Where To Stay in Bogota For The First Time

The choice of accommodation and area can often make or break your trip. And the decision can be hard to make, especially if you are traveling for the first time. In this post, I’ll not only tell you what the best areas to stay in Bogota, but also give you my personal recommendations for accommodation and tips on what to do and how to stay safe!

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During my extended trip through Colombia, I stayed in Bogota twice. Both times couldn’t have been more different.

Bogota was my first stop when I landed in Colombia and at the time I was a little nervous. Ok, maybe a little more than a little.

The combination of the political situation in Colombia at the time and my loved ones opinions about my choice of destination made me very cautious when I first arrived in the city. All the decisions I made in terms of the places I visited, the times and transportation I used, as well as accommodation I booked were dictated by this caution.

Yet, when I returned four months later (after exploring this beautiful country), it was a completely different experience. By this time I was utterly in love with Colombia and given my slightly extended time spent there, I felt a little bit, hmmm, at home.

I understand that it can be overwhelming to arrive in a foreign city in a country with a controversial reputation. The choices made there can make or break your experience. It’s important to choose wisely where to stay and how to explore the city, so I have decided to write this post in the hope that it will help you. Choose well and you will have a blast.

Please note: I stayed in Bogota for a total of nearly 3 weeks and I kept moving from district to district in order to actually stay there and experience it. All the below are my personal experiences and opinions.

Best areas to stay in Bogota for the first time

So what is the best area to stay in Bogota for the first time?

There is not one best area to stay in Bogota. There are 4 that you should consider, but which one you choose will depend on your personal preferences.

But what are the safest areas in Bogota?

As a rule of thumb, – the further north you go in Bogota, the safer it is. This is because the northern districts are more affluent and more wealthy Bogotanos choose to live there. There is more police presence on the streets and more people out and about in the evenings. Therefore, the northern districts such as Chapinero or Usaquin are generally the safest areas in Bogota.

As a rule of thumb – the more north you go in Bogota the safer it is. This is because the northern districts are more affluent and more wealthy Bogotanos choose to live there. There will be more police presence on the streets and more people out and about even during evening hours. Therefore northern districts like Chapinero or Usaquin are generally the safest areas in Bogota. 

So let’s discuss the 4 best areas to stay in Bogota for first-time travellers, or any travellers in fact.

La Candelaria

In theory, La Candelaria, often considered one of the most dangerous areas in Bogota, shouldn’t even be on this list. Oddly enough, though, it’s also one of the most popular areas to stay in Bogota for backpackers.

But maybe that’s not so strange, because La Candelaria is beautiful, historic, and packed with stunning architecture and is home to some of the best hostels in all of Colombia.

La Candelaria is a beautiful historic district. It is where the city was founded by the Spanish Conquistadors in 1538. In this area, you will find stunning colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, awesome street art, and some of the best museums in Bogota.

La Candelaria is also one of the most affordable areas to stay in Bogota. But it doesn’t skimp on beauty and packs a punch when it comes to things to do, history, and culture.

No wonder travelers want to stay in La Candelaria, even if its reputation is not the best.

If you are a solo traveler and want to stay in a social hostel, hoping to meet some travel companions, you should stay in one of the hostels in La Candelaria.

Is La Candelaria Bogota safe?

It is if you stay mindful.

There are stories, and you can read them on the internet. Robberies do happen in the area, but mostly to those who are not careful.

I am not saying it to scare you. But there is no point in sugarcoating. I was aware of the risks, therefore I followed Colombia solo travel safety rules hence, my stay was enjoyable and I had a great time.

My advice is to stay vigilant and avoid unnecessary displays of wealth. No dar papaya, my friend!

“No dar papaya” literally translates as “don’t give papaya,” and is a phrase widely used throughout Colombia, particularly in cities like Medellín and Bogotá. It essentially means don’t make yourself vulnerable to being taken advantage of. Hold your belongings close in crowded areas, be aware of your surroundings, and avoid flaunting valuable items in public.

When considering accommodation in La Candelaria, choose to stay in the historic center. This is where the best hotels and hostels are located and where it is safest. If you want to venture outside the historic center and are in doubt, ask at the front desk of your hostel. I have done this every time I have arrived in a new city in Colombia or any other Latin American country.

La Candelaria isn’t the area where I recommend wandering after dark. Especially alone. This is why a hostel is a great accommodation choice. You will be able to meet other travelers and find sightseeing companions.

