Perched 2,625 metres (8,612 feet) atop a mountain range, Bogota truly is a city in the sky. Colombia’s bustling capital enjoys cool temperatures due its altitude, despite being an equatorial city. Explore an urban sprawl of high-rise buildings contrasted next to cobblestone streets. The many universities, libraries and museums make the city a great sightseeing destination.
Despite its history of high crime and drug traffic, a two-decade program to rectify the city has successfully made it safe. Today, the city welcomes thousands of visitors each year.
Start your tour with some history at the Candelaria, the city's town centre. Next door, the National Museum of Colombia is the country's largest and oldest museum. Learn about the country's prehistory as you browse its 20,000-piece collection of artworks, relics and precious items that date as far back as 10,000 B.C.
Stroll to the Botero Museum for a taste of comedic, strange and mind-boggling art. Fernando Botero was famed for his plump, distorted paintings and sculptures of people, animals and other objects. Browse sparkling displays of gemstones in the nearby Emerald District.
Refresh yourself with some of Columbia's famed coffee. Enjoy aguardiente, a sugarcane drink, as you cross Simon Bolívar Park to reach José Celestino Botanical Gardens. Spot species of plant and flowers from around the country. Ciclovia Sundays in the city are when cyclists and joggers enjoy over 120 kilometres (75 miles) of designated car-free streets. Shake your hips at a salsa class or take a thrill ride at the Salitre Mágico amusement park. In January, prepare for excitement and colour in the form of Carneval.
For the best views of the city, catch the aerial tram to the top of Monserrate mountain. A huge staircase also provides access to the lookout. Spend a quiet moment in the mountaintop shrine or enjoy a coffee at 3,150 metres (10,340 feet) at the nearby café. As the sun sets, be sure to capture some panoramic photos of this Andean city.
