There are many factors that come into play when considering where to stay in Bogota. Are you a traveler looking for third-wave cafés and lively nightlife, or more colonial history and cobblestone streets?
Thankfully, the bustling Colombian capital offers something for everyone, with considerations for every budget and travel style.
Before you can take in everything that the city has to offer though, it’s essential to find yourself a place where you can stay in Bogota both comfortably and safely. To get the most out of your stay, check out some of the best neighborhoods to stay in Bogota and what makes them special.
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Table of Contents
Overview of Where to Stay in Bogota
Bogota is the vibrant capital city of Colombia, located in the heart of South America. Known for its diversity and cultural vibrancy, Bogota is an amazing destination for those looking to experience a unique culture and explore different aspects of life.
The city is divided into 20 localities, or districts, each with its own distinctive style and charm. From the colonial architecture of La Candelaria to the modern skyscrapers in Usaquén, Bogota has something for everyone.
Safety is an important factor to consider when traveling to any city, and Bogota is no exception. While the city is generally safe for tourists, it’s still important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions.
I would recommend staying in one of the more centrally located neighborhoods that are considered safe for tourists and also not to wander around alone at night.
If you’re in a hurry, here’s a quick overview of the best neighborhoods to stay in Bogota.
| Area | Recommended Hotel |
|---|---|
| La Candelaria (sightseeing, colonial architecture, museums, art galleries, street Art) | Hotel Muisca |
| Zona Rosa/Zona T (nightlife, centrality, budget travelers) | Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia |
| Chicó y el Parque 93 (green spaces, parks, nightlife, luxury stays) | Salvio Parque 93 |
| Zona G (restaurants, entertainment options, nightlife) | Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina Bogota |
| Usaquen (colonial architecture, boho-village vibes, escaping the crowds) | NH Collection Bogotá Royal Telepor |
Map of the Best Places to Stay in Bogota
Below you can find a customized map that includes the best areas to stay in Bogota, including our recommended hotels for each area for every budget.
How to use this map: This map is fully interactive, so you can move around, zoom in/zoom out, and click on the icons. If you want to see a larger map, click on the bracket in the upper right corner. To see more details and the different layers, click on the tab in the upper left corner. If you want to save it for later, click on the star icon next to the name of the map. Then simply open Google Maps either on your desktop or phone, go to ‘Saved’/’Maps’, and open the map whenever you need it.
Where to Stay in Bogota: Best Areas & Hotels
1. La Candelaria – Best place to stay in Bogota for sightseeing and history
La Candelaria is a vibrant neighborhood in the heart of Bogota and is the most popular option among tourists when considering where to stay in Bogota. It’s known for its colorful colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, and numerous historic sites.
The area is filled with restaurants, bars, cafés, shops, and galleries that attract both locals and tourists alike. Plaza de Bolivar stands at the center of La Candelaria as a hub of activity during the day and well into the night.
The main things to do in La Candelaria include dining out, exploring the local art scene, browsing through antique stores, people-watching from one of the many cafés or terraces, or grabbing a beer in one of la Candelaria’s lively bars.
Anthony Bourdain fans will be remiss to skip out on La Puerta Falsa, a café the esteemed traveling chef once described as “a thing of beauty”.
La Candelaria is a great option for where to stay in Bogota for those hoping to experience the vibrant culture the city is known for, as well as its convenient location close to other tourist attractions like Monserrate Hill or the Gold Museum.
It’s also easy to find accommodation in La Candelaria ranging from budget-friendly apartments to upscale hotels, as this is where most tourists stay.
On the downside, La Candelaria can be quite noisy at night, and considering the high density of tourist attractions in the area, it subsequently has greater concentrations of crowds than other neighborhoods.
Also, it’s not a really safe place to wander at night, so take caution. If you absolutely have to go out after dark, make sure to stick to the major streets and crowded areas.
You also won’t find many green spaces in the area, so it may not be ideal for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Pros and cons of staying in La Candelaria
PROS
- Close proximity to most of Bogota’s major tourist attractions
- Very well-connected to other areas of the city
- While there are plenty of things to see and do in La Candelaria, it still maintains its authentic charm
CONS
- This is the neighborhood where most tourists stay so you can expect larger crowds
- The area is not safe at night
- Fewer green spaces mean you’ll have to venture out a bit if that’s a factor for you
Best places to stay in La Candelaria
- Luxury: Hotel De La Opera
- Mid-range: Hotel Muisca
- Budget: Selina La Candelaria Bogotá
2. Zona Rosa/Zona T – Best area to stay in Bogota for nightlife
Zona Rosa, or Zona T as it is often referred to, is a vibrant part of Bogota’s larger Chapinero neighborhood. It’s one of the best Bogota neighborhoods for both tourists and locals alike, as there are so many things to do in the area.
