El Baùl

The Colombian capital of Bogotá is known for a vibrant atmosphere, epic city-wide views from Monserrate mountain and bold street art in its eclectic neighbourhoods. Lively cultural events are also plentiful in this bustling high-altitude city. Come in spring for the Feria Internacional del Libro book fair, summer for the Rock al Parque international music festival and autumn for a series of jazz concerts spread across town. 

Bogotá hostels range from bright and bold houses with cocktail bars on site, or farmhouse-style spaces with rustic wooden beams and fireplaces. Chill out in hillside spots with tropical gardens or on rooftop terraces with city views. Some places put on healthy free breakfasts of granola and fresh fruit. You can also choose from dorms or private rooms at a boutique hostel with a sweeping staircase and stained-glass windows. Much like the city's residents, hostels in Bogotá focus on welcoming people from all cultures. Check out our best hostels in Bogotá here. 

La Candelaria is where you'll find Bogotá hotspots like Plaza Bolívar and the Museo del Oro (Gold Museum) in the middle of the city. Wander off into the side streets to take snaps of the thought-provoking graffiti and head over to Teusaquillo, which is known for its mural art. Chapinero, a characterful neighbourhood with markets and craft beer breweries everywhere you turn, is slightly further to the north. It's also got South America's biggest LGBTQ+ club. To the north, Usaquén has pretty parks and a buzzing flea market to explore. 

The Botero Museum is one of South America's most important galleries. It's packed full of the Colombian artist's paintings and sculptures as well as works he collected from international greats like Picasso and Dalí. Head to the impressively large Plaza Bolívar, the main square, for the handsome Primatial Cathedral of Bogotá and other genteel colonial architecture. For a nature fix in the city, Bogotá Botanical Garden is the biggest in the country and will introduce you to plants from every climate, altitude and region in Colombia.

There are two bus networks in central Bogotá, the SITP and TransMilenio – the latter is an express service. For private transport you'll find Uber and taxis. El Dorado International Airport is about 14km from the centre, and the journey takes anything from 30 minutes to over an hour depending on the traffic. You can take TransMilenio buses into the main Terminal de Buses station in the centre or the northern Portal del Norte from here.