BOGOTA
Safety
Like any metropolitan city, you have to be careful in Bogotá and as the locals say not “dar papaya” (or put yourself in a situation to be robbed). This means try not to wear flashy jewelry or walk around with your phone in plain sight while in the city. Also, do not hail cabs, it is better to use hotel approved cabs or Ubers. It is fine to walk around in bustling neighborhoods, like Candelaria, Zona G, Zona T or Parque 93, but try not to walk around between neighborhoods and avoid walking at night. If you follow these tips you should not have any problems!
Altitude
Bogotá sits at 8,660 feet above sea level, so when you are there you will likely feel the effects of altitude. Be sure to hydrate and take it easy your first day, in our experience the altitude effects subside after one day. When in Bogotá you can buy this medicine over the counter that helps with altitude - Acetazolamida (disclaimer: we are not medical professionals). Anapoima, where the wedding is, is much lower (at 2,330 ft) so should not present a problem with altitude.
Places in Bogotá
Bogotá has a great food scene, here are some of our favorite spots for different
occasions:
Fine Dining
Rio - Internacional
Salon Tropical – Ceviches, fish and grill (This restaurant does not have an obvious sign. If you see a symbol on a warehouse door, you’re in the right place)
Agave Azul – Mexican, tasting menu
El Bandido – Mediterranean, latin
El Chato – International, local ingredients
Selma – Mediterranean
Mesa Franca - Local
Humo Negro – International
Malva – Local
Don Doh – Japanese grill
Casa – Spanish
La Brasserie – French
Osaka - Peruvian
Leo Cocina y Cava – Tasting menu
Harry Sasson – Mediterranean
Casual Dining
Chicheria Demente – Grill
Veccina – Italian
Central Cevicheria – Ceviche
Di Lucca – Italian
Agadon – American
Jardín – Drinks and pastries
Madre – Italian (La Candelaria)
Bubu Burgers
Home Burgers
Mistral – Breakfast
Bars
Indio
Atik and Keller
Fantasma
El principal
Padre
Mandinga
The Red Room
ODEM
Demente aguardientería
Antro Cantina
Tercer Piso
Atlas
Clandestino
Colombian
(We recommend Bandeja Paisa, arepa de huevo, arepa de choclo, ajiaco, and sancocho...but be careful, you might need to nap afterward!)
La cocina de Pepina
Andres Carne de Res (If you have time to go to the Chia location, it is worth the trip. Otherwise, the Bogotá location is also great.)
Prudencia – La Candelaria
Testino – La Candelaria
Coffee Spots
Tropicalia
Azahar
Libertario
Shopping
There are number of different stores you can explore in Bogotá, here are some of our favorites:
Concept stores/multibrands
La Comuna
Casa Bahué
Malva
St Dom
Casa Santa Maria
Casa Precis
Thax
Centro Comercial El Retiro
Casa Creciente
Accessories/ Design
Calle de Los Antiquarios
Verdi Design
Plie Lights
Sabandija Store
Mhara
Pacayal
Jewelry
Anik Jewelry
Aysha Bilgrami
Daniela Salcedo
Sofia Llanos
Lajo Estudio
Women’s Clothing
Baobab
Renasce
Sunset the Journey
Agybo
Maaji
Bahia Maria
Men’s Clothing
Whitman
Martin Pescador
Loopzu
Macondo
Activities in Bogotá
- Tejo en La Embajada - play the Colombian game Tejo in La Embajada;
- Tour del Viche;
- Tour the historic Candelaria district and end with lunch at Prudencia, Testigo or Madre;
- Summit Monserrate by foot or in the cable car and have a hot chocolate with cheese at the top;
- Bogotá Graffiti Tour;
- Participate in Ciclovia (where the city shuts down the major avenue for bike traffic);
- Taller de Cacao;
- Hike the Senderismo Cerro Las Moyas with the guides at Live Happy Col;
- Have a museum day: visit Museo de Botero, MAMBO, Museo del Oro, Museo de la Esmeralda and end with a fancy lunch at Leo;
- Visit the fragmentos, espacio de arte y memoria exhibit by Doris Salcedo at the Museo Nacional de Colombia.
** If you want to set up a group tour in Bogotá, or other parts of Colombia, we recommend Vaova Travel. Let us know if you need a direct contact.