Where to stay in Bogota: the 14 best neighborhoods in the Colombian capital

A culturally diverse and vibrant cosmopolitan capital city, Bogotá is a fantastic starting point for any trip to Colombia. It’s a huge metropolis, so deciding where to stay can be overwhelming.

Bogota is divided into localities, often referred to as districts, which then contain various smaller neighborhoods. For example, Chapinero is a locality that includes neighborhoods like Zona G, known for gourmet dining, and Quinta Camacho, famous for its English-style houses.

Fortunately, all of these areas have a unique ambience to choose from to suit all travel budgets and interests. From the historical center and sophisticated party districts to quiet residential areas, here are 14 Bogotá neighborhoods to check out on your next visit to Colombia.

1. Discover the history of Bogotá in La Candelaria

The best neighborhood for history buffs

Boasting the most hostels per square meter in the city, La Candelaria is an ideal choice for shoestring budgets, quick visits, and travelers keen on having the cultural charms of Bogotá’s historic center at their doorstep. There are also plenty of boutique properties, like the elegantly restored Hotel Casa de la Vega, where each room is distinctly decorated to reflect aspects of Colombian heritage, with local art and handcrafted furnishings.

This heart of Bogotá houses the city’s top tourist attractions, including Plaza Bolívar, the world-class Museo del Oro (Museum of Gold) and the revered Simon Bolivar Park, dedicated to the South American liberator.

Discover landmarks on a walking tour, and then duck into any of the wealth of cozy cafes serving traditional Colombian cuisine and coffee. You can also enjoy international dishes at renowned restaurants and chill out with the local university crowd at laidback bars. You’re a short stroll away from the funicular, Teleférico y Funicular de Monserrate, so take it up to the iconic Monserrate for a spectacular panoramic view of the city – it’s one of the best things to do in Bogota.

While Bogota is an exciting and culturally rich city, travelers may have concerns about safety, and La Candelaria is generally one of the safest neighborhoods in the city. You should, of course, take the same precautions that you would in other cities when you travel. Avoid walking alone at night and keep an eye on your belongings.

2. Head to Chico, a stylish urban retreat 

The best neighborhood for trendsetters

Chico, in the Chapinero district, is one of Bogota’s most fashionable neighborhoods, and is known for its sleek high-rises, upscale shopping centers, and landmark parks. Within this urban district is Parque el Virrey, an expansive green space where you can leisurely walk along tree-lined pathways, as well as Parque 93, a popular park for various events, including art exhibitions, outdoor concerts and food festivals. The gourmet eateries and cafes that border Parque 93 are commonly frequented by the local jet-set crowd.

For an avant-garde getaway, stay at the chic Click Clack Hotel, featuring slick, contemporary design and a rooftop bar with breathtaking views of the city. It’s a favorite spot for both locals and visitors to unwind.

3. Dive into architecture and culture in Teusaquillo

The best neighborhood for architecture

About 4 km north of La Candelaria, Teusaquillo is a quiet, traditional neighborhood known for its diverse cultural and artistic hotspots, architectural heritage and green spaces. Developed in the early 20th century, this residential area was once a popular place for upper-class families to live. It’s mostly composed of tree-lined streets and beautifully preserved two-story Tudor-style homes – many converted into small businesses – and a handful of hostels and boutique hotels.

Staying here means you can take a leisurely stroll to admire the historic houses and enjoy drama performances at independent theaters. Spend an afternoon exploring the verdant Parkway – a long stretch of green surrounded by cafes, brewpubs and restaurants – in the adjacent La Soledad neighborhood.

The sights and sounds of the rest of the city are accessible by taxi or the TransMilenio public bus system.

4. Find a modern Colombian experience in Chapinero

The best neighborhood for food lovers

Cool, unconventional and a little rough around the edges, Chapinero is a large neighborhood characterized by its diversity, urban art and bohemian vibe. It’s home to fashion boutiques, bistros (serving vegetarian and organic food), artisan bakeries, casual gastropubs, dive bars and venues showcasing electronic music and live alternative bands.

There’s the famous Zona G, an eight-block 'gourmet zone' that boasts some of the city’s most prestigious fine dining restaurants. A few streets from here, you’ll find Quinta Camacho, a commercial/residential zone made up of quaint red-brick, English-style houses, leafy lanes, fantastic specialty coffee shops and cutting-edge gastronomic experiences. Nearby Chapinero Central (nicknamed 'Chapi Gay' by locals) prides itself on having one of Colombia’s liveliest gay scenes. There are plenty of LGBTQ-friendly bars, plus Theatron, the largest gay nightclub in Latin America that attracts a crowd of all sexual orientations.

