Where to Stay in Bogota: Safe Neighborhoods + Best Hotels

Affordable, cosmopolitan, and criminally underrated, Colombia's capital, Bogota is a city of contrasts.

With architecture that's part Spanish colonial and part 20th century British (really!), a forward-thinking food scene, and incredibly welcoming locals, this South American city is a must-visit.

I'll be honest – when I visited Bogota my expectations were low. After chatting to friends who had traveled through South America, I was met with multiple people telling me Bogota is ‘only worth a few days', a dull city only worth visiting as a way to get to Colombia's more loved destinations – Medellin, Cali, and Cartagena. What I found completely knocked my expectations on their head, for all the right reasons.

Similarly, I actually approached staying in Lima, Peru, with caution, but the city surprised me with its culture, the rich historic center, and the food, oh the Peruvian food you'll find in the capital is incredible – but that's another article in itself!

As well as being cosmopolitan and forward-looking, I found Bogota distinctly Colombian. While Medellin and Cartagena are more ‘Gringofied' (although I love both of those cities, too), Bogota retains an unmistakable authentic atmosphere.

While the amenities are tourist-friendly, there's no mistaking that this is Colombia. The locals are endlessly welcoming too, always on hand to answer any query or recommend their favorite part of their city they so clearly cherish.

Like any city in Colombia, some parts are safer than others, so choosing the right neighborhood to stay in is a must. I've put together a comprehensive guide to where to stay in Bogota as well as the best accommodation in each area, from luxury hotels to affordable hostels. It's a huge city, so choose your neighborhood well.

The Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Bogota

La Candaleria – Bogota's historic center, La Candaleria is within walking distance of all the main sights, from Plaza de Bolivar to the gold museum. Alongside its central location, the neighborhood boasts plenty of places to eat and drink as well as colorful colonial architecture.

Chapinero – This hipster district is full of surprises including English-style architecture, hidden hangouts, and some of the capital's best food. You're close to the action here, while still being able to live like a local.

Zona Rosa – Zona Rosa is Bogota's entertainment and shopping district, with enough shops to enjoy retail therapy during the day and enough bars and clubs to keep you dancing the night away.

Usaquen – This upmarket neighborhood is a foodie haven and much quieter than Bogota's central districts – perfect for those days when you just want to escape the hustle and bustle.

Teusaquillo – Full of green spaces, this laid-back authentic Bogota neighborhood will have you living like a local in no time. It's perfect for active types, with a dedicated spot to practice almost every sport imaginable.

El Chicó – With enough hip brunch spots to take your laptop to every day, El Chicó is an upmarket area that's ideal for business travelers and digital nomads, home to some of Bogota's best hotels.

1. Where to Stay in Bogota for First-Time Visitors: La Candelaria

La Candelaria is Bogota's historic heart. Home to the city's prettiest architecture (in my humble opinion), this area is where Bogota truly comes alive.

It's the best spot for first-time visitors and tourists thanks to the availability of accommodation, proximity to sights, and lively atmosphere. It's the unofficial city center. Having said that, La Candelaria can be a little shifty at night, so use Uber and taxis when the sun goes down.

Here, you'll find colorful buildings, colonial architecture, and a never-ending list of places to eat and drink. It's also home to many of Bogota's most famous sights, including Museo Botero and Plaza de Bolivar, as well as the most hostels per square foot in all of Bogota (although you'll find fancier hotels here, too).

If peace and quiet are what you're seeking, the bustling La Candelaria isn't for you, with its crowds of tourists and groups of locals enjoying post-work drinks. But if you want to be in the heart of it all, head to this vibrant district.

Best Things to Do in La Candelaria

La Candelaria is the hotspot of most of Bogota's sights, so whether you choose to stay here or not, you'll definitely end up visiting.

Bogota's central square, Plaza de Bolivar, can be found here – while it is majestic it's not the best spot for eating and drinking, so it's definitely more of a place to stroll through than to spend some hours in.

Here you'll also find the Gold Museum and the Botero Museum, with the latter hosting many works by Fernando Botero, one of Latin America's most famous artists. And one of my favorite churches in South America is located close by.

Santuario Nuestra Señora del Carmen is an impressive example of Gothic architecture right in the center of Bogota.

There are plenty of walking tours you can sign up for in this area, too. They're the perfect way to explore the city when you're short on time.

When you're tired after a day of sightseeing, recuperate with a tipple from El Irish pub in La Candelaria. It's got a great selection of craft beers and a fabulous beer garden to relax in.

