Top Must-Do Activities When Traveling to Bogotá, Colombia

Located in South America, in the country of Colombia, Bogotá is Colombia’s vibrant capital city. It is a beautiful city filled with history, colonial architecture mixed with modernity, and unique and fun cultural experiences. 

I was born there and lived there for half my life before moving to Canada, and I just returned from a summer visit with my family.

Taking the kids to Bogotá for the first time ever to see where their mom came from and see my family was a magical experience. I had meant to do it for a long time, but I am glad we waited until the kids were a bit older so they could experience everything fully and have lifelong memories of the trip.

Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a history buff, or a foodie, Bogotá offers something for everyone.

Here’s my guide to the top must-do activities that should be on your itinerary when visiting Bogotá and what we did while we stayed there.

1. Explore the Historic La Candelaria District

We started our Bogotá adventure in La Candelaria, the heart of the city’s historic district. This charming neighbourhood combines colonial architecture, colourful houses, and narrow cobblestone streets. Here, you’ll find some of Bogotá’s most significant cultural and historical landmarks, including museums and must-see buildings, like:

• Plaza Bolívar: This central square is surrounded by iconic buildings, such as the Cathedral of Bogotá, the National Capitol, and the Palace of Justice.
• Museo del Oro (Gold Museum): One of the most famous museums in Colombia, home to a vast collection of pre-Columbian gold artifacts. A must-visit when you are in the city.
• Botero Museum: Featuring works by the renowned Colombian artist Fernando Botero, as well as pieces from his personal collection of international artists.
• Casa de la Moneda (Mint Museum): This museum is part of the Banco de la República’s cultural complex, which includes the Museo Botero. It traces the history of currency and coinage in Colombia.
• Museo de Armas (Museum of Arms): This museum is part of the Museo Militar de Colombia (Military Museum of Colombia). The museum focuses on the evolution of weapons, military uniforms, and related artifacts used throughout Colombia’s history.

2. Take in the Views from Monserrate Mountain

If you are in Bogotá, a trip to Monserrate is essential for breathtaking panoramic views of the city. This mountain rises 3,152 meters above sea level, offering a stunning and unique perspective of the sprawling city below. It is the only way to fully appreciate the vast city of nearly eight million people. 

You can reach the summit by hiking, taking a funicular, or riding the cable car. At the top, you’ll find the Monserrate Sanctuary, a popular pilgrimage site, and restaurants and shops where you can enjoy traditional Colombian cuisine while soaking in the views. If possible, I recommend you go during the week to avoid the busy weekend times when the locals visit weekly.

 

3. Play a game of Tejo

Playing Tejo in Bogotá is a must-do experience that offers a unique glimpse into Colombia’s vibrant culture and traditions. Tejo, often described as a mix of bowling and horseshoes with a thrilling twist, involves throwing a metal puck (called a tejo) at a clay-filled target embedded with small packets of gunpowder, which explode on impact. We played a game of tejo with my family and made some fun and unforgettable memories in Bogotá. My children and husband ended up winning the game as they were very good at it for beginners playing it for the first time. We played at Tejo Turmequé in the North of the city and had the best time. 

4. Discover Bogotá’s Street Art

Bogotá is renowned for its vibrant street art scene, which is celebrated worldwide. To truly appreciate the creativity and social commentary behind the murals, consider taking a Bogotá Graffiti Tour. These tours are led by local artists who provide insights into the stories and meanings behind the artwork. The tour typically covers neighbourhoods like La Candelaria and Chapinero, where you’ll find some of the most impressive pieces. We didn’t have a chance to take a full tour during the visit but we did our own walking tour to appreciate some of the graffiti in the downtown area.

 

5. Savor Colombian Coffee

Colombia is famous for its coffee, and Bogotá offers numerous cafes to sample some of the finest brews. Cafe San Alberto, located a block from the Gold Museum in the Avianca building,  is a must-visit for coffee enthusiasts. They pride themselves on serving fresh, single-origin coffee roasted in-house. A great stop during your Candelaria District visit.

6. Wander Through the Simón Bolívar Park

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city by spending some time in Simón Bolívar Park. This expansive green space is perfect for a leisurely stroll, a picnic, or renting a paddleboat on the lake. The park also hosts various events and concerts throughout the year, making it a vibrant gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. We visited the park during the week and found it quiet and not busy. Note that this park is known for getting really busy on the weekends when locals flock to it looking for some green nature escape. 

7. Taste Traditional Colombian Dishes

No trip to Bogotá is complete without indulging in the local cuisine. Be sure to try:

• Ajiaco: A hearty soup made with chicken, potatoes, and corn, typically served with capers, avocado, and cream.
• Bandeja Paisa: A traditional dish featuring a variety of ingredients like beans, rice, ground beef, chorizo, fried egg, and plantains.
• Arepas: Cornmeal cakes that can be filled with cheese, meats, or other ingredients.
• Empanadas: In Colombia, empanadas are typically made with cornmeal dough, which gives them a slightly crunchy texture on the outside. The fillings can vary widely, but the most common ones include a mixture of seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken, potatoes, onions, and sometimes rice. Some regions also add hard-boiled eggs, peas, or cheese for extra flavour.

We stopped by La Puerta de la Catedral restaurant in la Candelaria and got the best Ajiaco. Higly recommend it! 

8. Shop at the Paloquemao Market

For a truly local experience, visit the Paloquemao Market. This bustling marketplace is a feast for the senses, offering everything from fresh produce and exotic fruits to flowers and local delicacies. It’s a great place to explore Bogotá’s culinary offerings and pick up some fresh ingredients if you’re planning to cook during your stay. 

At the market, we got to try fruits the kids had never seen before. This was a big hit with my husband as well. 

We stayed in the city for three days but managed to get much done. We spent a lot of time with family, and the kids got a feel for the city as we did some of the most crucial tourist activities you should do when visiting Bogotá.

If you have extra time, I also recommend you head to the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, check out the Usaquén Market, explore the Botanical Gardens, and enjoy la Ciclovía on Sundays, when major streets in Bogotá are closed to vehicles, allowing people to bike, walk, or skate freely. 

Bogotá is a city of contrasts, where the past meets the present, and every corner tells a story. Colombia’s capital has no shortage of things to do and see, from its rich history and culture to its vibrant street art and culinary delights.

Whether you’re there for a few days or an extended stay, these must-do activities will help you make the most of your time in Bogotá.

Safe travels!