Santa Fe de Bogota, Colombia's capital, is located in the
middle of the country, high above in the Andes mountains (8600 ft -2600 m). With 6
million inhabitants, Bogota is the country's largest city.
Among other things, Bogota's people, architecture, museums, shopping, restaurants and
night life makes it an exciting city full of history and culture.
In the heart of the city, Plaza de Bolivar is the city's main
square. The 16th century Cathedral dominates the plaza. A few blocks away, the
La Candelaria quarter with its colonial architecture and diverse theaters, cafes and
Bogota's main library (the Luis Angel Arango), create a unique bohemian atmosphere.
The Museo del Oro (Gold Museum) home to the world's most
important collection of pre-Columbian goldwork is well worth a visit. Other
important museums are the National Museum, the Modern Art Museum, the Religious Art
Museum, Quinta de Bolivar (Bolivar's home in Bogota) and Maloka, a modern interactive
science museum. Galleries are also plentiful.
Many churches in Bogota date from colonial times and are very
well preserved. Important churches in Bogota include Santa Clara, San Francisco, San
Ignacio,and the sanctuary of Monserrate.
The traditional Teatro Colon is reknown for its concerts and
architecture. Other performing arts venues are the Teatro Colsubsidio, Teatro Nacional, La
Candelaria and Teatro Libre.
In Bogota sports can be enjoyed in stadiums or at
almost every park, where locals meet to play. Football is the national sport and
passionately followed by millions. Many other sports can also be practiced around the
city. Sunday is definitely a day to go out and experience the ciclovia, where the
main streets are closed to traffic and filled with people jogging, skating, riding
bycicles, doing aerobics, or just strolling around meeting friends and enjoying the
morning. Bicycle paths can also be found around the city.
The Botanical Garden preserves and displays the incredible
variety of flora found in Colombia, its gardens providing also a nice change of pace
and scenery right in the middle of the city. There are many parks around the
city, like the Parque Nacional and the Parque de la 93, surrounded by restaurants, bars
and cafes, now a trendy point in the city.
Shopping can be done in the traditional markets, where
handicrafts and typical wares can be found; the flea markets downtown or in Usaquen are
also interesting places to go shopping for bargains, while shopping centers like
Unicentro, Hacienda Santa Barbara, Andino, Granahorrar, Bulevar Niza and Andes Plaza are
filled with hundreds of stores with the latest trends.
Restaurants, cafes and bars are plentiful, and can be found around the city. Typical and
international food can be found in excellent restaurants, as well as fast food places and
cafeterias. Dancing and partying is part of the colombian culture, and Bogota
is no exception. Night life is vibrant, with many clubs and discos found scattered
around the city and also grouped together in the Zona Rosa, Parque de la 93 and La
Calera.
Around the city short trips can be made to Chia, Cajica,
Guatavita, Zipaquira and Villa de Leyva.
Explore other destinations in Colombia!
Visit Cartagena
