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Heading to Bogotá soon? You’ll want this guide!
Colombia’s capital is a city full of contrasts—historic plazas sit alongside modern high-rises, street art brightens centuries-old walls, and the food scene is as bold and colorful as the city itself. With so much to take in, planning just three days here can feel overwhelming. That’s where this itinerary comes in!
We’ve explored Bogotá’s neighborhoods, tasted its signature dishes, and visited its most iconic sights, and now we’re sharing the exact plan we followed. Whether you’re here for the first time or returning for another round, this 3-day itinerary will help you experience Bogotá’s energy, culture, and flavors without missing the highlights. So grab your walking shoes and your appetite—here’s how to spend the best three days in Bogotá!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
This is the tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did was this private Bogotá city tour! All the best sightseeing was arranged for us, from riding up to Mount Monserrate to wandering La Candelaria’s cobblestone streets and even visiting the Gold Museum. It was the perfect way to start our trip, and we loved having a local expert show us around!
Itinerary Overview
Bogotá is a large, bustling city, and getting around efficiently makes all the difference. During the day, you can use public transportation to reach major areas, but if you’re short on time, Uber is often the easiest and most affordable option. At night, it’s best to stick with Uber exclusively for both convenience and safety. Once you’re in the historic center, though, you won’t need wheels—walking is the best way to take in La Candelaria’s colorful streets and hidden gems.
This three-day itinerary is designed to balance history, culture, food, and nightlife without ever feeling rushed. It hits Bogotá’s must-see sights while leaving room to enjoy the city at a comfortable pace, so you can soak up the highlights without the stress of trying to do it all.
Here’s how this three-day Bogotá itinerary comes together:
Day 1: Kick off your Bogotá adventure with a private city tour that covers Monserrate’s views, La Candelaria’s streets and tastings, plus the Gold and Botero museums. Enjoy dinner at Andrés D.C. in Chapinero, then cap the night with rooftop dancing at Federal or drinks at Huerta.
Day 2: Start with a private graffiti tour in La Candelaria, then refuel over coffee at Jaguar before a walking food tour filled with Colombian favorites like buñuelos, obleas, and fresh juices. End the evening at Híbrido Café Bar, a cozy café/bar/art gallery perfect for a relaxed nightcap.
Day 3: Take a full-day trip to Guatavita Lake and the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral, two of Colombia’s top attractions in one. After a long day exploring nature and underground wonders, return to Bogotá for a late, easy dinner at Vapiano Colombia.
Day 1
Mid-day – See Bogota’s highlights – La Candelaria, Monserrate, & museums
Trying to see Bogotá’s highlights on your own can feel overwhelming—between the sprawling historic center, the steep climb to Monserrate, and the maze of museums, it’s tough to know where to start. That’s why we booked this private Bogotá city tour, and it took all the stress out of planning and rolled the city’s best experiences into one full day.
With multiple start times and hotel pick-up included, we suggest choosing the 9 am departure and booking the 7-hour option that covers both Monserrate and the museums. That way, you’ll end the tour around 4 pm, having seen it all. Just be sure to grab breakfast at your hotel first and bring a little cash for lunch or extra treats along the way.
The day begins with a ride up to Mount Monserrate, where you’ll take in sweeping views of the city before heading down to wander the cobblestone streets of La Candelaria. Here, you’ll sample traditional Colombian flavors—think fresh fruits, local sweets, and even a taste of chicha, while your guide shares insights into the country’s history and culture.
Stops at the Gold Museum and Botero Museum add depth, showcasing everything from pre-Columbian treasures to Fernando Botero’s iconic art. Along the way, you’ll pass landmarks like Bolívar Square, Teatro Colón, and Chorro de Quevedo, weaving Bogotá’s story together piece by piece.
This tour made it easy to see so much in a single day, and with hundreds of rave reviews backing it up, it’s safe to say we’re not the only ones who think it’s a Bogotá highlight!
Reserve this top-rated city tour here, before spots fill up!
Dinner – Andrés D.C. Bogotá
After a full day exploring, head back to your hotel for a quick refresh before venturing into Chapinero, one of Bogotá’s trendiest neighborhoods and our favorite place to stay. It’s the perfect base for the evening since Andrés D.C. is just around the corner.
This isn’t your average restaurant—it’s a full-on experience. Spread across multiple themed floors, each with its own style, Andrés D.C. buzzes with live music, colorful décor, and a fun, festive vibe. The menu is packed with Colombian favorites and international options, plus plenty of drinks to keep the night going. We loved how dinner naturally turned into an evening out here, making it the ideal way to start winding down your first day in Bogotá.
Evening – Go dancing in Chapinero
After dinner, the night doesn’t have to end, especially in Chapinero, which is at the heart of Bogotá’s nightlife scene. The neighborhood is packed with options, from high-energy dance clubs to more laid-back bars, so you can choose the kind of night you’re in the mood for.