Chapinero’s central location, between downtown and the northern suburbs, places you conveniently near all the action – it’s only a bus or taxi ride away. You can lay your head at a budget hostel, mid-range hotel or treat yourself to a plush, five-star hotel bed.

5. Shop all day and dance all night in Zona Rosa

The best neighborhood for nightlife

Located in the El Retiro neighborhood in the north of the city, Zona Rosa is the entertainment district of Bogotá. It’s considered the best place for a wild night out on the town, especially on weekends when hundreds of well-heeled bogotanos party until late into the night. In this 'pink zone,' you’ll find plenty of late-night night clubs playing all sorts of music genres, live DJ venues, classy bars and restaurants to suit all tastes.

Travelers looking for shopping will be delighted with the dozens of upmarket designer stores, along with local and international retailers that line the streets and exclusive shopping malls. Accommodation options here range from hostels and bed and breakfasts to five-star hotels. The majority of the Zona Rosa and the surrounding neighborhoods are pedestrian-friendly, so getting around on foot is easy (and generally safe) day and night.

6. Join the trendsetters in Zona T

The best neighborhood for tastemakers

Adjacent to Zona Rosa in El Retiro, Zona T is known for its trendsetting atmosphere and vibrant nightlife. Referred to as Zona T due to its T-shaped intersection, the area is a magnet for the fashion-forward crowd and foodies. The area has a wide array of high-end restaurants, elegant cafes and stylish bars.

Shopping options are abundant, with the upscale Andino Shopping Mall and Atlantis Plaza offering a mix of retail and dining. Zona T is also close to cultural attractions like Museo El Chicó, which is housed in an 18th-century colonial home and provides a peek into Bogota’s history and culture.

This neighborhood features a mix of charming boutique hotels and high-end properties, from AC Hotel Bogota Zona T to GHL Bioxury Hotel. 

7. Savor a small-town vibe in Usaquén

The best neighborhood for families

Travelers seeking a relaxed, safe and family-friendly atmosphere will find the picturesque neighborhood of Usaquén ideal. Sitting at the foothills of the eastern mountains in the far north of Bogotá, it was once a separate little village. Although it's now part of the sprawling city, it has retained all of its colonial charm.

Admire the Spanish-style architecture, narrow, hilly, cobbled streets and a picturesque plaza flanked by a centuries-old church. Most of the original red-roof homes now house quaint cafes, homey brunch spots, pubs and upscale restaurants inspired by global gastronomy. Every Sunday, Usaquén hosts a flea market where you'll find plenty of stalls selling handmade arts and crafts, health remedies, clothes and Colombian food and drink.

The neighborhood offers a couple of hostels as well as boutique and luxury chain hotels. It’s also well connected to the rest of the city by both taxi and public transport.

8. Make the most of an overnight in Engativá

The best neighborhood for overnight layovers

In northwest Bogota, Engativá is primarily known for housing El Dorado International Airport, one of Latin America’s busiest airports. The district is deeply connected via the city’s extensive transportation network, including bus routes and taxi services, and provides easy access to downtown and other districts. This makes it a great base for exploring the city. 

It’s also an ideal spot for an overnight layover, with several accommodation options close to the airport, including Movich Buro 26, a sophisticated hotel known for its elegant design.

Engativá also does not disappoint when it comes to shopping, with the Gran Estación and Salitre Plaza shopping malls.

9. Shop handcrafted treasures in the boho La Macarena

The best neighborhood for artistic exploration

La Macarena is a beacon of bohemian spirit and artistic expression just north of Bogota’s city center. This neighborhood attracts artists, writers and creative minds and is known for its galleries and quirky boutiques.

A pedestrian-friendly area, La Macarena's streets are lined with international restaurants, cozy cafes and independent bookstores that contribute to the neighborhood’s atmosphere. You can stroll leisurely through charming, narrow streets and relax in quaint plazas.

The area doesn’t feature many hotels, with hostels and vacation rental options more readily available. Just on the edge of the neighborhood, however, you’ll find the budget-friendly ibis Bogota Museo.