Putting all safety measures aside, La Candelaria is a wonderful neighborhood. It is like no other area in Bogota – vibrant, colorful, packed full of great things to do and places to see.

I loved my stay in La Candelaria and this area is a great base for exploring the city. I highly recommend joining a bike or walking tour.

Things to do and places to see in La Candelaria:

• Plaza Bolivar
• Museo Botero
• Museo de Oro
• Journalists’ Park Gabriel García Márquez
• La Monserrate Hill – must climb for the best views (you can also take a cable car)
• Plazoleta Chorro de Quevedo
• Calle del Embudo – a street you cannot miss

Where to stay in La Candelaria Bogota:

Best (most legendary) hostels:

The Cranky Croc – backpacker’s favorite. For real! The best vibe, great tours, and very social. A heart of Bogota hostel scene. 

Viajero Bogota – Viajero hardly ever disappoints but the one in Bogota comes very highly recommended! And this one even has a spa!

Masaya Bogota – Another legend among the best hostels and the one in La Candelaria lives up to its standard. 

Granada Hostel – this one came very highly recommended to me by many travelers. The staff is super friendly, dorm beds are very comfy and they even have a separate massive hammock room!

Botanico – One that came to my attention only recently and I am gutted I didn’t have a chance to check it out. It has a great atmosphere without being a full-blown party hostel, a lovely sunny rooftop area and a good bar on the downstairs patio. Sounds super cool!

Dont like hostels and prefer to stay in a private room? No problem!

Check out this gorgeous Candelaria House Boutique offering 4-star accommodation and a garden! The vice of it definitely fits the surrounding area!

Prefer something a bit more colonial yet affordable? Hotel Casa de la Vega offers really nice rooms for a price that won’t break the bank.

Pati’s Travel Tips – One of my favorite ways to discover a town on a budget is by joining a free walking tour whenever I first arrive. You can learn the history of the town, discover places that maybe you wouldn’t be able to find on your own, and often meet other travelers in the process. If you have any burning questions about the location or safety – you can ask those questions to the tour guide. I highly recommend it! Click here to book your Bogota walking tour!

Chapinero and Teusaquillo

I put Chapinero and Teusaquillo together because they’re right next to each other and have a very similar feel. Both are equally safe and both are some of the best areas to stay in Bogota. Especially for first-timers.

Both Chapinero and Teusaquillo are among my favorite neighborhoods in Bogota. When I came back from my trip around the Coffe Region, walking the streets of Chapinero felt a bit like being back in Santa Marta, only with different weather, but the vibe was the same, at least for me. The street vendors selling avocados, sim cards, and other ‘necessities’, the street food and menu del dia places, and ever-present music.

Oh, I miss you, Colombia!

This area has many faces. As it is a widespread district you will feel the difference between the south and north. 

There are quiet residential streets like the one where my hostel was located, busy streets with shops and street vendors, parks, and in the very north – Zona G, where some of Bogota’s best restaurants are located. If I were to choose to live in Bogota, this is where I’d most like to be.

I didn’t stay in Teusaquillo but I took many walks there. In Teusaquillo you will also find the best green space in Bogota – Parque Metropolitano Simón Bolívar. Beautiful to walk around and seek some shade on a sunny day. My hostel was located in Chapinero and I could walk up and down both districts with no issues. I really liked the vibe of this area.

Both Chapinero and Teusaquillo are also pretty affordable and some really good hostels and boujee hotels are located here.

Things to do and places to see in Chapinero and Teusaquillo:

• Parque de los Hippies
• Parque Metropolitano Simón Bolívar
• Maloka Museo Interactivo and planetarium
• Dance salsa in Sandunguera
• Hike Quebrada La Vieja

Where to stay in Chapinero and Teusaquillo:

I highly recommend Republica Hostel in Chapinero mostly for its unbeatable location. I walked to Zona G and Parque Tuesaquillo from there and never had to use Uber. It’s also located in a very quiet and safe area. There is no kitchen and the hostel is pretty small but the beds are uber comfortable and the staff is super friendly.

Another highly recommended hostel is Hostal Macondo Bogota. It’s in a great safe location, close to restaurants and has funky colourful deco with comfy and well-equipped dorm beds.

