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Heading to Bogota and looking for the top things to do? We’ve got you covered!
As Colombia’s capital city, Bogota can be a little intimidating to visit – I certainly felt that way! But after visiting a few times, we warmed up to this city and really fell in love with it. There is more than meets the eye, so that’s why we put together this list of the top activities in Bogota.
With stunning historic neighborhoods, amazing food, street art, and nature at your fingertips, you won’t get bored in Bogota. Simply follow our guide here, and you’ll see the best of the city – trust me!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Bogotá was this private city tour that took us from the buzzing historic quarter of La Candelaria to the heights of Monserrate. We had so much fun exploring all the city’s top sights with our expert guide!
Check out the 1,500+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here.
- Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Best Things to do in Bogota, Colombia
- 1. Explore La Candelaria
- 2. Go on a food tour
- 3. Visit the Salt Cathedral
- 4. Craft your own emerald ring
- 5. Visit a local coffee farm
- 6. Hike to La Chorrera waterfall
- 7. Explore El Paraíso Favela
- 8. Get creative during a graffiti workshop
- 9. Go horseback riding in the Andes Mountains
- 10. Walk around Lake Guatavita (AKA El Dorado)
- Where to Stay in Bogota
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- AIRALO e-SIM Up To 15% Off With Code "DTRAVEL15"
- What’s an eSIM?
Best Things to do in Bogota, Colombia
1. Explore La Candelaria
- Duration: 5 to 7 hours
- Time: Multiple departure times available
- Highlights: Explore Bogotá’s historic La Candelaria district with a private guide, sample local snacks and drinks, visit major cultural landmarks and city highlights, learn about Colombia’s history
- Inclusions: Hotel pick-up/dropoff, professional guide, entry fees, food samples, coffee tasting
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 1,500+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
If there’s one neighborhood you absolutely can’t miss in Bogotá, it’s La Candelaria. This is the historic heart of the city — full of colorful colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, vibrant street art, and some of the most important landmarks in Colombia. It’s also where Bogotá was founded back in 1538, so as you can imagine, there’s a lot of history packed into these streets.
The best way to explore La Candelaria (especially if it’s your first time in the city) is on this private guided tour. Bogotá has a complex history, and a local guide really helps bring it all to life. Plus, while La Candelaria is generally fine to visit during the day, some streets can feel a little less comfortable if you don’t know the area. Going with a guide means you’ll stick to the best spots and explore with confidence.
This tour offers a few different options depending on your interests, but it always includes the highlights of La Candelaria, like Plaza de Bolívar. From there, you can add Monserrate for panoramic city views, visit top museums like the Gold Museum and Botero Museum, or choose the full-day option that includes both.
No matter which option you choose, this is hands-down the best way to see Bogota’s highlights in one day — all without feeling rushed or overwhelmed!
Secure your spot on this highly-rated private tour here to see the city’s highlights!
2. Go on a food tour
- Duration: 4–5 hours
- Time: 1:30 pm
- Highlights: Taste your way through La Candelaria with seven Colombian dishes, explore markets, local eateries, and cultural hotspots with a knowledgeable guide
- Inclusions: Snacks, food tastings, local bilingual guide, walking tour through La Candelaria, explore Bogotá’s historic center on foot
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 590+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
One of our favorite things about traveling is trying the local cuisine, and Bogotá definitely did not disappoint. There are so many delicious things to eat here that you’ll be spoiled for choice! To make sure we weren’t missing the best dishes, we ended up taking this food tour — and it was easily one of our favorite experiences in the city.
This tour has 560+ five-star reviews, and the menu and restaurants rotate regularly, so you never know exactly what you’ll discover — which we loved. Many of the spots we visited were small, local places we would have completely walked past on our own. Having a guide meant we didn’t have to guess what was worth trying, and we learned so much about Colombian food, culture, and history along the way.
When we took the tour, we ate so much good food, starting with my favorite: buñuelos. In Colombia, these deep-fried dough balls are filled with curd cheese and are dangerously addictive. Obleas were another highlight (especially if you have a sweet tooth). They’re giant wafers filled with arequipe, similar to dulce de leche — and yes, even Mick Jagger tried the one in Plaza de Bolívar!
We also stopped for fresh fruit juice, which is everywhere in Bogotá. Our favorite combo was lulo, mora, lime, and sugar cane — so refreshing between tastings.
Overall, you’ll visit seven different food spots, sample treats from family-run businesses, and come away with a deeper appreciation for Bogotá’s food scene. Just make sure you come hungry!
Reserve this top-rated food tour here, before spots fill up!
