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Bogota Neighborhood Guide: Best Areas to Stay in Bogota
Bogota, Colombia’s bustling capital, offers a variety of neighborhoods, each with its own unique charm. Whether you're seeking historical charm, modern amenities, or a vibrant nightlife, Bogota has it all. Here’s a guide to the best neighborhoods to stay in Bogota, including options for families, luxury accommodations, budget-friendly stays, and the best places to experience Bogota’s nightlife.
1) La Candelaria (Old Town) and the International Center.
Where to Stay in Bogota's Historical Heart.
La Candelaria is the historical heart of Bogota, offering a rich cultural experience. Most hotels and hostels are located in beautifully restored colonial houses, providing a unique and authentic stay. You'll be near significant historical landmarks like Plaza de Bolivar, the Gold and Botero Museums, the vivid Jimenez and 7th Avenue, and cultural centers like the Gabriel Garcia Marquez and newly opened National Center of Arts Delia Zapata Olivella just in front of the aforementioned. Its by far the most cultural district of the city with innumerable exhibition spaces, theaters and hidden gems like the MAMU, the Museum of Bogota, the Museum of Customes, the Independence Museum and other independent exhibitions such as the Luis Angel Arango National Bibliary, Espacio Odeon, the Cinemateca Distrital (District Cinema) and Claustro de San Agustin having temporary exhibitions showcasing the most incredible side of Colombian contemporary and traditional means of Art. 
Besides whats known as the old district or La Candelaria in Bogota, the city center area goes beyond the 19th avenue and is also a very common place among locals to hang out and see interesting sites of the city such as the National or Bicenterario Park, the Planetarium, the Santa Maria Bull Ring, the 7th Avenue, the National Museum, the Modern Art Museum, La Macarena Neighbourhood, the Farmerms Market of La Perseverancia and the bustling 26th Avenue, decorated with huge street art under bridges and on the walls. This area also offers exciting dining and gastronomic offers with quality hotels nearby such as the Hotel Tequendama, the Ibis Hotel, Hotel City Bog Expo Museo and Viaggo Urbano City Suites. If you continue further north along the 7th avenue, that on Sundays closes completely for pedestrians on the famous Ciclovia, you will encounter the Javeriana University one of the most renowned ones in Latin America with a modern campus permitting you to see the important education and modernization efforts of the city. But this is already the area of Chapinero, keep reading to discover Chapinero, the popular and young district of Bogota.
Dining and Activities
The area is bustling with activities and dining options, from traditional Colombian dishes to vegetarian and international cuisine. If you would like to learn more about where to eat in Bogota don't continue without reading our where to eat in Bogota blog post!
Safety Tips
While La Candelaria is vibrant during the day, it’s crucial to exercise caution at night. Stick to well-lit, populated areas, and avoid walking alone.
2) Zona T / Chico / Chico Norte (North-east)
Best Neighborhoods for Modern Comforts.
If you prefer a more modern and upscale atmosphere, Zona T, Chico, and Chico Norte are ideal. These neighborhoods offer amenities alike to those in Europe or North America, including shopping malls, international restaurants, and well-known brands. The whole area highlighted below between the streets 72 to the 100 and the Autopista Norte and the 7th Avenues comprehend the most modern area of Bogota, with multiple residential areas, nice walking zones, parks, churches, farmacies, shopping malls, restaurants and nightlife. Most Bogotanos go to 85th street on the weekends seeking the best party atmosphere in town, with bars and discos to left and right you won't miss the chance to dance until dawn to local rhythms such as reggeaton, salsa, merengue, cumbia and vallenato. Another local favorite is Parque el Virrey, with wide green areas and surrounded by trees this circuit is perfect for morning runs, reading a book or taking the dog out for a walk any time of the day.
Nightlife and Entertainment
Zona T is known for its nightlife, with numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants. Some venues may have cover fees or serve alcohol by the bottle rather than by the glass.
Luxury and Convenience
Expect to spend more in this area, but in return, you’ll enjoy a high level of comfort and convenience. This area is perfect for those looking for luxury accommodations in Bogota.
Safety Tips
Although this area might seem better than other parts of Bogota always stay aware of your surroundings and when you go out partying at night use taxi apps to get your ride and don't receive anything from strangers on the streets or in bars.
3) Usaquen (north-east)
Charming and Family-Friendly.
For a quieter, family-friendly neighborhood, consider Usaquen. This area combines charm with safety, offering excellent restaurants and a peaceful atmosphere. Altough Usaquen is considered a whole locality of Bogota we have mark it down to only a third part of it comprehendig the area between the Autopista Northe and 7th Avenue and the 100 to 134 streets. If you are coming for business or for a longer period of type you should be able to find better rentals in this area then in the Zona T or Chicó, with mainly residential areas and some commercial streets like the 106, 116, 127, the Park of Usaquen and the 15th Avenue, Usaquen offers a bit of everyday bogotano life. Accesible public transportation, bike lines, and central to most everything, you will find everything that you need here. 
Accessibility
While Usaquen is a bit further from La Candelaria, it’s still accessible. A taxi ride to La Candelaria takes about 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic. You can also use the Transmilenio buses, though they can be crowded during peak hours.
Local Attractions
Usaquen is known for its quaint streets, local markets, and charming cafes, making it a great place to unwind after a day of exploring.
4) Chapinero (east central)
Trendy and Diverse.
Chapinero is a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood, ideal for those who enjoy a mix of culture, nightlife, and gastronomy. This area is known for its hip cafes, boutique shops, and a diverse range of restaurants offering everything from street food to fine dining.
Nightlife and Entertainment Chapinero is home to some of the city's best nightlife, including bars, clubs, and live music venues. It's also the center of Bogota's LGBTQ+ community, making it a welcoming and inclusive area.
Accessibility Chapinero is centrally located, making it easy to explore other parts of the city. Public transportation options are readily available, and it's a short taxi ride to other key areas like La Candelaria and Zona T.
5) Financial and Event Area - Corferias
Staying in the Corferias area in Bogotá is ideal for visitors attending events, business meetings, and trade fairs. This area offers a wide selection of hotels, ranging from budget-friendly options to high-end accommodations, all within walking distance of Corferias, Bogotá's premier event venue. Corferias hosts over 50 events each year, including some of the most important fairs such as the International Book Fair (FILBo) and the Agroexpo. Its strategic location also provides easy access to public transportation, restaurants, and an30 min ride to the airport, making it a convenient choice for business travelers.
Final Tips for Your Stay in Bogota
- Safe Neighborhoods in Bogota: Stick to well-known areas like La Candelaria, Zona T, Chico, and Usaquen.
- Budget-Friendly Bogota Stays: La Candelaria offers more budget-friendly options compared to the upscale Zona T.
- Luxury Accommodations Bogota: Zona T and Chico are your go-to for luxury stays.
- Bogota Nightlife Districts: Zona T is the place to be for nightlife enthusiasts.
No matter where you choose to stay in Bogota, you’re sure to have an enriching experience. Each neighborhood offers something unique, catering to different interests and preferences. Our capital city, with more than 9 million inhabitants, has many secrets to be discovered, and we would love to show them to you through our 40+ Bogota travel experiences. Make sure to visit our Bogota experiences site and let us know in the comments if you have been to Bogota and where you stayed!
Happy travels!