Trip Monkey has 2 hostels in this area – one in Zone G and one in Chapinero. Both are cool hostels and come highly recommended. Both offer nicely decorated common areas and the type of bunk beds I like the most.

Looking for something more comfortable?

Lucitania Hotel Boutique has moderately priced rooms, a terrace with beautiful views as well a garden and a bar. it’s very conveniently located too. 

If you are looking for a very nice and modern room that is very well-priced Urban Heights Bogota should be your choice!

For a truly boujee stay with a grand rooftop pool, gym and all those bells and whistles you have to check out Grand Hyatt Bogota. 

For a slightly more intimate yet still classy stay, I recommend you take a look at HAB Hotel Bogotá.

Zona Rosa to Parque 93 (Chico)

This is a cluster of touristy districts which I purposely put into one category as those have loads in common. Safe, a bit upmarket, and packed full of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs – it’s one of the most popular areas to stay in Bogota, especially for first-timers. 

I will be honest – this is my least favorite yet it is the safest and one of the most popular areas to stay in Bogota. It wasn’t my cup of tea the same way wasn’t the El Poblado in Medellin. But this is purely my personal preference.

Being quite safe and full of bars and restaurants, Parque 93 is one of the best areas to stay in Bogota for solo travelers and partygoers.

Parque 93 is a bit more upscale with a great shopping center (I can confirm!) and some very good restaurants lined around Parque 93 square. You will see different kind of Bogotanos here, and different type of tourists too. This is an area where money is being spent.

I stayed here for a couple of nights out of curiosity and have to admit that this is not my vibe. But if you appreciate clean, modern and western-looking areas with quality restaurants and really good shopping, this could be your place.

Also, if you feel very overwhelmed at the thought of arriving in a city like Bogota, and are looking for a modern and touristy area, this might be the best area to stay in Bogota for the first time.

Zona Rosa is Bogota’s most famous party district. It comes alive at night, but the whole area is not too shabby when it comes to entertainment.

In Parque 93 for example you’ll find the famous Gaira Café, a nightclub owned by famous Colombian singer Carlos Vives.

Where to stay around Zona Rosa, Chico and Parque 93:

I stayed in Selina Parque 93. I am not a big fan of Selinas mostly for their lack of a backpacker vibe and it was the same this time around. It’s a lovely hostel though, with great (expensive) restaurants, great service, and plenty of coworking space. If you are a digital nomad, this might be a great choice. 

If you are looking for more of a backpacker vibe in the area check out the Urbana Hostel.

Zona Rosa and Parque 93 offer an incredible amount of luxury and mid-range hotels, you will be spoiled for choice.

You can get yourself a lovely room with a view in Salvio Parque 93 or enjoy a rooftop pool at B.O.G. Hotel. Because why not!

But if you are looking for more affordable accommodation you can rent an incredibly priced apartment at Apartamentos Percales or a great room with a terrace at Hotel Madisson Inn.GHL Collection 93 has great, modern rooms at a midrange price and includes breakfast and access to the fitness center.

Usaquen

Usaquén was my last stop in Colombia. After this stay, I headed to the airport to begin my adventure in Guatemala. I was excited, but also very sad to be leaving my favorite country in the world.

I really liked Usaquén, it is green, clean, peaceful and very safe. It’s a bit more sophisticated, yet not pretentious. I liked the vibe, and the local flavor and I really enjoyed my walks in this neighborhood.

Usaquen is actually a separate town that has been absorbed by Bogota. This lovely colonial neighborhood feels like a separate town yet somehow you still know you are in Bogota. It’s very residential, but anything but boring.

Usaquen is one of the wealthiest and safest districts in Bogota, but somehow it does not brag about it. It’s a bit like the rich friend who wears sweatshirts, picks you up in a Porsche, but takes you to Burger King. You feel so comfortable around them that you often forget how rich they are.

Although there isn’t much sightseeing to be done in Usaquen, there are a few pastimes you could entertain yourself with.

Be sure to wander around Parque de Usaquén, the central square of the city. It still retains some of the old colonial charm of the area and is a nice place to relax. Also explore the surrounding attractions such as the old Town Hall and the Hacienda Santa Barbara, which has been converted into a shopping mall.

In Usaquen you will also find a popular tourist train that runs on weekends and takes you to Zipaquira. It’s a fun ride with live music and a popular attraction in Bogota.

Not far away, you’ll find charming streets with many restaurants and bars, as well as some very decent shopping areas.

