Bogota holidays

How to reach Bogotá

• Flight time: Direct flights to Bogotá from London Heathrow are available with Avianca and British Airways. The flight time is approximately 11 hours.

• Transfer time: Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport is 15km from the city centre. The TransMilenio bus service is a convenient transfer option and takes around 45 minutes to reach downtown. Taxis are faster, taking about 25 to 30 minutes.

• Price: The TransMilenio costs around 2,500 Colombian pesos (COP) for a one-way ticket, making it the most budget-friendly choice. A taxi from the airport to the city centre costs roughly 40,000–50,000 COP, with some fluctuation depending on the time of day and traffic.

Best time to visit Bogotá

The city is open for business year round, so the best time of year for your holidays to Bogotá really boils down to your weather and sightseeing preferences.

• December to March is Bogotá’s dry season, making it the most popular time to visit. With mild, pleasant temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C and about 6 hours of sunshine per day, it’s perfect for exploring the city’s outdoor attractions. Rainfall is at its lowest, around 30–60mm per month.

• April to June is part of the first rainy season of the year in Bogotá, with smaller crowd sizes to boot. Average temperatures hover between 12°C and 18°C, with an average monthly rainfall of 80–100mm and 4–5 hours of sun per day.

• July to August welcomes drier weather and a schedule of city’s festivals, including the famous Festival de Verano. Temperatures remain around 18°C, with around 5 hours of sunshine each day.

• September to November is the city’s second rainy season, with around 90–120mm. Visitors can expect 5–6 hours of sunshine a day and temperatures between 12°C and 18°C.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: The official language is Spanish, but in major tourist areas like La Candelaria and Zona T, you’ll find English is commonplace.

• Local habits and customs: Colombians are friendly and welcoming, but it’s good to know a few local customs. People greet each other with a handshake and, while tipping isn’t compulsory, it’s appreciated at around 10 percent.

• Health and safety: Bogotá is generally safe but, as with any large city, it's wise to be cautious. Avoid displaying valuables and stick to well-populated areas, especially after dark. Drinking tap water is safe in Bogotá, but bottled water is widely available if preferred. Ensure you have travel insurance to cover any health issues.

• Currency: The currency in Bogotá is the Colombian peso (COP). ATMs are readily available, especially in shopping centres and larger hotels, and credit cards are widely accepted. Keep some cash handy for smaller establishments.

• Getting around: Bogotá’s public transport is primarily served by the TransMilenio bus system, which costs about 2,500 COP per trip. Tickets must be purchased using a rechargeable card, available at stations. Taxis are affordable and convenient, with a trip across the city costing between 15,000–50,000 COP.

• Electricity and plug types: Bogotá uses 110V, 60Hz electricity, with two-pronged flat plugs. Visitors from the UK will need an adaptor.

• Time zone: Bogotá operates on Colombia Time (COT), which is 5 hours behind London.

• Required travel documentation: UK travellers don’t need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay and bring proof of onward travel, as this may be requested on arrival.

Best things to do in Bogotá

Bogotá is a sprawling metropolis nestled in the Andes, with a blend of colonial charm, modern culture and vibrant local life. Here are some of the must-see sights during your Bogotá holidays:

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Cerro de Monserrate: Rising over 3,150m, this mountain offers the best view of the city and the surrounding mountains. You can reach the top by cable car or funicular.

• Parque Nacional Enrique Olaya Herrera: For a more down-to-earth panorama, this centrally located park offers peaceful strolls and good views of the city from a lower altitude.

The best districts

• La Candelaria: Bogotá’s historic heart, La Candelaria, is filled with cobbled streets, colourful colonial buildings and vibrant street art. Stroll through its narrow lanes to discover small cafés, boutique shops and some of the city’s best museums, including the Museo del Oro, which houses thousands of pre-Columbian gold artefacts.

• Zona Rosa: For nightlife and high-end shopping, Zona Rosa is the place to be – particularly along Calle 85 and Carrera 11. The district is packed with restaurants, bars and clubs, making it perfect for a night out.

• Chapinero: A more eclectic neighbourhood, Chapinero is home to cafés, restaurants and independent shops aplenty. It’s a great area for wandering and soaking up Bogotá’s creative energy.

