Is Bogota worth visiting while backpacking Colombia? Yes! You can’t miss all the fun things to do in Bogota Colombia. I suggest at least 2-3 days to experience the top Bogota things to do. However, you can visit many exciting sights in Bogota in one day. This Bogota itinerary highlights what to do in Bogota Colombia for 24 hours.
Quick Tip: Book accommodation, tours, and transport ahead of time online to save money and stress.
Best Bogota Tours: Click here to check out the top Bogota tours
Best Bogota Accommodation: Click here to check out the best accommodation in Bogota
Best Bogota Transport: Click here to book a bus, ferry, or train in Bogota
1-Day Bogota Itinerary: What to Do in Bogota Colombia
Hike Monserrate
Kick off your 1-day Bogota itinerary by waking early to hike Monserrate before the crowds arrive.
The hike up the steps to Monserrate takes around one hour. Aim to start at 6:00 a.m. and reach the top around 7:00 a.m., so you have time to enjoy the spectacular views in peace. Monserrate is one of the most popular Bogota Colombia things to do, so an early start is essential to beat the crowds.
Behind the church is a market area with many food options. The choices here are fresh, flavorful, and affordable. I suggest grabbing breakfast at the market after your hike.
Take a Bogota Bike Tour
Bike tours rank high among the best Bogota Colombia things to do. You must take this tour if you only have one day in Bogota.
Biking is a fantastic way to familiarize yourself with Bogota since you’ll see more of the city than if you were walking. The tour begins at 10:30 a.m. and highlights graffiti, local fruits, Tajo (a Colombian game with explosives and beer), coffee, and much more. You will get an authentic taste of the city during the bike tour, making it a can’t-miss for what to do in Bogota.
I have an entire post about the bike tour, which you can read here.
Watch this short video for tour highlights.
Did You Get Travel Insurance Yet?
The Insurance companies I recommend are Hey Mondo and Safety Wing
Hey Mondo is great if you are looking for a great value flexible policy. They offer single-trip cover, annual multi-trip cover, and long-term travel cover. Safety Wing is great value, with monthly coverage starting at $45.08. It’s super easy to use, and it just renews each month. I currently use them as they offer me free cover for my son as part of my policy.
Read my full travel insurance post here, where I go into detail about all companies.
Need Transportation in Colombia?
I highly recommend booking Colombia transportation with GottoGo. You can search for buses, shuttles, ferries, and flights on their website—I love their customer service. I know them personally from my time living in Guatemala, and they genuinely care for their customers. If a delay occurs and you miss your bus, call them for help.
If you book through GottoGo, you will pay more than at the bus station, but it’s worth it for the ease and security. Click here to search for transportation in Colombia.
Eat a Traditional Colombian Lunch
After your bike tour, you will be famished. The next stop on this one-day Bogota itinerary is a filling and delicious traditional Colombian lunch. Staying fueled with water and snacks will energize you for all the incredible things to do in Bogota. From the bike shop, turn left and walk toward 11th Street before turning right. On this street, between 6th and 7th, you will find many traditional Colombian restaurants.
The traditional lunch in Bogota is Ajiaco, which you must try. Arrive hungry, as it’s a hearty dish! Ajiaco is a soup made with potato, corn, chicken, avocado, rice, and cream. If you are vegetarian, ask for no chicken or chicken on the side.
Walk Down 7th Street
After lunch, wander down 7th Street, the most famous in Bogota. People-watching is one of my favorite things to do in Bogota, and 7th Street is the ideal location. To get here, turn left onto Bolivia Square (Plaza de Bolívar). You can’t miss the square—it’s the one with all the pigeons!
Plaza de Bolivia is Colombia’s central administrative square. It features the Congress Building, Palace of Justice, and Cathedral.
You can admire the president’s opulent residence if you continue walking south past security.
Afterward, turn around and walk back up 7th Street. 7th Street is a pedestrian-only area closed to cars, and there are always live performers and artists to watch.
