3 Days in Bogota, Colombia: Culture, Cuisine, & Colorful Streets
By Daniella from Sampler Platter Travel- this guide to Bogota, Colombia contains affiliate links to trusted partners!
Only have 3 days in Bogota and want a short itinerary perfect to explore the city?
Three days is a great amount of time to get a good sense of what Bogota has to offer. The beautiful capital city of Colombia is home to the kindest people you will ever meet, mouthwatering food, and a vibrant cultural atmosphere.
Planning a trip with only a few days can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be.
Last December, my family and I had the absolute pleasure of spending a full 3 weeks in Bogota.
While it is certainly longer than 3 days, our trip was personal, so we didn’t do a lot of sightseeing. All of the tourism we did can be condensed into this 3-day itinerary.
In this travel guide, we will outline how to spend 3 days in Bogota, share travel tips for Colombia, where to stay, where to eat, and extra considerations.
While you could certainly spend a lot of time in Bogota, Sampler Platter Travel is dedicated to fast itineraries helping you prioritize things to do if you only have a short amount of time.
Happy sampling!
Top Experiences in Bogota
3 Days in Bogota at a Glance
Day 1
- Wander the colorful streets of La Candelaria
- Admire old Andean artifacts at the Museo del Oro (Gold Museum)
- See the art, sculptures, and gardens of Museo Botero
- Feed pigeons at Plaza de Bolívar
Day 2
- Take the cable car up to the shrine of Monserrate
- See the beautiful greenhouse at the Botanic Gardens
- Go shopping at Usaquen Flea Market
- Walk around the green and lively neighborhood of El Chicó
Day 3
- Take a half-day trip to the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral
- Go shopping around the Zona Rosa
Day 1 – La Candelaria
We are going to begin day 1 of our exploration of Bogota in La Candelaria, one of many heartbeats in the city. It is a wonderful place to visit and walk around.
1. Museo del Oro (Gold Museum)
Start your day in the Museo del Oro, or the Gold Museum in English.
Museo del Oro showcases a bunch of art from the entirety of Colombia’s history, from pre-Columbian civilizations to indigenous art, the Spanish era, and everything in between. While you could easily get lost in all of the exhibits and heavily fortified cases, after a while, the jewelry and artifacts start to blend together.
The entrance fee is only 5,000 Colombian pesos, free for children under 12 and adults over 60. This amazing museum is well worth a visit, even if only for 30 minutes.
2. Museo Botero
From the Museo del Oro, walk 10 minutes towards Museo Botero. If you aren’t familiar with Colombian artist Fernando Botero, take a moment to look up his art. You might be surprised at his very unique style!
Fernando Botero is known for his iconic art where sculptures and paintings have fat and plump subjects. Now, his style is certainly not for everyone, but since he is a famed Colombian artist, it is worth a visit to check out his art pieces. The museum is very small, with only a couple of exhibit rooms.
Not a fan of art at all? Still, visit Museo Botero! It is housed in a beautiful building with nice gardens. Entrance is completely free, so go in to view the fountains, gardens, and more. My family and I aren’t the biggest fans of Botero’s art, but we loved the building itself. It’s a serene break from the noisy street outdoors.
3. Plazoleta Chorro de Quevedo
Once you’re done admiring Fernando Botero’s art, it is a quick 8 minutes to Plazoleta Chorro de Quevedo, a really cute area made up of restaurants, lively bars, and narrow cobblestoned streets.
In theory, this area also has a lot of independent art galleries owned by local artists. However, we did not locate a single one during our time! To be fair, we did go during that awkward time between Christmas and New Year’s Eve when places could have been closed. Regardless, we didn’t see a single sign mentioning a gallery, which disappointed my mom significantly!
If you are a fan of walking tours, Plazoleta Chorro de Quevedo is the main starting site of most tours in La Candelaria. The two main options are either to take a graffiti or a history walking tour.
Graffiti Tour
Street art lovers should look at this tour highlighting the graffiti in the area.
Historical Tour
History lovers should check out this walking tour that guides you through the unique and colorful streets of La Candelaria.