If you’re ready to dance, Federal Rooftop is a top-rated club that draws both locals and visitors with its DJ sets, rooftop views, and infectious energy. The crowd here keeps the dance floor moving until late, making it a great place to let loose after a long day of exploring.
If clubbing isn’t really your scene but you’d still like to stay out, Huerta Coctelería Artesanal is a fantastic alternative. This craft bar offers a creative menu in a lively yet relaxed setting—ideal if you’d rather sip something inventive and enjoy the atmosphere without the club intensity.
Whether you end up dancing until dawn or simply unwinding over drinks, Chapinero is the perfect place to close out your first day in Bogotá!
Day 2
Morning – Learn about Bogota’s famous street art scene
Bogotá’s downtown is bursting with street art, but finding the most impressive pieces and truly understanding their meaning can be tricky on your own. That’s why we loved joining this private graffiti tour of La Candelaria, which paired vibrant murals with powerful stories from a knowledgeable guide.
With hotel pick-up included and multiple start times available, we suggest beginning no later than 9 am so you can wrap up by noon and still have plenty of time to make your afternoon food tour.
Over the course of about three hours, your guide will lead you through La Candelaria’s colorful streets, stopping at some of the city’s most iconic murals. Each piece comes with context, often tied to Bogotá’s social and political history, and hearing these perspectives gave us a much deeper appreciation of the art.
A highlight for us was visiting Plaza del Chorro del Quevedo, a lively square where street art, history, and daily life all collide. It quickly became one of our favorite spots in the city!
Because it’s a private tour, the pace feels personal and flexible—you can linger at pieces that catch your eye, ask questions, and even enjoy a short break with a local tea tasting along the way. By the time it wrapped up, we felt like we’d seen a side of Bogotá that most visitors miss, making this one of the most memorable experiences of our trip!
Reserve your spot on this top-rated graffiti tour here before it fills up!
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.
Coffee break – Jaguar Coffee Bogota
After wrapping up the graffiti tour around noon, you’ll have just enough time to recharge before your afternoon food adventure begins. Luckily, Jaguar Coffee Bogotá is right in La Candelaria and only a five-minute walk from the food tour’s meeting point. It’s the perfect stop to tide you over until the next round of tastings.
Colombia is world-famous for its coffee, and Jaguar takes pride in showcasing it. They’re not just a café—they’re producers too, which means you can dive deeper into the coffee-making process, sample different varieties, and chat with the knowledgeable staff. The atmosphere is relaxed but lively, making it a great spot to sip, snack, and geek out about Colombian coffee culture. We loved hanging out here until it was time to head to our food tour!
Afternoon – Taste your way through Bogota
After your coffee, it’s time to dive into one of Bogotá’s tastiest experiences—this walking food tour through La Candelaria. Running from 1:30 pm to about 5:30–6:30 pm, it begins and ends in La Candelaria with seven family-owned stops that let you taste Bogotá through its food—so come hungry!
What makes this tour so fun is that the lineup of dishes and restaurants is always changing, so there’s a surprise factor to every stop. When we joined, our first bite was a warm buñuelo, a deep-fried dough ball stuffed with curd cheese and served with custard. They’re found across the city, but tasting them fresh on the tour was unforgettable.
We also got to try obleas, thin wafers layered with arequipe (a Colombian-style dulce de leche). These sweet treats are so iconic that Mick Jagger famously stopped for one in Plaza Bolívar—there’s even a cart with his photo plastered on the front!
Between the savory and sweet bites, you’ll also get to sample Colombia’s famous fruit juices. We loved the one made with lulo, mora, lime, and sugar cane. It was refreshing and packed with flavor!
By the end, we were absolutely stuffed, and it felt like we’d eaten our way through the city in just one afternoon. The mix of flavors, stories, and local connections made it more than just a meal—it was a true cultural experience. With hundreds of rave five-star reviews, it’s easy to see why it’s considered one of Bogotá’s best food experiences.
Book this Bogotá food tour here and taste your way through the city!
Evening – Híbrido Café Bar
By the time the food tour wrapped up, we were more than full, but since it was still early, we weren’t ready to call it a night just yet. Just around the corner from where the tour ends, Híbrido Café Bar turned out to be the perfect spot to wind down.
Part café, part bar, and part art gallery, Híbrido has a cozy yet creative vibe that makes it easy to linger. We loved sipping a drink while checking out the artwork and soaking in the laid-back atmosphere—a nice contrast after an afternoon of eating our way through the city. Whether you go for a coffee, a drink, or simply to hang out, this spot feels like a hidden gem in La Candelaria. Just note they’re closed on Sundays, so plan accordingly.
Day 3
Full day – Visit Guatavita Lake and the Salt Cathedral
If you only have time for a single day trip from Bogotá, this full-day tour is the way to go! It combines both Guatavita Lake and the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral into one unforgettable experience.
