Tips from a local

1) Free Museum Day
Throughout the year, free admission is included on the last Sunday of the month: Museo de Bogotá, Gold Museum, Museo Botero, Museo Casa de la moneda, Museo militar de Colombia, Museo de arte colonial, Museo histórico de la policía and Museo Nacional. On other days, you pay a (modest) entrance fee.

2) “Septimazo” walk
Most of the museums are in the center of the city, therefore it is almost mandatory to do a “septimazo”; a walk along Carrera séptima in the center. In doing so, you walk past various stores and can see artists, painters and musicians at work.

-Pastelería La Florida
This pastry shop is a perfect starting point for your walk. Take a seat in the more than 70-year-old building, order a delicious pastry or taste a traditional dish, such as tamales* with hot chocolate or agua de panela con almojábana*. Address: Carrera 7 #21-36.

*Tamales: a mix of vegetables, meat, chicken, potato and cornmeal. This package is wrapped in banana leaf and then steamed

*Agua de panela con almojábana: sugar water with a roll of cornmeal and cheese

-La Candelaria
From La Florida, you can continue walking to Plaza de Bolívar in the district of la Candelaria. This historic district with its traditional houses, still has a colonial atmosphere. At the Plaza del Chorro de Quevedo, you can take a break and see where Bogotá was founded 482 years ago.

-Try an authentic Colombian drink?
Then order a glass of Chicha Bogotana, a fermented corn drink. While enjoying this traditional drink, you can listen to the cuenteros; storytellers who will make you laugh and reflect on life.

3) Festival Iberoamericano de Teatro de Bogotá
This theater festival with storytellers, street theater and dance and theater performances, has been held for 30 years in June/July. There are performances (free of charge) at various locations around the city.

4) Festival de Verano
In the month of August, the Festival de Verano is held, in honor of the city’s birthday. There are various outdoor (free) activities to allow people to enjoy the green spaces and parks as much as possible. These include kite races, sports activities, fireworks shows and concerts. Prepare well for outdoor events and different weather conditions. Have your thick coat, umbrella or sunscreen ready!

5) Usaquén
If we’re talking about colonial sites, then we can’t neglect Usaquén definitely not to be missed. Originally Usaquén was a town close to Bogotá, but due to population growth, Usaquén is now part of the city of Bogotá. It is an attractive neighborhood with traditional streets, a central square, a town hall and beautiful gardens surrounding the church.

Sunday=Market Day
Every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. people sell goods and food in the central square. The Usaquén market has existed since 1991 and is a household name in Bogotá. It hosts cultural events and sells handmade products that are unique and representative of Colombia. At the beginning of the market is the Santa Bárbara shopping center. Here you can clearly see the contrast between the modern mall and the colonial architecture. The address is Carrera 5 # 120A-07. In Usaquén are some of the best restaurants in the city, for every taste and culture.

Bogotá; a fantastic meeting point that you must know to get a small idea of Colombia. What are you waiting for!