3 Days in Bogotá: Gold, Art, Monserrate and the City’s Best Tables

Quick links

• Where to stay
• Day one: La Candelaria
• Day two: Monserrate and the markets
• Day three: salt or Sundays
• Practical notes
• Frequently asked questions

Where to stay

Stay north of the center. Chapinero Alto and Zona G are close to the best restaurants; the Zona T and Parque 93 have the big hotels and nightlife; Usaquén is colonial and calm. Bogotá sits at about 2,600 meters and the weather changes fast, so pack layers and a light rain jacket.

Day one: La Candelaria

Start at the Museo del Oro, with its room of gold that lights up in the dark. Then walk up to the Museo Botero, where the free collection includes Botero’s own work and the European masters he donated.

Finish at Plaza de Bolívar and wander the colorful streets of La Candelaria. Have an ajiaco for lunch, the city’s chicken and potato soup. Go back north before dark.

Day two: Monserrate and the markets

Take the cable car or funicular up Monserrate in the morning for the view over the entire city. Go early, before the clouds.

Then go to Paloquemao market for tropical fruit you have never heard of and the flower hall. Spend the evening in Zona G, the restaurant district, and book ahead.

Day three: salt or Sundays

Take a day trip to the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, a church carved deep inside a salt mine, about an hour or more north of the city depending on traffic.

If it is Sunday, choose Usaquén instead for the flea market, then enjoy the ciclovía, when main roads close to cars for cyclists and runners.

Practical notes

• Use ride-hailing apps rather than street taxis.
• Carry a light jacket: days can be warm and evenings cold.
• Book the top restaurants a week or more ahead.

Frequently asked questions

Is 3 days enough in Bogotá?

Three days is enough to see La Candelaria and its museums, Monserrate, a market, the restaurant scene and a day trip to the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral.

Where is the best area to stay in Bogotá?

Chapinero Alto and Zona G are best for food lovers, the Zona T and Parque 93 for hotels and nightlife, and Usaquén for a calmer colonial feel.

Does altitude affect visitors in Bogotá?

Bogotá is at about 2,600 meters. Some visitors feel tired or short of breath on the first day, so take it slowly, drink water and limit alcohol at first.

Is the Museo Botero free?

Yes, the Museo Botero is free to visit. Check the museum’s website for current hours.

Keep exploring

• Where to Stay in Bogotá: A Neighborhood Guide
• What to Eat in Bogotá: Classic Dishes and Drinks to Try
• Mercedes Salazar: Colombian Jewelry and Where to Shop
• Bogotá to Zipaquirá by Heritage Train: A Slow Journey Across the Sabana
• Buying Emeralds in Bogotá: The Emerald District, Certificates and Treatments
• Lina Cantillo in Bogotá: Colombian Menswear with Caribbean Ease