Thinking of exploring Colombia? You’ll be flying to Bogotá, so be sure to stick to haggling at the market, rainbow-colored neighborhoods, and some good seasonal restaurants, says Vishal Rana.
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A mural in the community of La Candelaria, Bogotá
Once one of the most damaging countries in the world, Colombia turned out to have taken a turn. Home to colorful cities, a sprawling jungle and an idyllic Caribbean coastline, its capital, Bogotá, is at the forefront of this transition from an exciting magnet. to an unmissable destination.
Located in Colombia’s deep interior, and built on a plateau higher than 8,000 feet above sea level, the city has a relatively cool climate that stays similar year-round (temperatures average 15°C even in the warm season, anything to draw attention when packing). Rich in history, Bogotá is a melting pot of cultures, with Spanish, Mexican and British influences manifesting in its architecture, cuisine, and even the way the locals behave.
Its northern neighborhoods, Chapinero, La Candelaria and Santa Fe, are full of tourists. Chapinero is a wonderful base for setting up camp: as well as being famous for its nightlife, student population, grocery stores and LGBT population, it is well connected via public transport, making it a popular first stop for beginners.
Shopping at Paloquemao Market
For an original Colombian food and grocery shopping experience, head to Paloquemao Market. With many stalls selling flowers, fruits, coffee, meat and fish, it is the best position for a quick lunch while enjoying the breadth of what Colombia produces. Place vendors nestled in its narrow aisles, serving everything from local tropical fruits, such as passion fruit, to abundant street snacks such as arepas (cornmeal tortillas stuffed with meat, vegetables or even chocolate). As in top markets around the world, never settle for the sensible top prize: Paloquemao is an excellent position to expand your haggling skills. Start with some of what you’d be willing to pay and work your way up from there.
Bogotá is a charming place full of history, with stories in every corner. It’s worth setting aside time to walk around and explore. Stroll through the graffiti-adorned streets of La Candelaria, the city’s thriving student and arts district. Stroll through the eucalyptus trees – Avenues lined with the thriving Barrio Chico. And stop at Plaza de Bolívar to learn about the history of Bogotá and Colombia in general. Cafes
Colombia stands out for its coffee, and with the city of Armenia, the center of the country’s coffee scene, not far away, Bogotá has one of the most productive javas in plos angelesnet. Head to Café de los Angeles Fonda on your way to Paloquemao Market for some of the most productive; Not only is coffee delicious, but what looks like an unpretentious circle of café relos angelestives is a fully functional “bean-to-cup” coffee factory. Ask nicely and they will leave you “behind the scenes” to see the total process.
The courtyard of Casa Legado, Bogotá
In downtown Chapinero, a stone’s throw from bars and restaurants, the newly opened NH Collection Hotel offers a smart balance between affordability and luxury. Selling issues come with an awesome breakfast, comfortable king size beds, cable TV, 24-hour reception, and security. Double from £70, B
Also conveniently in the new Chapinero’s favorite community, the captivating and sumptuous Casa Legado features spacious double bedrooms, a bar, and a shared lounge, as well as a superbly designed garden where you can eat, drink, and relax. Motorcycle rental service to move easily. Double from £140, seule. casalegadobogota. com room
Lunch at El Chato Restaurant
El Chato’s chef and owner, Álvaro Clavijo, spent years working, learning and perfecting his craft throughout Europe before returning to his homeland. It has created a place to eat that takes classic Colombian cuisine and gives it a touch of the XXI century. The most popular are poultry hearts with potatoes, but the dessert with meringue and lulo (a tomato-like fruit with citrus flavor) is one of those from Bogotá.
For a quick trip to help you refuel, look no further than Renata Tacos. A chain of reasonable and cheerful taquerias dotted around the popular Chapinero neighborhood, their chorizo and cheese tacos combined with a Corona beer for a winning combination.
Part restaurant, part nightclub, Andres Carne is an hour’s drive from Bogotá, but worth visiting. As soon as you enter, you are surrounded by the atmosphere, colorful décor, and music designed to bring Colombian culture to life. Adorned with giant neon signs, impetuous works of art and unconventional decoration, it would not clash with the maximum “hipster” of the neighborhoods; Once inside, musicians, magicians and dancers will be offering entertainment around the table, moving from one organization to another while you eat. suggests, vegetarian features are limited.
If you are looking for subtle cocktails with an exclusive Colombian touch, Huerta Cocteleria in downtown Chapinero will meet all your requirements. Using local products, with an emphasis on sustainability, she combines a discreet rustic look with a point of opulence that feels like a special instance on any day of the week. The food is also quite smart.
The colorful and winding roads of the La Candelaria community are a wonderful place to go from bar to bar and meet the locals. There’s live music, so keep an eye out along the small alleys; Quiebra Canto is a specific favorite, with live music every Wednesday. And be sure to check out shisha, an ancient fermented corn drink sold on the streets here: it’s sweet, alcoholic, and comes in other flavors.
Known among locals as “Zona T” for the shape of its main connected streets, Zona Rosa is the main nightlife and bar district. Here you will find several bars and clubs offering everything from pop music to salsa until the wee hours of the morning. BBC (Bogota Beer Company) offers locally brewed craft beers, while Presea, the only reggaeton club in the area, is best for dancing.
The influence of Christianity in Bogotá is evident, with more than 1,500 churches throughout the city, dating back many years. One of the most impressive is the Santuario Nuestra Señora del Carmen, a few steps from the Plaza de Bolívar. it is not the largest place of worship in the city – that difference goes with the Catedral Primada de Bogotá – it is in fact the ultimate beauty, with an exterior adorned with sweet stripes and a richly decorated floor. Admire the giant altar inside, as well as the intricate stained glass details and plenty of statues protruding from the walls and crevices.
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Colombian pesos.
Spanish, English is widely spoken.
About 10 to 20% turns out to be the predominant rate.
Five hours GMT.
You can pass far on foot; However, when traveling around the city, personal taxis are for protection and comfort.
A hike or cable car to the top of Monserrate hill will give you stunning views of the city. (If you go hiking, in an organization and in the light of day).
Stock up on street food; Culinary delights can be discovered around every corner, with something for everyone and everyone. Arepas are a must.
Bogotá continues to be an expansive mass of other people and architecture, wealth and urban decomposition; Therefore, as with any giant city, caution is advised. While it’s much safer than it once was, it’s more productive to explore on foot during the day, take registered taxis at night, and avoid spaces like Ciudad Bolivar and San Cristobal to the south, whether they have the highest crime rates, with assaults, carjackings, and pickpockets.
Occasional shipping ships pass from available European ports via exercise (Le Havre, Antwerp, Rotterdam) to Cartagena in Colombia. From there, there is a 20-hour bus to Bopassta.
Colombia’s national airline, Avianca, flies from London Heathrow to Bogota’s El Dorado International Airport.
A mural in the community of La Candelaria, Bogotá
Pro Colombia
Shopping at Paloquemao Market
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The courtyard of Casa Legado, Bogotá
Legacy House
Lunch at El Chato Restaurant
El Chato
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
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