by Baiji (cropped image) / [CC BY-SA 2.0

A Cultural Hub with Rich History and Diverse Museums

A. About Bogota

Nickname: The South American Athens

Bogotá, the vibrant capital of Colombia, is not only the political and cultural heart of the country but also a city of contrasts, where historic landmarks such as La Candelaria seamlessly coexist with modern skyscrapers and bustling financial districts.

As the gateway to the Andes, Bogotá's diverse climate varies by altitude, and its strategic location facilitates access to other major Colombian regions, making it a hub for both domestic and international travelers.

Moreover, the city is renowned for its rich artistic heritage, exemplified by the Gold Museum and the Botero Museum, while its dynamic gastronomy scene reflects both traditional Colombian flavors and global culinary influences.


âž• The Good

Set in a valley surrounded by the majestic Andes mountains, Bogotá enjoys a picturesque geographical setting and is a very reasonably priced destination.

Bogotá’s large size ensures diverse activities and attractions.

âž– Negative Aspects

Safety remains a concern in Bogotá, with issues like petty crime, pickpocketing, and some areas best avoided by tourists.

 


B. Best Things to Do in Bogota in 2025 (Detailed List with Photos and Information)

In total, we count more than forty sights in the metropolis of Bogota. The following sights and attractions contribute to a score of 6/10 in this most important category:

# Gold Museum (Museo del Oro) 6 3 out of 5 stars

The Gold Museum in Bogotá holds one of the world's largest collections of pre-Hispanic gold artifacts, with over 34,000 gold pieces displayed alongside ceramics, textiles, and stone relics from indigenous cultures.

It is renowned for its vibrant morning alms-giving ritual and its role as a spiritual and administrative hub.

Museum

by Mariordo / CC BY-SA 3.0

# Mount Monserrate 6 3.1 out of 5 stars

Mount Monserrate offers panoramic views of Bogotá at 3,152 meters above sea level, featuring a historic 17th-century church and a popular pilgrimage site accessible via funicular, cable car, or hiking trails.

Mountain

by Leandro Neumann Ciuffo / CC BY-SA 2.0

# Botero Museum 6 3.1 out of 5 stars

This museum displays the works of Fernando Botero, Colombia’s most celebrated artist, alongside pieces by Picasso, Monet, and Dalí, within a beautifully preserved colonial house in La Candelaria.

Museum

by Burkhard MĂĽcke / CC BY-SA 4.0

 

# BolĂ­var Square (Plaza de Bolivar) 6 3.1 out of 5 stars

The city’s main square is surrounded by significant landmarks, including the National Capitol, the Palace of Justice, and La Catedral Primada, serving as a political and cultural hub.

Square

by Javierleiva / CC BY-SA 4.0

# Old Bogota (La Candelaria) 6 3.1 out of 5 stars

La Candelaria is Bogotá’s cultural heart, characterized by cobblestone streets, colonial-era architecture, vibrant murals, and landmarks like museums and churches that reflect its rich history.

City District

by Felipe Restrepo Acosta / CC BY-SA 3.0

 

# Santa Clara Church-Museum 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

The Santa Clara Church-Museum (Museo Iglesia de Santa Clara) is a historic religious site transformed into a captivating museum. With its ornate baroque architecture, it features a rich collection of religious art and historical artifacts.

Museum

by Projects85  / CC BY-SA 4.0

# National Museum of Colombia 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

As Colombia’s oldest museum, the National Museum of Colombia houses over 20,000 artifacts spanning 10,000 years of history, from pre-Columbian to modern times.

National Museum

by Carlos Gustavo Suárez Cruz / CC BY-SA 3.0

 

# Primatial Cathedral (Catedral Primada) 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

This neoclassical cathedral dominates Plaza de Bolívar with its elegant design and historical importance as Bogotá’s main Catholic church since the 18th century.

Cathedral

by Felipe Restrpo Acosta / CC BY-SA 4.0

 

# JosĂ© Celestino Mutis Botanical Garden 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Named after the renowned Spanish botanist, the José Celestino Mutis Botanical Garden is the largest of its kind in Colombia. It features diverse ecosystems, from Andean forests to páramos, and showcases thousands of plant species, including many orchids.

Botanical Garden

by Jardín Botánico José Celestino Mutis / CC BY-SA 4.0

 

#10 | Bogotá Museum of Modern Art (MAMBO) 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

The Bogotá Museum of Modern Art (MAMBO) showcases an impressive collection of modern and contemporary Colombian art. Designed by architect Rogelio Salmona, the building itself is an architectural attraction with its brick facade and geometric style.

Museum of Modern Art

by Gregorio.Diaz.Fotografo / CC BY-SA 4.0

Scoring and Icons Legend (Click here for detailed information)

10 = top-10 sight in the world

9 = world-class  

8 = outstanding

7 = excellent 

6 = impressive

5 = interesting

4 = decent

3 = mediocre

2 = bad

1 = abysmal

🌎 = World Heritage Site

= Excursion

C. Other Notable Sights and Attractions in Bogota

#11 | Church of San Francisco (Iglesia de San Francisco) 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Dating back to the 16th century, this is Bogotá's oldest surviving church, known for its intricate gold-leaf altar and fusion of Baroque and Mudejar architectural styles.

Church

by JuanGris (Lucía Estévez) / CC BY-SA 3.0

 

#12 | Banco de la RepĂşblica Art Museum 4 2 out of 5 stars

This prominent museum in Bogotá, Colombia, houses an impressive collection of art spanning centuries, including works by renowned Latin American artists. It also features a dedicated space for temporary exhibitions, ensuring a dynamic and evolving experience.

Art Museum

by Felipe Restrepo Acosta / CC BY-SA 3.0

– Archaeological Museum - Casa del MarquĂ©s de San Jorge 4 2 out of 5 stars

Housed in a colonial mansion, this museum preserves Colombia's pre-Hispanic heritage with artifacts from various indigenous cultures. Its extensive collection includes pottery, tools, and jewelry from civilizations like the Muisca and Tairona.

Archaeological Museum

by Tmartinj / CC BY-SA 4.0

– Planetarium of Bogota 4 2 out of 5 stars

The Planetarium of Bogotá serves as a center for astronomy and space sciences, offering interactive exhibits and educational programs. Its iconic dome features a state-of-the-art projection system for stunning star shows and astronomical simulations.

Planetarium

D. Best Day Trips and Excursions from Bogota

Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá 6 3.1 out of 5 stars

Built within a vast salt mine, the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá is an underground Roman Catholic church located 50 kilometers from Bogotá. Its artistic salt carvings, liturgical spaces, and the awe-inspiring central nave attract visitors worldwide.

 Subterranean Church Distance from Bogota: 50 km

by Jimmy Baikovicius / CC BY-SA 2.0

 

Laguna de Guatavita 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Laguna de Guatavita is a circular lake surrounded by lush mountains, considered sacred by the Muisca people. Located about 60 kilometers from Bogotá, it is a natural and cultural treasure preserved as an ecological reserve.

Lake  Distance from Bogota: 60 km

by MdelPVD / CC BY-SA 4.0

E. Top 10 List of the Best Things to Do in Bogota (including close-by excursions)

To sum things up, these are the ten best sights we recommend to you when visiting Bogota for at least three entire days:

Gold Museum 7 

Mount Monserrate 6 

Botero Museum 6 

BolĂ­var Square 6 

Old Bogota (La Candelaria) 6 

Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá (50 km away) 6 

Santa Clara Church-Museum 5 

National Museum of Colombia 5

Primatial Cathedral 5 

José Celestino Mutis Botanical Garden 5