The capital of Colombia is a prominent feature on many South American itineraries and rightly so. Bogota is found 2640 metres above sea level, making it one of the highest altitude cities in the world. This urban destination boasts true diversity, offering cultural attractions, landmarks from the colonial era, and picturesque cobbled streets. Stretching over the Andes, Bogota is home to nearly 10 million people and will leave a lasting impression on visitors. If you’re looking for a city with real energy, you won’t want to miss Bogota!

19 best ways to experience Bogota in 2024

In Bogotá, you’ll never run out of things to do. And just when you think you've seen everything the city has to offer, you’ll find there’s always more to discover. The companies below can help you see more authentic side of Bogotá, allowing for a deeper experience of what the city has to offer. Drop off your bags at a Bounce luggage storage and dive into one or more of these fun activities.

Best graffiti bike tour — Abordando

Every city has graffiti. But the street art in Bogotá goes far beyond the regular tags and sketches. One of the best ways to see the best street art in Bogotá is on two wheels. Abordando can take you on a bike ride through the city to admire some of its most vibrant and colorful art. Contact them at servicioalcliente@abordando.net or 57 1 3029292.

Best personalized trip — Aracanto

If you want a truly unique Colombian adventure, give Aracanto a call. This company can plan your entire vacation and make sure it’s based completely around what you want to do. They’ll help you set up a daily itinerary and give recommendations for hotels and restaurants, plus support you with all your transport arrangements. It’s really the best way to ensure a seamless vacation. Drop them a line at info@luxurycolombia.travel or 57 318 3730892.

Best bike tour — Bike Immersion

Whether you’re an avid cyclist or a novice, traveling on two wheels is one of the best ways to see more of the city and its environment. Bike Immersion offers day trips to the Sisga Dam, Alto de Letras, and other points of interest around Bogotá. A knowledgeable guide will ride with you, making sure you hear the stories behind these impressive sites. Contact Bike Immersion at contact@bikeimmersiontours.com or 573208355812.

Best package tour — BnB Columbia

Sometimes you just want to enjoy your vacation without having to research and plan a thousand things to do. BnB Colombia helps you do that by providing all-inclusive package tours to let you see more of the country without the hassle. Their tours are are fully customizable, from a five day visit to Medellin and its surroundings to a seven-day tour of Bogotá and the Andes Mountains. You can reach them at bogota.birding@gmail.com or 57 313 3253692.

Best salt mine tour — Bogotravel Tours

Bogotá’s historic salt mines have left the city with a legacy of underground treasures. You can explore this legacy with multiple tours from Bogotravel. Take a day tour to see the impressive salt mine at Nemocon or visit the unique Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira.  Whichever you choose, a knowledgeable guide will explain the history of these fascinating sites. Contact them at reserve@bogotraveltours.com or 57 313 3680441.

Best eco-tour — Cabalgatas Montana

Columbia is blessed with stunning natural scenery, and some of the best spots are inaccessible to vehicles. That’s why Cabalgatas Montana arranges horseback tours of the countryside around Bogotá. Visit San Raphael reservoir, Elto de la Cruz, and other unforgettable locations in the Colombian backcountry. Contact them at montana.lomejor21@hotmail.com or 57 317 8424477.

Best private city tour —Citytour Bogota

Sometimes, it’s better to see things for yourself than in a group. Citytour Bogotá runs small group tours for as few as one or two people, taking in the major sites of the city such as the Cathedral and the Museum of Gold. They can even pick you up directly from the airport, making this a great option if you’re pressed for time but want to see something of the city as easily as possible. Contact them at ghv1969@gmail.com or 57 304 4155994 .

Best coffee tour — The Colombian Way

Columbia is justifiably proud of its coffee, and the drink is a huge part of the country’s culture. You can learn more about how the coffee is grown and processed and how it has shaped the history of Columbia with a coffee tour from The Colombian Way. The coffee zone is considered one of the most beautiful parts of the country, so you won’t be lacking for beautiful scenery. You can take a day trip or even a three day tour and enjoy some of the region’s outstanding restaurants as well as sampling incredible coffee. Contact them at reserve@colombiatourstravel.com or 573123753848.

Best fruit tour — 321 Colombia

Colombia’s tropical climate makes it part of an incredible fruit-growing region. You can explore the fruits of the country with an exotic fruit tour from 321 Colombia. This three hour tour allows you to try dozens of different fruits and juices and learn more about the farming culture of Colombia. This socially conscious company reinvests in the communities it supports, so you can feel good about where your money is going while you enjoy the local produce. Reach out to them at maria.caro@321colombia.com or 57 317 8553548.

Best coffee workshops — Flavors Of Bogotá

After exploring the beautiful countryside of Columbia’s coffee zone, you may want to learn more about how to really enjoy a cup of coffee. That’s where Flavors Of Bogotá comes in. They hold coffee workshops that will teach you how to properly taste coffee and help you learn more about the culture surrounding this drink in Columbia. Contact them at info@flavorsofbogota.com or 57 320 2657132.

Best daytrip outside Bogotá — Hansa Tours

Bogotá has plenty to offer just about any traveler, but it would be a shame to visit without seeing more of the countryside beyond the city. Hansa Tours offers trips to sites outside Bogotá itself, such as Villa de Leyva, Jaime Duque Park, and La Chorrera Natural Park. You can contact them at info@hansatours.com or 57 315 3394812.

Best market tour — Imagine Your Bogotá

The colors and flavors of Columbia are yours to explore with a tour from Imagine Your Bogotá. These tours take you to the city’s most vibrant street markets, where you’ll get to sample local delicacies and interact with the traders and farmers responsible for the produce. Knowledgeable guides will clue you in on the history and traditions of Colombian cuisine, and you leave with a greater understanding of the culinary culture of the city. Contact them at yhamajavier@gmail.com or 57 317 6367471.

