newspapers.
Calle 11 No. 4–14, La Candelaria, Bogota D.C., 111711, Colombia1-343–1224Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Library Mon.–Sat. 8–8, Sun. 8–4 -
5. Casa de la Moneda
The former national mint displays coins whose gold content was secretly reduced by the king of Spain, slugs made by revolutionaries from empty cartridges, and currency minted for use exclusively in Colombia's former leper colonies. This museum is part of the complex that houses the Museo Botero and the Colección de Arte del Banco de la República.
Calle 11 No. 4–93, La Candelaria, Bogota D.C., 111711, Colombia1-343–1331Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Closed Tues., Mon. and Wed.–Fri. 9–7, Sun. 10–5 -
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6. Casa de Nariño
The earliest mentions of this building date back to the mid-1700s, most notably as the home of Antonio Nariño, considered one of Colombia’s first intellectuals and libertarians. The building was officially nominated as the Presidential Palace in 1885 and was rebuilt in large part in 1904 to better suit its new status. In the '70s it was again remodeled extensively, with only the iconic neoclassical facade on Carrera 7 remaining of the original construction. Free 45-minute guided tours in English are available four times daily on weekdays and twice daily on weekends, but only with prior registration on the official website. No shorts or sandals are allowed, and you must show your ID or passport. The impressive changing of the guard ceremony can be seen without restriction on Wednesday and Friday at 2:30 pm and on Sunday at 3 pm.
Carrera 7 between Calles 7 and 8, La Candelaria, Bogota D.C., 111711, Colombia -
7. Cerro de Monserrate
Although dense smog often obscures the skyline, the view of chaotic Bogotá from Monserrate Hill is still breathtaking, and the sunsets are spectacular. The panorama extends from the Río Bogotá to La Candelaria, whose red Spanish tiles make it easy to spot, especially in the early morning. The church on top of Monserrate houses an image of the Fallen Christ that dates from the 1650s and is a beacon for pilgrims. Transport to the top is via teleférico (cable car) or a clear-roofed tram leaving every half hour from Monserrate Station near Quinta de Bolívar for the 15-minute journey to the peak. Both restaurants on Monserrate are good, if a little pricey; only Casa San Isidro offers dinner, so reserve in advance. Be attentive on the walk between Quinta de Bolívar and the station at night as robberies have become more common; Sundays are busiest but safest. In December 2015, the footpath to the top was closed indefinitely for safety reasons, due to structural and maintenance issues. As of publication, work continues, with no reopening date available.
View Tours and ActivitiesCalle 21 No. 4a--31, La Candelaria, Bogota D.C., 111711, Colombia1-284–5700Sight Details
Rate Includes: day 18,000 pesos; evening 19,000 pesos; Sun. 10,000 pesos, No tram on Mon., no cable car on public holidays, Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–midnight, Sun. 9:30–4:30 -
8. Claustro San Agustín
A former Augustinian cloister dating from 1583, this is one of Bogotá's oldest surviving buildings. This stunning building, previously known as the Museo de Artes y Tradiciones Populares, is most notable for its courtyard surrounded by arched terraces and has been run by the National University's excellent museum program. There are six galleries with constantly changing exhibits and events that include Saturday-morning yoga classes.
Carrera 8 No. 7–21, La Candelaria, Bogota D.C., 111711, Colombia1-342–2340Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Weekdays 8–5, Sat. 9–4, Sun. 9–2 -
9. Colección de Arte del Banco de la República
This large collection, in the same complex as the Museo Botero, is an overview of Colombian art from the colonial period to the present, including works by such noted artists as Alejandro Obregón, Luis Caballero, and Débora Arango.
Calle 11 No. 4–21, La Candelaria, Bogota D.C., 111711, Colombia1-343–1316Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Closed Tues., Mon. and Wed.–Sat. 10–7, Sun. 10–5 -
10. Iglesia de la Tercera Orden
The intricate carvings on the mahogany altar at the 1761 Church of the Third Order are the most beautiful in Bogotá. A local myth claims that the completion of the altar so exhausted sculptor Pablo Caballero that he died a madman.
Carrera 7 at Calle 16, La Candelaria, Bogota D.C., 111711, Colombia1-334–6216Sight Details
Rate Includes: Weekdays 8–6, weekends 11–1 -
11. Iglesia de San Francisco
The 16th-century Church of St. Francis is famous for its fabulous Mudéjar interior, carved with geometric designs borrowed from Islamic tradition. Its huge gilded altar is shaped like an amphitheater and has shell-top niches.
Carrera 7 and Calle 13, La Candelaria, Bogota D.C., 111711, Colombia1-334–1634Sight Details
Rate Includes: Weekdays 8–6, Sat. 8–noon and 4–6, Sun. 8–2 and 4–6 -
12. Iglesia Museo Santa Clara
The simple, unadorned facade of the 17th-century Church of St. Clara gives no hint of the dazzling frescoes—the work of nuns once cloistered here—that bathe the interior walls. The small museum has paintings and sculpture by various 17th-century artists. Guided tours are offered in English and Spanish.