4. Plaza de Bolívar
If your feet are incredibly tired after your walking tour, you’ll be happy to know that this next stop is located downhill from the Plazoleta Chorro de Quevedo area.
Plaza de Bolívar is one of the most famous landmarks in the city of Bogota. We highly recommend going down Calle 10 because it is a pedestrian-only street lined with a bunch of really beautiful colored buildings. It makes for great photo opportunities.
You will enter Plaza de Bolívar through a side entrance, but you will be in awe at the size of it. The buildings surrounding the plaza are amazingly intricate, including the capital building of Colombia and a famous cathedral.
Now, I’m sure you will notice the sheer number of pigeons that call Plaza de Bolívar home. If you’re an animal lover, definitely feed them.
Vendors sell little packets of corn for only 2,000 pesos each, and it makes for a really fun activity.
Hold the corn in your hand, stretch your arm out, and the pigeons will come flying onto you. They are such gentle creatures and will peck softly.
My mom and I thought this was such a fun time, but my dad watched from a very far distance!
Great Restaurants in La Candelaria
During our time in La Candelaria, we had the pleasure of dining at two wonderful restaurants. We recommend these to all travelers spending 3 days in Bogota!
Dos Gatos y Simone
The first restaurant is Dos Gatos y Simone, a great option for quieter travelers, older couples, and smaller groups. It has a very laid-back and homey feel within a small restaurant space.
The sweet staff serves a good mix of Colombian and Mexican food with quesadillas and tacos that are to die for. We also highly recommend the coconut lemonade.
Dos Gatos y Simone is across the street from the Plaza de los Periodistas Gabriel García Marquez, which is not necessarily worth a whole separate stop.
However, if you are already in the area, you can take a quick peek at the memorial to Colombian journalists.
Madre Restaurante
Our other favorite restaurant is Madre Restaurante, perfect for larger groups, young people, and lively families.
It is a super cute and trendy restaurant that is tucked deep into a bazaar off the main street. If you are wandering through jewelry stores and wonder if you are lost, you’re actually in the right place!
Madre Restaurante has a great ambiance, and the pizza is amazing.
Day 2 – Monserrate and El Chicó
On day 2, we are going to “climb up” the mountain to Monserrate, check out one of the hippest neighborhoods in Bogota, and spend a few hours wandering through the Botanic Gardens.
5. Taking the Cable Car to Monserrate
Monserrate is a very famous mountain hillside in Bogota with a church and a shrine at the top. It is a great place to walk around, take a look at the views, and enjoy the city from the clouds, away from the traffic.
Getting up to Monserrate is a different story – it is such a mess that we have written an entire blog article on the best ways to get there!
However, to keep things simple within this article, the main thing to note is that you can either take a funicular or a cable car up to the top of Monserrate.
In theory, you can walk, although we’ve heard a lot of mixed reviews about the hike. Some people say that it is incredibly steep and takes two hours, and other people say that it is a relatively flat walk that only takes 30 minutes.
So while we cannot vouch for walking up or down, we can say that the easiest way to visit Monserrate is to take the cable car up and the funicular down.
Budget travelers are going to have to close their ears for the next part, but we highly recommend paying for the fast pass. This will be a game-time decision that you can make when you arrive, depending on the crowds.
When we were there, we were told that the line would take approximately 2 hours, just to get to the cable car entrance. We went ahead and purchased fast pass tickets and were able to cut our wait time down to about 20 minutes. It is a whole separate line where you are given a priority cable car.
On the way down, you cannot take the cable car, but you can cut to the front of the funicular line.
Once up at the top of Monserrate, the area is beautiful. Even if you aren’t religious, there is so much to admire about the shrine. There are food stands and small gardens to walk around. It is a very relaxing area when there aren’t many crowds.
Make sure to budget more time in Monserrate than you think you might need. Even with the fast pass, it is not an immediate trip up thanks to the crowds. Just remember to add a bit of buffer time to your itinerary and save precious time during your 3 days in Bogota.
6. Botanic Gardens
Next, we suggest taking a taxi to the Botanic Gardens, as they are located a bit far from the base of Monserrate. The ride takes about 35 minutes, and the gardens themselves are worth a wander through.