Parks and gardens

• Simón Bolívar Park: The largest green space in Bogotá, Simón Bolívar Park is ideal for walking, cycling and even paddle-boating on the central lake.

• Jardín Botánico de Bogotá: A beautiful botanical garden showcasing the rich flora of Colombia, from orchids to Andean ecosystems. This is a tranquil spot to relax, learn about local plant life and enjoy guided tours.

Historic monuments

• Plaza de Bolívar: The heart of Bogotá’s political and cultural life, this square is surrounded by historically significant buildings, including the Catedral Primada and the Capitolio Nacional. It’s a great starting point for exploring La Candelaria, and you’ll often find street performers and vendors adding to the atmosphere.

• Quinta de Bolívar: Once home to Simón Bolívar, this stately colonial house is now a museum dedicated to the life of Colombia’s most famous historical figure. The displays here offer a fascinating glimpse into the early 19th century.

Day trips in the area

• Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral: Just a short trip outside Bogotá, this stunning underground cathedral is carved into a salt mine and is a truly unique experience. The journey from Bogotá takes about an hour and a half.

• Laguna de Guatavita: For those looking to escape into nature, the Laguna de Guatavita is a serene lake surrounded by lush hills. It’s also believed to be where the El Dorado legend originated.

Activities for families in Bogotá

Bogotá is a family-friendly city, offering plenty of engaging activities for kids of all ages.

• Interactive museums: Bogotá’s Maloka Science Museum is full of hands-on exhibits and interactive displays perfect for curious young minds. The Museo de los Niños is another fun spot with activities designed to spark creativity.

• Parks and playgrounds: There are many parks for families to enjoy in Bogotá, including Parque Metropolitano Simón Bolívar – where visitors will find large open spaces, cycling paths and a lake with paddle-boat rentals.

• Theme parks and zoos: The Salitre Mágico amusement park is packed with rides and games for all ages. Meanwhile the Parque Jaime Duque, just outside Bogotá, combines cultural attractions with a small zoo and gardens.

Free things to do in Bogotá

There’s no shortage of free activities in Bogotá, catering to visitors on a travel budget.

• Free events: Bogotá regularly hosts free concerts, cultural festivals and street performances, including the Festival Iberoamericano de Teatro. Taking place around Easter, it’s one of the world’s largest theatre festivals, with many performances in public spaces.

• Free museums: Many of Bogotá’s museums, like the Museo Botero and the Museo del Oro, offer free entry on Sundays. Visitors can spend a whole day exploring these world-class collections without spending a peso.

• Free guided tours: Bogotá is known for its free walking tours, particularly in La Candelaria, where guides will show you the historic sites, street art and hidden corners of the city. These tours run on a tips-only basis, making them a great option for budget travellers.

Local dishes in Bogotá

One of the best bits of any trip to Bogotá is the chance to taste-test the city’s diverse culinary offerings. Whether you're enjoying a traditional dish or sampling some street food, the city offers something for all tastes.

Some typical dishes

• Ajiaco: This comforting soup is a Bogotá favourite, made with chicken, three types of potatoes, corn and guascas (a local herb). It’s normally served with rice, avocado and capers on the side.

• Bandeja Paisa: A hearty platter that typically includes beans, rice, fried egg, chorizo, avocado and fried plantains, topped with pork belly.

Meat dishes

• Sobrebarriga: This slow-cooked flank steak is served with a rich sauce, rice and potatoes. It’s a perfect choice for meat lovers.

• Lechona: A traditional Colombian dish of roasted pork, served with rice, peas and spices.

Street food

• Arepas: A versatile Colombian staple, these cornmeal cakes are most often filled with cheese, meats or eggs. You’ll find them at street vendors across the city.

• Empanadas: These fried pastries are typically stuffed with beef, chicken or cheese, and are a popular street snack.

Sweets and desserts

Bogotá has a sweet tooth and local desserts are a must-try. Obleas are thin wafers filled with arequipe (a type of caramel), often accompanied by jams, while Brevas con Arequipe features figs soaked in syrup and paired with caramel.

Local drinks

• Chocolate Santafereño: A Bogotá favourite, this hot chocolate is often served with cheese on the side, to melt into the drink.

• Chicha: A fermented corn drink with ancient roots, this is a traditional beverage that's making a comeback in the city.