Should I go to Bogota, Colombia?

Question

Restaurants

Hotels

Security

People

Landscapes

Transportation

Climate

Attractions

Outside Bogota

Tips

Answer 1

as above has answered you question aduquetly.....I shall just add on......My experience in bogota was absolutely wonderful and i felt safe during my entire visit.  Stay to the North Side of the city as it is safer........but the people are wonderful and i can not wait to go back one day.  I spent my time at an ophanage with a missions trip and absolutely love it.  We also went out to tunja .....I would make sure you know were you are going and know someone there would be good.  The climate is wonderful....in the 50's during Feb.  the landscape is absolutely beautiful!  be smart and you will be safe!  I would also suggest maybe gtting a prescription for some medication incase you get sick from there water (i didn't but i had filtered water all the time!)

Answer 2

Bogota is known as the Athens of South America because of its Educational institutions being the best on the Continent.

Bogota is a interesting city , I have been there about 10 times(most of my family live there) and it has improved a lot in  the past few years...

Restaurants:

depends on your tastes....

Casa Vieja is a good touristy type resturant....typical Bogotano food.

You can also try the resturants around Parque 93, Zona Rosa and Zona T.

For Fast Food  nothing beats : El Corral!

For good beer....Bogota Beer Company!

Hotels: Depends on your budget....I would search on the net for this because I have never stayed in a hotel in Bogota..sorry..

Security:

Like any major big cities, things can happen and I cannot completely re assure you everything will come out peachy.

Like I told someone here....be street savvy, use common sense....don't reveal any expensive equipment, item..etc....and furthermore....always look like you know where you are going....I love this city and know it very well but I also acknowledge its potential dangers....

People: The people are friendly and helpful. Just be careful who you begin trusting....unfortunately....we have some of the best scam artist ...but this does not mean to shy away from people...just be cautious....

Landscapes- Bogota is a mountainous region..and on the outskirts ....pure Savanna. Not sure where you live but some people will need to adjust to the altitude change...

Colombia has it all though....very rich and diverse when it comes to the landscape..

Transportation:

I included a link below of the Transmilenio.....this and Taxis are the way to go.....I would stay away from the old buses unless you know where you are going(signs on the window somewhat telling u the route..good luck reading it all at once..lol.....I actually take the old buses more than anything else out of convenience but I know this city really well...

Climate:  50-55F at night......60-70F  during the Day.....all year round.....There is just dry season and rainy season......

Places normally do not have heat...so take sweaters and what not ...depending on your tolerance to cool weather....some days i can get pretty warm....this is all due to the altitude....you drive 1 hour to the next major city.....Villavicencio. its like 90F during the day......

Attractions:

Museo de Oro (Gold Museum)

Museo Nacional (Historical Museum)

Plaza de Bolivar and its surroundings(Main plaza..)

La Candelaria Neighborhood..(Oldest part of Bogota)

in the Candelaria are there good handful of museums even one of Botero's (artist with the Fat People pics and sculptures)

Quinta de Bolivar ( Home of Colombian's Liberator Simon Bolivar)

Monserrate: Chruch on top of a peak....Awesome views of the entire city....

Maloka...Science musuem....

There are a tons of Malls....one to really visit is Hacienda Santa Barbara.....very beautiful.....

Outside Bogota:

Zapaquira....for the Cathederal of Salt!! This place is awesome....

Guatavita: nice traditional town nearby Bogota...Lake of Guatavita has this whole legend behind it.....

Villa de Leyva in Boyaca is such a traditional town.....its not close(i think 3-5 hours) but its worth a mention....

Tips:

Exchanging money:

The exchange rate is about 2,200 for 1 US Dollar...

this is a good tip....there are Citibanks around Bogota and this is how I normally get Cash.....it generates a better exchange rate and they don't charge commission ( if ur a Citibank Bank Customer..not sure other american banks...aslong as it has Cirrus/Mastercard your good.) if you go anywhere else, especially exchanging cash....commission will be charged...

Water: Do not drink TAP water...unless you want Amebas in your system and one of the most painful stomach aches...

This Includes ICE!!!! Stay away from that too...

Take Milk products at your own risk....Milk and my body does not go well...so that may just be me....

I can urge you enough about flashing anything expensive or wearing anything that seems expensive.....what you don't need..don't take....

I have never been bothered in Bogota and its mainly because I blend in very nicely...but I live in NYC and used to living big metropolis type life....

Colombia in general is one of the best places to visit due to its culture and diversity(land, people, flora, and fauna)...It has it all....check the clip below....

Enjoy!