Bogota Skyline — Photo Courtesy of ProColombia
Colombia may be known for its rich natural beauty and rich biodiversity, but this South American country is also home to some pretty spectacular urban destinations. Take, for example, the bustling capital of Bogotá, a sprawling metropolis dating back to the early 1500s.
In modern times, the city is one of Colombia’s top destinations for luxury getaways, with numerous high-end hotels, vibrant neighborhoods and gourmet restaurants. If you plan to visit Bogota in the near future, don’t miss these must-do experiences.
Relax in one of the most luxurious hotels in Bogotá
Entrance to the Medina, House of Four Seasons — Photo by Christian Horan
Modern luxury meets old-school glamour Four Seasons Casa Medina, a luxurious mansion in the heart of the Zona G community in Bogota. Originally built in 1946 as the family home of architect Santiago Medina Mejia, Casa Medina has retained much of its charm over the years, with soaring ceilings, stained glass windows, an ornate spiral staircase and detailed tapestries that adorn the walls.
While the surrounding neighborhood is known for its spectacular restaurant density, guests can experience fine dining at Castanyoles, an ultra-refined on-site venue serving classic Spanish and Colombian cuisine and crafted cocktails.
See the most dazzling golden artifacts in Colombia
Mask exhibit at the Gold Museum — Photo courtesy of ProColombia
Since 1939, the Gold Museum has been one of Bogota’s most famous institutions for locals and tourists alike, equipped with tens of thousands of gold trinkets, accessories and tools made before the arrival of the Spanish in the late 1400s . The museum also showcases a dizzying array of indigenous cultures stretching from Colombia’s Pacific coast to the Orinoco River.
For the best results, be sure to take the time to marvel at the Gold Museum’s crown jewel – the Balsa Muisca, an extremely intricate gold work that represents a ritual once practiced by the Muisca people in central Colombia.
Find fine bars and restaurants in Zona G
Food in District G — Photo via ProColombia
Colombia is home to a variety of acclaimed dishes—arepas, bandeja paisa, and beloved caldo de costilla to name a few—and there’s no better place for deep cooking than Zona. G. A special place— Armadillo Restaurant — A mainstay of the community since 1995, serving mouthwatering dishes like veal ossobuco and roast suckling pig, all while seeing the hotel’s towering liquor bar.
If you want to sample classic Levantine dishes like kibbeh nayyeh and sfiha, be sure to head to nearby Lebanese-inspired El Árabe Electra A haven for plant-based cuisine in a lively setting.
Party all night at the Zona T
Inside Andres DC at Zona T — Photo courtesy of Andres DC
Aside from being hospitable and incredibly friendly, Colombians certainly know how to party—a quality that can be experienced firsthand in the bustling Zona Rosa or Zona T neighborhoods. There are plenty of outdoor bars in this charming little neighborhood. The air is perfect for a cocktail at dusk.
towards La Servicella Grab a few shots of Columbia Club or enjoy a frozen margarita at these restaurants Vapiano, then it’s time to head south to one of the hottest clubs in town for the night.is called Andres DCThis downtown venue offers an exciting food and drink menu, as well as an expansive dance floor perfect for late-night parties.
Immerse yourself in the world of Colombian coffee
Coffee tasting at Café San Alberto — Photo by Café San Alberto
There’s no shortage of coffee spots around Bogota, but for an in-depth look at the industry, visit San Alberto Cafe Of course it is appropriate. Located next to the Gold Museum and in the heart of the city, Café San Alberto offers a range of sensory experiences that showcase the excellence of its coffee through food and drink pairings.
Visiting spirits lovers should definitely book a rum coffee baptism to sample fresh San Alberto coffee and sugar cane distillates, while those who prefer sweetness can indulge in a coffee with honey baptism.
Explore Bogota’s booming beer market
Draft beer from El Mono Bandido — Photo courtesy of El Mono Bandido
Colombia may not be known for its brewing prowess, but that doesn’t mean the country isn’t without some spectacular craft beers. For example, El Mono Bandido, an ultra-fashionable chain of beer stores in Bogotá, has five stores around the city. Visitors can sip a crisp pilsner at the lush Parque 93 or head to the Quinta Camacho branch for Hoppy Red and hearty cameron tacos.
Rejuvenate Spa Day
Four Seasons Treatment Room in Bogota — Photo courtesy of Christian Horan
If you’re feeling exhausted after a few days touring Usaquén, Chapinero and La Candelaria, you’ll find the perfect antidote at the Zona T Center at the Four Seasons Hotel Bogota. The on-site spa is ideal for facials and body massages. It even offers some Colombian-specific treatments like a green coffee wrap, a method that uses locally grown beans to rejuvenate the skin. After ultimate relaxation, enjoy fresh shrimp tortillas and an aperitif in La Biblioteca, the hotel’s charming and elegant lounge.
Visit Colombia’s most prestigious museum
Opened in 1823, the National Museum of Colombia is the oldest museum in the country, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with some of the country’s most acclaimed artifacts. Exhibits here span 10,000 years, from tools and trinkets from the pre-Hispanic era to the extravagant creations of Fernando Botero, Gregorio Vazquez and many other iconic Colombian artists.
The nearby Gold Museum focuses on gilded artifacts, while the National Museum of Colombia offers a more diverse collection of ancient indigenous artifacts, including carved stone figures, arrowheads, and stone ships. The ruins date back to 3100 BC.