Similar to other Latin American countries, Zona Rosa is the standard name for the nightlife district in the city. It’s often referred to as Zona T, for the ‘T’ shaped area in the center of the neighborhood.
It should come as no surprise, then, that the main attraction of Zona Rosa is its variety of restaurants, bars, and clubs. Whether you’re looking for traditional Colombian food or international cuisine, the dining options here won’t disappoint.
There are also pubs, cafés, and lively nightclubs that offer something for everyone – from reggaeton to classic salsa music.
The area is very accessible, but it’s still a bit further afield from most of the major tourist attractions in the city. This could be a good thing, depending on how much of an authentic feel you’re hoping to experience.
When considering where to stay in Bogota, a major drawback of Zona Rosa/Zona T is that it can be quite noisy – but if you don’t mind a bit of hustle and bustle or late-night noise, it’s ideal for the quintessential party-goer.
All in all, it’s the perfect place for visitors who want an authentic experience of Bogota nightlife!
Pros and cons of staying in Zona Rosa/Zona T
PROS
- The perfect place for nightlife and partying
- Great restaurants and cafes
- Many shopping opportunities
- The area is super central and it’s easy to reach other areas of the city
CONS
- A bit further from the historical center
- Epic nightlife comes along with a lot of unwanted noise so if you’re looking for a quiet area, this is not for you
Best places to stay in Zona Rosa/Zona T
- Luxury: Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia
- Mid-range: NH Bogota Boheme Royal
- Budget: Hotel Saint Simon
3. Chicó y el Parque 93 – Best place to stay in Bogota for luxury
Another of the best areas to stay in Bogota is Chicó y el Parque 93. A vibrant and bustling neighborhood of relative affluence, this area has a little something for everyone, from nightlife and dining to entertainment venues, parks, and cultural attractions.
The main attraction of the Chicó y el Parque 93 is its namesake park, Parque de la 93. This sprawling green space covers nearly 10 hectares (24.7 acres) and contains gardens, ponds, playgrounds, sports courts, an amphitheater for concerts, picnic areas, and more.
It’s a great place to relax or take part in some outdoor activities like jogging or cycling. There are also plenty of restaurants nearby offering up delicious Colombian cuisine.
This neighborhood has a wide range of entertainment options, such as movie theaters, cafés, and bars. You’ll find the nightlife vibes of Chicó y el Parque 93 slightly less rugged and raw when compared with La Zona Rosa – it all depends on what you’re looking for.
Thankfully, these two localities are within walking distance of each other. So, if you stay in one, you can hop over to the other to get a more all-encompassing experience of the city.
A major pro of staying in this area is that it’s extremely safe, given its affluence and strong police presence. However, the high cost of living could be considered a con for budget travelers. In fact, there are few to no hostels in the area, and accommodation prices can be quite high.
Overall though, the Chicó y el Parque 93 neighborhood is an exciting and convenient place to stay if you’re visiting Bogota. It offers plenty of things to do and see within easy reach without sacrificing safety or comfort.
Pros and cons of staying in Chicó y el Parque 93
PROS
- Perfect for travelers looking for a peaceful and relaxing stay with minimal city noise
- This is among the safest neighborhoods in Bogota
CONS
- Accommodation comes with a higher price tag and may not be suitable for budget travelers
Best places to stay in Chicó y el Parque 93
- Luxury: Salvio Parque 93
- Mid-range: GHL Collection 93
- Budget: Selina Parque 93 Bogota
4. Zona G – Best area to stay in Bogota for foodies
When it comes to where to stay in Bogota, Zona G is an excellent option. This vibrant and trendy neighborhood, located in the heart of the city, is home to some of Colombia’s best restaurants, lively bars, and chic boutiques.
In fact, the ‘G’ in its name stands for ‘gourmet’, a clear indication of the quality of food you’ll find here. For a splurge (by Colombian standards) in upscale dining, you’ve got to try Restaurante Armadillo. Their lamb empanadas or octopus are to die for!
