Wondering where to stay in Bogotá? We don’t blame you! It’s anything but an easy decision. The Colombian capital is incredibly diverse, and its neighborhoods are no different.
Believe it or not, no two neighborhoods in Bogotá are alike – in fact, they’re as different as if you were moving between entirely different cities. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or a night owl, there’s a neighborhood in the city that will satisfy your curiosity. (And don’t worry about being confined to one place, because the TransMilenio rapid bus transit system makes moving between different areas easy.)
Read on for help picking the perfect place to be your recharge station between days packed to the brim with sightseeing. According to our local guides who call the Colombian capital home, these are the best places to stay in Bogotá and why.
La Candelaria
Let’s start strong with La Candelaria, an affluent neighborhood that, over the years, has become one of the most important places in the city. If you’re wondering where to stay in Bogotá, La Candelaria is always a good bet. This slice of Colombian history is crowded with historic architecture, important government buildings, and amazing museums and galleries – all reachable via narrow cobblestone lanes. This is the area that gives you insight into Bogotá’s history, culture, and tradition. But be mindful of the fact that it’s also a major tourist hub, so crowds and big-city bustle are inevitable.
La Zona Rosa
If a great night out every night is what you’re looking for, you’ll find it at your doorstep in La Zona Rosa. This colorful neighborhood is one of the best places to stay in Bogotá if the idea of a nightlife neighborhood appeals to you. But more than the bars, clubs, disco halls, and seemingly endless list of places to party, La Zona Rosa is also a culturally diverse area that offers cuisine to match. You’ll be spoiled for choice among places to grab a late-night snack after an unforgettable evening of steamy salsa dancing and drinks at a sleek bar.
Parque 93
Perhaps the idea of staying in the middle of a nightlife hub is a bit too much for you. If you’re looking for somewhere a little calmer (but still close to the action), consider the Parque 93 neighborhood. Just five minutes from La Zona Rosa, you can still enjoy an easy night out but return to a peaceful base. Parge 93 is quiet and modern, with plenty of polished restaurants and bars to choose from. You won’t have any trouble finding a chic place to stay in Bogotá if you decide to set up camp here.
Usaquén
If you want to know where to stay in Bogotá a little further north, Usaquén comes highly recommended by locals. The natural beauty surrounding the city is easily accessible from this area, and it’s not quite as crowded as a few of the places in the city center. Usaquén has a little of everything that makes Bogotá a top destination: charming colonial buildings, must-see markets, and plenty of entertainment spots. But Usaquén is also one of the best neighborhoods in Bogotá because of its food scene. This is an undisputed foodie hotspot, with everything from upscale bistros and high-end restaurants to quaint cafés and brewpubs.
Teusaquillo
If Colombian tradition and culture are what excite you most about traveling to Bogotá, consider staying in the Teusaquillo neighborhood. This artsy area, dotted with gorgeous green spaces (including the iconic Simón Bolívar Park), is adored by locals and travelers alike for its architectural heritage and age-old tradition. Beautiful tree-lined streets lead between historic Tudor-style residences, museums, and independent theaters. What’s more, the neighborhood is also a favorite among sports fanatics – Teusaquillo hosts Bogotá’s premier football stadium, as well as several basketball, tennis, volleyball, bowling, and track-and-field venues.
Chapinero
Grungy, bohemian, and incredibly diverse, Chapinero is an urban art hub and effortlessly cool area that attracts the city’s hipsters and alternative crowd. It’s also one of the best neighborhoods in Bogotá. Chapinero is well worth a few days of exploring because of its trendy fashion boutiques, bistro scene (that caters to the city’s organic and vegan crowds), gritty dive bars, and music venues. But perhaps the neighborhood’s most famous attraction is Zona G, Bogotá’s “gourmet zone” housing some of the city’s most famous fine dining establishments. If Colombian cuisine at its best is what you’re looking for, then you know where to stay in Bogotá!
Distrito Financiero
Even if you’re not in Bogotá for a business trip, its central business district, Distrito Financiero, is still an excellent place to stay. It may not be packed with entertainment spots, but it’s close to just about every major attraction in the city. Its centralized location means you’re just minutes from all the most popular landmarks and tourist attractions, and using public transport from this area is a breeze. Plus, although crowded with office workers in the day, the area becomes quite peaceful and relaxed at night.
Quinta Camacho
Quiet, small and residential (but with a splash of color and quirk), Quinta Camacho is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Bogotá. If you’re wondering where to stay in Bogotá, consider this traditional neighborhood off the tourist trail. This picturesque area is filled with preserved 19th-century homes, galleries, and a booming restaurant scene. Though it’s not strictly part of the Zona G gourmet zone, locals agree it should be. Renowned chefs and specialty cuisine are easy to find in this European-village-style neighborhood.
La Macarena
The bohemian neighborhood of La Macarena is one of the most charming in all of the Colombian capital. It’s no surprise that this cultural hub, surrounded by rolling green hills, attracts the city’s writers, artists and musicians, or that a wave of innovative restaurants and interesting galleries have set up shop here. If you choose La Macarena as one of your top places to stay in Bogotá, you’ll be close to attractions like excellent eateries, rumba clubs, the former home of Simón Bolívar, and even a century-old bullfighting ring. When it comes to where to stay in Bogotá, few areas are as diverse as this.
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