Have you ever thought that the way you like to travel has a lot to do with the way you are? As a big, diverse city, Bogotá has tons of options depending on what you think is the best accommodation for you. This article will guide you through some very good options so you can enjoy your stay in this awesome city.
A sprawl like Bogotá has millions of accommodation options and it can be a pretty hard task to find somewhere to stay, but it does not mean that it is impossible. In fact, it’s the challenge is in your favor because you have the opportunity to choose any accommodation depending on your preferences. Fancy staying in a historic area? Or perhaps in one full of nightlife? Bogotá has it all!
Traditional Explorer (history and culture)
When travelling to Bogotá, if you are that person who doesn’t focus on finding somewhere fancy, but is rather interested in going out for the night close to an area where you can immerse yourself in Bogotá’s culture and history, then you definitely need to stay somewhere around the historic city center (geographically located in the southeast of the city, by the mountains). Here you can find very interesting
Where?
In La Candelaria (read our article Best Neighborhoods in Bogotá: Why You Should Stay in La Candelaria to know much more) or La Macarena, two of the most traditional, historic and cultural neighborhoods of Bogotá, you are not going to find the fanciest accommodation, but they do have something unique and special in every corner; you just really need to go out and find it for yourself, which also means having a considerable level of curiosity and wonder (even getting lost in the streets can be an amazing experience).
There are millions of things to do during the day and night: museums, churches, local shops, universities, libraries, cafes, clubs, restaurants, etc. Everything you can imagine related to the history and traditions of Bogotá, you can find it in the city center in
While you can find host families, hotels and residences, hostels are usually a good idea in these parts of the city. Visit hostelword.com to find good choices for accommodation in this area: https://www.hostelworld.com/
Also, don’t miss these amazing experiences when staying around the city centre:
- doing a Graffiti tour around La Candelaria
- eating in some of the best restaurants in La Macarena
- visiting “Las Torres del Parque” (Park Towers) in La Macarena
- buying a typical Bogotanian “sombrero” (hat) in La Candelaria
Fancy “chic” (modern)
Travelling comes in many forms, and for some people, going to another place is also an opportunity to treat themselves with the best things while having a relaxing, enjoyable time. Well, Bogotá has some areas that can be considered “fancy” such as the Zona Rosa, Chicó (read our article Your Guide to Bogotá’s Chicó Neighborhood), Usaquén, Quinta Camacho, or Santa Bárbara (read Best Neighborhoods in Bogotá: Santa Bárbara). All located in the northeast, they offer the finest activities to do and places to go, with some of the most expensive and recommended shops, restaurants, bars, and the best, most
Where?
Usaquén is known for the Sunday market and for the top restaurants in the city (to know more read The two flea markets you cannot miss in Bogotá: San Alejo & Usaquén). Zona Rosa has high-end malls, boutiques and fashion stores, and very popular bars and nightclubs too. Chicó has restaurants
If this area suits your travel personality and you are wishing to have some luxurious days in Bogotá, then you can visit Hotels.com (https://es.hoteles.com) to find the very best accommodation.
Also, don’t miss these amazing experiences when staying around the northeast part of Bogotá:
- hop on the one and only train in Bogotá at the station in Santa Bárbara
- go partying in la Zona Rosa in Chicó
- attend a play in some theatre around Quinta Camacho
- go to the Sunday flea market in Usaquén
Alternative Explorer
Some people find it better to go out and explore more than the usual tourist attractions in a city as diverse as Bogotá. Teusaquillo or Chapinero are some of the coolest, centrally located areas to do just that because you can find alternative, modern-mixed-with-traditional places and activities. From vegetarian restaurants, LGBT nightclubs, cozy cafés, or local bookshops (just to name a few), in Teusaquillo or Chapinero you’ll find insanely interesting things to do and places to go if you decide to stay over there and chances are that you’ll find cheaper accommodation whether it’s in a hostel, a hotel, residence or a host family.
Where?
I particularly recommend two types of accommodation within this area: hostels or apartment rentals. In Chapinero you can find CX Hostel (https://www.cxhomehotel.com/), and in Teusaquillo, Casa Capital (https://www.casacapitalhostel.com/es-es). Both offer a range of excellent services and accommodations for a very reasonable price and in a great location. In the case of apartment rentals, take a look on Housing Anywhere (https://housinganywhere.com/s/Bogot%C3%A1–Colombia) to find good accommodation for a nice price.
Also, don’t miss these amazing experiences when staying around Teusaquillo or Chapinero:
- do the “Special Coffee Tour” by Flavours of Bogotá around Chapinero
- go partying in Theatron (biggest LGBT club in Latin America)
- walk around El Parkway in Teusaquillo
- try delicious pastries in a traditional café or bakery in Teusaquillo
Calm and quiet
Fancy sleeping in a residential area, therefore, more quiet and calm? Bogotá also has countless areas to do that. If you are the type of person that, when travelling, enjoys staying away from noisy, vibrant areas so you can have your beauty sleep, then I would recommend staying around the northern part of the city, or in any neighbourhood that has “merely residential” in its appearance. Residential areas are the best idea because they give you the opportunity to experience a local “familiar” atmosphere, while giving you the chance to truly, fully rest (meaning that when it’s time to enjoy, then enjoy, but when it’s time to rest, then really rest).
Where?
Try apartment rentals for these kind of areas because as they are more residential, it’s usually more difficult to find hostels or hotels. Take a look on Housing Anywhere (https://housinganywhere.com/s/Bogot%C3%A1–Colombia) to find good accommodation for a nice price.
Also, don’t miss these amazing experiences when staying in residential areas:
- watch the sunset from your window while having a nice cup of wine
- cooking a meal with local ingredients you find in small shops
- going to the nearest park for a walk
- go trekking in Quebrada La Vieja, located in Rosales, to have the most amazing view of Bogotá from up high
Socially engaged
Travelling also gives you the opportunity to engage with communities and leave a local impact. For many people, actively staying and helping with communities wherever they travel is the best way to grow, to understand where you are, and to experience how diverse and beautiful our world is. If you are the type of
Where?
Areas such as Bosa, Ciudad Bolívar, Fontibón or Kennedy would be a good idea to socially engage with a local cause. These areas are quite challenging, and you have to be careful, not so much about your security, but about your emotional strength, because staying around here would show you some hard, many times unbelievable, stories of life, but it also has the most beautiful and inspiring ones too.
Room rentals would be a good idea if this is your type of plan when coming to Bogotá. Take a look on https://colombia.gabinohome.com/en/rooms-rent/bogota to find some good options, and for the lowest prices.
Also, don’t miss these amazing experiences when staying around these areas:
- volunteer with children in a public school in Ciudad Bolívar
- spend time and do activities in a caring house for elders in Bosa
- take some kids to Mundo Aventura amusement park in Kennedy
- read a book in the amazing gardens of Virgilio Barco’s library
Before wrapping up, I would like to give you one last, but very important piece of advice: when you have already decided on your accommodation in Bogotá, wherever it is, an excellent option would always be to stay with host families that are happy to welcome you into their homes. This way, you’ll get to experience local culture and life; it’s truly something you won’t forget. If you are interested in this
Let me just restate that Bogotá has something for everyone, and wherever you stay it will be an enjoyable experience (read our article Is Bogotá safe? All You Need to Know About Safety in Bogotá to know basic tips about safety). So what are you waiting for!? Come, enjoy, explore, and choose between many accommodation options depending on your travel personality.
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