The area also offers plenty of culture with its many theaters, galleries, and museums.
Another of the main attractions in Zona G is its nightlife. The area is filled with clubs, discos, pubs, and lounges that stay open late into the night. There are also numerous live music venues featuring both local and international acts.
For those looking for a more laid-back evening, there are plenty of restaurants and bars where you can grab a refreshing drink or bite to eat while enjoying the ambiance.
The pros of staying in Zona G include its vibrant atmosphere, a wide selection of food and entertainment options, as well as great connections to other parts of Bogota.
However, keep in mind that the area can be noisy at night due to its lively nightlife, which might not be ideal for those looking for a peaceful stay.
Overall, Zona G is an excellent choice for where to stay in Bogota thanks to its diverse range of activities and close proximity to other attractions in the city. It’s the perfect place for anyone looking for a vibrant atmosphere with plenty of entertainment options.
Pros and cons of staying in Zona G
PROS
- Home to some of the best restaurants in the city, making it an ideal neighborhood to stay in Bogota for foodies
- There are also plenty of entertainment options here, particularly nightlife
CONS
- Similar to Zona Rosa, late-night noise is the biggest drawback to staying in Zona G
Best places to stay in Zona G
- Luxury: Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina Bogota
- Mid-range: Hotel Rosales Plaza
- Budget: Mika Suites
5. Usaquen – Best neighborhood to stay in Bogota for local vibes
Usaquen is a charming, hip neighborhood in Bogota. Located to the north of downtown, it’s known for its lively atmosphere and variety of attractions.
This area has been transformed in recent years into a trendy spot where locals come to dine out and take part in leisure activities.
If you’re looking for where to stay in Bogota with a balance of relaxation, delicious food, and fewer crowds than downtown, Usaquen could be the perfect fit!
The main attraction of Usaquen is its quaint, colonial-like ambiance. Almost like stepping into a time capsule, Usaquen is similar in aesthetics to La Candelaria.
However, it’s much further afield than the aforementioned and has far fewer tourists. This can be a good or a bad thing, depending on your particular travel style, whether you are traveling alone or with a group, and whether or not you like to socialize a lot on your travels!
Usaquen boasts a wide range of boutique shops where you can pick up souvenirs and other items. A must-visit stopover is Mercado de las Pulgas, the Sunday flea market, where you can find a multitude of handcrafted items and other local wares.
Usaquen is one of the best areas to stay in Bogota for its quaint, boho-village atmosphere, fewer tourists (and crowds), and the Sunday morning flea market.
It’s also home to some great, under-the-radar restaurants where you can get delicious local dishes at an affordable price. Be sure to try the Agiaco Santafereño at Tienda de Café.
The main drawback of staying in Usaquen is its far proximity to downtown Bogota and other neighborhoods you may wish to explore. It takes around an hour to get from Usaquen to La Candelaria by public transportation (or vice versa).
Pros and cons of staying in Usaquen
PROS
- Fewer tourists mean fewer crowds to compete with for accommodation or tables at restaurants
- Mercado de las Pulgas is among the best places in the city to do your souvenir shopping
CONS
- Longer commute to other areas of the city – if you are short on time, you might consider staying somewhere more centrally located
Best places to stay in Usaquen
- Luxury: NH Collection Bogotá Royal Telepor
- Mid-range: Hotel bh Usaquén
- Budget: Hotel Casona Usaquen
Planning a trip to Colombia?
Then you might want to take a look at all our other travel guides about Colombia. I promise, they are just as awesome as this article was!
- The Ultimate 2 Weeks in Colombia Itinerary
- 3 Days in Cartagena: The Perfect Cartagena Itinerary for First-Timers
- 18 Best Things to Do in Cartagena You Can’t Miss
- Where to Stay in Cartagena: 6 Best Areas & Hotels
- How to Spend 3 Days in Bogota: The Ultimate Bogota Itinerary
- Where to Stay in Bogota: 5 Best Areas & Hotels
- 10 Unmissable Things to Do in Salento, Colombia (+ Tips for Visiting)
- 3 Days in Medellin: The Perfect Medellin Itinerary for First Timers
- Top 20 Things to Do in Medellin You Absolutely Can’t Miss
- 13 Best Things to Do in Guatape, Colombia
- Luxury Glamping in Guatape: Bosko Hotel Review
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