The best part of the Botanic Gardens is the interior tropicario, a greenhouse-like building with different halls. Each exhibit features a diverse biome such as the rainforest, desert, and more.
The outside grounds are relatively pretty, but the tropicario takes the cake. Entrance costs 25,000 pesos.
7. Usaquen Flea Market
There are so many flea markets to check out in Bogota, but our favorite was the Usaquen Flea Market. It is a bit further than the rest of them, located a 45-minute drive from the Botanic Gardens, but is well worth a visit, especially since the final stop today will be a neighborhood just south of Usaquen.
The Usaquen Flea Market is open on Saturday from 11 am to 7:30 pm and on Sunday from 9 am to 7 pm. Hundreds and hundreds of vendors come to the market to sell food, crafts, art, and more. I got a handmade shirt and silver earrings which are the cutest things in the world! All for less than 10 USD in total.
Remember to bring cash as most of the stalls don’t accept credit cards. It is the best place to grab non-touristy souvenirs that you will cherish and love at home while supporting local artisans.
8. Explore the Neighborhood of El Chicó
Finally, end the day at my family’s absolute favorite neighborhood in Bogota, known as El Chicó. El Chicó is the more upscale neighborhood of Bogota with super hip bars, restaurants, cafes, and an incredibly vibrant atmosphere.
The streets of El Chicó are all tree-lined, making it feel super green and utopian. There is no shortage of small parks and squares to explore.
Parque El Virrey
Before it gets too dark, take some time to wander through Parque El Virrey, a beautiful park that has such electric energy with people walking their dogs, playing with kids, and biking.
The park itself is a long strip, starting at the top around Carrera 15. Walk down to the bottom to get a full taste of what the park has to offer.
If you’re lucky enough to visit on a warm day, you will see so many locals taking advantage of the community space.
Parque de la 93
Finally, when you are ready for dinner, we recommend heading to the area of Parque de la 93, a square that has so many restaurants surrounding it. Even at night, it pulsates with energy from everyone grabbing dinner and drinks.
While we wish we could have tried all of the restaurants, we were only able to visit Osaki Restaurant, which we could not recommend more. Their noodles and Asian-inspired dishes are absolutely to die for.
If you want to walk a little further, we also had a great time eating at Le Grand, a French-inspired restaurant with amazing food and wine. Although the restaurants show $$$ on Google listings, they are much cheaper than expected!
Day 3 – Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral & La Zona Rosa
9. Half Day Trip to Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral
The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá is worth a visit for a half-day trip. It is a cathedral made entirely of salt and located deep in an underground area. The cathedral was built into the largest deposit of rock salt in the entire world. The miners who worked in terrible conditions built the cathedral as well.
Due to the amazing craftsmanship that went into creating the Salt Cathedral, it was named the first wonder of Colombia in 2007. It truly is a marvelous wonder.
If you want to take a guided tour, the complex offers them for 60 minutes, plus an additional 30-minute tour if you wish to see the miner’s route.
Additionally, there are private guided tours of the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral.
The easiest way to get to the Salt Cathedral is to get a private driver, but that can certainly be expensive for budget travelers.
The cheapest way to get to the cathedral is to take a bus from the station of TransMilenio to Zipaquirá, a journey that takes around 50 minutes and costs approximately 5,000 pesos.
From the transport terminal of Zipaquirá, the Salt Cathedral is still a full 30-minute walk away.
10. Shopping in La Zona Rosa
If you’re anything like me, a half-day trip is sure to wind you! There’s no better way to end your 3 days in Bogota than with a little bit of shopping to calm the bones.
La Zona Rosa is a famous neighborhood that is perfect for shopping as it has a beautiful mall. It is a lot more stunning than standard malls, with a complex that is half indoor and half outdoor.
Most of the streets are pedestrian-only with a ton of restaurants with outdoor seating. There are a bunch of unique shopping destinations as well as name-brand clothing shops.
You’ll find tons of locals hanging around this area grabbing a bite to eat and shopping for clothes. La Zona Rosa has a great heartbeat and energy.
