When the lights activated waking me from my half-conscious stupor and we started our descent into Bogotá at 6am, I was amazed at just how big it is. Coming down from the clouds, the city appeared to keep going and going unendingly. That was, until hitting the mountains that delineate the eastern boundary of the city. Then, later in the trip when we ascended Montserrate which provides a view to the west over all of Bogotá, we literally could not see where the city concluded. It turns out, Bogotá has nearly 10 million inhabitants, which exceeds ten times the dimensions of any locations I’ve called home. Since it’s such an enormous city, it’s important to thoughtfully consider where to reside in Bogotá so that you can maximize your time and see as much of the city as possible.
When we arrived in Bogotá, we took a taxi to our hostel to drop our bags before exploring, and we were impressed by the lack of traffic, which seemed rather unusual for a city Bogotá`s size. How was it that at 7am on a weekday, there were only taxis and public buses on the road?
It turns out, based on a designed car-free afternoon to battle pollution. The extremely next day, the roadways were crammed with all styles of automobiles, and it was nearly impossible to get anyplace in the city by vehicle.
Therefore, carefully considering where to lodge is important, and why I prepared this guide highlighting the best places to stay in Bogotá based on our experience residing in Quinta Camacho. Which, as a SPOILER, represents the premier area for tourists to Bogotá in my opinion.
Heading to Colombia? You won’t want to miss my other posts about my six weeks in Colombia.
- A three-day itinerary for exploring Bogotá
- Guide for spending two weeks in Colombia
- Where to stay in Cartagena, Colombia
- Gluten free travel in Colombia
- Gluten free guide to Bogotá
- Accommodation options in Medellin
- Gluten free guide to Medellin
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.
Where to Stay in Bogotá: A Practical Guide for Tourists
I was uncertain what expectations to have upon arrival in Bogotá. Reports about Colombia`s capital varied. Some praised the lively metropolitan atmosphere and bustle of millions in daily activities. Others were less enthusiastic about that urban intensity, given accompanying issues like traffic and pollution.
Based on our time spent in Bogotá, I would happily return there.
In fact, we wish we had spent more than 4.5 days there during our six weeks in Colombia. Entire days were spent exploring some of the best neighborhoods in Bogotá– such as Usaquén and Quinta Camacho.
Following Chapter: 3 Days in the Capital of Colombia: A Thorough Bogotá Itinerary
An Overview of the Best Areas to Stay in Bogotá
I understand – your schedule is full. You may not have time to read everything.
guide below? Here’s the gist of it.
In my opinion, the best regions to stay for tourists are:
Quinta Camacho (a small area in Chapinero): This neighborhood offers visitors an excellent location for sampling top cuisine and beverages in Bogotá alongside dependable public transit and a safe environment, making it a thriving nightlife hub. For the vast majority of people, this suggests the ideal place to lodge during a stay.”
Speaking of hard cider: Stem Ciders has a tasting room in RiNo, and they produce some of my favorite cider in the country. . They have a huge selection of apple ciders with incredible flavors like hopped, pear, and my personal favorite, chile guava.
Usaquén: Most distinctive place to lodge in Bogotá. Upscale, trendy, and marginally costly. It`s almost like a suburb. In fact, it utilized to be, however as Bogotá has expanded, it is presently well inside city limits.
The Grand Canyon: Planning a journey that incorporates the Grand Canyon? We’ve got you protected with a guidebook on just how to organize an impressive Grand Canyon itinerary and how to locate the ideal spot to stay.
Here are four highly rated lodging options in Bogotá.
Aurora Hostel (Quinta Camacho) – This is where we stayed, and the experience was outstanding. It’s a small boutique hostel with a low capacity of around 20 people, accommodated amongst a few private rooms and dorms. The location can’t be surpassed, and the staff were extremely welcoming. We remained in the private room with private bathroom, and I strongly recommend it.
📍 Google Maps | Website | 🅿️ Parking: Self-pay lots range from $2 p/hr to $18 p/day | 🐕 Dogs: On boardwalk and pier only | 🛎️ Best Nearby Hotel: Highly recommended Oceana Santa Monica
Lovely 1BR Apartment in Usaquén – If you prefer staying in an Airbnb when you travel, I understand. This spot caught my eye as I was browsing the listings in Bogotá, and it seems to be a lovely spot to base yourself in Usaquén for your time in Bogotá.
Masaya Hostel (La Candelaria)– If you’re staying in La Candelaria, you will likely be residing in a hostel. There are numerous options in the area, but this is one of the top-rated choices, and they provide a wide range of room configurations, from huge dormitories to private rooms with private bathrooms.
