Exploring Colombia's Capital

Chapinero

Chapinero is the best neighborhood to stay in Bogotá. Look for Airbnbs along Carrera Septima, between 40th and 70th. It's a great, central neighborhood where you can easily walk, or take a car, to nearby shopping and restaurants. Check out Misia for authentic, everyday Colombian food with a focus on local ingredients. It's great for breakfast, they serve Devoción coffee and their Arepa y Huevo is the perfect hangover cure.

Salvo Patria is great for lunch or dinner, it's Colombian cuisine with a focus on simple, delicious ingredients. Principal is also a great spot for lunch or dinner. They really value design and the diversity of Colombian cuisine, it shows in their beautifully prepared dishes and thoughtfully designed menu.

*Catch of the day with tucupi, farofa, yucca and hormigas culonas at Mini Mal*

Mini Mal's menu is also reflective of Colombia's diverse cuisine, however their creations change daily based on availability, including some incredible ingredients from the amazon. They also have a cute shop near the front of the restaurant with goods from local designers.

Rafael is an amazing Peruvian fine-dining restaurant, perfect for a romantic dinner or drinks in their lounge area.

Rin Rin is a laid back tapas bar with great wine and cocktails. For really interesting cocktails and dinner or late night bites, check out El Kilo.

Centro

Centro is downtown Bogotá, it's where all the government buildings and Plaza Bolívar are. Check out La Candelaria, a historic neighborhood in Centro. Museo Botero houses some of Latin America's most important art collections and nearby La Puerta Falsa is one of the countries oldest restaurants in Colombia, great for a post museum hot chocolate. For lunch or dinner nearby, check out Madre, known for delicious pizzas and sandwiches.

Museo de Oro is another museum downtown. It has the largest collection of gold in the world and fittingly, is an old bank. The advanced metal works on display are testament to the diverse life and skills of indigenous societies that lived in South America before Spanish conquest. Other archaeological artifacts like ceramics, wood and textile are also on exhibit.

Between Calle 16 and 24, Carrera Séptima is closed to cars and instead full of street performers and vendors. Pastelería Florida is a bakery that serves traditional Colombian breakfast and lunch along the section of Carerra Séptima that's a pedestrian walk way, closed to car traffic.

*Braised beef shank with papas criollas and pastel de choclo at Tábula*

Just north of Centro is Tábula, a rustic Colombian restaurant. Most of their dishes are made in a brick oven and served family style.

Usaquén

Usaquén is a neighborhood north of Chapinero. It used to be its own town, but the city grew around it and now it's part of Bogotá.

On Sundays there's street market where you can find artisans and vendors selling things like ponchos, mochilas, jewlery and more. Abasto is cute breakfast spot with delicious eggs, breads and arepas. Osaki is one of the few good sushi places in Bogotá.

80 Sillas is a wonderful place for dinner in the neighborhood. It's based on the well thought out concept of British chef, Andrew Blackbourn. He believes that 80 seats is the ideal number of seats to provide the best ambiance but also be super efficient in the kitchen. He's been in Colombia for over 20 years and puts his own gastronomic touch on Colombian comfort food, focusing on basics and quality ingredients.

Paloquemao

Paloquemao is the real deal when it comes to Colombian markets. It's loud and messy, but amazing. Go early in the morning to get the best picks of produce and catch a glimpse of the flower vendors unloading their goods before they're gone.

Monserrate

Monserrate is one of the highest points in Bogotá, rising 10,407 feet above sea level. Most people take the gondola up, but you can also take the hiking trail up, to check out the amazing 360 views of the city.