South America’s latest hot spot, Bogota, is no longer just a point of connection to the Caribbean. Framed by the mythical Andes, the capital of Colombia is the country’s beating heart, an engaging, vibrant and booming city. Its alluring colonial cultural heritage can be observed in the quintessential architecture and a profusion of gold in Bogota’s monuments and religious buildings. Yet, you will find exciting… Read more »
Local: Bogota
On Sundays, many Bogota streets are converted into pedestrian and cycle only areas, and cars, buses and motorbikes give way to pedestrians and bikes. Curiously, Bogota was one of the first of the large cities to adopt this urban scheme of entertainment, later followed by so many others around the world. Surveys show that ¼ of the city’s population enjoys Sunday Biking, or simply going… Read more »
We are usually intrigued to hear travelers miss a visit to Santuario Nuestra Señora del Carmen, the official name of this beautiful and gothic church. Conveniently located in La Candelaria’s city center, the religious temple is not as old as you might expect, built in early 20th Century. It combines the gothic Florentine architecture with Arabic and Byzantine touches, making its interior quite unique and… Read more »
The Mercado de las Pulgas de Usaquén is one of the nicest flea markets in Bogota. Very conveniently located near Zonas T and G, it is a bustling spot for Colombian’s on Sunday afternoons, not only for the many diverse stalls selling a wide array of objects typical of flea markets, but also for its artistic scene and colorful sights and scents. The high quality… Read more »
Museo del Oro (Gold Museum) draws in the most visitors, but do not skip a visit to the nearby Museo Botero. The Botero Museum is part of the complex of Banco de la Republica’s museum and is dedicated to Colombias most famous contemporary artist, Botero. He is native of another city, Medellin, and donated many of his art pieces to be displayed in Bogota. Admire… Read more »
This market is an authentic Bogotana experience. You will unlikely find many visitors around, as it is truly a local point of interest. There is nothing fanciful or upscale about Paloquemao Market, yet the abundant variety of fruits, vegetables and flower stalls, where Bogotanos actually go to shop and trade, is impressive. Exotic and tropical fruits, vegetables, produce from the Caribbean and Pacific coast and… Read more »
Book your table and go, simple as that. Leo Cocina has some of the best food we ever tasted in town. It is hidden away in a charming cobbled street, next door to Leo’s Bar, where you can awaken your taste buds before your meal. Eduardo Martinez and Leonor Spinoza are “the” chefs of the hour in Colombia, known for their ability to combine indigenous… Read more »
Conveniently located in Zona G the Criterion combines art, culture and cuisine in a trendy, contemporary and smart space. The very creative menu includes dishes carefully prepared by the Raush Brothers, where they use fresh local ingredients and reinterpret traditional recipes. From seafood to various meat cuts, everything delicious. For dessert we feasted our eyes and taste buds on the tres leches sponge cake and… Read more »
In the mood for some pasta? Cacio & Pepe is a great option to satisfy your cravings. This Italian restaurant is close to the Zona T and a short walk from the Aka Shopping. The polenta dorada with roasted mushrooms and the Pecorino cheese and chives were the perfect antipasti. We followed with an excellent tortellini with prosciutto, and prawns roasted on polenta with caramelized… Read more »
The newest and trendiest thing to do in Bogota nowadays is to taste artisanal beer. BBC is a good place in town for that, especially if you are with a group of friends or family. Brewed with natural ingredients and produced in a modern hi-tech plant outside of town, BBC will not disappoint. Glasses can be accompanied by typical beer garden type dishes such as… Read more »
This tiny and quite simple place has been in business since the 19th Century and is considered the oldest eating venue in town. No longer a well-kept secret, you are likely to see quite a few foreigners looking for traditional Colombian food. But, La Puerta Falsa is still the darling of locals who frequent it for some of the best tamales wrapped in banana leaf… Read more »
If you happen to visit Cerro Montserrat, the San Isidro is probably the best option for a delicious lunch with marvelous views. Set in a colonial mansion dating back to the 19th Century, the venue is considered the best French menu in town. It serves diverse seasonal menus that range from lobster to rabbit, escargot to grilled asparagus and different cuts of meat prepared in… Read more »
This stunning property located in Zona G, a fashionable gastronomic region in town, is housed in a beautifully restored 1940’s building that has recently become part of the Four Seasons family of hotels. Although we generally deem large chain hotels to lack in personality, Casa Medina is certainly an exception. The hotel’s modern sophistication blends perfectly with the classical brick building, successfully maintaining its authentic… Read more »
The B.O.G is located in what has become Bogota’s trendiest neighborhood, Zona T, full of posh shops, upscale malls and in vogue restaurants and cafés. Its sleek décor, typical of design properties, has modern furnishings yet a charming and cozy atmosphere. The rooftop area has views of the skyline, a pool and small lounge. The individually styled rooms are decorated in neutral tones, with wooden… Read more »
Immediately as you enter the property you can sense the trendsetting style of the hotel, which welcomes a diverse crowd of leisure guests and business executives, who need to stay close to the financial district. The high ceiling reception and large lobby are quite striking, with chandeliers, glass walls and leather sofas. In the welcoming Cooper Lounge Bar you can enjoy drinks before heading to… Read more »
The W Bogota is a contemporary design hotel, with a super trendy and swanky décor. It is located in Santa Barbara business neighborhood, and close to embassies, fine restaurants and boutiques, by the Usaquen district, but quite a ride to the Candelaria and some of the city’s attractions (30 minute drive), or in vogue Zonas T and G (20 minute drive). Should this be the… Read more »