10. Uncover Santa Fe’s canvas of culture

The best neighborhood for performing arts

Ibis Bogota Museo’s location is actually in the adjacent Santa Fe neighborhood, near the city center. Here, you’ll find the oldest museum in Colombia: the National Museum of Colombia, featuring extensive collections of Colombian art, history and archaeology. The neighborhood also hosts the Museum of Modern Art of Bogota (MAMBO).

For theater lovers, the district is home to the Jorge Eliécer Gaitán Theater, one of the largest and most important cultural stages in the country. There’s also the Colón Theater, the national theater of Colombia, with its opera, ballet and classical music performances. 

Just steps away are the luxury Hotel de la Ópera and The Orchids Hotel, so you can attend a show and call it a night shortly thereafter. 

11. Study urban diversity in Suba

The best neighborhood to dive into local culture

Teeming with residential tranquility, this area has grown rapidly from its origins as a quiet suburb into a diverse locale that now mixes affluent neighborhoods with emerging Indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities. The diversity here is a study in urban development and reflects Bogota’s broader socioeconomic spectrum.

Despite its growth, Suba has managed to maintain a number of green spaces, including Parque Mirador de los Nevados. This park, popular for family outings, jogging and cycling, provides panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the city. You can even stay amongst the hills at Hotel Mont Blank.

12. Act like a local in Kennedy

The best neighborhood for markets

One of Bogota’s largest and most populous districts, Kennedy was originally planned as a housing solution for the city’s working class. Now, the area has transformed into a sprawling urban landscape featuring several neighborhoods, each with its own identity. Although many of the neighborhoods are residential, there are plenty of places to explore and get a local feel for Bogota. 

Be sure to visit Corabastos, the largest market in Bogota that features everything from fresh produce to household goods. The market is wholesale-only, which means it may not be convenient for you to buy anything, but it makes for a fun, colorful place to wander. 

In the Kennedy neighborhood of Tintal, the public library was originally a garbage disposal site that has been ingeniously repurposed into a modern community space. Also in Tintal, Parque Timiza is one of the largest parks in the district, with walking paths, small lakes and sports fields.

Patio Bonito is Kennedy’s commercial center, where you can find several budget-friendly hotels like Lavid Hotel Kennedy and Hotel Planeta 3, as well as vacation rental options.

13. Bike the streets of the Fontibón

The best neighborhood for active travelers

Known for its industrial vitality and near El Dorado International Airport, Fontibón was once a separate town, but it is now absorbed by Bogota’s sprawl. One of the district’s architectural gems is Iglesia San Francisco de Asís. With its preserved façade and interior, it provides a glimpse into the past.

Be sure to rent a bicycle to participate in Ciclovia. This beloved local tradition – and one of the best things to do for free in Bogota – sees major streets closed off to cars and opened for bicycles every Sunday and on public holidays, promoting outdoor activities and a healthy lifestyle. 

The area is rich with other recreational options, such as at the nearby Jardin Botanico de Bogota Jose Celestino, named for a Spanish priest who was prominent in Colombia’s botanical exploration.

While staying here, you’ll find hostels, bed and breakfasts and guesthouses, such as Hotel Casa Huesped Kiwi Bogota and Ayenda 1045 Boutique Aeropuerto. Just outside Fontibón, Salitre Magico provides a thrilling escape for families with a wide array of rides, from gentle carousels for younger visitors to exhilarating roller coasters for those craving a dose of adrenaline.

14. Stay at the heart of commerce in the Financial District

The best neighborhood for upscale travelers

Bogota’s Financial District, known as Centro Financiero or Zona Financiera, is the city’s business hub. Situated in the Chapinero locality, staying here places you close to major business centers such as the World Trade Center Bogota and has a wide variety of accommodations, from luxurious five-star hotels like the JW Marriott and Hilton Bogota to boutique options catering to business travelers.

For those looking to explore beyond business, the Financial District’s proximity to the TransMilenio rapid bus system and taxi routes makes reaching popular attractions like Monserrate easy. Unwind at sleek rooftop bars offering panoramic views of the city or explore nearby cultural venues like Casa Libreria Wilborada, a bookstore and cafe housed in a heritage building.

Keeping planning your trip to Bogota:

Get answers to all your questions, like where are the safest places to stay and what’s the weather like, in 13 things to know before visiting Colombia.

Find day trips from Bogota, from attractions like the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira or Chingaza National Park.

Discover the differences between Medellín or Bogotá.