About Bogota

Bogotá hums at 8,660 feet above sea level, a city of thin air, sharper colors, and unexpected calm pockets amid the chaos. Mornings start with the scent of coffee roasting from open doors near Carrera 7, and evenings settle with the chatter from street food stalls frying empanadas by the dozen. It’s Colombia’s capital, yes, but more than that, Bogotá feels like a dozen smaller worlds stitched together from the colonial cobbles of La Candelaria to the glass towers glinting over Parque 93.

Visitors who expect Latin heat are surprised, the weather rarely breaks 20°C. Bring a jacket. Locals wear layers even when the sun peeks through. Bogotá hotels range wildly: colonial mansions reborn as boutique gems, shiny towers with spas and rooftop pools, and a surprising cluster of cheap hotels in Bogota tucked into quiet residential lanes behind Chapinero. Each has its quirks. One five-star even hands out tiny oxygen canisters for jet-lagged guests.

Akbar Travels offers affordable Bogotá tour packages with flights, hotels, and guided city tours for a seamless travel experience.

Bogota airport Address

El Dorado International Airport (BOG) sits about 15 km west of downtown, technically in Fontibón district.
Address: Av. El Dorado #103-9, Fontibón, Bogotá, Colombia.

Taxis from the airport to most central hotels in Bogota cost around 35,000 COP (roughly USD 8–9). Peak-hour traffic can double that time; 30 minutes becomes 75 easily, especially near Calle 26 on weekday evenings.

The Best Time to Visit Bogota

For dry skies, December to March is golden. Streets dry quicker, café terraces stay open later, and Bogotá hotels run near full occupancy. April to May brings rain, not constant, but those short, drenching bursts that stop you mid-step. By August, parades fill the avenues for the city’s birthday, and hotel rates nudge up about 20–25%.

If staying longer, note this: prices for hotels in Bogota tend to dip on Tuesdays and Wednesdays when local business travel pauses. Book 45 days ahead for the best rate window; Bogotá hotel price comparison tools show an average 18% difference between early and late bookings.

How to reach Bogota

By air:

El Dorado International connects to all major hubs; Miami, Madrid, Panama City, and Lima. Domestic flights land from Medellín, Cali, and Cartagena every 30–40 minutes. It’s one of Latin America’s most punctual airports and proudly so.

By rail:

There’s no active long-distance rail into Bogotá; the mountainous geography makes that nearly impossible. However, a small heritage line called Tren Turístico de la Sabana runs weekend rides north toward Zipaquirá, a scenic, two-hour journey perfect for day-trippers.

By road:

Buses roll in from Medellín (about 10 hours), Bucaramanga (8 hours), and Villavicencio (4–5 hours). The Terminal de Transporte de Bogotá near Salitre is the main hub. Hotels in Bogota near railway station aren’t relevant; instead, look for ones near Salitre, which act as practical stopovers for road travelers.

Things to do in Bogota

1. La Candelaria: The city’s colonial heart – cobblestones, colorful balconies, and coffee bars hidden in courtyards.
2. Gold Museum (Museo del Oro): Dazzling pre-Hispanic gold artifacts, it glows under low lighting, quite literally.
3. Monserrate Hill: Ride the funicular or hike up; sweeping views make the climb worth every breath.
4. Botero Museum: Plump, joyful art from Fernando Botero; free entry, free smiles.
5. Usaquén Sunday Market: Handcrafted jewelry and street musicians playing Andean flutes.
6. Parque 93: Bogotá’s stylish district; leafy, calm, perfect for people-watching with an espresso.
7. Zona Rosa (Zona T): Bars, boutiques, and late-night energy pulsing through narrow lanes.
8. Simón Bolívar Park: A massive green lung in the middle of the city; joggers, kites, and couples on picnic mats.
9. Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá: Just outside the city, an underground church carved into a salt mine.
10. Andrés Carne de Res (Chía): Half-restaurant, half-carnival, it’s a must-visit evening trip about 40 minutes away.

Shopping in Bogota

• Andino Mall – designer boutiques and elegant cafés.
• Atlantis Plaza – tech gadgets and Colombian designer shoes.
• Hacienda Santa Bárbara – colonial architecture meets boutique chic.
• Unicentro – local brands and big sales mid-year.
• Calle 82 & Zona T – upscale fashion rows.
• San Victorino Market – noisy, crowded, but bargain heaven.
• Usaquén Market – Sundays only; crafts and gourmet snacks.
• Carrera 7 stalls – antiques and vintage vinyls.
• Centro Andino Street Vendors – coffee beans and handmade scarves.
• El Retiro Shopping Center – sleek interiors and premium perfumes.

Famous Restaurants in Bogota

• Leo – contemporary Colombian gastronomy led by Chef Leonor Espinosa.
• Andrés D.C. – flamboyant décor and massive portions, a Bogotá classic.
• Harry Sasson – local ingredients meet international flair.
• Criterión – French-inspired fine dining by the Rausch brothers.
• Mini-Mal – inventive dishes using Amazonian fruits.
• La Puerta Falsa – 200-year-old eatery serving tamales and chocolate completo.
• Osaka Bogotá – Nikkei-style sushi with tropical accents.
• Gordo Brooklyn Bar – burgers, bourbon, and a bohemian crowd.
• Prudencia – seasonal tasting menus in a colonial courtyard.
• El Chato – beautifully plated Colombian reinterpretations.
• Masa – brunch favorite; bread so good locals queue outside.
• Club Colombia – traditional Colombian fare done elegantly.

