Preparation
Before your trip, complete the required immigration form online within three days before departure, especially if you are flying American Airlines. They will not let you board without this documentation, although Delta and LATAM Airlines are more lenient. Colombian law requires you to declare your entrance to the country, the reason for your trip, and the length of your stay, and you must declare your exit when leaving.
Accommodation
“I stayed at an American-brand hotel, the Grand Hyatt, which provided a comfortable room size compared to the rooms you get when staying in Europe. Our room was beautiful with an amazing bathroom, and they kindly gave us a room on a high floor as it was my friend’s birthday. Booking only four days before my trip, I paid $208 per night for a double room, which is reasonable given the high standard.” Like every city, various accommodation options, such as Airbnbs and homestays, are available.
Dining and Evening Activities
The Grand Hyatt, which we recommend, has an Asian restaurant where the ramen is delicious and a great place to eat if you arrive later in the day. It’s a good quality meal without having to step out too far. If you’re looking for drinks or nightlife, the hotel staff can make some recommendations, but it’s best to look them up beforehand, as the recommendations can vary from cheap and cheesy to strip clubs! When heading out and about, especially in the evening, it’s safest to use Uber as it has location tracking and the fares are set; local taxis are fine, but some will try to overcharge you. Many local drivers work both as ad-hoc taxis and Ubers.
Lunch is an important meal for Colombians and usually consists of small, hot, street food-type dishes. “We stopped at a local restaurant, Casa Santa Clara, for some authentic Colombian cuisine and had a dish called Nalgas de Angel, which translates into Buttocks of the Angel. We had to check what was actually in the dish: salted white corn dough stuffed with beans and hogao (a saucy Spanish paste of spices and veg, like Italian soffrito). Later that evening, we tried out a bar for cocktails and dancing called Griego Rooftop, which was fun.”
“For our second evening meal out, we visited the Henry Sasson restaurant, which is classed as a fine dining establishment. I had the crab nachos and they were so delicious, definitely the stand-out dish for me (even with a seafood allergy!). The dining experience was great, with low-lit tables, a dramatic bar, and excellent service. Everything in Bogotá is surprisingly cheap, so even though this was a higher-end restaurant, our meals and drinks were still only about $100 each.”
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Daytime Activities
If you’re looking for a bit of leisure and relaxation, most of the larger hotels have gyms and spas in Bogotá, and given that the prices are so reasonable here, it’s well worth booking yourself for a little spa treatment. From a fashion perspective, despite being a landlocked city, Bogotá is known for its excellent swimwear and shapewear (fajas) brands. “I attend Miami Swim Week every year, and my favorite designers are always Colombian. They know how to make swimwear that makes women feel comfortable but sexy and embrace all body types.” The fashion in Bogotá is, much like Peru (Link article?), a gorgeous mix of traditional influence with a modern design touch. You’ll find lots of artisan products at the various markets around the city, but if you’re looking for something higher-end, then be sure to visit Zona Rosa, which is home to designer stores and upmarket boutiques.
Monserrate is a must-see attraction in Bogotá, a mountain reaching over 3,100 meters above sea level. At the top is a church with a shrine devoted to El Señor Caído. And there are breathtaking views across the whole city, making the rather touristy routes to the top worth it. There are a couple of options to get to the top: a tram or a cable car. We’d recommend you take the cable car up, as this gets the best views, and then take the tram down later in the day toward sunset, giving you a view of the city’s lights starting to twinkle below.
In terms of typical tourist activities, there are lots of sites to see in Bogotá. Ikponmwosa visited the Museo del Oro, or Gold Museum, which houses one of the world’s largest collections of gold items—over 30,000 pieces to see. There’s also the National Museum of Colombia, the Colonial Museum, and a Planetarium.
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Our top travel tips for Bogotá
- Use Uber, it’s easy and convenient to use here;
- Be mindful of altitude sickness and take it easy if visiting Montserrate or climbing any of the hillier parts of the city;
- Tipping is generally 10%, but you can adjust this based on your experience;
- The cable car and tram at Monserrate offer spectacular views; make sure to have cash for small purchases like the $2 llama selfies or novelty key chains with Pablo Escobar and his fake block of cocaine!
Bogotá is a vibrant city with rich culture, excellent dining, and beautiful scenery. It’s a budget-friendly destination with plenty to explore.
XOXO,
Your Fashion Bestie
