We recently spent a whole month in Colombia and loved our time in this vibrant country so much.

When we asked travellers and friends how many days in Bogota we needed, they said 2 days in Bogota was enough. This is if you are happy to hit the ground running, and have jam-packed days.

We ended up staying for 4 days in Bogota, but on two of them, we went out to see all the highlights then we blogged for the other two.

This is the itinerary we created for ourselves, and it worked so well.

And if you are exploring other capital cities in South America, you might enjoy our other city itineraries: 2 days in Buenos Aires or 2 Days in Lima itinerary.

Ok, so let’s get started. From the cobblestone streets of La Candelaria to the excellent gastronomy of the city, here is the perfect way to spend 48 hours in Bogota.

Day 1 of 2 days in Bogota: Immersing in History and Culture

Morning – La Candelaria & Botero Museum

Start your day with a visit to the historic La Candelaria neighbourhood. 

Roam through its colourful streets adorned with graffiti art and colonial architecture.  

Don’t miss the Botero Museum, a free gem showcasing the iconic works of Colombian artist Fernando Botero.

You’d find his statues in the main square of his hometown, Medellin, but Bogota has an extensive collection of paintings.

Our visit to this museum was so enjoyable, and since the entrance is free, everyone who visits Bogota should do it.

The most famous artwork is Botero’s Mona Lisa, but there are plenty more, and the museum also has pieces from other artists, such as Joan Miro. 

NOTE: The museum is closed on Tuesday.

Enjoy all the art, and for a great coffee near the museum, we recommend the Cécile espresso bar. 

Afternoon – Plaza Bolivar and the Gold Museum

Head to Plaza Bolívar, the heart of Bogotá. There is usually a lot going on here, and you can buy souvenirs or marvel at the neoclassical architecture of the Capitolio Nacional and the historic Catedral Primada. 

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Grab a quick, budget-friendly lunch at La Puerta Falsa, known for its delicious empanadas and Ajiaco soup.

Ajiaco soup is a typical Colombian dish that consists of potato, corn, chicken, rice, and avocado. Delicious.

For more foods from Colombia, check out our detailed food blog. We still believe that Colombian food is one of the most underrated cuisines in South America.

Then, continue walking across the downtown area to reach the Museum of Gold. 

The Gold Museum, or Museo del Oro, is a must-visit on your historical journey. Home to an extensive collection of pre-Hispanic gold artifacts, the museum provides a glimpse into Colombia’s indigenous cultures. 

We loved exploring this museum; there is so much to see and learn about.

All the descriptions are in English and Spanish, and there is a timeline that puts the history of Colombia in perspective with other cultures.

You’ll find golden masks, figurines, and jewellery, each piece telling a unique story of ancient traditions. 

The entry is not free unless you come on Sunday, but the cost is only USD 1.50 (or COP 5000). The museum is located in the downtown La Candelaria area, and it’s well worth including in your 2 days in Bogota itinerary.

Evening: Dinner 

As the sun sets, choose one of the many places to enjoy dinner. 

We opted for an Asian restaurant that a friend recommended for the best Thai and sushi, and we really enjoyed our night there. It is called WOK, and there are multiple locations across the city so choose the one that suits you.

Since we did a food tour on the 2nd day of our 2 days in Bogota, we knew we’d get a lot more Colombian dishes the following day. 

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Day 2 of 2 days in Bogota Itinerary: Monserrate Hill & Food Tour

Morning – Monserrate Hill

Rise early and ascend Monserrate for breathtaking panoramic views of Bogotá. The white church on top of the hill is 3150m above, and there are a few ways to get here to enjoy the views.

Opt for a morning hike that takes about 1 -1.5 hours (1500 steps), join this small group hike with a local guide or take the funicular to get up to the top.

Take in the city below while enjoying a traditional Colombian breakfast at the restaurant. 

A round-trip funicular ticket is COP 60,000 (USD 15) per person

Afternoon – Food Tour in Bogota

Join a food tour to not only see more of Bogota but also to learn more about the gastronomy of the city. 

We joined this Bogota Food Discovery Tour and had the best time. You meet other travellers, and the food tour includes 7 different spots to try different food from around Colombia, including a visit to a local market.

Our personal highlight was the Colombian tamales, they’re huge, and packed with flavour!

