Things To Do in Bogota & Bogota Airport Layover Ideas

Our most popular Bogota layover tour with airport transfers included! While in between flights at the Bogotá airport, why not venture into the Columbian capital for some sightseeing while you wait? This five-hour panoramic city tour is specially designed for travelers who come to Bogotá in-transit to other destinations. Your knowledgeable guide will conveniently pick you up curbside and drop you off in time for your next flight. This private half-day tour can be modified according to your schedule, depending on the amount of time you have available during your connection.

No visitor to Bogota skips the historic Downtown and La Candelaria neighborhood. In fact most affordable lodging and dining options can be found this side of town making it highly desirable by low-budget travelers and backpackers, given its close location to many of the city's attractions.

• Start your way on Avenida Septima and Calle 16, just arriving Parque Santander. Take the opportunity to visit the world famous Museo del Oro, or Gold Museum for its legendary El Dorado collections.
• Then continue south one block to Avenida Jimenez (Calle 15) and give your camera a workout at one of Bogota's most famous and historic intersections, where a couple of ancient churches and 19th century buildings collide.
• Turn east (towards the mountains) and walk up Avenida Jimenez alongside downtown's famous Eje Ambiental or Environmental Axis, which is a section of the avenue that has been closed off to vehicles except Transmilenio, to make way for a generous tree-lined pedestrian sidewalk and an enclosed water stream. Many historic and famous buildings are located alongside the Eje Ambiental, home to Bogota's most renowned and traditional companies like El Tiempo and the Bank of the Republic.
• A few blocks east just past the Parque de los Periodistas the Eje Ambiental starts bending northwise, so leave the axis and turn south instead via one of the small streets that branch into the neighborhood and make your way up to Calle 13 and Carrera 2, el Chorro de Quevedo, unofficial center of La Candelaria, where it is argued that the City of Bogota was founded back in 1538. Today, bohemian life meets to enjoy arts, culture and music at this spot. On the way make sure to take in the whimsical coloring and architecture of the neighborhood's streets and colonial houses.
• Continue on Carrera 2 southward a couple of blocks up until Calle 11, and turn west once again just in front of La Salle University: You'll be glad you do since you've been climbing constantly eastward so enjoy your walk back down. Make sure to notice the eccentric street names found on picturesque signs at every corner.
• Make your way down west on Calle 11 and you will pass by the Museo Botero, museum showcasing some of famous Colombian painter Botero's private art collection and work.
• Another block down is the Centro Cultural Garcia Marquez, modern cultural center and venue that includes Library, Art Galleries, concert halls and lesson rooms, with year-round events and displays for all tastes and audiences interested in culture and the arts.
• Continue down west and reach the Plaza de Bolivar, the city's overwhelming main square surrounded by neoclasic government palaces and the Catedral Primada, largest church in the country.
• After taking in the many sights, you might want to leave the square southbound for a couple of blocks on Carrera Septima to check out the Presidential Palace and its Presidential Guard.
• Finally turn around back Carrera Septima northward until you find Transmilenio, just about where you started!

As you explore Bogotá, be aware that the city has a high violent crime rate (read the taxi section), as well as a lot of petty crime, much of it opportunistic. To stay safe, keep these tips in mind:

• Stick to the business and tourist areas of the city
• Do not use ATMs on the street - withdraw cash from ATMs in secured locations in shopping centers and hotels only
• Refrain from venturing outside your accommodation after dark
• Bars and nightclubs in Bogotá are notorious sites for petty theft and other crimes
• Criminals have been known to use the drug Scopolamine to incapacitate visitors and rob them - the drug is often added to drinks, cigarettes, gum and powder form
• Be aware that street scams in which criminals dress up as police officers do occur
• Hiking on nature trails in and around Bogotá is not advisable due to armed robberies
• Stay aware