Carrera 8 No. 8–91, La Candelaria, Bogota D.C., 111711, Colombia1-337–6762Sight Details
Rate Includes: Museum: 3,000 pesos, free Sun., Closed Mon., Tues.–Fri. 9–5, weekends 10–4 -
13. Iglesia San Diego
This simple two-aisle church built by Franciscan monks in the early 17th century once stood on a quiet hacienda on the outskirts of colonial Bogotá. Trees and pastures have been replaced by the towering offices of Bogotá's "Little Manhattan." Both the church and its beautiful statue of the Virgin of the Fields, with her crown of intricate gold and silver filigree work, are homages to the city's bucolic past.
Carrera 7 No. 26–37, Bogotá, Bogota D.C., 110311, Colombia1-341–2476Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Sun.–Fri. 7 a.m.–7:30 p.m., Sat. 2–7:30, Sun. 8:30–1and 5–7 -
14. Museo Arqueológico
The magnificent mansion that houses the Museum of Archaeology—the facility is colloquially known around town as the MUSA—once belonged to the Marquís de San Jorge, a colonial viceroy infamous for his cruelty. Today it displays a large collection of pre-Columbian ceramics.
Carrera 6 No. 7–43, La Candelaria, Bogota D.C., 111711, Colombia1-243–1690Sight Details
Rate Includes: 3,000 pesos, Closed Sun., Tues.–Fri. 8:30–5, Sat. 9.30–5, Sun. 10–4 -
15. Museo de Arte Moderno
Centro InternacionalThe huge windows in the Museum of Modern Art create a sense of spaciousness, the redbrick exterior marking it as another of famous Colombian architect Rogelio Salmona's striking local works. Peruse the changing exhibits of works by national and international artists. The bookstore stocks (rather pricey) English-language titles on Colombian and international painters.
Calle 24 No. 6–00, Bogotá, Bogota D.C., 110311, Colombia1-286–0466Sight Details
Rate Includes: 5,000 pesos, Closed Mon., Tues.–Sat. 10–6, Sun. noon–5 -
16. Museo Nacional
Centro InternacionalThe striking building that houses the National Museum was a prison until 1946; some parts, particularly the narrow top-floor galleries, maintain a sinister air. Designed by English architect Thomas Reed, the museum is arranged to give you a history of Colombia. Everything from ancient artifacts to contemporary art is on display, including works by Fernando Botero and Alejandro Obregón. The first-floor gallery is devoted to changing national and international exhibitions. There's also a café and bookstore. There's a free, hour-long English tour on Wednesday at 3 pm; longer tours can be arranged for a fee with advance booking.
Carrera 7 No. 28–66, Bogotá, Bogota D.C., 110311, Colombia1-381–6470-ext. 2181 for English toursSight Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon., Tues.–Sat. 10–6, Sun. 10–5 -
17. Plaza de Bolívar
Surrounded by stately structures, this square marks the spot where Bogotá was declared the seat of New Granada's colonial government. Today it's popular with photographers snapping pictures, unemployed men intermittently snoozing and chatting, street theater groups performing for a few hundred pesos, and children who never seem to grow bored with chasing pigeons. The Capitolio Nacional, Alcaldía Municipal, and Palacio de Justicia are not open to the public. On the plaza's east side, the Catedral Primada de Colombia (officially the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception) was only completed three centuries after construction began in 1565 owing to a series of misfortunes—including the disastrous earthquake of 1785. Its French baroque facade is made from locally mined sandstone. The expansive windows give the immense interior a light, airy feel, even on one of Bogotá's many gray rainy-season days. The ornate altar with gold leaf over heavily carved wood sharply contrasts with the lack of ornamentation elsewhere. In one of the side chapels lies conquistador Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada's tomb. The church is open Monday through Saturday. Next door, in the Capilla del Sagrario, is an exquisite baldacchino, a smaller version of the ornate canopy structure in St. Peter's in Rome. The Sanctuary Chapel, open daily, also has a splendid collection of paintings, including works by the Taller de Figueroa and Gregorio Vasquez.
Between Carreras 7 and 8 and Calles 10 and 11, La Candelaria, Bogota D.C., 111711, Colombia1-341–1954-for Catedral Primada -
18. Plaza de Toros Santamaría
Centro InternacionalBogotá's bullring was designed by Rogelio Salmona in a traditional Andalusian style. No bullfights have taken place here since 2012, due to efforts by animal rights activists and a decree by Bogotá's mayor. However, in early 2015, the courts did find in favor of continuing the fights, calling them displays of artistic expression. As of publication, fights have yet to resume due to renovations. Meanwhile, the stadium plays host to a range of events such as musical concerts and even tennis matches.
Carrera 7 at Calle 26, Bogotá, Bogota D.C., 110311, Colombia -
19. Quinta de Bolívar
Barrio Las NievesSimón Bolívar, the revolutionary hero who drove the Spanish from the northern half of the continent, passed the last years of his life in this rustic house with his mistress, Manuela Saenz. Built in 1800, it was donated to Bolívar in 1820 for his services to the fledgling republic. The house has a distinct Spanish flavor and a lovely garden. Gabriel García Márquez's 1989 novel, The General in His Labyrinth, portrays Bolívar's final years. Guided tours in Spanish are offered Tuesday–Sunday at 11 and 2. A weekly guided tour in English is offered each Wednesday at 11.
Calle 21 No. 4a–31 Este, Bogotá, Bogota D.C., 111711, Colombia1-336–6419Sight Details
Rate Includes: 3,000 pesos, free Sun., Closed Mon., Tues.–Fri. 9–5, weekends 10–4
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