Top Things to do in Bogota
Top Restaurants in Bogota
What to do and see in Bogota, Colombia: The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day
Ten million people call vibrant, passionate, sprawling Bogota home. The energy of this metropolitan heart of Colombia is in part fueled by its hundreds of eclectic and authentic dining hot spots, fantastic wines, and frequent foodie festivals. Ask the locals where they like to eat, then walk off your empanadas and aji with a stroll through the historic district of La Candelaria or during an indulgent shopping adventure on the North Side.
Restaurants in Bogota
1. Casa Libreria Wilborada 1047
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 193 reviews
Set within a gorgeous restored English-style mansion, this bookstore brings you home. Immense wood shelves are covered in books, and the comfortable lounge chairs and couches beg to be sat on. The selection covers it all: classic to modern literature, poetry, photography and food, graphic novels and essays. Treat yourself to a hot beverage at their coffee shop while you read or chat with friends. As if the books in English and the bilingual librarians weren't enough reasons to visit, they also have cultural programs for children, and adults can listen in as experts discuss literary topics. This is a place to let your creativity and imagination run wild.
Reviewed By Lorenareyesgr - Miami, United States
Wilborada is a magical hideout in the middle of the chaotic business/financial district in Bogota. We went to story time which was a fun hour on a Saturday with our six year old boy. I could spend hours in the attic of the beautifully renovated house reading the well curated book collection. The coffee on the first floor is delicious and has a great energy to it!
2. National Museum of Colombia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,746 reviews
Colombia's oldest museum holds a vast collection of archeological artifacts, as well as modern art. The building itself is interesting — it's a former prison and many of the galleries are inside former prison cells.
Reviewed By viajera1741 - Washington DC, United States
This museum has everything--pre-Columbian collection, Colombian history from colonial days to recent historical events, and the top floor serves as a national art gallery. I appreciated particularly the many signs and interactive displays designed to engage children.
3. Luis Angel Arango Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 444 reviews
Reviewed By AAnzolaM - Bogota, Colombia
A huge public library, concert hall, art exhibits and more... all inside a beautiful iconic building.
4. Casa de Moneda - Coleccion Numismatica del Banco de la Republica
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 911 reviews
Reviewed By PaulO2949
This is a nice museum and besides the Botero museum, city square is near by and many restaurants. There are many shops around the place. Graffity in the area is something else.
5. Museo de Arte del Banco de la Republica
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 321 reviews
Colombian art collection from the colonial period to the present.
Reviewed By viajera1741 - Washington DC, United States
This art gallery is right next to the Botero and worth a visit for its eclectic collection of colonial excesses and works by contemporary artists.
6. Gold Museum (Museo del Oro)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14,258 reviews
The Banco de la República Gold Museum houses one of the most important collections of pre-Hispanic metallurgy in the world. As its history, which dates back to 1939, has unfolded, so this institution has become a symbol of Colombia's cultural memory. Its golden exhibition, fully renewed in November, 2008, is a place you cannot miss in your next trip to Bogota.
Reviewed By VictoriaCooper7 - Wales, United Kingdom
This museum was interesting and well set out - taking you on a journey from how the gold objects were made to their significance in the complex belief systems of the various native groups. The very last offering section of the museum (top floor) was amazing so make sure to leave enough time for it. Whilst there are small explanatory sections of text, I'd highly recommend getting an audio guide as it really set the scene and explained the objects in depth with very interesting points on their cultural context. There are numbers in the very top left hand corners of the displays which you tap into the audio guide (just in case you like me have basic Spanish and don't understand the instructions at the front desk!)
7. Museo Botero del Banco de la Republica
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10,328 reviews
Great little museum containing works of renowned Colombian painter and sculptor, Fernando Botero.
Reviewed By TallTravels29 - San Jose, United States
I’ve been to museums all over the world but none with a collection as charming and bountiful (pun fully intended) as this one. Botero’s voluptuous heroines and portly heroes jump off the canvas in exuberant delight and my personal favourite the Mona Lisa should truly replace DaVinci’s version as the world’s greatest masterpiece. The rest of the collection wasn’t pretty strong too - Picasso, Chagall, Renoir - I was impressed at the range of artists. This is truly worth a visit.
8. Museo Santa Clara
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 381 reviews
Reviewed By ElenaP2205 - Romania, null
The place is for sure one of the most beautiful places to visit in Bogota. The paintings and murals inside are impressive.
9. La Macarena
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 205 reviews
Reviewed By mariaguardiola48 - Bogota, Colombia
A centrally located neighborhood, inhabited by local artists, musicians, film directors, La Macarena is also home to some of the better established art galleries in town; many good restaurants and cafes as well as craft shops. Many say it is one of the few neighborhoods in Bogotá that keep a local identity. You can actually feel it.
10. Plaza de Mercado de Paloquemao
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 699 reviews
Reviewed By CaboSanLucasCocinera
We're Mexican, which means we walk markets, which we proceeded to do all over Colombia, and Bogota's Paloquemao is the Big Enchilada! The amazing variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, meats, flowers and on and on, put us in mind of Mexico City's La Merced. That's high praise. Colombia has excellent artisanal sugar, panela. The fresh blackberries brought tears to my eyes! The aisles are spacious and clean for a big market. If you are a food person, this is the place!