General Tips for Bogota, Colombia
Stay away from the street food
This is a big tip that we got from our Colombian friends before visiting Bogota last December. Many countries are well-known for having a culture of street. In Bogota, however, the food is not washed well which can lead to stomach issues. Be careful when passing by street food stalls that smell amazing. It may not be the best idea for your gut.
Try coffee at Juan Valdez
Don’t leave your 3 days in Bogota without going to Juan Valdez at least once! This is an amazing coffee shop that you are sure to see on every single corner in the city. Juan Valdez is a pinnacle among locals who love the fresh Colombian coffee as well as all of the pastries.
Bogota is safe
We hear so many people ask about safety in Bogota, which is a question that frequently arises thanks to Bogota’s jaded drug history. However, the city is beautiful, with incredibly warm people. It feels very safe.
Of course, it is a big city so general tips still apply. Make sure to keep your bags close to you, and avoid places like La Candelaria at night. As long as you follow regular safety guidelines, you will have a great time in the city.
Where to Stay for 3 Days in Bogota
La Candelaria
The first option for accommodations is to stay in La Candelaria. You will become familiar with this neighborhood as it is the site of a lot of the main landmarks in Bogota.
It’s great for travelers who want to be right in the heart of the city and close to the sightseeing locations.
It’s not great for visitors who want to stay away from touristy areas. It can get a bit seedy at night, so it’s not our top choice when it comes to accommodation.
You will find that a lot of other neighborhoods are a lot homier and feel safer than La Candelaria.
| Price | Name | Benefits |
| Budget | The Luun Hostel Bogota (10.0 stars on Hostelworld) | Has a restaurant and bar on premise Evening entertainment and local tours are organizedPrivate and shared bedroom options |
| Mid-Range | Hotel BH Bicentenario (8.7 stars on Booking.com) | Modern hotel with floor to ceiling windowsBreakfast includedFree parking available |
| Luxury | The Orchids (9.5 stars on Booking.com) | Gorgeous old-style luxury hotelSome rooms offer hot tubs Small and boutique-style, more intimate |
El Chicó
We adored staying in the neighborhood of El Chicó and would recommend it to anybody. While it is a little bit further from some of the notable areas, it is more upscale which means that it’s perfect for lovers of restaurants and bars.
El Chicó is also the most green neighborhood in Bogota. There are so many parks and tree-lined avenues to walk down and enjoy.
The only downside of El Chicó is the price, which may not be great for budget travelers.
It is also a lot further from La Candelaria, which is something to keep in mind if you plan on spending a lot of time sightseeing during your 3 days in Bogota.
| Price | Name | Benefits |
| Budget | Selina Parque 93 (8.9 stars on Hostelworld) | Selina is a wonderful hostel chain (I’ve stayed in multiple!)Fully-equipped coworking space and fitness centerIncredibly social hostel |
| Mid-Range | Casa Dann (where we stayed!) (8.8 stars on Booking.com) | Beautiful pool, gym, and spa facility2 great restaurants on siteLarge rooms and apartment-style suites available |
| Luxury | Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia (9.1 stars on Booking.com) | Located within walking distance to Parque de la 93Has a French restaurant and bar with a terraceBreakfast and massages available |
La Zona Rosa
La Zona Rosa is a very famous shopping district in Bogota with everything from small boutiques to larger name-brand stores. Even though the district has a lot of shops, it also has a ton of restaurants, bars, and nightlife options.
If you don’t mind being in the center of action, it is a great neighborhood to stay in. It is certainly a lot louder than some of the other areas, but it is perfect if you want to be right in the heart of shopping, restaurants, and more.
| Price | Name | Benefits |
| Budget | Urbana Hostel (9.0 stars on Hostelworld) | Walking distance to the Zona T nightlife areaGreat staffQuiet hostel that does not have a party vibe |
| Mid-Range | Hotel Saint Simon (8.4 stars on Booking.com) | Spacious and clean roomsEasy access to shopping centersAbsolutely amazing location |
| Luxury | Bioxury Hotel (9.0 stars on Booking.com) | Super lush modern neighborhood with tons of glass and greeneryComplimentary breakfastLots of amenities such as a gym, rooftop terrace, and meeting rooms |
How to Get Around Bogota
Bogota is a very big and sprawling city made up of a bunch of smaller neighborhoods. We suggest taking a taxi between the zones and walking within them.
