Last Updated on March 26, 2026 by Sarah Wilson
After enjoying the peaceful mountains of Salento in the coffee region, arriving in Bogotá felt like stepping into another world. The city is busy, energetic, and full of contrasts.
To make things easy, I pre-booked an airport transfer. I based myself in La Candelaria (the old quarter), staying at the charming, budget-friendly Casa Tsao.
Many travellers warn that La Candelaria can feel unsafe at night. I felt quite comfortable wandering around by myself but I kept to the main streets, kept my bag close, and headed back to my guesthouse before it got too late.
Day 1 in Bogotá
Morning: Coffee & Exploring La Candelaria
I started the day with coffee on Plaza de Bolívar, the historic heart of the city. It’s a great spot for people-watching.
From there, I took a slow stroll around La Candelaria — admiring the colourful murals, colonial buildings, and small cafés tucked into side streets.
Just off the main square, Robusta Café served one of the best coffees I had during my visit to Bogota.
Afternoon: Highly Recommended Food Tour
A four-hour food tour was the highlight of my first day. It took me to neighbourhoods I wouldn’t have discovered on my own and introduced me to dishes I didn’t know existed. It was not only delicious but also a wonderful window into Bogotá’s culture and everyday life.
I also had the chance to try tejo, Colombia’s national sport. It involves throwing a metal puck at a clay board lined with small paper triangles filled with gunpowder. Hit one, and it explodes — literally. It’s loud, fun, and usually played with a beer in hand.
Oddly enough, I turned out to be surprisingly good at it—likely beginner’s luck, but I’ll take it!
Evening: Wandering the Neighbourhood
After the tour, I wandered the area at leisure. I was far too full to even think about dinner, but the early evening atmosphere in La Candelaria was lively and friendly, and I felt perfectly at ease exploring before heading back for an early night.
Day 2 in Bogotá
Morning: A Fantastic Free Walking Tour
I joined this walking tour through FreeTour, and it was excellent. I thought I had already seen most of the old city the day before. However, the guide opened up an entirely new layer of Bogotá.
He was a brilliant storyteller who mixed history with personal anecdotes. I walked away with a deeper understanding of its politics, culture, and daily life. Highly recommended.
Afternoon: Museums Instead of Monserrate
I had planned to visit Cerro de Monserrate, which isn’t far from La Candelaria. Our guide strongly advised against walking to the funicular, explaining that the surrounding streets can be unsafe for tourists. At six feet tall with blonde hair, I doubted I would pass as a local.
Before I could decide whether or not to go and take an Uber, the afternoon turned rainy. It was now perfect museum weather.
Museo del Oro (Gold Museum)
The Museo del Oro showcases Colombia’s pre-Hispanic gold craftsmanship. It’s fascinating and beautifully presented. The museum is open every day except Mondays.
Museo Botero
Of the museums I visited, my favourite was the Museo Botero. I highly recommend it—admission is completely free, and the collection is impressive. The museum is open every day except Tuesdays.
Who was Botero?
Fernando Botero is one of Colombia’s most famous artists, known for his distinctive style featuring voluminous, exaggerated figures.
Why is the museum free?
Botero donated a large collection of his own works, along with works by Picasso and Monet, to the museum. He did so on the condition that the museum would remain free to everyone. It’s an inspiring space with a lovely inner courtyard, and well worth visiting.
Evening: Dinner at a Bogotá Classic
For dinner, I headed to La Puerta Falsa, one of the city’s most iconic traditional restaurants. The place is small, historic, and always buzzing. It’s a great spot to try classic Colombian dishes.
Is Bogotá Safe? My Experience
Bogotá was the one city in Colombia where I took some extra care—kept my bag in front, stayed on main roads, and avoided late-night wandering.
That said, I never actually felt unsafe. At one point, I found myself in the middle of a protest. People were warm and friendly, and they made space for me to pass through. It was a nice reminder that despite its reputation, Bogotá is full of kindness and character.
But, although I enjoyed Bogotá, I’m actually glad it wasn’t the first place I started my trip. Beginning in Medellín gave me a much more relaxed introduction to Colombia. It’s an easier city to settle into, with a lighter atmosphere and a gentler pace. If Bogotá had been my first stop, I think I might have felt a bit more overwhelmed simply because it’s a more intense capital. Arriving later in my trip meant I could appreciate it rather than feel intimidated by it.
Final Thoughts: Is 2 Days in Bogotá Enough?
I really enjoyed my two days in Bogotá. The combination of colonial streets, bold street art, excellent coffee, fascinating museums, and energetic neighbourhoods made it one of the most interesting cities on my trip.
Two days give you a great introduction, but there’s easily enough to fill more time if you have it.
Next stop: Villa de Leyva
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