I have been living in Colombia since 2021 and have visited Bogota several times. It’s fair to say that I can give you a perfect answer to your question about where to stay in Bogota first time.
Tourists often have mixed feelings about Bogota. That’s because the climate is not as optimal in places like Medellin and the atmosphere does not always feel as welcome as you’re used to.
Nonetheless, it’s an important city to explore during your travels in Colombia as this capital has a rich history and a few must-see attractions.
The historic center, La Candelaria, is known for its colonial architecture, and at Plaza Bolívar, the main square of La Candelaria, you can find several important buildings such as the Capitol, the Palace of Justice, and the Cathedral of Bogotá.
Museo del Oro (Gold Museum) is one of the most extensive collections of pre-Columbian gold artifacts in the world and is a must-visit to understand the indigenous cultures of Colombia.
A visit to Bogota is not complete without a visit to Monserrate, a popular pilgrimage site. You can reach the top by hiking, taking a cable car, or riding a funicular for incredible panoramic views.
Lastly, if you have the time, also visit the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, which is an underground cathedral carved into a salt mine
With two full days in Colombia’s capital, you can see quite a lot before heading to your next destination.
In this article, I will dive into the best neighborhoods of Bogota, using my extensive experience. I will try to keep it as short as possible, make clear distinctions between the areas, and above all not recommend any neighborhoods of the city that do not have something special to offer. Also, the areas that are recommended in this article are considered safe. With that said, let’s get started!
In brief: the best neighborhoods to stay in Bogota are La Candelaria, Chapinero, Zona T & La Castellana, and Usaquén.
For most tourists, La Candelaria is the most convenient option as you have the best access to the city’s highlights. But in the evening, this area becomes a bit dull.
If you’re looking for a nice evening out, stay in Chapinero.
Here, you can find Zona Rosa, the nightlife area of Bogota that never disappoints.
Zona T & La Castellana are excellent options too, but these are mainly residential areas. That means that you won’t find that many hotels here, but you do find great Airbnb’s here. This is the best option for those who stay longer in Bogota than most tourists.
If you seek a quiet, upscale, and safe area, Usaquén is a great option. It’s known for its colonial architecture and safety. Keep in mind that you’re located further away from the city highlights.
You can easily navigate to each area by tapping the link. Or go directly to the overview of the best neighborhoods to stay in Bogota.
For most tourists, La Candelaria is the most optimal area to stay at when visiting Bogota for the first time.
This is the historic heart of the city and the majority of the city’s highlights are located here.
That means that you can walk from your hotel to Plaza Bolívar wander through the cobblestone streets and enjoy the colonial architecture.
Other highlights such as the Gold Museum and Botero Museum are also located here.
La Candelaria is considered a safe area, but as it attracts mostly tourists, pickpockets are active here, so keep your valuable belongings out of sight or in a safe in your hotel.
There are many popular restaurants that you can discover, including La Puerta Falso, the oldest restaurant in Bogota.
Here, you can enjoy a typical Colombian breakfast, including their famous Tamal.
When it comes to convenience, La Candelaria stands out from the rest as you don’t have to travel much to see the city’s highlights.
However, if you’re the type of traveler who prefers to stay in a more modern part of the city or wants to explore Bogota’s exciting nightlife scene, there are better options.
Besides, La Candelaria gets a bit dull in the evening.
How to get around Bogota: Unfortunately, Bogota does not have a metro system like Medellín, despite many promises by the local government. The best and safest way to get around the city is by Uber, Didi, or InDriver. All three apps are widely used in the city and provide a certain safety. You can always grab a regular taxi, but based on advice from friends, simply use these apps most of the time. Make sure to pick a driver with plenty of positive reviews (cancel the ride if the driver barely has reviews) and always check if the number plates and the profile picture match. This may sound like Bogota is incredibly dangerous, but these are precautions locals always take, and so should you. Better safe than sorry.
Chapinero is a large area located north of La Candelaria.
Instead of being a tourist area, this part of Bogota qualifies more being a residential area, but there are plenty of hotels to choose from.
It’s a trendy area with plenty of shops, and restaurants, but also a great nightlife zone.
The nightlife area in Bogota is Zona Rosa, which is really a fun area to explore.
The downside of not being in the tourist epicenter is that you always have to travel a bit to see the highlights of the city, but simultaneously the advantage is that you can have a fun night out.
As mentioned in the previous paragraph, La Candelaria is a bit dull in the evening.
Chapeinero is the complete oppossite.
That makes it a great area for younger travelers and couples who want to have a drink and grab a bite in one of the many trendy places after a long day of sightseeing.
Zona T and La Castellan are a mix between a residential area and a shopping area.
During our first stay in Bogota, we stayed here for about four weeks.
It’s considered one of the safest areas in all of Bogota.
To our surprise, the army was present every evening in the streets.
You won’t find that many hotels in this part of the city, but you do find many great Airbnb options.
Expect high-quality apartments with facilities like washing rooms, gyms, rooftop areas, and much more.
If you’re looking for higher-end hotels, though, it’s better to stay in Chapinero (the previously recommended area).
A short taxi ride take you to one of the many shopping centres or to Zona Rosa, Bogota’s nightlife scene.
The downside is that you have to travel a bit longer to reach the tourist attractions.
But in return, you stay in an incredibly safe and quiet neighborhood.
Those who are planning to stay a bit longer than most tourists in Bogota should definitely stay here.
Families who prioritize safety and quietness also should consider booking an Airbnb here.
The last area that we recommend is Usaquén, an area even further north of Chapinero.
Usaquén is a charming, upscale neighborhood with a small-town feel.
It’s known for its colonial architecture, Sunday flea market, and excellent dining options.
The area feels more relaxed than all the other recommended areas.
If you’re looking for a laid-back yet upscale experience where old meets new, Usaquén is a great option.
Of course, the biggest downside is that you’re located further away from the tourist epicenter.
That means that you’re always required to order an Uber to reach the historic heart of the city.
But after a long day of sightseeing, you come back to an area where it’s very safe and nicely quiet.
Families and couples who prefer a quiet experience in Bogota will highly appreciate this part of Bogota.
La Candelaria: this is the historic heart of the city where you can find the majority of the city’s highlights. For most tourists, this is the most convenient area in all of Bogota as you can walk from your hotel to places like Plaza Bolívar. In the evening, the area gets a bit dull and those who seek a fun night out can stay in the more trendy areas.
Where to stay in Bogota first time
Where to stay in Bucaramanga first time
Where to stay in Cartagena first time
Where to stay in Guatape first time
Where to stay in Medellin first time
Where to stay in Salento first time
Where to stay in San Andres first time
Where to stay in Santa Fe De Antioquia first time
My name is Joost, a travel enthusiast and true foodie with a deep passion for discovering new places and cultures. Since 2017, I have been living abroad, exploring local communities and cuisines. I spent four unforgettable years in Southeast Asia, falling in love with its vibrant street food, unique history, and beautiful landscapes. Since 2021, I’ve been calling South America my home, continuing my journey of discovery and sharing tips to help fellow travelers make the most of their adventures.