3. Visit the Salt Cathedral
- Duration: 7 hours
- Time: Multiple times available from 8 am–12 pm
- Highlights: Explore Colombia’s famous Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral, wander the town’s colonial plazas and historic streets
- Inclusions: Private driver, expert guide or audio guide (depending on option chosen), lunch (if option chosen)
- Rating: 5 stars (check 520+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá is one of the most incredible things to see near Bogotá—and this private tour is one of the easiest ways to experience it without dealing with transportation logistics.
Located about 45 minutes outside the city, the cathedral sits deep inside a former salt mine and is considered one of Colombia’s most impressive feats of engineering. With round-trip transport included, you can relax on the drive and focus on the experience once you arrive.
Inside the cathedral, you have the option to explore with an audio guide or upgrade to an in-person guide. While the audio guide is fine if you just want to wander at your own pace, we really recommend going with a guide if you can. The Salt Cathedral isn’t just visually stunning — it’s packed with symbolism and history, and having someone explain what you’re seeing and answer your questions makes the entire visit so much more meaningful.
You’ll walk through glowing tunnels, see massive salt-carved crosses, and learn how the site evolved from a small miners’ sanctuary in the 1930s to the cathedral that exists today. Afterwards, you’ll get time to explore the town of Zipaquirá’s charming historic center and have lunch before heading back.
Since this is still an active church, Sundays can get very busy — so it’s best visited on another day. Make sure you book ahead, because this is one of Bogotá’s most popular day trips!
Reserve this tour now, before it fills up, and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go.
4. Craft your own emerald ring
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: Multiple times available from 9 am–6 pm
- Highlights: Create your own emerald ring with a master jeweler, choosing your stone and design while learning about Colombia’s famous emeralds in Bogotá’s jewelry district
- Inclusions: All necessary tools, ring-making workshop, pure silver, one standard quality emerald, small-group workshop
- Rating: 5 stars (check 360+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
Colombia is actually the emerald capital of the world! In fact, the country accounts for 70-90% of the global emerald market.
Colombian emeralds are known for their clarity and deep green hue, and the country has been producing these precious stones for centuries.
The International Emerald Museum is the perfect place to learn all about the Colombian emerald trade. It’s a private museum located inside a skyscraper, and it’s mere meters away from the Museo del Oro.
After you visit the Emerald Museum, why not go one step further and make your own emerald ring? This hands-on workshop is not only interesting and a lot of fun, but it will also leave you with a beautiful souvenir from your trip to Bogota.
An experienced designer will guide you as you create a bespoke piece of jewelry using Colombian emeralds. You’ll have the chance to try out different setting techniques and design your ring exactly the way you want it.
The workshop includes a small emerald and a silver ring, and you can also upgrade to a larger stone or a gold ring for an additional fee, which you can arrange directly with the workshop.
Don’t miss out—book this tour with over 360 5-star reviews here!
5. Visit a local coffee farm
- Duration: 8 to 9 hours
- Time: 8:30 am
- Highlights: Private tour of Andean coffee farm, walk through lush orchards and coffee crops, learn each step from bean to cup, sample fresh brews, enjoy a traditional Colombian breakfast & lunch
- Inclusions: Professional guide, breakfast, lunch, coffee/tea, coffee sample to take home
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 210+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
Colombia is famous for its coffee, and Bogotá is the perfect place to learn how this iconic crop is grown—though to get the real experience, you need to head into the countryside. That’s why we booked this full-day private tour to a traditional coffee farm in Choachi’s Andean countryside.
The day begins early with a scenic drive out of the city and a cozy, rustic breakfast on the farm: fresh arepas, eggs, cheese, and Colombian coffee served in the open air. From there, you’ll walk through the fields, learning about different coffee plants, and taking part in hands-on demonstrations about planting, harvesting, and processing the coffee beans into the perfect cup of joe.
What we liked most is that it doesn’t feel like a touristy coffee “demo.” It’s genuinely hands-on, and the guides explain everything in a way that’s easy to follow without being overly technical. You’ll do tastings throughout the day and learn how different processing methods change the flavor, which honestly made me appreciate Colombian coffee on a whole new level.
After a full morning of walking the farm and getting our hands dirty, we sat down for a traditional lunch with views over the hills. It was the perfect way to end the experience!
If you want an authentic, hands-on look at Colombia’s coffee culture, this tour is an amazing experience and a perfect day trip from Bogotá!
Read the hundreds of 5-star reviews and secure your spot here!
Related Read: If planning has you overwhelmed, have a look at our 3-day Bogota itinerary here, where we narrow down exactly what to do and when!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
6. Hike to La Chorrera waterfall
- Duration: 8–9 hours
- Time: 8:30 am
- Highlights: Hike through Andean cloud forest to Colombia’s tallest waterfall, enjoy breakfast in Bogotá and lunch near the falls, learn about local wildlife and Muisca heritage
- Inclusions: Breakfast, lunch, private transportation, professional bilingual tour guide, entrance fees to El Chiflón & La Chorrera waterfalls
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 280+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
La Chorrera is the tallest waterfall in Colombia and is located inside the Parque Aventura La Chorrera Ecopark, which is around 80 minutes outside of Bogota.
