Things to Do in Bogotá

Bogotá sits at 8,660 feet above sea level in the heart of Colombia, a sprawling metropolis that somehow manages to feel both cosmopolitan and deeply rooted in its colonial past. The city has this interesting energy where you'll find street art covering entire building facades right next to centuries-old churches, and where the business district's glass towers give way to cobblestone streets lined with emerald shops and tiny cafés serving some of the best coffee you'll ever taste. What strikes most people about Bogotá is how it defies easy categorization - it's gritty and sophisticated, traditional and progressive, all at once. The thin air might leave you slightly breathless at first, but the city's cultural richness and the warmth of its people tend to make up for any altitude adjustment. From the historic La Candelaria neighborhood with its colorful colonial buildings to the trendy Zona Rosa with its upscale restaurants and nightlife, Bogotá offers layers of experience that reveal themselves the longer you stay.

Bogotá's dining scene has exploded in recent years, with everything from high-end restaurants earning international recognition to hole-in-the-wall spots serving incredible traditional Colombian food. The Zona Rosa and Zona T areas have the highest concentration of upscale restaurants, many focusing on modern interpretations of Colombian cuisine using local ingredients. For more traditional and affordable options, head to La Candelaria or Chapinero, where you'll find family-run places that have been serving the same recipes for decades. Don't miss trying ajiaco (a hearty chicken and potato soup that's practically Bogotá's signature dish) or visiting one of the many excellent coffee shops - this is, after all, one of the world's great coffee-producing regions.

Bogotá's high altitude means temperatures stay relatively consistent year-round, typically ranging from the mid-40s to low 70s Fahrenheit, so you won't need to plan around extreme seasonal variations. That said, the dry seasons (December through March and July through August) tend to offer clearer skies and better conditions for outdoor activities like visiting Monserrate or taking day trips outside the city. The rainy season isn't necessarily a deal-breaker - afternoon showers are common but often brief - though you'll want to pack a good rain jacket. Keep in mind that Bogotá sits at nearly 8,700 feet above sea level, so even during warmer months, evenings can be quite cool, and the sun can be intense during the day.