Now, let`s move onto the comprehensive guide to Bogota’s 4 top neighborhoods for visitors.
Quinta Camacho (and northern Chapinero): Overall Best Place to Stay in Bogotá for Tourists
I’ve already somewhat outlined why I think this is the best place to stay in Bogotá, but here are a few reasons why.
First, it’s within an easy walk of both the best food in Bogotá, generally situated in Zona G, and the top nightlife (LGBTQ-friendly) in Bogotá in Zona T.
Some notable spots not to miss are:
- Orso Heladería: the ice cream establishment in Bogotá known best – they have a few other areas too.
- Tacos Insurgentes: Authentic Mexican tacos and beverages, and positive vibes after dusk.
- Abasto: Come for the arepas, but don’t leave until you’ve tried the fish wrapped in banana leaf
- Misia: Celebrity chef Leonor Espinosa’s outpost (around the corner from Aurora) with regional dishes from Colombia’s Caribbean Coastline. Get the arepa de huevo.
- Beverages at El Mono Bandido,Huerta Coctelería, or the Red Room.
This location is also situated in the middle of some of the best coffee spots in the city. Be sure to visit Colo Coffee’s outpost, which used to be Bourbon Coffee, Café Cultor, and Amor Perfecto. Or, if you really enjoy coffee like myself, take this guided coffee tour in Chapinero to learn about the process from farm to cup and sample some exceptional coffee at several Chapinero cafes.
Ultimately, it’s relatively risk-free (not as sketchy as La Candelaria, not as safe as Parque 93) and well-connected to both the tourist center and Usaquén and Parque 93, making it a terrific central area to base yourself to explore all of the best parts of Bogotá.
Click here to find the perfect place to stay in Chapinero for your style and budget.
Where to Stay in Chapinero / Quinta Camacho
Aurora Hostel: Best Boutique Hostel in Bogotá
As mentioned earlier, the Aurora Hostel was where we resided, and I would readily return. We occupied the private room including a personal lavatory and it met all our needs at an exceedingly low cost.
There are only a couple of rooms available – two private rooms and two dormitories – so you don’t have to worry too much about things becoming overly lively.
A breakfast comprised of your choice of premier coffee or tea and eggs along with an arepa or a bowl of granola with yogurt is provided at no extra cost. There is a well-appointed kitchen space as well as a lovely indoor and outdoor terrace ideal for breakfast in the morning or an evening glass of wine. This serves as an excellent home base for exploring Bogotá.
Hotel Casona del Patio: A top-rated hotel near Quinta Camacho.
Casona del Patio Lodge is one of the best value accommodations in the locale. Neat, cozy quarters equipped with an outdoor patio and a lovely terrace. It’s centrally located – walkable distance to any amenities one may require during the trip. And it sits in one of the safer parts of Chapinero, making evening strolls unworrisome. Ideal base of operations in Bogotá for those preferring the comforts of a hotel over hostel accommodations. Click here to inspect pricing details, reviews and availability.
Home Base in the Heart of Bogotá: Highly Reviewed Airbnb in Chapinero
This Airbnb accommodation in Quinta Camacho is definitely beautiful – it is a three bedroom home with current appliances and finishing touches, filtered water and free coffee or tea available, and offers 24 hour security. Reviews consistently report that the hosts communicate very well. It is precisely where I would want to stay if returning to Bogotá, and it provides an extremely affordable option given its size and location. It is essentially next door to Hostel Aurora, which we found to be an ideal area to lodge in Bogotá. Click here to check prices, reviews, and availability.
Click here to find the perfect lodging in Quinta Camacho fitting your travel style and spending plan
La Candelaria: Best Central Location for Short Stays
La Candelaria hosts Bogotá`s backpacker population. Even at 7pm, people were out socializing and shuffling between bars on rooftops and below street level, drinking specials advertised as buy-one-get-one-free. You know the area caters strongly to travelers when pizza slices readily sell and bars promote shots at reduced pair prices.
On the positive side, it is the most centrally located in terms of access to most of Bogotá’s places of interest for visitors. And it’s also the most affordable area on this list. Which makes it a great place to base yourself if you are watching your budget, or are pressed for time.
On the less positive side, it’s dubious after dark, and carefully selected.
for tourists. We probably saw more tourists in our couple of hours exploring this area than the rest of our 4 days combined.
If you’re searching for the backpacker scene, are in town for.”
a short time and want to be as close as possible to the tourist sites, or just need a cheap bed, La Candelaria is for you.
