Colombia's cosmopolitan capital city Bogota (population 8 million) is a tourism attraction in it's own right, in addition to being a gateway for travel throughout Colombia. Bogota has a beautiful old quarter (La Candelaria), some fantastic old colonial buildings and palaces, must see museums such as the Gold museum and a vibrant nightlife. Bogotanos are some of Colombia's friendliest people, and the city is perfectly safe to visit. The main problem with Bogota, however, is the traffic, which is absolutely awful. Expect to spend a lot of time sitting in taxis. Bogota is of a high altitude - you'll need a jacket in the evenings.
Things to do in Bogota
Two to three nights in Bogota is enough to see the main tourism attractions.
Stroll the streets of the old town (La Candelaria) where you'll find Bohemian cafes, art galleries, theatres and beautiful old colonial houses.
Visit the amazing Gold Museum - one of South America's best museums. There's various other museums in addition, including; the Donacion Botero (bizarre paintings of fat people, though Medellin's Botero museum is the better); the National Museum, which is South America's oldest museum and exhibits various works of art and historical items; the Museum of Modern Art; and the Museum of Colonial Art.
Visit the stunning governmental palaces and plazas nearby.
Consider travelling to nearby Monserrat for fantastic views over the city (reached by furnical railway and cable car) - sunset is a great time to visit.
Go partying - Bogota has some of Colombia's best nightlife, and friendliest people - La Zona Rosa is one of the best nightlife spots.
In Bogota one can also often see bullfighting, and also arrange horseriding in the nearby countryside.
Learn Spanish - there's various Spanish Schools in Bogota.
Go shopping - there's dozens of excellent, modern shopping malls in Bogota. Other areas specialize in local handicrafts and also in emeralds.
Day Trips from Bogota
Bustling Bogota isn't a particularly relaxing capital city. There's a few places a little outside of town that are well worth a visit, and make a pleasant escape from the crowds.
The nearby salt cathedral of Zipaquira, carved into a huge salt mine, is a must see travel highlight. It really is amazing - you must visit. Zipaquira is North of Bogota, on the way to Villa de Leiva, though can easily be visited on a days tour [if you ever played the Temple level on Goldeneye multiplayer on the Nintendo 64, you'll feel like you're on a James Bond set at Zipaquira].
Guatavita is a man made lake 2 hours from Bogota, and provides are relaxing place to get away from the bustle of Bogota. There's whitewashed buildings, good restaurants and plenty of watersports and boat tours offered.
Suesca is located up in the mountains just an hour from Bogota. Outdoor activites here include rafting, hiking, rock climbing and mountain biking. There's dozens of hotels and campsites in the area.
Safety Issues
Bogota is no more, or less, safe than other capital cities in South America. It's a lot safer than places such as Caracas, Rio or Guatemala City for example. Don't get paranoid about getting kidnapped - that just doesn't happen here now. Everywhere you go you'll see the police and the military. Take normal precautions such as not walking around empty streets at night, and trying to pre-order taxis rather than picking them up of the street (of course this is not always possible - but don't worry about it).
Bogota has a range of excellent luxury, and colonial, hotels. There are many high rise modern and chain hotels that are rather boring - here's a few more interesting, smaller, boutique style options:
La Opera - a delightful small boutique style luxury colonial hotel with a fantastic location in La Candelaria.
Hotel Casa La Botica - just 10 rooms, excellent service and beautiful interior courtyards with fountains. La Botica has an equally fantasic location in Bogota's La Candelaria district.
Casa Medina & Charleston Hotel - both the Casa Medina and Charleston hotel are modern, luxurious and stylish options in Bogota.
Abadia Colonial Hotel - lovely small hotel in the old town - La Candelaria.
Melia Santa Fe - a larger, more modern option, but none the less very good.
Hotel Albama - another colonial hotel in La Candelaria, rooms are from $30.