Because of the distance and traffic, it can often take 45 minutes just to get to another part of the city. Plan your 3 days in Bogota to see one neighborhood in its entirety before moving to the next one – just like our itinerary above!
You’ll want to avoid being in the car and getting stuck in congestion as much as possible.
There is a bus system in Bogota but it isn’t very foreigner-friendly. It can be crowded and confusing, especially for travelers who do not speak Spanish.
For distance travel, we suggest sticking to taxis and Ubers which are efficient (relatively speaking!) and safe.
Cities to Explore in Colombia
Medellín, Colombia
One of the top destinations to visit after 3 days in Bogota is Medellín, Colombia’s famed mountain city. It is often associated with its infamous drug history. Medellín has transformed itself into an incredibly vibrant city, but its complicated history makes it a fascinating destination to explore and learn about its revitalized neighborhoods.
Our Top Pick: Take a life-changing tour of la Comuna 13, the area that used to be the epicenter of drug activity. Hear stories from locals, experience struggles through art, and see how the outdoor escalator system has transformed the area.
Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena is one of Colombia’s most beautiful cities, along the Caribbean Sea. It revolves around the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Old City. The town is colorful, laid-back, and perfect for beach lovers.
Our Top Pick: Take a walking tour, admiring art in the neighborhood of Getsemani. Then, relax with a boat tour to the Rosario Islands, complete with snorkeling.
Food to Try in Bogota
- Ajiaco – You can’t leave Bogota without trying ajiaco! This traditional stew is made from chicken, broth, potatoes, and corn. Most traditional Colombian restaurants will have a version of ajiaco on the menu. Even if you aren’t a soup person, it’s a great dish.
- Empanada – this food dish needs no introduction! Empanadas are amazing no matter where you get them, but they are even more special in Colombia. They’re traditionally filled with meat or cheese and veggies.
- Arepa – arepas are wonderful corn cakes that are flatted down into patties. They are common as an appetizer or a side, not quite a meal. Most are plain, although they can be filled with different ingredients, both sweet and savory.
- Bandeja Paisa – although it is from Medellin, the bandeja paisa can also be found in Bogota. These dishes are made with ground meat, fried pork, plantains, rice, and more. They are the true sampler platter of the food world!
- Colombian Coffee – considered one of the best coffee types in the world, Colombian coffee has a deep taste and special aroma. There’s nothing better than trying the best coffee from the source!
FAQs About 3 Days in Bogota
Is 3 days in Bogota enough?
Yes! To get a good taste of Bogota, you only need 3 days in the city. This gives you ample time to explore the best neighborhoods and landmarks.
Even if you have less time in Bogota, there is so much to see during a long layover. You could of course spend a lot more time in Bogota if you are a slow traveler, but we recommend 3 days as the optimal amount of time.
Is Bogota or Medellín better?
Bogota and Medellín are both wonderful cities with different redeeming qualities. Bogota is the capital and is therefore more governmental. It is not as popular for tourists because it offers less when it comes to sightseeing. However, without Bogota, there would be no Colombia!
Medellín offers more for visitors because of all the landmarks. It is worth spending more time in Medellín than in Bogota, but both cities are beautiful and full of rich culture.
Is it worth staying in Bogota?
Bogota is an interesting city because it is so large and sprawling but doesn’t offer much in terms of tourist spots. If you are looking for a place with a lot of sightseeing, Bogota is not the place to go. It is a city made for relaxing, eating, shopping, and hanging out. Overall, it certainly is an incredibly livable city.
However, if you are transiting to other cities in Colombia such as Medellín or Cartagena, you will more than likely fly into Bogota. Therefore, if you are already in the capital city, it is worth adding one or two days to your itinerary.
We hope you enjoyed this itinerary for 3 days in Bogota. Whether you want to take a cable car to the summit of Monserrate, admire the artifacts in the gold museum, or wander the hip streets of El Chicó, there is something for everyone in Colombia’s colorful and cultural capital.
Don’t forget to check out other destinations in South America!
Happy sampling!