Best Area to Stay For:

• First-time visitors to Bogota

• Colonial architecture

• Sightseeing

• Hostels and budget stays

Best Hotels to Stay in La Candelaria

($$$) Hotel de la Opera

($$) Hotel Casa Deco

($) The Cranky Croc

2. Where to Stay in Bogota for Hipster Vibes and Foodies: Chapinero

Chapinero is a great neighborhood to stay in for so many reasons. The location is great – sure it's not as close to the sights as La Candelaria, but it's between various neighborhoods, making it easy to get a cheap Uber between the ones you want to see.

It's full of cool places to eat and drink. It's a hipster stronghold, with plenty of vegan cafes, vintage shops, and laid-back hangout spots. It's authentic, too, with a good mix of locals and tourists.

Chapinero is for those who want to be close enough to the action without some of the downsides that come with staying in more touristic areas like La Candelaria. Think of it as the equivalent to New York's Williamsburg, or Madrid's Malasaña. You'll find a luxury hotel or two, as well as hip boutique hotels and even laid-back hostels.

One of the most surprising and unusual things about Chapinero is how much the architecture of the homes and buildings resembles the UK! I'm from England, and, honestly, walking around the streets, some parts of it looked exactly like home! It's very different from the rest of Colombia's architecture, and a quirky addition to the South American capital.

Chapinero is safe for the most part but you should keep your wits about you anyway – avoid being flashy with belongings and don't walk around alone at night.

Best Things to Do in Chapinero

Chapinero is a really stylish district, so one of my favorite things to do here is actually just to stroll around, soaking up the quirky English architecture and stopping off at friendly local pubs on the way.

Chapinero is right next to Bogota's nightlife hub, Zona Rosa, so when you're in the market for a cocktail after a busy day of sightseeing, head just a neighborhood along. Chapinero has its own nightlife offering, too, including a whopping 13-room gay nightclub called Theatron.

The Parque Nacional is the perfect spot for a morning job or lunchtime stroll, and the Biblioteca Nacional gives the chance to explore Colombia's literary and intellectual history.

Chapinero also enjoys a prime location next to Bogota's leafy outskirts, so if you want to escape into nature, it shouldn't be too difficult from here.

Best Area to Stay For:

• Hipster hangouts

• Eating and drinking

• English-style architecture

Best Hotels to Stay in Chapinero

($$$) Radisson Bogota

($$) Hotel Coco

($) Hostel Estelar Suites Jones

3. Where to Stay in Bogota for Nightlife: Zona Rosa

Colombia is known for its excellent nightlife, but Medellin isn't where the only magic happens. Bogota's nightlife center is Zona Rosa (also known as Zona T), which by day is an upmarket shopping district and by night transforms into the capital's heart of entertainment.

On those nights when you plan to salsa until the early hours of the morning, Zona Rosa is where you should be. There's only one rule here – dance like nobody's watching. If you want to split your Bogota accommodation into different places for longer-term trips, Zona Rosa should be where you station yourself on the weekend.

There's a pedestrianized section of the neighborhood with bar-lined streets, full of eateries and drinking holes ranging from hip dive bars to upmarket cocktail joints. You'll also find the shopping mall, Andino, a popular spot for some retail therapy when you get tired of sightseeing.

Best Things to Do in Zona Rosa

Zona Rosa (also known as Zona T) is best known for two things – shopping and nightlife. You'll want to grab your shopping bags and put on your dancing shoes if you're staying in or visiting this neighborhood.

Asian fusion restaurant Osaka is a local favorite, so be sure to grab a table here when you want a change from Colombian food. Likewise, Storia D'Amore is the ideal spot for an Italian dinner, and believe it or not the food here is genuinely authentic, even if you're miles from Italy.

Both El Retiro and Andino shopping centers are destinations for a spot of retail therapy, while the mix of upmarket stores and affordable high-street brands on the streets of Zona Rosa makes for the perfect day to spend scouring the shops for your next outfit.

Best Area to Stay For:

• Nightlife

• Shopping

• Upmarket bars

Best Hotels to Stay in Zona Rosa

($$$) Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia

($$) Hotel Morrison 84

($) GHL Hotel Hamilton

4. Where to Stay in Bogota for Families and Couples: Usaquén

Trendy Usaquen is the perfect spot for foodies, families, and couples. Quieter than the city center while still being tourist-friendly, this leafy upmarket neighborhood centers around a park of the same name.

Thanks to its reputation as one of Bogota's most affluent neighborhoods, it's also safer than the likes of La Candelaria, making it perfect for families with young children or retiree travelers.

If you're looking to set up camp and explore the beautiful nature surrounding Bogota (just like Medellin, it's a super green city), Usaquén is the place to be. Situated in the northern part of Bogota, you don't have to travel far until you find yourself in the semi-countryside, escaping the fumes and busy spaces of the city.

