Where to Stay in Bogota – Neighborhoods & Area Guide

Bogota, the capital of Colombia, is one of the most culturally rich and versatile cities in South America. There is such a lot to explore in this buzzing and vibrant city. Whether a budget backpacker or a lover of the finer things in life, Bogota has something for everyone.

By no means the most densely populated city in South America, Bogota provides weary travelers with a fresh feel and plenty of space to settle right in. That said, Bogota is a city of two halves. The busy and bustling business center can often feel cramped, but should travelers head to the historical quarters of this city they will discover a whole new world. La Candelaria is a great starting point for travelers who want to lose themselves in the wonders of life in Colombia.

Bogota is one of the safer cities in Latin America. While travelers should take the same safety precautions as they would in any other city, they can rest assured that Bogota is a friendly and welcoming city. It provides an excellent starting point for a long-term Latin American adventure.

From the historical to the modern, from the tranquil parks to the bustling inner city, let’s explore where to stay in Bogota.

Usaquen

Usaquen is a popular place to stay in Bogota for all kinds of travelers. With just the right mix of upmarket hotels and budget-friendly hostels, it is not hard to see why Usaquen is an all-around winner.

For foodies, Usaquen should be the first port of call in Bogota. The city as a whole is famous for its street food stalls and authentic Colombian cuisine. Travelers can find arepa, buñelo, cachapa and more within the alleyways of Usaquen. For budget travelers, street food is the way forward in Bogota. A rich and filling meal costs as little as $4 a head.

Usaquen is best known for its Asian fusion restaurants, a fantastic selection of French-style bistros and countless coffee-orientated cafes too.

Travelers of every variety should be sure to head to the Usaquen Sunday Flea Market that is held every week at Usaquén Park. Selling everything from street food snacks to souvenirs, it is a travel experience not to be missed.

Good For: Active Travelers, Art Lovers, Architecture Enthusiasts, Budding Historians, Budget Backpackers, City Slickers, Couples, Culture Vultures, First Time Visitors, Families, Foodies, Luxury Travelers, Sightseers, Shopaholics, Whistle-Stop Travelers

Neighborhood Highlights: Usaquen Sunday Flea Market, Usaquén Park, Multiparque Amusement Centre, Unicentro Bogotá Giant Shopping Mall, Palatino Mall, Hacienda Santa Barbara Shopping Centre, Casino Millionaires, Crown Casino Unicentro, Country Club De Bogota Golf Club, Restaurant Teo Estiatorio, Yanuba Restaurant, La Provence de Andrei French Restaurant

Hotel Recommendations:

Hotel Hill House – Hotel Hill House offers guests both self-catering and catering options. Room service is available and there are kitchen facilities in all rooms. There is a cable TV in every room and access to free WiFi. The staff are very helpful and welcoming and can assist with travel arrangements.
W Bogota – W Bogota is a superb hotel in Usaquén that comes highly recommended by all who visit. There is a fitness center within the hotel and guests are welcome to use it at their leisure. Rooms are modern and stylish. The private ensuite bathrooms offer a touch of luxury to the stay.
TRYP by Wyndham – TRYP by Wyndham is a top pick in Usaquén. Located a 10-minute walk from the Hacienda Santa Barbara Shopping Centre, TRYP is a great option for shopaholics in Bogota. There is a top floor terrace perfect for relaxing and meeting fellow travelers. A good breakfast is included in the rate.

Chapinero

Chapinero is one of the more affluent neighborhoods in Bogota and is home to an impressive collection of restaurants and upmarket hotels. Many travelers choose to use Chapinero as a base for their city-wide explorations of Bogota.

As with many other neighborhoods in Bogota, shopping is a popular pastime in Chapinero. There are a number of super-sized malls that are loved by locals and travelers alike. Shopaholics should be sure to schedule time to visit Unilago Mall and Avenida Chile Shopping Mall. A local favorite is Andino Shopping Mall.

Chapinero is ideal for lovers of an inner-city park. Parque del Chicó with its adjoining museum is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the neighborhood. The colonial hacienda features a chapel and displays of everything from ceramics and glassware to textiles.

One of the most iconic landmarks in the Chapinero is the Monument to the Heroes. It is dedicated to those who fought to gain independence in Colombia and Venezuela.

Neighborhood Highlights: Unilago Mall, Avenida Chile Shopping Mall, Andino Shopping Mall, Monument to the Heroes, Parque del Chicó, Museo del Chicó, El Virrey Park, Casa del Tolima, Enrique Olaya Herrera National Park, Quebrada La Vieja Hiking Area, Galeria Klenner, Metropolitan Club – Golf Club, Waterfall Rio Archbishop

Hotel Recommendations:

JW Marriott Hotel Bogota – JW Marriott Hotel Bogota is a highly recommended hotel in Chapinero. The rooms are luxurious and spacious. Many of the premium rooms offer a deep soaking bathtub within the private ensuite bathroom. There is a spa complex within the hotel and a decent fitness center too. A superb breakfast is included in some rates.
Hotel Estelar Suites Jones – Hotel Estelar Suites Jones is a fabulous hotel in Chapinero. There is both free parking and free WiFi available for all guests at all rates. The rooms are generous and offer high levels of comfort. The in-house Terrazza Restaurant Sankara serves a great menu featuring local classics.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Bogota – Embassy Suites by Hilton Bogota affords world-class service to every guest who checks in. There is a classy feel to Embassy Suites and many rooms offer views of the mountains in the distance. There are spa facilities within the hotel for guests to use on a complimentary basis.

