Bogotá

Bogotá is Colombia's capital, a high-altitude city known for its colonial center, its pre-Columbian gold collection and the peak of Monserrate above it.

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Bogotá is the capital of Colombia, set high in the Andes at about 2,600 meters (8,500 feet). Its historic core, La Candelaria, has narrow colonial streets, painted façades and old churches. The Gold Museum (Museo del Oro) holds a large collection of pre-Columbian gold objects. Most sights are spread across several neighborhoods, so plan each day around one area.

Monserrate, a peak east of the city center, has a church at the top and can be reached by cable car, funicular or on foot. On Sundays and public holidays, main roads close to cars for the Ciclovía, a bike and walking event. Take the first day slowly, since the altitude can leave you short of breath, and drink plenty of water. Three to four days is enough for the core sights.

Bogotá in five

Take the first day slowlyAt about 2,600 m, some visitors feel breathless or get headaches. Drink water and save Monserrate for day two.
Check museum days before you goThe Gold Museum is closed on Mondays. Several museums in La Candelaria are free or close together, so plan them as one morning.
Ride up Monserrate by cable car or funicularThe hill above the city gives the big view. Go in the morning, before clouds come in.
Join the Sunday CiclovíaMain roads close to cars on Sunday and holiday mornings for cyclists, runners and walkers. Rent a bike or just walk.
Carry a rain jacket and a warm layerHighs stay near 20 °C all year, nights are cool and showers can arrive on any afternoon. Dress in layers instead of planning around a season.

Things to do in Bogotá

See all attractions in Bogotá

Museum · BogotáMuseo Quinta de BolívarAdmission is listed as 8,000 COP for Colombians and 18,000 COP for foreign visitors.

Museum · BogotáGold MuseumAllow around three hours for the extensive collection.

Sight · BogotáPalacio de Justicia Alfonso Reyes EchandiaVisit in daylight, as advised for the area.

Free trip plannerPlan a trip to BogotáPut the places you like in Bogotá on a map, give them days, and let one button order each day. Free, with no account.Plan a trip

Need to know

Airport: El Dorado (BOG), about 30–45 min to the center
Getting there: Flights from the Americas and Europe
Getting around: TransMilenio buses and ride apps
Best base: Chapinero or Usaquén; La Candelaria for sights by day
Time needed: 2–3 days

Weather by month

Rainy days
Festival

Best
Good
Mixed

JanuaryRain15 rainy daysHigh20°Low10°Dry, sunny
FebruaryRain19 rainy daysHigh20°Low11°Dry
MarchRain25 rainy daysHigh19°Low11°Showers
AprilRain22 rainy daysHigh19°Low11°Rainy
MayRain19 rainy daysHigh19°Low11°Rainy
JuneRain16 rainy daysHigh18°Low10°Drier
JulyRain13 rainy daysHigh18°Low10°Dry, windy
AugustPartly cloudy10 rainy daysHigh19°Low10°Dry, kites
SeptemberPartly cloudy11 rainy daysHigh20°Low10°Showers
OctoberRain20 rainy daysHigh19°Low10°Rainy
NovemberRain24 rainy daysHigh19°Low10°Rainy
DecemberRain17 rainy daysHigh19°Low10°Dry, festive

Average daily high and low in Bogotá, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.

Festivals: Mar Festival Estéreo Picnic · Jun Rock al Parque

Right now in Bogotá

Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.

Feels like: 15°
Humidity: 57%
Wind: 12 km/h
Chance of rain: 84%

Bogotá

04:16 PM

Monday, November 2

GMT-5

Today21°12°84%Monday: Cloudy. High 21°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 84%.
Tue22°12°75%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 22°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 75%.
Wed22°12°39%Wednesday: Cloudy. High 22°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 39%.
Thu22°12°35%Thursday: Drizzle. High 22°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 35%.
Fri21°12°45%Friday: Drizzle. High 21°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 45%.
Sat20°12°33%Saturday: Fog. High 20°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 33%.
Sun21°9°27%Sunday: Drizzle. High 21°, Low 9°. Chance of rain 27%.

Updated 03:51 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com

Money

Mid-market rate1 USD = 3,192 COP

Amount

Converted to

COP · Colombian Peso

Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API

What's on in Bogotá

Concerts, festivals and big events in and around the city

Events calendar

Coming up

Every year

MarFestival Estéreo PicnicBogotá
JunRock al ParqueBogotá

Day trips by train

Zipaquirá Salt CathedralAbout 1–1.5 hours by roadA church carved inside a salt mine.
Villa de LeyvaAbout 3–4 hours by roadColonial town with a huge plaza; stay a night.
Guatavita lagoonAbout 1.5–2 hours by roadThe lake behind the El Dorado legend.

Before you go to Bogotá

Stays in ChapineroRestaurants and TransMilenio nearbyCheck availability

Bogotá tours and day tripsCandelaria, Zipaquirá and GuatavitaCompare tours

eSIM for ColombiaData for ride apps in a big cityRead the guide

Insurance for BogotáCheck theft and altitude illness coverRead the guide

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Rules for Bogotá, checked

Check whether your passport allows visa-free entry to Colombia or needs a visa, using the Cancillería website (cancilleria.gov.co), before you fly.
Complete the pre-arrival form on the Migración Colombia website (migracioncolombia.gov.co) before you land, and keep the confirmation with your passport.
Bogotá sits about 2,600 meters above sea level. Expect to tire quickly and feel short of breath on your first day, so go slowly and drink water.
Dial 123 for police, ambulance or fire in Colombia. It is the national emergency number and works from mobile phones.

Plan around Bogotá

All of Colombia

Regions, flights, entry rules and money

Read the guide Medellín

The other big city, a short domestic flight away

Read the guide Coffee Region

Salento and Cocora, reached via Pereira or Armenia

Read the guide Phone and data

Staying online for ride apps in a big city

Read the guide Travel insurance

Cover for theft and altitude illness

Read the guide

Bogotá FAQ

How many days do I need in Bogotá?

Two to three days covers La Candelaria, the museums and Monserrate. Add a day for Zipaquirá or Guatavita.

Does altitude affect visitors in Bogotá?

It can. At about 2,600 m, many people feel short of breath at first. Take it easy the first day and drink water.

Where should I stay in Bogotá?

Chapinero for restaurants and a central base, or the Zona T and Usaquén for a calmer, more upscale stay. Visit La Candelaria by day.

Is Bogotá safe for tourists?

Chapinero, Usaquén and the Zona T are fine with big-city care. Keep phones out around the edges of La Candelaria and transit hubs, use ride apps after dark, and check your government's advice for areas to avoid.

What is the best time to visit Bogotá?

December to March and July to August are the driest months, with clearer views from Monserrate. Rain can fall in any month, so pack a jacket either way. The city is quietest outside school holidays.