As well as modern brunch spots and businesses, you'll find plenty of colonial architecture here, giving La Candelaria a run for its money in terms of architectural brilliance. There's a weekly flea market here, too, where those who are willing to wander around stalls for a few hours are rewarded with charming treasures at bargain prices.

For retail therapy that's a little more upmarket, head to the Hacienda Santa Barbara Shopping Mall, instead.

Best Things To Do in La Usaquén

Usaquén is a beautiful leafy neighborhood with plenty of friendly small businesses, so you can't go wrong with wandering around and stopping for one of those famous Colombian coffees in the first place that catches your eye.

The town square that sits beside the incredible Iglesia de Santa Bárbara is the perfect spot for people-watching, so head there on a lazy Saturday.

Usaquén is known for its legendary Sunday flea market where you can pick up hidden treasures for affordable prices. Head there at the weekend and sharpen up your Spanish so you can barter with the friendly locals.

For a healthy brunch to help you recover from all the exploring and shopping, you won't find anywhere better than Abasto.

Best Area to Stay For:

• Luxury travelers

• Upmarket foodie scene

• Vintage and thrift shopping

• Traveling to Bogota's surrounding areas

• Families with children

• Couples and romantic getaways

Best Hotels to Stay in Usaquén

($$$) NH Collection Bogota

($$) Biohotel Organic Suites

($) Hotel Casona Usaquen

5. Where to Stay in Bogota for Green Spaces: Teusaquillo

Home to the city's most beloved space and the best place to take a walk when you're done sightseeing, Teusaquillo boasts both the Simon Bolivar Park and the Bogotá Botanical Garden.

This haven for sports lovers is also home to the city's football stadium as well as the Olympic Water Complex. Put simply, it's the best spot for those who love the great outdoors, with stunning venues for active types of all sports.

Parque de los Novios with its duck pond is perfect for little ones, and this whole neighborhood is pretty family-friendly. It doesn't quite have the trendy bars of Chapinero or Usaquén, but you definitely won't be short of things to do when you stay here.

Teusaquillo also boasts the benefit of being authentic – unlike La Candelaria which is the closest Bogota comes to being ‘Gringofied', Teusquillo is authentically Colombian and makes no apologies for being so.

It's quiet, while not being dull, and its upmarket status means it's one of the safest neighborhoods in Bogota. Plus, thanks to its handy location, you can easily navigate the city's biggest sights and other popular neighborhoods.

Best Things to Do in Teusaquillo

Teusaquillo is all about outdoor activities. Whether you're typically active or not, you'll be inspired to enjoy the green outdoors by the beauty of the green, leafy places you find here. Visit Parque de Los Novios with the whole family and you'll find the perfect spot for a Sunday stroll or head to the Simon Bolívar Park, named after Colombia's hero who freed the country from the rule of the Spanish.

The Bogotá Botanical Garden is situated here, too – providing the perfect backdrop to explore nature (Colombia is famous for its diverse natural world) and get your steps in at the same time. Ideal!

Teusaquillo is one of the best places to grab Colombian street food. Most of the parks are lined with street food trucks serving tasty authentic street food. One of my favorites are arepas – they're a must-try in Colombia and you'll find them filled with all sorts of good stuff.

Best Area to Stay For:

• Green spaces and parks

• Outdoorsy types and sports

• Families

Best Hotels to Stay in Teusaquillo

($$$) Grand Hyatt Bogota

($$) NH Bogota Urban 26 Royal

($) De Película Apartasuites

6. Where to Stay in Bogota for Business Travelers and Luxury Accommodation: El Chicó

Located just above Chapinero, this upmarket business center is perfect for travelers who like the finer things in life.

Home to some of Bogota's most iconic hotels, this neighborhood is Bogota at its most luxurious, providing the perfect base for affluent travelers and digital nomads to explore the Colombian capital. You'll also see El Chicó called Parque 93 – a reference to the beautiful green space at its center.

There are plenty of modern office blocks, skyscraper buildings, and attractive penthouse apartments, as well as plenty of co-working spaces and friendly cafes where you can park with your laptop.

The business vibe is cemented around 1 pm, when you'll spot hardworking locals heading en masse from their swanky offices to nearby eateries for lunch. This exclusive neighborhood provides the perfect spot to do business by day with a proximity that allows you to enjoy the charming bars of Chapinero by night.

But El Chicó isn't all work and no play. There's actually a museum here – Museo del Chicó – which exhibits ceramics and textiles like those you'd find in a colonial hacienda, as well as Parque de la 93, a green space perfect for a relaxing lunch break walk.

It's not the most affordable neighborhood in Bogota, although it's still Bogota, not New York, so you'll find eateries, bars, and hotels for budget-friendly prices as well as pricier ones. El Chicó is touristic, but not overwhelmingly so, and it attracts a more mature crowd and fewer young groups of backpackers.

