City Guide Bogota, Colombia

I didn't like Bogotá, but some suggested it might be because it was the first city on my trip. It just felt kind of down, even as Colómbia continutes to improve in economy and safety. The buses were tough to figure out, but I found one that went to the Jardín Botánico, which I quite liked. Montserrate is pretty nice to go up, and the scenery views are beautiful even if the city doesn't impress. I flew into Bogota because the flight was cheap, but I wasn't convinced it was the best move.

Insider Tip:We twice went to a tequila bar on Calle 19 between Carreras 3 and 4, with a tequila shot plus beer for maybe $5. Interesting decor, too. Learned this one too late: check out the Botero museum, which also has some Picasso works. I didn't know who Botero was until I got to Medellín, and his unique style is really interesting.

Bogota, plan yourself and be aware!

If you're planning to come to Bogota, there's some things to consider: 1: Bogota is high up in a mountain, so the weather is usually cold. There's also the season that rains a lot. 2:The traffic jam is huge. There's no subway. There's an special bus, called 'transmilenio' and Taxis 3: Taxis : you can't trust them. There's always a different 'tax' they charge you, never know the way, let you blocks always from destiny. 4. The best of bogota is get into 'fincas' . Villa de Leyva is a must go

Insider Tip:my tip are : Plan it very carefully. Read all comments about places. Get the weather info. ALWAYS LOCK your STUFF. Don't walk around showing the camera, with lot of money, the backpack should go at FRONT in your body, not at your back. Specially in the bus.

Only spent 1 night, did walking tour and wasnt too impressed, very smoggy, and police evrywhere. Taxi driver we had was awesome, trying to learn some English off us and teach Spanish.

COLOMBIA'S HIDDEN GEM

The city was amazingly safe and fun to walk around in but in the winter time it rains a lot and it's a lot colder than most people think. All in all I would like to come back when it's sunny and warmer but on the few days it was clear the weather was perfect.

Insider Tip:Take the Transmilenio if you really want to get around without worrying about bus schedules and stops because it just stays on one avenue that's hard to get lost on.

Bogota is Beautiful

This city was one of the highlights of our trip. Like many other old South American cities Bogota is full of old Spanish architecture and charm. We were here during the rainy season. And after a good rain the lush green mountains were shrouded in mysterious clouds. Our biggest regret is that we didn't stay longer, and we look forward to a return trip for all the things we couldn't see.

Insider Tip:Make sure to visit the Cathedral de Sal, about one hour outside of town (half price on Wed.). Also visit the Police Museum (free) with their grotesque accounts of the downfall of Pablo Escobar. Take taxis at night even for short distances. Everybody thought if we went out at night that we would get robbed, but we never felt threatened.