my feet don't want to go to sleep

The capital and somehow the least spoken about city in Colombia, Bogota. When I asked if I should visit this city most people shrugged and then spoke in great detail about the other incredible places, the islands in the northwest, the jungles in the northeast, the mountains in the center, and the coffee farms sprinkled all around. Flying out of Bogota was easy and flying to Bogota was easy so we thought why not.

It is a city, city, I can see why people don’t rave about it. People are working their corporate jobs, going to bars after work, and enjoying the culture with museums and street art. One of the girls we met in the hostel in Minca lived here and my coworker moved from New York City to live here. Since we were remote working this city felt like a great place to sit.

Stay

We found an airbnb in Chapinero in Zona G, so named because it is the gourmet district. The Four Seasons was around the corner from us. It was walkable and had restaurants and bars galore. There are many areas that are walkable in Bogota. I felt safe during the day and at night walking around.

Explore

Museo del Oro – The gold museum is worth the time. So many other countries boast showing the crown jewels, jade, opal, and other gem stones. Where do you think these came from? They came from Central and South America. In this museum you can see how the indigenous people wore and used their gold before most of it was stolen.

Street Art – there are street art tours you can take or if you were too busy during the work day you can just walk around and find what you can. Most of them are covering building sides and alleyways in the Las Aguas or Bosque Izquierdo. I spent my last day at sunset walking through the streets finding art and stopping to eat street food.

Museo Bottero – This museum was closed Tuesdays so I missed it. Go and learn all about this man who’s statues I feel in love with in Medellin.

Monserrate – this is the main tourist attraction. The funicular will take you up and up and up the Colombian mountain side to see the city from the bird’s eye view. There are two Monserrate, one in France and one in Colombia. The same black Madonna sits in both churches. The large white church sits on the top of a plateau. Shops and small restaurants run on the hillside facing the jungle. Between the city views and the jungle views you get the perfect Colombian combination. I stopped for a juice and enjoyed the view of the forest on the otherside.

Eat

El Cielo – This restaurant has a Michelin star in Washington DC but I am glad I experienced it in Colombia. Each dish has an inspiration to the country, the colors, ingredients, and the manner it is displayed. After spending a month in this beautiful country this was the type of luxury restaurant I extremely appreciated. It seemed to tie our entire trip together, paired with delicious wine. The showmanship with the dry ice and the chocolate they pour over your hands, encouraging you to play and eat, makes it all unique.

Cafe Matuca – after spending time in all the fincas we had to continue our coffee search. This cafe is right by the museums and allows you to choose the brewing machine for your coffee and beans. Delicious place to post up and enjoy a cup and work for a while.

Mama Lupe – We went for the ajiaco, the famous soup dish. I had stuffed myself with all the street food so unfortunately I have no comments but go and try it.

Mad Radio – There are so many fun cocktail bars in Bogota. This is one we went to to enjoy a gorgeous sunset on the rooftop of a hotel. The vibes are a mix or cowboy and working radio station.

Would this be the first place I mentioned when directing people to Colombia? No but is it worth a visit, absolutely.