Bogota is a big city that has a lot to offer. Whether you’re here for a short trip or a longer one, there is something for everyone.
The best way to experience the city is through a tour. These are super popular and include many of the top sites in Bogota.
The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira
The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira is a major attraction in Colombia and is often included on day trips from Bogota. Known as the First Wonder of Colombia, it is an architectural accomplishment and a major religious landmark that is sure to leave you breathless.
Located in the small town of Zipaquira, this underground attraction is a must-see during a trip to Colombia. It is an architectural masterpiece and a significant religious landmark that has received millions of visitors from around the world.
For a unique experience, take a guided tour of the cathedral and hear about its history from a knowledgeable guide. Some tours also include a city tour of Zipaquira and visit other attractions in the area, such as Lake Guatavita.
Depending on the type of tour you book, these experiences vary in price and length. Some budget-friendly tours offer convenient pickup from your hotel and include roundtrip transportation, entrance fees, and a local guide. Others offer private guides for travelers seeking a more personalized experience.
The Gold Museum
The Gold Museum, also known as Museo Del Oro, is one of Bogota’s most popular tourist attractions. It receives around half a million visitors per year and is the perfect way to learn about Colombia’s rich history.
The museum features a massive collection of pre-Hispanic artifacts including pottery, stone, shell and wood objects. It also contains some stunningly gorgeous gold pieces from Colombia’s indigenous peoples.
You can see these incredibly detailed and unique pieces in a variety of displays at the Gold Museum. Some of the most interesting exhibits include the “Salon Dore” or Golden Room, where 12,000 gold objects glitter brilliantly thanks to subtle lighting effects and accompanied by traditional music.
The museum is free to enter on Sundays and it also offers guided tours. It is located in the heart of Bogota, near La Candelaria and La Plaza de San Francisco. It is easy to get to with public transport or by walking along the city’s main pedestrian thoroughfare, Seventh Avenue.
La Candelaria
La Candelaria is the historic district of Bogota, where you can find many of its top attractions. It’s a charming area with cobbled streets that are perfect for walking.
A short walk from central Plaza Bolivar, this historic neighborhood is home to many famous museums and landmarks. You can also enjoy the lively Candelaria market, which is a great place to grab some fresh fruit or coffee.
If you’re an art lover, don’t miss the Casa de Poesia Silva museum. This beautiful building features original copies of the works of famous Colombian poet Jose Asuncion Silva.
Another attraction is the Chorro de Quevedo square, which was the place where Bogota was founded by the Spanish conquistador Gonzalo Jimenez de Quesada. This quaint square is a popular spot for street performers and college students.
The Botero Museum
Museo Botero, a colonial mansion in the historic La Candelaria district, is home to an impressive collection of paintings and sculpture by Colombian artist Fernando Botero. His full-bodied aesthetic can be seen in his reimaginings of a voluptuous Mona Lisa, corpulent dancers and juicy still lifes.
The museum has a total of 123 works of art by Botero and 85 pieces from his private collection. In 2000, Botero donated the majority of his artwork to the Banco de la Republica, which operates this art complex out of a colonial mansion in the city’s historic La Candelaria district.
A trip to the museum is a great way to start your visit to Bogota and you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of the country’s culture. To really appreciate this stunning museum, consider taking a guided tour to learn more about the artist and his unique style.