It’s a steep hike to the top of the waterfall and, unfortunately, you’re not allowed to swim in La Chorrera, but the views are rewarding enough.
Booking a tour is the easiest way to get there. This small group tour includes private transportation and a professional tour guide who will help you spot wildlife and explain the history of the park. You’ll get to hike to see the best views of the waterfall! I always prefer to book a tour when I’m in a new country and don’t exactly know where the trail is and how to get there. This just makes the day stress-free!
It’s important to note that this hike isn’t a simple walk in the park, so you should have a decent level of fitness. But the guides will ensure you’re staying safe and energized by providing breakfast, lunch, and snacks!
Check availability and book this hiking tour in advance here.
7. Explore El Paraíso Favela
- Duration: 4 to 5 hours
- Time: Multiple times available from 8 am–3:30 pm
- Highlights: Cable car ride up to El Paraíso, local neighbourhood walk, meet community members, social project visit, take in panoramic city views
- Inclusions: Professional guide, transportation, bodyguard, snacks
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 250+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
If you want a Bogotá experience that goes beyond the historic centre and museums, this tour of El Paraíso Favela gives you a completely different view of the city — literally and culturally.
You’ll head to El Paraíso in the Ciudad Bolívar district, a part of Bogotá most tourists never see on their own. The first highlight is riding the TransMiCable — Bogotá’s urban cable car system that climbs the steep hills of Ciudad Bolívar and delivers astonishing panoramic views over the sprawling city below. Once at the top, you’ll walk through the colourful neighbourhood with your guide, who shares insight into the area’s history, community initiatives, and how social projects are helping locals.
Unlike a standard sightseeing tour, this one is as much about people and progress as it is about scenery. You’ll visit a local nonprofit, meet residents, and get an authentic glimpse into everyday life here. Many travellers say it’s one of the most eye-opening and rewarding experiences they had in Bogotá.
If you’re after a meaningful experience that gives you a chance to learn, connect, and see parts of the city most visitors never do, then make sure you add this tour to your itinerary!
Check availability and book this favela tour here!
8. Get creative during a graffiti workshop
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: Multiple start times available
- Highlights: Private or group graffiti workshop, learn spray techniques & color theory, create your own piece
- Inclusions: Graffiti materials (spray cans, markers, nozzles, paper), artist guide, gallery access
- Rating: 5 stars (check 70+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
If you want to experience Bogotá’s street art scene in a more hands-on way, this graffiti workshop is such a fun change from the usual sightseeing. Instead of just taking photos of murals, you actually get to learn how graffiti artists create them — and yes, you’ll get to spray paint yourself.
The workshop takes place in a cultural house in the artsy La Macarena neighbourhood, surrounded by inspiring murals and colour everywhere you look. Instructors walk you through basics like spray can control, markers, colour blending, gradients, and simple lettering techniques — all tailored for beginners and complete novices. Then you’ll put it into practice by creating your own graffiti-style name or tag on a wall, with the instructors helping you along the way.
We loved how playful and inclusive this experience felt. You don’t need any previous art skills — it’s all about expression, colour, and trying something new in a supportive environment. Whether you’re travelling solo, with friends, or with family, this workshop is a great break from sightseeing that still gives you insight into Bogotá’s urban art identity.
Book your graffiti workshop here and get FREE cancellation before you go!
Related Read: Still need a place to stay? The right area can make or break your trip, so our where to stay in Bogota guide tells you the best areas and hotels for all budgets!
9. Go horseback riding in the Andes Mountains
- Duration: 5 hours
- Time: Departure time varies
- Highlights: Ride the cable car up Monserrate, take in views of Bogotá, explore the hilltop basilica, learn about local life and Colombian Catholic traditions on a guided walking tour
- Inclusions: Tour guide, helmet, horse, coffee/tea, sandwich, private transportation
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 60+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
If you’re looking to escape Bogotá’s busy streets for a few hours, this half-day horseback riding tour is such a refreshing change of pace. Just outside the city near La Calera, you’ll ride through the foothills of the Andes with sweeping views of rolling hills and farmland.
What I love about this tour is that there are two riding options to choose from. If you’re a beginner (or just want a relaxed experience), there’s an easy-paced trail ride that focuses on enjoying the scenery. But if you’re a more experienced rider, you can opt for a more dynamic route with opportunities to trot or canter along open stretches. Either way, the horses are well-trained, and the guides make sure everyone feels confident and comfortable.