Whether or not you opt to stay in La Candelaria, it’s worth exploring the area.
absolutely worth a visit on your trip. Some of the most important buildings in Colombia, similar to the Palace of Justice, are in Bolivar Square, which is nearby.
Guide yourself to locate the perfect area to stay in La Candelaria.
Where to Stay in La Candelaria
There are seemingly countless hostels located in La Candelaria, and most offer quite similar amenities. When planning my trip, two hostels stood out from my research – Selina Hostel and Masaya Hostel.
If you’re looking for an intimate hotel in La Candelaria, consider the Candelaria House Boutique.
An update from December 2020: I was very surprised by the many Airbnb accommodations available in La Candelaria. It’s a decent option, less so for visits of only a day or two.
Here are three possibilities that caught my eye as I was browsing.
Comfortable Loft Studio in La Candelaria: I APPRECIATE this small loft in the center of La Candelaria. It includes a full kitchen, a fireplace, and a washer/dryer. And it’s really trendy too. Perfect base for a few days in Bogotá.
Perfect Location in La Candelaria: Cozy, affordable flat with everything required for your stay. It’s not the most expansive place around, but it’s ample space for a traveling couple.
Luxurious Creekside Apartment near Downtown Jackson – 2 bedrooms / 1 bathroom
Parque 93: Best Neighborhood for Families
Parque 93 is a charming little enclave between Chapinero and Usaquén that is safe, upscale, and a great place to base yourself in Bogotá. Especially if you have kids. We walked by all sorts of young families with children walking around the neighborhood.
And dogs. SO MANY DOGS.
It’s not the most affordable neighborhood to stay in Bogotá, but with the extra cost you’ll be able to stay in one of Bogotá’s safest neighborhoods.
Click here to find the perfect lodging near Parque 93 suited for your style and budget
What to do in Parque 93
Parque 93 is a little further out than Chapinero from most of Bogotá’s tourist sites, so be prepared to spend at least 30 minutes getting to Montserrate and La Candelaria. Fortunate for you, there’s plenty to do and see nearby, even if traffic is horrendous.
- Savor Remarkable Coffee at Azahar Coffee, a pioneer in third wave coffee production in Colombia.
- Have a picnic in the park amidst the couples, families, canines, and others.
- Head to Librería Lerner, one of the most substantial bookstores in Bogotá, and grab a coffee at their on-site coffee house.
Where to Stay in Parque 93
Here are three highly rated places to stay in Parque 93.
Soy Local Parque 93: Affordable Housing Complex / Apartments
The lodging called Soy Local is an excellent choice, and the situation could not be better just off the northeastern corner of Parque 93. They refer to themselves as a “Housetel,” so you’ll find a fusion between a hotel room and apartment, with some facilities like culinary areas that you wouldn’t usually see in a traditional hotel. But the bed arrangement in most of their rooms definitely feels hotel-like. Overall, a great AND affordable place to stay in one of Bogotá’s best areas. Click here to check prices, reviews, and availability.
Hotel bh Parque 93: Highly Rated Boutique Hotel
While relaxing at Azahar, I gazed out at Hotel bh Parque 93. It looked very nice, so I searched Google and sure enough, it appears to be a lovely place to lodge. Spacious, light-filled rooms and modern amenities including an onsite bar, fitness facilities, and an outdoor terrace where they serve a breakfast buffet in the mornings.
The location can`t be outdone, either. You can literally wake up needing caffeine and stumble out the front entrance into Azahar for your morning coffee. And it is a couple blocks from the park and all the amenities of Parque 93, like outstanding bars and restaurants and cute boutiques. Click here to check prices, reviews, and availability.
Airbnb Options in Parque 93
Parque 93 contains many high-rise apartment complexes, which provides numerous Airbnb options to choose from. Here are three that caught my attention.
Remarkable Habitation in Bogotá with 2 BR / 2 Bath: Brightly lit. Airy. Stylishly designed. And fully equipped kitchen. Excellent location for a group of 4 to establish themselves while exploring Bogotá.
2 Bedroom Accommodation in Prime Spot: Nice kitchen with a gas stove and a place that really can’t be beaten – it’s about five minutes on foot to the park. It’s roomy and stylish, and has fairly pleasant views of the city.
Parque 93 – Spacious 2BR Apartment, New/Nice Building: Approximately five blocks away from Parque 93, this single apartment provides ample room for a group to spread out, with a fully equipped kitchen (also including a gas stove) and two spacious bedrooms.
