15 Top Things to Do in Colombia
Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, located in the Andes mountains, is a unique city that blends colonial architecture and culture with modern development. Here is a breakdown of 15 of the Things to Do in Colombia.
1. Immerse Yourself in History at Plaza de BolÃvar
Location
This place is located at Cra. 7 #11-10, La Candelaria, Bogotá, Colombia
Overview
Plaza de BolÃvar is an exciting, vibrant square in the middle of Bogotá; it has historical value too. This grand plaza is bordered by key landmarks such as the neoclassical Primate Cathedral Basilica of Bogotá, the Palace of Justice, and the beautiful Capitolio Nacional (National Capitol). In the center is a monument to the legendary South American liberator Simón BolÃvar.
My Experience
Being at Plaza de BolÃvar, one can become aware of the rhythm of Bogotá’s past. The beautiful structures surrounding the square speak of the city’s history. Seeing the changing of the guards was an entertaining event, which helped bring history to life before my eyes. This makes it ideal for observing the environment, marveling at the structures, and even feeling history beneath your feet.
2. Explore the Artistic Treasures of the Museo del Oro (Gold Museum)
Location
This place is located at Cra. 6 #15-88, Santa Fé, Bogotá, Cundinamarca, Colombia
Overview
Colombia’s dazzling Museo del Oro (Gold Museum) is a must-visit for any history or art enthusiast. This world-famous museum hosts the largest holdings of pre-Columbian gold works in the Americas. The dazzling cases illustrate the techniques of the indigenous Colombian tribes’ gold works.
My Experience
Visiting Museo del Oro is like taking a journey through the ages. The glistening of the gold and the detail of the engravings astounded me tremendously. Both exhibits offer interesting information about the Colombian indigenous peoples. I left a time travel and craftsmanship experience enriched with knowledge and bewitched by the art.
3. Ascend the Majestic Cerro de Monserrate
Location
This place is located at Carrera 2da. Este No. 21 – 48, Paseo de BolÃvar.
Overview
Monserrate is a mountain that is situated at a vantage point to give a clear view of Bogotá. Ride up by cable car or funicular railway if they are present, and if not, hire a car or take a taxi to ascend. At the top, tour the famous Monserrate Sanctuary, a place of worship, and see the breathtaking aerial view of Bogota. You should avoid missing out on tasting specialties offered by street vendors or dining at a restaurant with a sublime view.
My Experience
The experience of reaching the summit of Cerro de Monserrate was quite adventurous. The scenery from the cable car was amazing, but it was even more fascinating to be at the top and look down at Bogotá. Monserrate Sanctuary was quiet and serene, and I tasted local delicacies from the food vendors. It is a tour that has elements of nature, religion, and tradition of the people living nearby.
4. Delve into the Vibrant Street Art Scene of La Candelaria
Overview
La Candelaria is an old part of Bogotá full of colonial buildings, bohemian streets, and graffiti art. Look at the Botero Museum, San Carlos Palace, and Chorro de Quevedo district. Do not forget to look up and around to check out the amazing and constantly changing murals of Colombian street art and their related social themes.
My Experience
Exploring La Candelaria was like strolling through an outdoor museum. Street art here is relatively active and often provocative, characteristic of the city’s multidimensional spirit. Every mural has its own story; the mix of colonial architecture and contemporary art makes the place interesting.
5. Escape to the Tranquility of the JardÃn Botánico José Celestino Mutis
Location
This place is located at José Celestino Mutis #68-95, Bogotá, Colombia
Overview
Bogotá’s Botanical Garden, JardÃn Botánico José Celestino Mutis, is one of the most beautiful and quiet places in Bogotá. Visit gardens exhibiting plants in the region, from the Andes forest to Colombia’s vibrant flowers like the orchids. Breathe in the fine air, and have fun looking at the flowers and other birds in this green environment.
My Experience
The Botanical Garden was a relaxing place away from the city’s busy streets. When I was strolling around the large variety of plants, the emotion that dominated me was calmness. The themed gardens are well-manicured, and I even saw parrots like birds there. It is ideal for tourists who want to relax and immerse themselves in the natural treasures of Colombia.
6. Embark on a Culinary Adventure at Usaquén Market
Location
This place is located at Calle 119 Con Carrera 6a, Bogotá, Cundinamarca, Colombia
Overview
Usaquén wakes up as a bustling marketplace every Sunday filled with the spirit of the local community and endless creativity. Shop within winding aisles with many fruits and vegetables, speciality items, trinkets, and speciality foods. Some of those are chicken and potato stew known as ajiaco, a meat platter named bandeja paisa, or Colombian coffee.
My Experience
This was a visual, olfactory, tactile, and auditory banquet in Usaquén Market. The smell of native Colombian food filled the atmosphere. Moreover, every stand provided a variety of dishes to taste. Ajiaco was my favourite dish, and I had the opportunity to try it and have a cup of freshly brewed Colombian coffee. The market’s environment and the sellers were extremely pleasant, making the entire meal experience very exciting.
7. Witness the Architectural Marvel: Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá
Location
This place is located at Parque De La Sal, Zipaquirá, Cundinamarca, Colombia
Overview
Visit this extraordinary engineering masterpiece on a day trip from Bogotá: the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá. It is an incredible accomplishment that speaks a lot about the power of the human spirit and divine devotion – it is a cathedral sculpted from a salt mine. Visit the numerous chapels with religious sculptures and simplified biblical scenes carved in salt.