Popular Hotels in Bogota

The variety of Bogota hotels is staggering. There’s one for every kind of traveler and every kind of mood.

• Hotel Casa Deco (La Candelaria) – artistic flair, rooftop views, and creaky wooden floors that add charm.
• Sofitel Bogotá Victoria Regia – elegant, soft lighting, and one of the best hotels in Bogota for design lovers.
• Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina – a restored mansion; cozy fireplaces, flawless service.
• JW Marriott Bogotá – polished luxury with a great steakhouse downstairs.
• Click Clack Hotel – playful, modern, and perfect for younger travelers.
• Hilton Bogotá – corporate comfort with surprisingly warm staff.
• Hotel Tequendama – classic, central, slightly old-fashioned in a comforting way.
• Hotel BH Bicentenario – good value with skyline views.
• Hotel de la Opera – colonial architecture steps from major museums.
• Hotel Estelar Parque 93 – reliable service and convenient for nightlife.
• Grand Hyatt Bogotá – massive spa, mountain views, and probably the best breakfast buffet in town.

Popular Resorts in Bogota

• Hacienda Royal Resort – peaceful gardens, fine dining, and spa therapies.
• Club Campestre El Rancho – golf greens and horse trails.
• Biohotel Organic Suites – eco-friendly luxury near Usaquén.
• Hotel Movich Chico 97 – sleek design and rooftop jacuzzi.
• Hotel Morrison 114 – boutique vibe with a gourmet touch.
• Lancaster House Suites – large rooms; feels more like home.
• Estelar La Fontana – lush courtyards and fountains, ideal for families.
• Habitel Prime – one of the finest hotels in Bogota near airport.
• Hotel Sonesta Bogotá – attached to 127 Metro Mall; convenient for business.
• Hotel Porton Bogotá – cozy, European-style retreat.
• Hotel Dann Carlton Bogotá – elegant and well-located near Parque 93.

Where to Stay in Bogota

• La Candelaria suits history lovers; colonial lanes and walkable museums.
• Chapinero draws the creative crowd; full of cheap hotels in Bogota and boutique coffee shops.
• Zona G offers quiet charm with upscale restaurants nearby.
• Parque 93 and Zona T buzz with nightlife and luxury hotels in Bogota.
• Usaquén has Sunday markets and calm nights, ideal for families.
• Salitre/Fontibón works for business or short stays near the airport.

Small tip: most best hotels in Bogota allow early check-in only after 10 a.m. If landing at dawn, grab breakfast at Juan Valdez Café inside the airport before heading in.

Places to Stay in Bogota near Popular Attractions

• For the Gold Museum, Hotel de la Opera and BH Bicentenario are unbeatable, both within a 5-minute walk.
• Near Parque 93, pick the Click Clack or Estelar Parque 93; these two combine location with energy.
• Close to Zona T, Sofitel Bogotá Victoria Regia and Hilton Bogotá are classics.
• For Monserrate, Casa Deco works well; it’s close yet quiet at night.
• Hotels in Bogota near airport: Habitel Prime and Movich Buró 26 are efficient for one-night layovers.
• Hotels in Bogota near beach – none exist (the city’s high inland), but some hotels use “urban beach” lounges around heated pools; Grand Hyatt’s terrace comes closest.

Budget Hotels in Bogota

Cheap hotels in Bogota aren’t shabby, many are small family-run inns with spotless rooms.

• Hotel Regina Bogotá – affordable, near Plaza Bolívar.
• Hotel Classic 500 – clean and practical near Chapinero.
• Ibis Museo Bogotá – modern, predictable, well-situated.
• Hostal Sue Candelaria – friendly staff, rustic charm.
• Hotel Santa Lucia Boutique Spa – budget spa treatment? rare find.
• Hotel Augusta – 2 star hotel Bogota downtown; surprisingly quiet at night.
• Cheapest hotel in Bogota? Around 80,000 COP (USD 18–20) near Calle 19, though safety can be patchy.

Bogota Hotels by Star Rating

• Bogota 5 star hotel options: JW Marriott, Grand Hyatt, Four Seasons Casa Medina, Sofitel Victoria Regia, Hilton Bogotá.
• 4-star range: Hotel Estelar Parque 93, Sonesta Bogotá, Morrison 114, BH Bicentenario.
• 3-star and below: Hotel Regina, Casa Deco, Augusta, and several hotel apartments in Bogota with kitchenette setups.
• 2 star hotel Bogota picks often surprise travelers, they’re tidy and run by families who genuinely care if you had breakfast.

Luxury hotels in Bogota lean toward personalized touches, one even folds guest laundry with lavender-scented paper.