Best Things to Do in El Chicó

One of the highlights of this popular neighborhood is Museo del Chicó, well worth visiting for fans of textiles, ceramics, and artwork. You'll also find Parque 93, the ideal hangout spot for a day relaxing in a green space. It's one of Bogota's best parks – and that's saying something given just how many the Colombian capital has to offer!

Bookworms should pick up a book in the neighborhood's Liberia Lerner, a bookshop that's had its place in the city since 1958. If you're in the market for a pastry or a loaf of artisan bread for your avocado toast, head to Hornitos Chicó, a beloved local bakery.

For digital nomads or business travelers, you'll find co-working spaces, including a WeWork.

Best Area to Stay For:

• Business travelers

• Co-working spaces

• Digital nomads

• Casual strolls

Best Hotels to Stay in El Chicó

($$$) Salvio Parque 93

($$) Hotel 93 Luxury Suites

($$) DoubleTree by Hilton Parque 93

Where to Stay in Bogota – Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is Bogota a safe city to visit?

Statistically, you're more likely to be a victim of a crime in Colombia than most of the US and Europe, and Bogota is no exception. This doesn't mean it's not safe for you to visit, just that you'll have to take extra precautions during your vacation. A lot of crime is opportunistic in Bogota, so reduce the opportunities criminals have and you'll stand a much better chance of your vacation going off without a hitch.

Avoid unsafe neighborhoods, don't wear flashy jewelry or brands, and try to avoid walking around with your phone in your hand. If you need to use GPS maps to get around, check the route before you leave, memorize it, then put your phone away, taking it out only to check you're walking the right way. When it comes to taking Instagram snaps, wait until a moment with few people around or have a friend watch your back while you take your snap. Take Uber at night instead of walking, too – they're super cheap here. I followed all these rules when I visited and didn't have a problem.

📅 How many days do I need in Bogota?

There's not a ton to do in Bogota, so you won't need more than a week to see everything. Having said that, if you just give yourself a weekend, you'll be left wanting more. In my opinion, the sweet spot is to stay in Bogota somewhere between 4 and 7 days. Don't believe anybody who says it's just a place to pass through!

If you have the time, Medellin and Cartagena are both well worth a visit, and just a short flight away from Bogota. I'd recommend around 5 days in Medellin and 3 in Cartagena.

✔️ Is Bogota a tourist-friendly city?

While Bogota certainly isn't the most touristic city in Colombia (it's safe to say Cartagena takes that crown on that front), it's very tourist-friendly. Many bar and restaurant workers will speak at least a little English (hostel and hotel staff definitely do) and the locals are so warm and welcoming you'll find a way to communicate anyway!

That being said, it's worth picking up a few words in Spanish to help you communicate. Just a couple of sentences go a long way. Remember, if you've learned European Spanish, some of the vocabulary and pronunciations will be different.

🚶 Is Bogota a walkable city?

Bogota is huge – much bigger than people realize – so it's not exactly easy to walk from neighborhood to neighborhood. The public transport isn't great either, but luckily Ubers are cheap enough to make it easy to get around safely. The other good news is that once you get to a neighborhood, it tends to be easy to walk around it. There are sidewalks almost everywhere and plenty of pedestrian crossings.

⭐ What's the number one tourist sight in Bogota?

There's no one key tourist sight in Bogota – there are a few well worth your time. Plaza de Bolivar, named after Simon Bolivar (who freed Colombia from the reign of the Spanish), is the city's central square and has some impressive architecture and historic buildings.

The Museo del Oro explores the history of gold in Colombia, while the Museo Botero holds some of the most famous works of art of the esteemed Colombian painter and sculptor, Fernando Botero. If you're not afraid of heights (like I sadly am), you can get a bird's eye view of Bogota from Cerro de Monserrate, where you can take a cable car over the city. The best way to see as many of the tourist sights as possible is to sign up for a walking tour – some hostels offer them or you can sign up via a trusted website online.

And, of course, to get to know the real Bogota, you don't need a plan at all. Simply stroll around the capital's most popular neighborhood to get a feel for how this city works. Plus, you'll get to experience the city's incredible street art firsthand.

Where to Stay in Bogota – Final Words

With impressive art galleries, a world-class food scene, and prices that go easy on your wallet, visiting Bogota for a few days is a no-brainer. To give yourself the best chance of enjoying this incredible city, make sure you stay in the best neighborhood for your needs.

Anyone visiting for the first time will love La Candelaria or Chapinero, while luxury travelers will find themselves at home in Usaquén or El Chicó.

If you love green spaces, Teusaquillo is for you, while Zona Rosa provides endless entertainment for night owls. Wherever you stay in this incredible city, remember to make the most of the food scene, exciting nightlife, and chat with the friendly locals.