Bogotá is the vibrant capital of Colombia and a must-visit destination for any solo traveler. The city is filled with colorful neighborhoods, rich history, and delicious food. If you’re short on time, here’s how to make the most of 2 days in Bogotá.
Day 1:
9:00 am – Start your day with breakfast at the Selina Hostel. This trendy hostel is located in the Chapinero neighborhood and offers a variety of breakfast options to start your day off right. Plus, the hostel is a great place to meet other solo travelers and get tips on what to see and do in the city.
10:00 am – Head to the historic center of Bogotá, known as La Candelaria. This neighborhood is filled with colonial architecture, museums, and colorful street art. Start at Plaza Bolívar, the main square of the city, and explore the surrounding streets. Be sure to check out the Botero Museum, which houses a collection of works by Colombian artist Fernando Botero.
1:00 pm – For lunch, head to La Puerta Falsa, a small restaurant in La Candelaria known for its traditional Colombian food. Try the arepas, a cornmeal patty stuffed with cheese or meat and served with hot chocolate or coffee.
2:30 pm – After lunch, head to the top of Cerro de Monserrate for stunning views of the city. You can take a cable car or hike up the mountain. At the top, you’ll find a church and a few restaurants.
4:00 pm – Make your way back down the mountain and head to the Gold Museum, which houses one of the largest collections of pre-Columbian gold artifacts in the world. The museum is located in La Candelaria and is open until 6:00 pm.
7:00 pm – For dinner, head to El Cielo, a restaurant in the Chapinero neighborhood that offers a unique dining experience inspired by traditional Colombian cuisine. The tasting menu is a bit pricey, but worth it for a special night out.
Day 2:
9:00 am – Start your day with breakfast at Café Cultor, a cozy café in the Roma Norte neighborhood. They serve a variety of coffee drinks and breakfast options, including vegetarian and vegan options.
10:00 am – Spend the morning exploring the neighborhoods of Roma and Chapinero. These neighborhoods are known for their street art, independent shops, and trendy cafes. Be sure to check out the street art on Calle 26 and the shops on Calle 70.
1:00 pm – For lunch, head to La Arepa, a small restaurant downtown that specializes in arepas. Try the reina pepiada arepa, which is stuffed with shredded chicken, avocado, and mayonnaise.
2:30 pm – After lunch, head to the Ceramics Museum in the Usaquén neighborhood. The museum houses a collection of ceramics from different regions of Colombia and is a great way to learn about the country’s history and culture.
4:00 pm – Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the Usaquén neighborhood. This area is known for its Sunday flea market, but it’s worth visiting any day of the week for its colonial architecture and trendy shops.
7:00 pm – For dinner, head to Andrés Carne de Res, a restaurant in the Chía neighborhood outside of Bogotá. This restaurant is known for its lively atmosphere, delicious food, and quirky decor.
Bonus Days
If you have more time than 2 days in Bogota, there are plenty of other things to see and do. For nightlife, head to Zona T or Parque 93, both popular areas for bars, clubs, and restaurants. As in any city, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings. Take a look at Tips for Solo Travelers: How to Stay Safe and Enjoy Your Adventure to learn more.
You can also visit Usme, a neighborhood located on the outskirts of the city where you can see a different side of Bogota and experience traditional Colombian culture.
In addition, don’t miss out on some of Bogota’s other top attractions, such as the Gold Museum, the Botero Museum, and the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira. If you’re interested in outdoor activities, head to Monserrate for a hike with stunning views of the city.
With so much to see and do, two days in Bogota is just the beginning of what this vibrant city has to offer. If you have more time in Colombia, check out A Perfect 14-Day Itinerary for Solo Travelers in Colombia.