My Experience
Undoubtedly, the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá can be considered truly astonishing. Strolling through the several kilometers of natural and beautifully designed salt caves felt like a scene from a dream. This made the whole experience more spiritual because of the dim light and calm, natural environment. That is why it is a place everyone visiting Bogotá should consider visiting.
8. Embrace Art at the Botero Museum
Location
This place is located at Cl. 11 #4-41, Bogotá, Colombia
Overview
Dedicated to the works of renowned Colombian artist Fernando Botero, the Botero Museum is a haven for art lovers. Admire Botero’s signature style featuring exaggeratedly plump figures in paintings and sculptures. The museum also houses an impressive collection of works by international artists like Picasso and Monet.
My Experience
The visit to the Botero Museum was an enjoyable experience of discovering more about Fernando Botero’s special way of painting. His cute oversized art is whimsical but also provocative. The works of other great artists collected in the museum made the experience even more delightful. It is a great venue for embracing Colombian and other global art forms.
9. Learn About Colombian Coffee at a Hacienda
Overview
Colombia has been known to produce some of the finest quality coffee beans. Visit a coffee hacienda (farm) around the area to learn how the beans are processed and converted into cups. Observe the native practices of growing and picking coffee beans and roasting them. Savour a cup of freshly brewed Colombian coffee in the scenic backdrop of rural Colombia.
My Experience
It was beneficial to visit a coffee hacienda. In particular, witnessing the process of picking and roasting the beans really made me appreciate each cup of coffee. Finally, you can enjoy freshly brewed Colombian coffee in the scenic beauty of the countryside.
10. Go Biking on the Bogotá Bike Paths
Overview
Bogotá has a well-developed ciclovÃas system temporarily closed to automobile traffic on Sundays and holidays. Cycle and tour the city on a bicycle as this enables one to move around the city slowly and have time to look at anything that may be interesting. This is a wonderful way of viewing the city in a different light in addition to visiting some of the most popular sites.
My Experience
Eating and biking through Bogotá on a Sunday when the ciclovÃas are open was an exciting experience. The whole city becomes a cyclist’s dream, and it is a good opportunity to check out various neighbourhoods. There is good maintenance of the paths, and the spirit of unity among bikers is encouraging.
11. Experience the Thrill of Tejo in Barrio San Felipe
Location
This place is located at Cl. 74 #20B-11, Barrios Unidos, Bogotá, Cundinamarca, Colombia
Overview
When it comes to a typical Colombian neighbourhood, try Barrio San Felipe. You can also have a gamble at Tejo, a game like shuffleboard but played with explosive disks and a clay ball packed with gunpowder. It is like something out of a movie but do not forget to heed the safety guidelines!
My Experience
Overall it was a great experience to play Tejo in Barrio San Felipe. The experience of practicing a skill and the fun of small explosions was an exciting experience I had not experienced before. The local players were friendly and willing to demonstrate the rules and general skills of the game.
12. Hike Through the Eastern Hills (Cerros Orientales)
Overview
Bogotá has a series of trails for hiking in the Eastern Hills, which is a perfect opportunity to get away from the city. Trek the cloud forests, meet birds of different species, and enjoy a wonderful view of the city from the topmost spot. There are gentle trails to some of the toughest climbing terrains depending on the hiker’s ability.
My Experience
Hiking the Eastern Hills was such an ideal way of engaging in exercises while at the same time admiring the beauty of nature. They provide beautiful vistas of Bogotá and other areas of the city and neighbouring territories. Meeting different birds during the trip was one of the pleasures. The Eastern Hills have it all for the enthusiastic hiker or even the Sunday stroller.
13. Salsa the Night Away at a Local Club
Overview
Bogotá is a lively salsa city, and it is recommended that you engage actively in this lively dancing culture. Visit Salsa al Parque or El Son Havana salsa club and observe how the performers dance. Learn to dance salsa or be a part of the audience on the floor, getting into a rhythm.
My Experience
I found it very exciting to dance salsa in Bogotá. The spirit in clubs is always high, and music makes you dance through the night. This class does not require prior experience in dancing, and people of all ages feel welcome to participate enthusiastically and joyfully.
14. Indulge in a Delicious Local Meal
Overview
Colombian food ranges from basic staples such as ajiaco and bandeja paisa to fusion foods. Try the Zona G restaurant area when you want something fancy, or go to other parts of Bogotá, such as La Candelaria. Be sure to eat some of Colombia’s street food, such as arepas, a cornmeal patty, empanadas, and a pastry stuffed with different ingredients.
My Experience
Eating through the local culinary delights of Bogotá was quite the adventure for my palate. The country’s traditional dishes are rich in taste and the experiments of local masters — an independent culinary tour. Traditional foods such as the arepas and empanadas were yummy and great, especially when you require a quick bite in the streets.
15. Catch a Live Performance at a Local Theatre
Overview
Bogotá has a vibrant theatre culture, with excellent plays of almost all genres, ranging from traditional Colombian plays to plays that are performed currently. It is advisable to check out the listings at Teatro Colón or Teatro Jorge Eliecer Gaitán for an atmosphere filled with cultural allure. Or try the local small theatres that are not part of the chain to get a more personal experience.
My Experience
It was an interesting experience to sit through a live performance in Bogotá. The cast and enthusiasm of the performers and the tradition of theatre in the city provided the audience with the experience of a lifetime. Whether it is a Broadway spectacle, or a small off-off-Broadway independent theatre production, the city offers something for everyone.
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Final Words
In this way, adding these varied visits to your tour will provide a balanced perspective of the city’s history, culture, and atmosphere. All the activities provide the opportunity to discover the city’s spirit and will surely contribute to an unforgettable trip.