Best Hotels in Bogota based on Location

• For Foodies: Sofitel Victoria Regia (close to Zona G).
• For Business Travelers: JW Marriott and Sonesta Bogotá.
• For History Buffs: Hotel de la Opera in La Candelaria.
• For Party Lovers: Click Clack Hotel or Hilton near Zona Rosa.
• For Families: Estelar La Fontana or Biohotel Suites.
• For Layovers: Habitel Prime (best of hotels in Bogota near airport).

Hotels in Bogota near railway station don’t exist, but those near Terminal Salitre work well if using intercity buses.

Family-Friendly Hotels in Bogota

Families gravitate to Usaquén and Parque 93. Streets feel safer, sidewalks wider, and playgrounds plentiful.

• Estelar La Fontana – courtyard gardens, safe and quiet.
• Grand Hyatt Bogotá – pool and huge breakfast spread.
• Biohotel Suites – eco rooms with space for kids.
• Morrison 114 – calm evenings, nearby restaurants.
• Lancaster House Suites – kitchenette convenience.

Pro tip: some family rooms require explicit confirmation for extra beds, always reconfirm 48 hours before arrival; Bogotá hotels occasionally “forget” these requests during busy weekends.

Bogota Hotels Tariff

Here’s what current Bogota hotel price comparison data roughly shows (as of recent averages):

• 5-star hotels in Bogota: from 650,000–1,200,000 COP per night.
• 4-star Bogota hotels: around 350,000–600,000 COP.
• 3-star: 200,000–350,000 COP.
• Cheap hotels in Bogota: under 150,000 COP.
• Hotel apartments in Bogota (monthly rates): 2,500,000–4,500,000 COP.

A small note on taxes; foreign travelers showing passports can skip the 19% VAT; missing that at check-in can cost dearly. Always remind the receptionist politely, they’ll know what you mean.

Bogota Travel Tips

1. Book Flights Early for Better Fares: Bogotá flight tickets can vary in price, sometimes by hundreds of dollars in a week. To secure the best fares, it’s smart to book cheap flights to Bogotá at least six to eight weeks in advance, especially before holidays like Semana Santa or Christmas, when airlines raise rates steeply once 80% of seats sell out.
2. Acclimate to Altitude Gradually: At 8,660 feet, Bogotá’s air feels thin. Drink plenty of water, skip alcohol for 24 hours after landing, and take the Monserrate climb on your second day, not the first.
3. Use Taxi Apps, Not Street Hails: Locals trust apps like Taxis Libres or Cabify, as they are  safer, metered, and GPS-tracked. Street hails can still work but agree on the fare before entering if you must.
4. Carry Small COP Notes: Many corner shops and café stalls won’t break 50,000 COP bills. Keep 2,000–10,000 notes handy for buses, coffee, and snacks.
5. Expect Sudden Rain, Always: Bogotá’s weather can change mid-block. Carry a compact umbrella or light rain jacket; locals joke the city has all four seasons before noon.
6. Avoid Peak Rush Hours for Sightseeing: Between 7–9 a.m. and 5–7:30 p.m., Calle 26 and Carrera 7 turn into slow-moving rivers of cars. Plan museum visits or dinners slightly earlier or later.
7. Stay Alert in La Candelaria After Dark: It’s charming by day, colonial walls and music echoing from courtyards, but keep valuables out of sight at night and stick to lit, busier streets.
8. Plan Around Museum Hours: Most museums close Mondays. The Gold Museum (Museo del Oro) opens Tuesday–Saturday 9 a.m.–6 p.m., Sundays till 4 p.m. It’s best early morning before school groups arrive.
9. Try Local Coffee Shops Over Chains: Skip Starbucks. Bogotá’s local roasters like Devoción, Varietale, or Amor Perfecto roast beans from regional farms. Order a “tinto” (black coffee); simple, strong, and proudly Colombian.
10. Always Keep Digital and Printed Copies of Your ID: Hotels sometimes ask for a printed passport copy at check-in, especially smaller inns. It saves a lot of awkward rummaging when they insist on paper, not screens.
11. Book Hotels 40–50 Days Ahead: Rates in hotels in Bogotá rise sharply once 80% occupancy hits. Early bookings can save 15–25%, particularly for luxury hotels in Bogotá near Parque 93 or Zona T.
12. Watch Out for Weekend Room Surges: Locals often take “staycations” Friday to Sunday. If you can, travel midweek with hotel prices dip and restaurants feel more relaxed.
13. Learn a Few Phrases of Spanish: English works in hotels and large restaurants but fades quickly in street markets. Even a few words like buenos días, gracias, cuánto cuesta, open doors & smiles.
14. Eat Ajiaco and Arepas Where Locals Do: Skip glossy tourist menus. Try La Puerta Falsa or a roadside stall in Usaquén. Bogotá’s soul lives in its soups and street snacks, not just fine dining plates.
15. Keep an Eye on Sundays,They’re Different: On Sundays, major streets close for Ciclovía, when bikes replace cars. Rent one for 15,000 COP and ride through the heart of the city, it’s pure Bogotá joy, wind and all.

Travelers can apply for a Colombia visa online, the entire process, including document upload and fee payment, is digital, and approvals usually take 5–10 business days.