Teusaquillo

Teusaquillo can be found right at the very heart of Bogota and is an ideal place to stay for whistle-stop travelers who want to tick off all the bucket list items before they move on.

Although it is centrally located, Teusaquillo is lacking in the historical gems offered by other neighborhoods like Sante Fe and La Candelaria. What Teusaquillo does offer is easy access to must-visit modern landmarks, high-end hotels and an easy walk to Bogota’s pride and joy, Simón Bolívar Metropolitan Park.

Simón Bolívar Metropolitan Park is vast and can be found in the northernmost tip of Teusaquillo. The park features dozens of walking trails, a lake where paddle boats can be hired and a kid’s playground. It is a great place to meet locals or retreat from the melee of the bustling inner city.

For families traveling to Bogota, Teusaquillo is a great place to stay. The Kid’s Museum and Salitre Mágico Parque de Diversiones are ideal day activities.

Neighborhood Highlights: Simón Bolívar Metropolitan Park, Kid’s Museum, Salitre Mágico Parque de Diversiones, Biblioteca Pública Virgilio Barco – Public Library, Parque de Los Novios, Official Millionaires Club Football Museum, National Geological Museum José Royo y Gómez, Art Museum of the National University of Colombia, Museo de Historia Natural, Estadio Nemésio Camacho El Campín

Hotel Recommendations:

Suna Bacta – Suna Bacta is an affordable hotel in the Teusaquillo neighborhood. Travelers who are budget-conscious will appreciate the value for money offered by Suna Bacta. The hotel offers free WiFi and a free breakfast in some room rates. All rooms have a seating area and an ensuite bathroom.
GHL Hotel Capital – GHL Hotel Capital is a great hotel in Teusaquillo. All guest rooms feature a cable TV and access to free WiFi. There is a minibar in every room and complimentary toiletries in the private ensuite bathrooms. GHL Hotel Capital offers a free airport shuttle service that must be arranged in advance.
NH Bogota Urban 26 Royal – NH Bogota Urban 26 Royal is a modern, high-end hotel in the center of the Teusaquillo neighborhood. All rooms have a kitchenette that features a mini-fridge, coffee maker, and a dining space. There are complimentary toiletries in every room and all guests have free access to WiFi.

Santa Fe

Santa Fe is generally considered to be the Downtown area of Bogota. It is a firm favorite with young backpackers and culture vultures keen to soak up the sights and sound of this exciting city.

Santa Fe is overlooked by the iconic Monserrate mountain. For active travelers up for the challenge, climbing to the peak of Monserrate mountain makes for a fantastic day trip from the city center. From the top, travelers can enjoy breathtaking views of the city below.

There is so much to see and do in Sante Fe. The National Museum is a must-visit for anyone keen on expanding their knowledge of Colombia. The museum houses over 20,000 prefects that date back to the 16^th Century.

The Gold Museum is one of the most popular museums in all of Bogota. Sitting high on the must-visit list of all kinds of travelers, the Gold Museum provides fascinating insights into one of the country’s biggest exports. The International Emerald Museum is not to be missed either.

Neighborhood Highlights: Monserrate Mountain, The Gold Museum, The International Emerald Museum, Museo Colonial, Military Museum of Colombia, Independence Museum – Case del Florero, Archaeological Museum Casa del Marqués de San Jorge, Bogotá Museum, Metropolitano Tercer Milenio Par, Museo del Mar, Bogotá Museum of Modern Art MAMBO, District Planetarium Bogota, House – Museum Quinta Bolívar

Hotel Recommendations:

Hotel Grand Park – Hotel Grand Park is a great mid-budget hotel in Santa Fe. There is a restaurant within the hotel serving classic Colombian dishes at affordable prices. There is a 24-hour front desk and the staff are very helpful indeed. There is both a swimming pool and a spa with the hotel.
Hotel bh Bicentenario – Hotel bh Bicentenario is a top pick in Santa Fe. Guests have easy access to the neighborhood’s best attractions and it sits within easy reach of La Candelaria too. The rooms are bright and feature white and blue interior decor. There is free parking available for all guests.
Bed&Breakfast Chorro de Quevedo – Bed&Breakfast Chorro de Quevedo is a colorful and quintessentially Colombian hotel in the heart of Sante Fe. There are simple double rooms available and generous sized suites too. The suites offer guests access to their own private balcony. A very good breakfast is included.