If you are in the area on Sunday, and I recommend you are, do not miss a shopping experience and visit the famous Sunday flea market of Usaquin – Mercado de Las Pulgas.

If you are looking for the safest area to stay in Bogota – Usaquén is it.

People walk around day and night and there is regular police presence. It’s funny that I started my Bogota journey in La Candelaria and ended up in Usaquén. They could not be more different, and yet I recommend both equally – for a complete picture of Bogota.

Where to stay in Usaquén:

Usaquen is very residential so you will not find too many backpacker hostels. But clearly, this is not why you go to Usaquén. It was my last stop before I left Colombia, and I was so glad I made it so.

If you are looking for an ultra-budget private room in a hostel I stayed at Hostal Usaquen la Parada del Tren and it was quite alright. It wasn’t mindblowing but the price was unbeatable, there was a shared kitchen, I had a space to write and the room was spacious with a private bathroom and smart TV. Yes, I stay in private rooms as well from time to time.

Aloha Hostel has some pretty decent private rooms and so does Zana Hotel Boutique but for the best backpacker hostel, you should check out the Usaquen Station Hostel.

For more of a midrange stay check out ZITU 106 which offers really nice apartments or a stunning Hotel Le Manoir Bogotá. Sonesta Hotel Bogotá offers a clean and modern stay in an excellent location. 

For a totally luxurious stay how about a wonderful quinn room at W Bogota?

Bogota Know Before You Go

• Bogota is sitting at 2,625 m/ 8,612 feet above sea level and with that, you need to keep a few things in mind. First of all the weather is cooler and rainier all year round. But when the sun is out, it’s pretty hot, don’t be deceased, wear sunscreen. And bring a raincoat. 

• You will also feel the altitude so take some time to acclimatise. I forgot about it and the next day after I arrived I took a bike tour. And I was wondering why was I so out of breath! Some travelers even experience altitude sickness. Take it easy, slow down, and enjoy Bogota.

• No matter how independent you are, in big cities like Bogota it’s always a good idea to join others for some adventure or sightseeing. Stay at a social hostel where you can meet other travellers and participate in activities. If you do not meet other travellers at a hostel, join a free walking tour or other organised activity.

• If you go out, be extra vigilant. Drinks do get spiked. Only order drinks that have been poured or opened in front of you and never leave them unattended. Avoid going out alone, and if you do go out with friends, make sure you keep an eye on each other and return together. Don’t look like a potential victim. If it is visible that someone is watching over you, you are less likely to become a victim.

• Take Uber instead of a regular cab. Although Uber is technically illegal in Bogota, it is actually available. Just do not be surprised if the driver asks you to sit at the front so it looks like you are riding with a friend. Uber is the best option – you have the driver’s name and registration before you get in the car, and you know exactly how much the ride will cost you. I’ve used Uber many times in Bogota without any problems.

• Learn a little Spanish. You’re less likely to get scammed if you can negotiate in Spanish. Your efforts will be greatly appreciated, no matter how small. I noticed that every time I spoke Spanish, I was served much better.

• If you get robbed, don’t fight. Please don’t do it. Your life is more valuable than any wallet or iPhone.

Most likely you will be landing in Bogota to move on and see the rest of the country like its stunning Caribbean coast or lush coffee region.

But give Bogota a chance. 

There is plenty of amazing things to do in Bogota and spending time in Bogota made my Colombia travels that much more incredible.

Controversially I liked Bogota more than Medellin. For real. But I am a strange traveler like that. Medellin was too full of foreign tourists (some with very questionable travel motives) and digital nomads, too polished at times.

Bogota on the other hand, was everything I love about Colombia. Minus the weather haha.

Where to next?

If you follow my Colombia itinerary you are maybe heading towards Cartagena! Cartagena is one of the must-see places to visit in Colombia and if you visiting for the first time – here is a breakdown of all the best places to stay in Cartagena for first-time travelers.

If you are heading straight to Rincon del Mar, be ready to never want to leave! And if you are following the other direction here is my complete Palomino guide. In this post, you will learn how to visit both Punta Gallinas and Cabo de la Vela and why you should actually stay for a couple of days in Riohacha!

Oh and if you are planning on visiting the Colombia coffee region be sure to read my coffee region guide as well as guides to towns like Salento, Jardin, or Filandia.

Happy Colombia travels!

Pati