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Colombia
Hanging
Out
Cafes, bars, cool locations to wander about in
If you earn in a foreign currency,
expenses around the city will be surprisingly low, so cab it, as
this is safer. However, security has massively improved recently and
this is visible in the constant presence of police guards around the
city.
Day to day, if you
are careful not to be provocative (like walking around with a shiny
gold Rolex – fake or real!), you can use public transport (i.e. the
Transmilenio bus network). However, you will find that these buses
are so crowded with commuters it really is worth it to uses taxis.
(See the Travellers Tips section in Survival and Maintenance for
more on taxis). It’s not really advisable to attempt the normal
buses unless you have been expertly advised by a local – they don’t
stick to predetermined bus stops and it takes years of learning the
skills and expertise to get on and off and wrestle your way in to a
seat!
La Candelaria
Located in the centre, La Candelaria preserves the colonial
architecture that first made up the capital years ago. No longer the
preferred area of Colonial aristocrats, it is now a cheaper urban
zone but also trendy among Colombian and international students who
enjoy the cheap rents, picturesque streets and alternative vibe. Not
extremely safe; you must circulate with caution. During the day it’s
generally ok particularly because it is very busy and bustling with
activity.
This is the main tourist area of the city, as it is home to both
museums and historic places. Ideally, plan to spend a little under
two days just wandering about. It really is an experience, not only
for the sight-seeing but also because if you are generally keeping
to the more up-market northern suburbs, this is the closest you will
get to the ‘real’ Bogotá and its people.
La Candelaria
street
Photograph by César Duque
If you are in the area, and have already seen the
Gold Museum
(touristy but cannot be missed!) definitely visit the Botero Museum
(Calle 11, near the corner wth Carrera 5). Fernando Botero has
donated an alarming amount of priceless artwork from his private
collection that includes famous work by Degas, Matisse, Dali,
Modigiliani, Picasso, Rodin, and Henry Moore, as well as his own.
This is also a great spot for a quick lunch.
El Parque de la 93
In the north of Bogotá, this exclusive area extends to the streets
surrounding a small park and boasts excellent restaurants and
night-life. After dinner, pop in to El Salto del Angel for drinks
and dancing; restaurant by day, nightclub by night, if the weather
is good, hang out in the outdoor patio (Cra 13 No. 93A-45).
La Zona T
Popular with private school and university students, as well as with
ladies who lunch, the Zona T is literally a T zone full of
restaurants and bars, all good, a few ones in particular that stand
out. Also fun for a walk on the weekend and some people-watching.
After your walk drop into Bagatelle (Calle 80, Carrera 9) for a
delicious coffee or chocolate and especially breakfast if you are
there early – they are famous for their breakfast!
Author: Emma Hooper
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