What you need to know if you visit 'Bogotá, tu casa' for the first time

Visiting 'Bogotá, My City, My Home' can be a fantastic experience, but like any trip, it requires some preparation. Before you embark on your amazing adventure in Colombia's capital, a top tourist destination in the country, know that you'll be exploring a city where cultures from all over the country and beyond converge. Get ready to hear diverse voices and taste a myriad of flavors in what's considered the heart of the Andes, the South American Athens, and the cycling capital of the world.

You might be interested in: Bogotá: Colombia's Second Most Popular Tourist Destination, per Google Insights

Bogotá, the cycling capital of the world. Photo: Bogotá City Hall.

Where to Start? First off, prepare for unpredictable weather

Due to its proximity to the Equator, Bogotá doesn't have seasons but rather dry and rainy periods. The rainy seasons run from March to May and from October to November, coinciding with spring and autumn in the Northern Hemisphere. The average temperature hovers around 14 degrees Celsius.

While Bogotá doesn't experience extreme temperatures or distinct seasons throughout the year, it's important to be prepared for all kinds of weather. Photo: Bogotá City Hall.

If it's your first visit, remember, although Colombia boasts Caribbean beaches, none are close to Bogotá, situated 2,600 meters above sea level. You may face strong winds and rain, as well as cooler temperatures at night. No worries though-the sun can also be quite warm, and during holiday seasons, especially from December to January, temperatures can reach nearly 25 degrees Celsius.

Top 10 Must-Visit Museums

To truly uncover the magic of the city, check out our top 10 can't-miss museums. The Gold Museum, Botero Museum, and the Bank of the Republic Museum are among the world's top tourist attractions according to traveler reviews on TripAdvisor and have received the Travelers' Choice Best of the Best award. This accolade is reserved for attractions that garner excellent traveler reviews and rank within the top 1% of all listings worldwide, identified on the platform with a yellow badge.

Related Note: Tourism in Bogotá: The Top 11 Traveler-Rated Spots on TripAdvisor

Festivals, Sports Events, and Cultural Offerings

When it comes to Bogotá, the cultural scene can't be overlooked-from musical to culinary experiences. In recent years, our city has hosted major music festivals such as Salsa al Parque, Jazz al Parque, Rap al Parque, Joropo al Parque, Vallenato al Parque, Colombia al Parque, Estéreo Picnic, Festival Cordillera, and Rock al Parque, the latter being the most important rock festival in Latin America.

In addition to the music scene, 'Bogotá, My City, My Home' is also a hub for sporting events such as the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup. Furthermore, since 2023, the capital has hosted the MUBI Fest, a venue for showcasing cult films and facilitating discussions about the world of cinema.

Photo: Official Instagram of Rock al Parque - Secretary of Culture.

Getting Around in Bogotá? Bikes, bikes, and more bikes

If it's your first visit and you have the time and desire to explore a wonderful, green, clean, ecological city without creating traffic and while taking care of your health, you're going to love Bogotá by bike.

In the capital, there are more bike lanes than in any other city in Latin America: 550 kilometers of bike paths, and a bike path network extending over 120 kilometers. - Photo: Bogotá City Hall.

Tourism Figures for Bogotá in the First Half of 2024

'Bogotá, My City, My Home' continues to grow as a world-class tourist destination. The numbers speak for themselves: from January to July 2024, the city saw a 5.0% increase in international visitors, welcoming over a million tourists who chose our city as their destination.

Hotel Zone Identification Quiz:

Prefer straightforward hotels in the city center? La Candelaria is perfect for you. Ideal for backpackers.

​Need more nightlife and international cuisine? The Zona Rosa is Bogotá's premier nightlife district, close to the financial center, surrounded by hotels, restaurants, bars, and clubs-often boutique hotels where the experience is complete.

In town for business or with family? Stay near Parque de la 93, chosen for its proximity to restaurants and shopping areas, offering a safe environment with a balance of business and residential areas. It stretches from Calle 98 to the north and Calle 90 to the south.

Food court at Parque de la 93. Photo: Ricardo Baez - Bogotá District Tourism Institute.

Into culture and museums? Consider staying near the International Center, perhaps at the iconic Tequendama hotel, located in this area, which is seeing a hotel revival due to its proximity to museums.

On a business trip with a limited budget? Our recommendation is Corferias, a mainly commercial area home to the city's largest fairgrounds. You'll find low-cost hotels designed specifically for business visitors attending year-round events.

Need to move quickly around the city or on a short trip? Stay near El Dorado Airport, where hotels are affordable yet of high quality. They're an excellent option for those visiting Bogotá for a day or two.

Discover in the following video some of the most iconic places in the city, its food, cultural plans, attractions, and natural landscapes. Bogotá, located 2,600 meters above sea level, is ready to welcome you to our city, our 'Bogotá, My City, My Home':

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