Bogota Things to Do Along 7th Street
- San Francisco Church (Bogota’s oldest church)
- Museo Del Oro (the gold museum)
- Museo Nacional (Colombia’s National Museum)
Admire the Graffiti Art
If you’re unsure what to do in Bogota, I highly recommend checking out the local street art scene. On your way back down 7th Street, turn left at Macdonald’s onto 19th Calle. Turn right when you get to the roundabout at the top of the road.
You will walk past the Universities (where you can get a direct airport bus) and the Las Aguas Transmilenio stations. Directly after Las Aguas, there will be a market on your left and graffiti on your right.
Cross the park towards the OXXO shop to see more incredible art pieces.
Have Dinner at Sant Just, One of the Bogota’s Best Restaurants
Look for cool cat graffiti art (P.S. Find the right spot to stand in for the full effect pictured above) and walk up that road. On the right side of the road, you will see a restaurant called Sant Just. If you are on a tight budget, BLOW it! This place is worth it.
Sant Just served the best meal I have eaten in a long time. It consisted of fresh local recipes with a French twist. I went all out and had two courses, a juice and coffee, which cost me a whopping $14, haha. That is pretty pricey in Colombia, but it was worth every penny.
If Sant Just is out of your price range, enjoy the freshly made arepas and empanadas outside Las Aguas.
What to Do in Bogota After Dark
After dinner, walk back towards OXXO and up the road to Bogota’s main bar area, La Candelaria. You will find many bars and places to spend the evening partying here.
Quick Tip: View my full Colombia packing guide here including a downloadable checklist. And check out my Colombia Essentials shopping list here.
Where to Stay in Bogota
If you are staying longer than 24 hours, I recommend Chapenero over La Candelaria. Hotels I recommend include:
Hotel Morrison
Selina Chapinaro
Hotel Living 55
93 Luxury Suites & Residences
If you are only in town for one night, I suggest these La Candelaria accommodations:
Selina La Candelaria
Casa Artistica
Arche Noah Boutique Hostel
For a convenient airport hotel, check out the Radisson AR Bogota Airport.
Bogota Travel Guide Planning
🧳 Any recommendations on what I should pack for Bogota?
Yes! I have created a whole packing guide to Bogota which you can read here and you can also check out my packing list for Bogota on Amazon here.
🚗 Where can I book bus or private transportation while I’m in Bogota?
I strongly recommend using GottoGo. You can book almost all transport in the major tourist destinations through them online. They don’t just cover buses they also cover shuttles, ferries, and private drivers.
🎫 Where can I buy tickets for museums, attractions, and tours in Bogota?
I recommend either Viator or GetYour Guide. They have a lot of options!
👩⚕️ What is the best insurance to have while traveling?
I recommend using Heymondo for a great value policy. The app also offers you 24/7 Dr Chat. For Digital Nomads check out SafetyWing digital nomad insurance.
I have also written a blog post covering all my recommended travel insurance here
✈️ Any flight recommendations?
WayAWay offers you cheap flights with cashback. You can use this code CLAIRE22 to get 10% off. Otherwise Skyscanner or Expedia are my go-to flight searching platforms.
📱What do you use for internet connection while traveling?
I’m a big fan of personal WiFi devices and they have saved my ass so many times when traveling. I wrote a full review of the top travel WiFi devices you can read here. I personally use GlocalMe as I can either pop in a physical sim card or use their local carrier.
With regards to my phone connection, I use e-sims while traveling, so rather than having to swap out my regular sim card I can download the app and buy a virtual sim card. I recommend using eitherAirhub or Alosim. Both have great coverage of multiple countries and are very easy to use.
🛏️ What is the best platform to use for booking accommodation?
The 3 best platforms that I normally use are Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Expedia They offer great deals and multiple options. I always check all three to be sure of the best deals.
🛅 Do you have any luggage recommendations for traveling?
I do have a complete list of the best packing and luggage products that I recommend, you can check the list here. I’m currently traveling with this suitcase and this backpack.
Things to Do in Bogota Colombia: Final Thoughts
A one-day Bogota itinerary is perfect for experiencing the top things to do in Bogota Colombia. While I suggest spending two to three days in Bogota, 24 hours is an excellent introduction to the city. Is Bogota worth visiting? Absolutely!
Read my safety guide to Bogota if you’re concerned about visiting.
This post was proofread by Grammarly.