Things to Do in Bogotá (and a Few in Medellín)
The places I actually send friends to in Bogotá, plus a few favorites in Medellín. Monserrate, the Sunday Ciclovía, Andrés Carne de Res, and the practical notes I'd give before you go.
A few years ago, a friend was heading to Colombia and asked me for recommendations. I had spent a lot of time in the country, so in 2023 I put together a list of the places I actually send people to. I have since gone back through it to make sure everything is still current, and I am publishing it here in 2026 in the hope that it is useful to someone else planning a trip.
If you want the bigger picture on why I like the country so much, I wrote about that separately in Why Bogotá Is One of My Favorite Cities in the World. This post is the practical version: where to go and what to know before you do.
Bogotá
Monserrate
A hill that sits about 2,000 feet above the city, with some of the best views you will get of Bogotá. It is the classic first stop, and it earns it. Official site.
Séptima and the Sunday Ciclovía
Séptima (7th Street) runs through the old part of the city, south of Avenida El Dorado. On Sundays it closes to traffic for Ciclovía, when the streets are handed over to cyclists and it feels like the whole city comes out to walk and ride. It is one of my favorite ways to see Bogotá. One thing to watch: don't stick around too late, I would be off the street by 8pm. More on Ciclovía.
Andrés Carne de Res
A restaurant with a big, festive atmosphere that is kind of an institution. The best location is in Chía, about 40 minutes north of the city, and it is worth the trip if you want a proper night out. Website.
Gringo Tuesdays
A language-exchange event at the Vintrash bar, with locations in both Bogotá and Medellín. From 4pm to 8pm it is a language exchange where you can work on your Spanish or help someone with their English, and after 8pm it turns into a party. It is a safe, easy way to meet people. Details and Instagram.
Torre Colpatria
One of the tallest buildings in the city, with an observation deck open Friday through Sunday. It is within walking distance of Séptima, so it pairs well with a weekend walk down that way. Info.
Parque 93
A small park ringed by good shops and restaurants. An easy place to spend an afternoon or grab dinner. More.
Zona T
Another spot with nice shops and restaurants, and a good time. Just keep an eye out for pickpockets later at night. More.
A Few Things in Medellín
A lot of people pair the two cities on the same trip, so here are a few Medellín spots I point people to as well.
Guatapé
A beautiful lake area about an hour and a half outside Medellín. It makes a great day trip. About Guatapé.
Museo de Antioquia and Plaza Botero
A museum dedicated to Fernando Botero, one of Colombia's best-known artists, with his sculptures out in the plaza. It is in El Centro. It is fine during the day, just use common sense and don't hang around there after dark. Museum info.
Parque Arví
A big park you reach by a dedicated cable car line, which is half the fun. Once you are up there, you will find horseback riding and other activities. More.
A Few Practical Notes
A couple of things worth repeating. Bogotá is a big city and mostly fine, but use the same common sense you would anywhere: watch for pickpockets around Zona T and other busy areas at night, and don't linger in El Centro in Medellín after dark. On Sundays in Bogotá, enjoy the Ciclovía on Séptima, but be off the street by around 8pm.
None of this should scare you off. It is just the stuff I would tell a friend before they went, which is exactly how this list started.