Select this connection to discover the ideal Airbnb close to Parque 93
Usaquén: Most Unique Place to Stay in Bogotá
As soon as we stepped out of the cab into Usaquén, I realized I.”
was going to love it. We stepped out onto the corner of a public park, the center of the old town of Usaquén, with a church towering across from us, and the hustle and bustle of the Sunday Flea Market.
Usaquén was recommended to us by the people at our hostel. It utilized to be a suburb of Bogotá where the wealthy congregated to, but over time it has become a part of the city. Its cobblestone street and cute alleyways are a reminder that, at one point in time, it was a whole separate town from the rest of Bogotá.
Click here to find the perfect place to stay in Usaquénfor your style and budget.
In Usaquén, you’ll find some of the best food and drinks in Bogotá. Here are a few places I loved.
- Brunch items like egg arepas and fish wrapped in banana leaves can be enjoyed at Abasto.
- An outdoor patio and sunny atmosphere makes The Bogotá Brewing Company a fitting place to grab a drink in Bogotá`s park.
- Orso Heladería also has a location here.
- Colo Coffee boast what could be one of the best outdoor patios of any coffee shop along with some of the finest coffee in Bogotá.
Another thing you can’t miss is the Sunday Market, which was what we went there for. Hundreds of official vendors (and seemingly hundreds more unofficial ones too) lined the streets, selling everything from honey and coffee to handcrafted jewelry and handbags. It was quite a sight, and we spent a solid hour just wandering the market.
Where to Stay in Usaquén
Highly Rated Hostel with Raves Reviews in Usaquén: Usaquén Station Hostel
If travelers are seeking an affordable selection, this place is their best option. Yes, it is farther away from Monserrate and the tourist centre of Bogotá, but is well situated within Usaquén. The owner, Juan, is mentioned in nearly every review of the location, which is generally a positive sign. It’s in an alley off of the main street, so it’s relatively peaceful at night. The cooking area is well-equipped and the beds are cozy. Click here to check prices, reviews, and availability.
Biohotel Organic Suites: Top-Rated Boutique Hotel
Considered one of the highest rated lodging in Usaquén, the Biohotel Organic Suites is an exceptional location situated just a brief distance to the north of the bustling activity. It’s completely protected to walk around, day or night, which is among the finest advantages about staying in Usaquén. You’ll discover double rooms with comfortable beds and highly modern bathrooms. If you love a good walk-in shower, you’ll love this place. Improve to a suite to benefit from the features of a jacuzzi-style bathtub in your room, along with a reasonably sized living area. Breakfast is incorporated in your keep, and you can rent bicycles for free – don’t miss a bike trip along Carrera 7 on Sundays when it is closed to vehicle traffic. Click here to check prices and availability.
Top Airbnb Options in Usaquén
Wonderful Home Santa Barbara / Usaquén: A very affordable single bedroom apartment with all the necessary amenities for exploring the city. Its location is perfect for walking to the neighborhood`s central area, where the best food, drinks and flea market can be found.
Your Lovely Loft in in Usaquén: Comfortable and situated near the main strip with a small kitchen. It’s not massive, but has ample space for a group of two. A six night minimum stay makes it a smart choice for more extended visits.
Comfortable Residence in Usaquén: This light-filled single bedroom housing is at the highest on our list for a return trip to the Colombian funds. Great landscapes from the living area throughout the city, and an classy, serene space with a complete kitchen at a sensible rate.
Click here to see all Airbnb stays in Usaquén
Bogotá is an interesting city. Of the three larger cities that we spent time in – Bogotá, Medellin, and Cartagena – it certainly felt like the most genuine of the three. Cartagena was full of tourists from all over the world, and Medellin was a little more tailored for tourists, especially in El Poblado.
The activity and commotion are part of the appeal of Bogotá. Yes, there is traffic. And it can be intense. Yes, it’s challenging to get around. Yes, there are some areas best avoided.
However, because of the sizable population, there is usually something occurring, making it a good city to spend a few days in during a visit to Colombia.
Planning a trip to Colombia? Don’t miss our other Colombia travel guides, based on our six weeks of wandering around Colombia.
- A Comprehensive 3-Day Itinerary for Exploring Bogotá, Colombia
- Accommodation options in Medellin, Colombia: A complete overview
- The Best Coffee in Lisbon: 9 Amazing Lisbon Coffee Establishments to Add to Your List
- How to Plan a 2 Week Colombia Itinerary
- The top 5 most compelling spots to visit in Colombia: South America’s best kept hidden gems
- Top places to rest your head in Bogotá, Colombia`s vibrant capital city
