Facts
Bogota Festivals:
- Bogota’s Iberoamerican Theater festival.
- Bogota International Book Fair
- Bogota Jazz in the Park Festival
Bogota Population:
- 7,014,111
Bogota Altitude:
- 2,640m
Sprawling, unexpectedly alluring, and energetic, Bogota is the vibrantly thumping heart of Colombia. Bogota´s beautiful colonial buildings first established by the Spaniards way back in the 1500s belie Bogota´s urgently modern pizazz and incredibly raucous nightlife.
Getting there
Bogotá’s airport, Aeropuerto El Dorado, is around 15km to the northwest of the city and from there a taxi to the city centre should cost you about US$10 (avoid unofficial taxis). There are buses available, which are much cheaper but come with their own risks, and it can be difficult if you have a lot of baggage with you.
What to do in Bogota
There’s no shortage of things to do in Bogotá, but for the time-constrained we suggest visiting the beautiful Plaza de Bolivar, which is surrounded by the Corte de Justicia, the Alcaldía Mayor de Bogotá, the Capitolio Nacional and the Catedral. For a spectacular view of the city, take the funicular up to the top of Cerro de Monserrate. A visit to the city´s museums and galleries is essential – particularly the Museo de Oro and the Donación Botero. A great place to relax in the day, and home to the pick of the nightlife, La Candelaria is Bogotá’s most popular tourist point.
Bogota Weather
The city’s average temperatures are around 14-20°c in the day time and 9°c at night. In rainy season this difference is less pronounced.