Best street food tour — La Mesa

One of the best ways to explore Columbia’s incredible culinary traditions is with a street food tour from La Mesa. Multilingual guides know all the best places to eat in the city and will share their expertise with you on one of these exciting tours. Sample delicacies from around the country in Bogotá’s best eateries. You can contact La Mesa at tours@delamesa.com or 57 304 6198657.

Best free tour — Oaca

If you’re on a budget, Oaca offers a tour of Bogotá that is completely free. This three hour trip will take you to the city’s major sites and explain their significance. Remember to tip your guide, and don’t forget to check out some of Oaca’s other tours, including the historical tour and food tour. Reach out to them at oacacolombia@gmail.com or 57 304 5996293.

Best authentic experience – The True Colombian Experience

For those who want to immerse themselves a little more fully in the culture of the country while on vacation, this company can’t be beat. They focus on giving you an authentic experience of what life is really like in Columbia. For example, you can be a farmer for a day on their coffee tours, helping to pick coffee beans and enjoying a traditional farmer’s lunch. Or, you could celebrate a national obsession by attending a rowdy soccer match in Bogotá. If you find yourself wondering what life is really like for Colombians, this is the best way to experience it. Contact them at Thetruecolombianexperience@gmail.com or 57 314 6321325.

Best layover tour — Bogotá Guide Driver Service

If you only have a short time in Bogotá between planes but still want to see something of the city, this is the company for you. They can pick you up at the airport and whisk you downtown to see many of the city’s top attractions, including the Cathedral, Bolivar Square, and Mount Montserrate. It’s a far better way to spend your time than hanging around at the airport. Contact them at sales@bogotadriverguide.com.co or 57 350 8214334.

Best multi-day tour — Your Colombia

A single day isn’t enough to see everything Bogotá has to offer. Add in the countryside around the city, and that’s even more true. Your Columbia offers multi-day tours that explore the different facets of the country. Visit the Tatcoa Desert or El Cocuy National Park on immersive three-day tours, or take an epic 11-day journey that will let you see many different sides of the country. Contact Your Columbia at peter@yourcolombia.com or 57 318 3553783.

Best offbeat tours - Zebra Fisgona

Fans of the quirky and the unique will love this off-the-wall tour company. Explore the art of a Bogotá shantytown or take an anti-tour of the city’s hippest neighborhoods. For those traveling alone, they also offer a rent-a-friend service where a local guide will take you around the city for a one-on-one experience. Contact Zebra Fisgona at zebrafisgona@gmail.com or 57 316 6925220.

A weekend in Bogota

Bogota is the perfect weekend getaway destination as it has something for everyone. There’s plenty of opportunities to get active or explore the outdoors, but also a whole range of things to do indoors if that’s more your style. If you only have a short time in the city, we recommend making the most of local facilities to make your trip stress-free. For those faced with a late check-in or early check-out, use Bounce luggage storage service in Bogota. It will mean you can hit the ground running and won’t waste a moment stuck with your belongings. 

Here are some of our favorite attractions in Bogota that should be included in any weekend itinerary.

• La Candelaria - The charming historic center of Bogota is not to be missed. Spend some time strolling down the cobbled stone streets and admiring the colonial buildings.
• Monserrate - This mountain stands over 10,000 feet tall and can be found right in the center of the city. Take the aerial tramway to the top for epic views.
• Museo Botero - This museum houses an impressive international collection consisting of permanent and temporary exhibitions. 

Bogota Lockers

One of the most inconvenient aspects of travel is luggage. Whether it’s getting on and off public transport or being stuck with your things on a layover, there’s nothing more frustrating than dragging around heavy bags. Bounce understands this hassle and has provided a solution - flexible, affordable bag storage in Bogota! Check in items of all sizes for however long you need so you can truly enjoy your Bogota vacation.

Off the beaten path in Bogota

Bogota is an enchanting city and there’s a good chance you’ll find yourself wanting to explore beyond the typical tourist attractions. If you want to see a different side to Bogota, consider checking out the following sites.

• Parque Jamie Duque - Located 30 minutes outside of Bogota, this attraction is as quirky as they come. The park has it all - an arcade, replicas of the 7 Wonders of the World, educational exhibits on Colombia and its history, and even a zoo! For a unique and unforgettable experience, spend an afternoon here.
• Usaquen Street Market - This street market has earned an excellent reputation, so you’ll want to experience it for yourself. Head here for great food, handmade products, and good vibes.
• La Chorrera Waterfall - Get out of the city and visit the tallest waterfall in the country, La Chorrera. The hike is about a three-hour round trip but it’s worth it!

What to do alone in Bogota

Bogota is a great destination to explore on your own. Local services like Bounce luggage storage lockers in Bogota make it easy for people to visit the city alone and take the hassle out of traveling.

Whether you are in town for business or pleasure, there’s a whole range of things to see and do that are perfect for solo travelers. Here are some ideas to get you started.

• Plaza de Bolivar de Bogota - This main square will help you to feel immersed in local culture. The perfect place for people watching.
• Museo Nacional de Colombia - Learn all about Colombia’s tumultuous history at the oldest and largest museum in the country. 
• Jardin Botanico de Bogota Jose Celestino Mutis - Get some fresh air with a visit to these botanical gardens. Join a tour to learn about the gardens and local area.

The best souvenirs in Bogota

Finding the perfect souvenir can be a challenge. You want something that represents your trip but also has more meaning than a cheap keychain. Usaquen Street Market is a great place to start if you are looking for something unique. It has a range of handmade and artisan products that make excellent gifts. Artesanias Colombinas Doris Ortiz, located near Museo Botero, is another good option for unique souvenirs as well as standard items like t-shirts and mugs.