Evening – Eat out in Usaquén

Wrap up your Bogotá adventure with a visit to Zona T, the city’s nightlife hub, or eat out at the trendy Usaquén neighbourhood (we stayed here at Lancaster House Hotel)

Indulge in Colombian cuisine at Andres Carne de Res, a lively restaurant famous for its steaks. Savour a variety of dishes and immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere. 

Where to Stay during your 2 days in Bogota

When choosing the perfect base for your 2-day adventure in Bogotá, the city offers diverse neighbourhoods with unique charm and character. 

La Candelaria

La Candelaria, the historic heart of Bogotá, is a captivating choice for those seeking to be immersed in colonial architecture, vibrant street art, and easy access to iconic landmarks like the Botero Museum and Plaza Bolívar. 

We recommend both the Candelaria House Boutique and the Hotel Casa Deco. If you’re searching for something more budget-friendly, we recommend Unique Mine Luxury Lofts.

• 🔥 Hot Tip: Book accommodation on Booking.com
• 🎟 Book your tickets online: We use Viator and GetYourGuide
• 🔋 Stay charged: This Belkin Power Bank is essential!
• 📸 Join a Group Tour: View our tours OR search Tourradar
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Zona-T

For a more upscale and cosmopolitan experience, Zona T stands out with its trendy atmosphere, high-end shopping, and an array of gourmet dining options. Additionally, the area’s proximity to nightlife hotspots makes it ideal for those looking to unwind after a day of exploration. 

We recommend GHL Hotel Hamilton and Avani Royal Zona T Bogotá Hotel for excellent valued hotels in great locations. If you’re searching for something more budget-friendly, we recommend Hotel Saint Simon.

Usaquén

On the other hand, Usaquén, nestled in the northern part of the city, offers a tranquil retreat with its cobblestone streets, artisanal markets, and bohemian vibes. 

We recommend Lancaster House Hotel and Hotel Bogotá Regency Usaquén.

It comes down to personal preference about which area of the city you should stay. Bogota does have efficient public transport and Uber or taxis are fairly affordable to get around the city. 

This whirlwind 2 day in Bogota itinerary ensures you experience the best of Bogotá in just two days.

It will leave you with great memories of a city often overlooked by other popular cities in Colombia, such as Cartagena or Medellin.

Make sure you get Travel Insurance before hitting the road. We recommend Heymondo & SafetyWing

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If you plan to travel around the country, consider getting an eSIM for Colombia to stay connected. Read more about why eSIM for Colombia is a great choice, or buy an eSIM here.

One of our favourite places to visit in Colombia is the beautiful town of Salento.

Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Salento, including details about hiking in the stunning Cocora Valley.

Travel Tips for South America

We have many travel guides and tips for South America—a colourful and vibrant continent!

We believe these are the 15 best places to visit in South America.

Are you travelling on a budget? These five cheapest countries in South America will help you plan an itinerary that lets you see as much as possible.

Furthermore, if you plan to travel long-term (or at least until the money runs out), these 21 cheapest countries to visit will help you make your hard-earned dollars stretch a bit further.

Delicious cuisine can be enjoyed across South America. There’s Colombian cuisine, Venezuelan food, the food in the Dominican Republic, Brazilian cuisine, and even Guyanese cuisine to inspire you on your culinary journey.

For food lovers, don’t miss our top 10 best countries for food.

Would you like some suggestions for packing for your South American adventure? Our ultimate packing list for travellers has you covered for the essentials. 

These top 6 travel hacks to save money are great to read when planning your travels. Try these 5 popular foods in South America; they’re delicious!

You’ll need to stay connected while travelling in South America. We recommend eSIM. It’s easy, reliable and affordable. View eSIMs for individual countries, or consider a regional eSIM for Latin America (which covers 19 countries).

If your travels in Latin America are part of a much larger global adventure, then a Global eSIM may be the answer. It connects you in 124 countries, offering data-only eSIM and data/call/text eSIM. The Global eSIM has been a game-changer; we couldn’t imagine travelling without it now.

If you want to travel with like-minded travellers, consider joining a group tour. Check out our Group Tours first for any upcoming departures in Latin America, or view Tourradar deals on group tours in Latin America.

Check out our best-ever travel tips compiled from more than twenty years of experience.