Midway through the ride, you’ll stop for a traditional warm drink and a picnic lunch while taking in the mountain views. It’s peaceful, scenic, and shows you a completely different side of Bogotá that most travelers never see!
Check out the dozens of 5-star reviews and book this tour before you go here!
10. Walk around Lake Guatavita (AKA El Dorado)
- Duration: 7 hours
- Time: Multiple times available from 7 am–11 am
- Highlights: Hike around the legendary Lake Guatavita, learn the story of El Dorado, enjoy Andean scenery and wildlife, with optional lunch
- Inclusions: Tour guide, hotel pick-up/drop-off, entry to Lake Guatavita, lunch (optional), all-risk insurance, private tour
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
Lake Guatavita is a sacred lagoon located around a 1.5-hour drive from Bogota. This lake is famous for being the setting of the legend of El Dorado and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists alike.
El Dorado is a mythical city that was rumored to be full of gold, and the legend goes that the Indigenous people of Colombia used to cover themselves in gold dust and dive into the lake as part of a religious ritual.
The lake is much more than a beautiful natural feature – it’s steeped in culture and history, and a guided tour is the best way to make the most of it. This Lake Guatavita tour will teach you all about the lake’s formation, the El Dorado legend, and the Indigenous people who used to live in the area.
You’ll also get to enjoy a guided hike where you’ll spot fascinating local wildlife, and you can take a tour of the nearby village, with lunch at a local restaurant if you wish.
Taking a tour also means you won’t have to worry about transportation to and from the lake since it’s included in the price. The tour guide will regale you with stories and interesting facts about Lake Guatavita throughout, which was personally our favorite part of this tour.
The tour includes lunch and lasts around 7 hours, so it’s a full-day activity and an absolute must for active and adventurous travelers!
Don’t miss this epic sight – book this tour now and get FREE cancellation options!
Where to Stay in Bogota
Bogota is a HUGE city, so naturally, there are a ton of options when it comes to picking a place to stay – whether you’re in Bogota for only a day or planning to be here for a while. Plus, where you decide to stay can have a big impact on the activities you want to do – especially if you’re traveling on a budget. I’ll give you my top recommendations for a variety of hotels, so you can find one that fits!
Luxury – $$$
The Click Clack Hotel Bogotá is a luxury pick, but still affordable, starting at $123 USD nightly. You’ll be struck by the hotel’s unique and stylish design – both inside and out. The rooms have big windows, high ceilings, and feature cool extras like rain showers and electric blackout curtains. The location is awesome too, with restaurants, cafes, and bars all nearby. Book Click Clack Hotel here!
For stunning downtown views from every (huge!) room, Tequendama Suites by DOT Premium has value for money down. Every room is a suite, so you have tons of space to lounge in with a seating area and comfy bed. You can easily walk to most of the top attractions and enjoy a rooftop bar! Book a suite online in advance with Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
You know how much I love the historic La Candelaria neighborhood, so staying at the Selina La Candelaria Bogotá puts you right in the middle of it! Selina is a well-known hostel chain, but honestly, this place feels more like a funky art gallery. Private rooms run around the $55 USD mark and can be booked online with Booking.com or Hostelworld.com.
In the central Bogota area, Hotel San Francisco de Asís puts you close to a lot of the top sights and within walking distance of the historic parts of the city. The rooms are around the $40-$50 USD mark (I find the best prices are typically on Booking.com) and have a great city skyline view, and the staff is known for being super helpful. Plus, the breakfasts here are so good, there’s always a line!
Budget – $
If you’re traveling on a budget, Bogota has some fantastic hostels that you can stay at for as little as $7 USD per night if you don’t mind a bed in a dorm room or around the $30 USD mark for a private room.
Bendito Hostels is a top choice with clean rooms and shared spaces – including some fun hammocks to use while relaxing in the garden. It has stellar reviews that you can read (and book your own room) on either Booking.com or Hostelworld.com.
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Thanks for reading!
Hopefully, our guide to Bogota, Colombia, has been helpful. This city is so big and vibrant, you won’t run out of things to see and do on your trip, even if you complete everything on our list! If Bogota is where you start your South American adventure, make sure you spend a few days in the city before venturing further. You won’t regret it!
We’ve traveled all around South America and have lots of tips and destinations to explore if you’re headed here soon. Browse around our blogs and leave a comment if you have any questions!
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Jeremy
Friday 21st of February 2025
Great read!
Anne
Friday 31st of January 2025
Thanks for sharing! This is very helpful while I try to figure out where to go. Thank you!
Destinationless Travel
Saturday 1st of February 2025
Hey Anne,
No worries! Enjoy your visit!
Thanks Daniel