With a meeting point in La Candelaria at 7 am or in El Chicó at 8 am, you’ll set off early and return around 8–9 pm. It’s a long day, but absolutely worth it for the chance to check off two Colombian highlights in one go. Just note that the tour isn’t available on Mondays, so swap your days around if needed so you don’t miss out.
Your first stop is Guatavita Lake, a sacred site tied to the legend of El Dorado. The hike uphill can be a bit of a workout, but the views from the top are stunning and make the effort more than worthwhile. Plus, our guide, Esteban, was fantastic—he took great care of us, shared fascinating history about the area, and made sure the group had fun along the way.
After free time for lunch in town, you’ll continue to the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, a remarkable church built 660 feet (201 meters) underground inside a working salt mine. Walking through its illuminated tunnels and chapels was like nothing we’ve ever experienced!
Between the two destinations, this tour blends Colombia’s natural beauty, cultural history, and modern engineering into one unforgettable day. It’s the kind of experience that leaves you both exhausted and amazed, with stories and memories that will stick long after you’ve left Bogotá!
Secure this tour here and experience two must-see attractions in one day!
Dinner – Vapiano Colombia Restaurante Italiano
After such a long day exploring Guatavita and the Salt Cathedral, you’ll probably be ready for a low-key dinner close to your hotel. That’s exactly what we did, and we ended up at Vapiano Colombia Restaurante Italiano, a casual Italian restaurant that stays open late—perfect for hungry travelers getting back into the city after 8 or 9 pm.
The atmosphere is relaxed, the service is quick, and the menu is filled with reliable favorites like pasta, pizza, and fresh salads. It was exactly what we needed: good food without any fuss after a busy day of sightseeing. Whether you’re craving a hearty bowl of pasta or just want something simple before heading to bed, Vapiano is a convenient choice to end your Bogotá adventure on a satisfying note.
Related Read: Have an extra couple of days to spend here? Check out our list of the best things to do in Bogota for even more ideas!
Where to Stay in Bogota
Now that you’ve mapped out your Bogotá itinerary, the next step is finding the right place to stay. Your hotel choice can really shape your trip, and these top picks in the Chapinero neighborhood are our favorites. While La Candelaria is full of historic charm, it’s geared more toward budget backpackers, whereas Chapinero offers a wider range of comfortable, stylish hotels that make for a better base.
We’ve included options for every budget, so whether you’re looking for a sleek mid-range stay, a spacious suite with all the extras, or a refined luxury escape, you’ll find a hotel here that suits your style. But since Bogotá hotels can fill up quickly, be sure to book ahead if you see availability for your travel dates!
Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia – $$$
For a refined stay in Bogotá’s most exclusive neighborhood, the Sofitel Bogotá Victoria Regia combines French elegance with Colombian warmth. Just steps from La Zona T, the hotel offers chic rooms with feather duvets, 400-thread-count sheets, pillow menus, and Hermès or Lanvin toiletries. Guests love the Basilic restaurant, where Mediterranean flavors blend with French and Colombian touches, as well as the attentive service that makes every stay feel personalized.
Prices typically range from $250–$450 USD per night, depending on the room and season. View options and book your stay on Booking.com.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Bogotá – Rosales – $$
For a spacious and cozy stay in northern Bogotá, Embassy Suites by Hilton Bogotá – Rosales offers the perfect mix of convenience and style. Each suite features a separate living area with a sofa bed, plush bedding, and a well-stocked minibar. Guests enjoy access to a fitness center, a full-service spa and sauna, and the Art Café restaurant, known for its mix of international and neo-Latin dishes. Plus, its excellent location makes exploring Zona Rosa effortless.
Prices typically range from $115–$200 USD per night, depending on room type and dates. See rates and secure your stay through Booking.com.
Best Western Plus 93 Park Hotel – $
For a stylish stay in Bogotá’s upscale Parque de la 93 district, Best Western Plus 93 Park Hotel delivers modern comfort in one of the city’s best locations. Bright, spacious rooms feature large windows with city views, sleek décor, and amenities like minibars, work desks, and flat-screen TVs. Guests start the day with a generous buffet breakfast and enjoy international dishes at the Blue Ribbon Restaurant before relaxing on the hotel’s patio or exploring the nearby park.
Prices typically range from $70–$180 USD per night, depending on the room and season. Browse options and book your stay on Booking.com.
For even more great options, check out all of Bogota’s hotels listed here!
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Thanks for reading!
I hope this 3-day itinerary has you excited to visit Bogotá! We loved getting a feel for the city with sightseeing on the first day, and of course, the trip to the Salt Cathedral is one of my highlights. But some of the local places we discovered to eat and drink (including that famous Colombian coffee!) are what make this place extra special and give that local touch we love while traveling.
If your travels are taking you to Colombia, we have you covered! We’ve explored a lot of destinations around the country, and our blogs on Colombia are a great place to start for tips, more itineraries like this one, and hotel guides!
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