Bogotá Travel Tips 2025 | Safety, Food, Weather, What to Know
🌆 Introduction: Why Visit Bogotá?
At 8,660 feet (2,640 meters) above sea level, Bogotá is a high-altitude, high-energy city full of colonial charm, graffiti art, street music, and booming gastronomy. It’s the cultural heart of Colombia, surrounded by Andean peaks and bursting with museums, markets, and Latin spirit.
Whether you’re stopping in Bogotá on a South American tour or staying a while, this guide covers everything you need to know before you go.
📅 1. Best Time to Visit Bogotá
Bogotá has a mild, spring-like climate year-round due to its altitude.
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Dry seasons: December to March & July to August (best time to visit)
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Rainy seasons: April–June & September–November (short, sharp showers)
🌡️ Average temperature: 14–18°C (57–65°F)
Bring layers and a rain jacket—weather changes quickly!
✈️ 2. Arriving in Bogotá
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El Dorado International Airport (BOG) is the main gateway
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Airport taxis are safe but confirm prices before the ride
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For safety and convenience, use rideshare apps like Uber or DiDi
💡 Tip: Exchange only small amounts of money at the airport—rates are better in the city.
🚖 3. Getting Around the City
| Mode | Tip |
|---|---|
| Uber/DiDi | Safer and more reliable than street taxis |
| Yellow Taxis | Use the Taxis Libres app; avoid hailing on the street |
| TransMilenio Bus | Budget-friendly but crowded—be alert for pickpockets |
| Walking & Biking | Great in safe areas like La Candelaria, Zona G, or Chapinero |
| Rental Scooters | Available via apps like Grin or Lime |
🛡️ 4. Safety Tips for Bogotá
Bogotá is generally safe, but like any big city, you should be cautious:
✅ Stick to well-lit, populated areas—especially at night
✅ Don’t flash valuables (phones, jewelry, cameras)
✅ Use ATMs inside malls or banks
✅ Avoid unfamiliar neighborhoods like Ciudad Bolívar or parts of the south
✅ Solo travelers should avoid walking alone at night
💡 Pro Tip: Ask your hotel/hostel which areas are safe to explore on foot.
🧳 5. What to Pack for Bogotá
✅ Lightweight layers (it’s chilly in the morning, warm in the afternoon)
✅ Rain jacket or compact umbrella
✅ Comfortable shoes for walking cobblestone streets
✅ Sunblock (yes, you can still burn at high altitude!)
✅ Day bag with anti-theft features
✅ Refillable water bottle (the tap water is safe to drink)
✅ Spanish phrasebook or translation app (English is limited outside tourist areas)
🏙️ 6. Top Things to Do in Bogotá
🎨 La Candelaria: Colonial center with colorful houses, art, and street food
🖼️ Museo del Oro (Gold Museum): 55,000+ pre-Columbian artifacts
🏞️ Monserrate: Cable car or hike to a panoramic hilltop church
🖌️ Graffiti Tour: Explore Bogotá’s famous street art and political murals
🌮 Zona G / Zona T / Chapinero: Gastronomy, nightlife, and coffee culture
🛍️ Usaquén: Trendy weekend flea markets and boutique shopping
🌿 Simón Bolívar Park: Urban nature and cultural events
🍛 7. What to Eat & Drink in Bogotá
Bogotá’s culinary scene is booming. Don’t miss:
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Ajiaco – Creamy chicken and potato soup (Bogotá specialty)
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Arepas – Corn cakes with cheese or butter
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Empanadas – Fried pastry with beef, chicken, or potatoes
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Tamales Tolimenses – Wrapped in banana leaves
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Chicha – Traditional fermented corn drink
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Fresh juices – Lulo, maracuyá (passion fruit), guanábana
☕ Try third-wave coffee shops like Café San Alberto, Catación Pública, and Devoción!
🏨 8. Where to Stay in Bogotá
| Area | Best For |
|---|---|
| La Candelaria | Budget travelers, backpackers, cultural stays |
| Chapinero Alto | Young travelers, LGBTQ+, cool cafés, local vibe |
| Zona Rosa / Zona T | Nightlife, shopping, upscale hotels |
| Usaquén | Relaxed, family-friendly, boutique stays |
💰 9. Money Tips
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Currency: Colombian Peso (COP)
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Credit/debit cards accepted in most shops and restaurants
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Tip 10% in restaurants—it’s often added to your bill
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Use apps like XE to track conversion rates
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Carry small bills for taxis, markets, and tips
💬 10. Language & Cultural Etiquette
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Spanish is the official language—learn basic phrases
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Greet with "Buenos días" / "Buenas tardes"
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Locals are friendly but formal—say “permiso” and “gracias” often
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Don’t flush toilet paper—use the trash bin
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Don’t compare Bogotá to other South American cities—it’s unique!
🧭 11. Day Trips from Bogotá
🚗 Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral – A church carved into a salt mine
🏞️ Laguna de Guatavita – Legendary lake tied to El Dorado myth
🍷 Villa de Leyva – Colonial town with wineries and cobblestone streets
🚵 Chingaza National Park – Nature, páramo hikes, and wildlife
💡 Bonus Local Tips
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Download Rappi or Uber Eats for food delivery
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Sunday is Ciclovía Day—many roads close to cars for biking and walking
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Use Google Maps & Moovit for public transport
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Electricity is 110V with Type A/B plugs (same as U.S.)
✨ Final Thoughts: Bogotá is Bold, Creative, and Full of Surprises
Bogotá offers a vibrant mix of history, street art, culinary adventure, and warm locals—all wrapped up in dramatic mountain scenery. It’s safe, stylish, and full of life if you come prepared and stay street smart.
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