Engativá

Engativá can be found in the west of the city. The neighborhood of Engativá is perfect for travelers seeking to experience the most authentic side of the city. What’s more, Engativá is the best neighborhood in Bogota for travelers on a whistle-stop visit, for it sits adjacent to El Dorado International Airport.

Engativá provides travelers with the opportunity to experience must-visit neighborhoods like Teusaquillo and Chapinero with complete ease. There are dozens of things to do in Engativá before travelers explore further afield though.

The incredible Titan Plaza Shopping Mall is the most popular destination in Engativá. With over 200 stores to explore, Titan Plaza Shopping Mall is a dream come true for travelers with cash to splash.

The southern tip of Engativa borders with the northern tip of Teusaquillo and as such, both Bogotá Botanical Garden and Simón Bolívar Metropolitan Park are neighborhood highlights that are not to be missed.

Engativá is more budget-friendly, in terms of accommodation, compared to up-market Chapinero.

Neighborhood Highlights: Bogotá Botanical Garden, Simón Bolívar Metropolitan Park, Titan Plaza Shopping Mall, Cristobal Colón Monument, Reina Isabel, Diver Plaza Shopping Center, Parque San Andrés, Santa María del Lago, Galaxy Park Amusement Park, Primavera Centro Comercial, Barrio Santa Helenita Public Park, Villas de Granada Park, Salitre Mágico Parque de Diversiones

Hotel Recommendations:

Hotel Dorado Gold Airport – Hotel Dorado Gold Airport is a good hotel in Engativá. The hotel offers simple rooms for an affordable rate. The team are very welcoming and endeavor to assist guests in any way that they can. There is a 24-hour front desk and shared lounge. WiFi is available for all guests for free.
Hotel Titan Ji – Hotel Titan Ji is a top pick in Engativá. Offering family rooms that are suitable for groups of backpackers, Hotel Titan Ji is a good option for travelers on a tight budget. There is free parking available and all rooms are non-smoking. There is a tea and coffee maker in every room.
Hotel Confort Bogota – Hotel Confort Bogota is a cheap and cheerful hotel in a great location in Engativá. The rooms are basic but more than comfortable. All have a private ensuite bathroom and access to free WiFi. There is a minimalist feel to the hotel and this is conveyed in the affordable rates.

La Candelaria

Encircled by the neighborhood of Santa Fe is the colonial neighborhood of La Candelaria. For culture vultures seeking to experience the historical charms of Bogota in full form, La Candelaria is the best place to stay.

La Candelaria is vibrant and bustling, yet still rather laid back. Travelers will feel as if they are stepping back in time. They can barter at the souvenir stalls or even shop for authentic emeralds in one of the jewelry stores.

La Candelaria is undoubtedly the cultural capital of Bogota and regardless of travel style, should be visited during the course of a trip to the Colombian capital. At the heart of La Candelaria, travelers will find Bolivar Plaza.

As one of the most famous landmarks in Bogota, Bolivar Plaza is always buzzing with tourists. The square is surrounded by the Cathedral of Colombia and other important political buildings. National Capitol, Palacio Liévano – City Hall, and Independence Museum – Casa del Florero can all be seen from the center of Bolivar Plaza.

Good For: Active Travelers, Art Lovers, Architecture Enthusiasts, Budding Historians, Budget Backpackers, City Slickers, Couples, Culture Vultures, First Time Visitors, Families, Foodies, Luxury Travelers, Sightseers, Shopaholics, Whistle-Stop Travelers

Neighborhood Highlights: Bolivar Plaza, National Capitol, Palacio Liévano – City Hall, Independence Museum – Casa del Florero, Museo de Trajes, Plazoleta de Cuervo, Museo Colonial, Casa Sanz de Santamaría, Bogotá Museum, Military Museum of Colombia, Miguel Urrutia Art Museum -MAMU, Coin and Bill Production Museum, House of the Colombian Institute of Anthropology

Hotel Recommendations:

The Orchids – The Orchids is a wonderful hotel in the heart of La Candelaria. Offering high-end hospitality at an affordable price, The Orchids is a great option for all kinds of traveler. Many rooms feature a fireplace while others offer guests a hot tub. All rooms have WiFi access and a private bathroom.
Hotel De La Opera – Hotel De La Opera is a much-loved hotel in an ideal location in La Candelaria. There is a homely and welcoming feel to Hotel De La Opera that means that guests instantly feel at ease. There is an airport shuttle service available. Breakfast is included in all room rates.
Casa Platypus – Casa Platypus is a wonderful hotel in the heart of La Candelaria. Guests can access Bogota’s most famous landmarks on foot and the staff are always happy to help with directions. There is a rooftop terrace where guests are welcome to relax and unwind whenever they like.

Usaquen

Chapinero

Teusaquillo

Santa Fe

Engativá

La Candelaria

Where to Stay in Bogota – Neighborhoods & Area Guide: