Bogotá is the capital of Colombia and a city you need to visit for at least one day. Here you can do activities like graffiti tours, visit museums, and walk around the center. All the best in 24 hours!
As a rola, I love my city and I want to share some things you can do in one day in Bogotá. As the capital of Colombia, Bogotá is a big city and, of course, you can do a lot of activities. Here you can find museums like the Botero Museum (one of the most recognized artists in Colombia) located in La Candelaria, which is one of the oldest and most touristic neighborhoods (and where you can find a lot of street art as well). So now, I’m going to show you different options for spending a day in Bogotá depending on your personality, wishes, and interests.
Day of museums
8:00 a.m to 9:00 a.m: If you stay in La Candelaria, in the morning you can go to eat breakfast at La Puerta falsa, one of the most famous breakfast restaurants. There you can eat a typical breakfast (tamal, hot chocolate and cheese, scrambled eggs with tomato and onion, or beef rib in a broth).
9:00 a.m to 9:15 a.m: Then you can walk one block to the east and you will see la Plaza de Bolívar (Bolívar Square) where Casa de Nariño, the president’s house, is located.
9:15 a.m – 12:00pm: After this, you can walk to the Art Collection of the Banco de la República (the central bank of Colombia). In this place, you can find three different museums. The Museo de Botero (Botero Museum) contains paintings and sculptures from the famous artist Fernando Botero (for me his art is a little bit awkward but my students think it’s really funny. The Museo Casa de la Moneda is a museum of Colombian currency in which you can find the first coins in Colombia and some old manufactured artifacts. Finally, Museo de Arte Miguel Urrutia (the Miguel Urrutia Art Museum) -MAMU- is where you can see different types of art, including Colombian, Latin American, and European art.
12:00 pm to 1:30 pm: Now it is lunchtime. Near the museums, you are going to find tons of restaurants and coffee shops like Gato Gris where you can find Mediterranean food and also Colombian food like ajiaco or picada criolla, a mix of meat and potatoes. A plus: they have a live band at 12:00 pm and at night. The prices are around $35,000 COP ($11 USD). You can also go to Madre restaurant, which sells really good pizzas, salads, and desserts. The dishes are around $25,000 COP ($8 USD).
1:30 pm to 4:00 pm: After lunch, you can walk to Museo del Oro (The Gold Museum), where you are going to see really old gold figures, and of course, you will learn more about our indigenous culture. Or if you prefer, you can go to Museo Nacional (National Museum) which is housed in a fascinating building. Why? Because it used to be a jail decades ago. Here you can find more information about the museum, which contains Colombian art like objects from indigenous cultures and different periods of the nation’s history.
4:00 pm to 5:00 pm: If you want, you can take a rest. Because of the altitude, you might feel more tired than normal. Or, if you have the energy, you can walk back to La Candelaria and see La Séptima, one of the main avenues in Bogotá. In La Séptima, between 26th Street and Bolivar Plaza, you will find a lot of stores and street artists.
6:00 pm to 8 pm: To finish the day, you can go to the top of Monserrate and visit the church that you will see all the time during your stay. Here you will have a view of Bogotá and if you go at the end of the day, you will see a beautiful sunset and then all the nighttime lights of the big city.
Day of street art
If you are not a big fan of museums, here are other art options:
8:00 a.m to 9:00a.m: Breakfast in La Puerta Falsa restaurant.
9:00 a.m to 9:20 a.m: Walk to the meeting point for the Bogotá Graffiti Tour, which is a totally free tour held everyday that leaves from Parque de Los Periodistas.
9:20 a.m to 10:00 a.m: While you are waiting for the graffiti tour to start, you can walk to Juan Valdez Coffeeshop and drink a really good Colombian coffee.
10:00 a.m to 12:30 pm: Take the Graffiti Tour which is really popular, firstly because you can see really cool street art and secondly, because it is a great idea to walk around the city center and learn a little bit more about it. If you want to reserve a spot on the tour, click here.
ALTERNATIVE 10:30 a.m to 2:30 p.m: If you don´t fancy the graffiti tour you can take the bike tour., you can do the bike tour instead during which you’ll also be able to experience street art and learn more about Bogotá. And, it’s a good way to lose all the carbs you will eat here :). The price is around $40,000 COP ($12 USD). Plus you can play tejo, our national “sport”! Take into accout that this schedule will change a little bit.
12:30 pm: 2:00 p.m: Lunchtime: near the “Parque de los Periodistas” you will find Crepes and Waffles. This restaurant has a big menu of crepes, salads, and for dessert, amazing ice creams with different flavors including unique Colombian fruits. Plus, you can also find vegetarian options.
2:00 p.m to 5:00 pm: If you want to know more about Bogota and its history, you can do the Free Walking Tour. If you want to reserve a spot, click here.
6:00 pm to 8 pm: Go to the top of Monserrate mountain and visit the church that you will see from afar all throughout your stay.
Tips
- The museums close every Monday. If Monday is a holiday, then they will be open but they will close on Tuesday instead.
- On the last Sunday of the month, all of the museums are free.
So now you can enjoy one day in Bogotá. Come and explore our amazing, huge, and beautiful city!Wanna know what to do on a Sunday in Bogotá!? Check our article about it here. And also, our guide for a day in the city cuisine and food version.
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