Where to Stay in Bogota: The Best Areas and Hotels
Discover the best areas and hotels in Bogota, Colombia’s exciting capital and find out where to stay in Bogota for your upcoming trip to one of Latin America’s most popular destinations.
Bogota, the capital of Colombia has a unique blend of Latin culture and modern city living. It’s a pivotal city to visit to learn about Colombia’s history and culture before continuing on with your itinerary to see the rest of the country. Bogota (as well as Medellin) is one of the best cities in South America for museums, culture and modern living. In the last 10 years, the city has seen a lot of transformation.
Here you’ll find many things to do in Bogota that can easily fill a 2 or even 3-day itinerary. From gazing at the largest gold museum collection in Latin America to observing the city from above, from Monserrate Hill and checking out the National Museum, Bogota is rich in culture, restaurants, bars and of course cafes serving Colombia’s best coffee.
Bogota also has a great selection of all kinds of accommodation from dirt-cheap backpackers hostels to 5-star luxury accommodation offered at a quarter of the price you’ll pay in the US/Europe. They all make a great base from which to explore the city, its cafes, buzzing nightlife and cultural sights.
Keep reading to find out where to stay in Bogota, Colombia and discover the best areas for you and the best hotels in each area for every budget.
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THE BEST TIME TO VISIT BOGOTA
Bogota is a great place to visit at all times of the year. Temperatures in Bogota generally stay the same throughout the year and it’s a city that never gets hot- not even in the summer. This is due to its high altitude which always keeps the city cool. You can expect average temperatures of 15°C/60°F.
Because temperatures are pretty steady you’ll ideally want to time your visit during the drier seasons. Bogota’s driest months are January and February and also June, July and August. The wettest months are April and May and September, October and November.
This coincides with the wet seasons all over Colombia and I generally advise avoiding the country at this time, particularly during the main wet season of October/November, unless you really love the rain.
GET IN
Plane: When arriving in Bogota you’ll most probably arrive at El Dorado International Airport. From here it’s about an hour’s ride to the center of the city. From the airport, it’s best to take an official (yellow) taxi or organise an airport transfer ahead of time through your hotel. A taxi to the center from the airport will cost about 50,000 COP. A taxi from the center to the airport costs about 30k.
Note that taxis in Bogota are notoriously small. If you are traveling with a lot of luggage you’ll be better off booking a transfer with your hotel ahead of time.
Bus: If you’re arriving in Bogota from other parts of Colombia then there are quite a few bus stations you could arrive at depending on your origin. Generally speaking, bus stations in Colombia are located quite far away from the city center. The best way to continue to your hotel is by taxi or Uber.
GETTING AROUND
Uber: Uber works well in Bogota just be mindful of the fact that it’s still illegal there and for this reason, drivers might ask you to sit upfront or to explain you are so-and-so if pulled over by the police (there are many police checkpoints around the city). If you’re going to the airport make sure to take a taxi and not an Uber as they are not authorized to go into the airport so they’ll leave you on the side of the road near the airport- not ideal if you have lots of luggage.
Also, we found that Uber prices were quite elevated in Bogota compared to taxis, especially during some peak times so make sure to check the fare on the app as well as with a local taxi driver. On one trip Uber quoted us 12k, we went with a local taxi and it ended up costing 6k.
Taxi: A great alternative to Uber in Bogota is local taxis which are inexpensive and available on every corner. They generally use a meter but it’s always a good idea to ask about the estimated price you’ll need to pay. A little basic Spanish does help when taking taxis, however as most of the drivers do not speak English.
Public Transport: In general we didn’t use public transport when in Bogota as taxis and Ubers are very inexpensive. There is currently no metro in Bogota but the city does have an extensive bus system. Feel free to try to work it out.
WHERE TO STAY IN BOGOTA: THE BEST AREAS AND HOTELS
Bogota is a large sprawling city with so many exciting things to see and places to go. Because of its size and nature are many places to stay in Bogota depending on your interests and accommodation budget.
There are four general areas in Bogota where travellers prefer to stay; the historic center La Candelaria, cool and upcoming Chapinero, trendy Chicó and upscale Usaquen. These are also Bogota’s most central and safest neighbourhoods.
There are also a few good hotels near the airport on the main highway Avenida El Dorado for travellers wanting to stay near the airport.
In a nutshell:
- La Candelaria– the most popular neighbourhood for backpackers and budget travellers, good for being close to the main sights, restaurants and nightlife. Lots of colonial architecture and a good central location.
- Chapinero– A safe and commercial neighbourhood to the north of La Candelaria best for good accommodation without being too far from the center. A good option for where to stay in Bogota.
- Chicó – a nice, family-friendly neighbourhood that’s more upscale. A good place for restaurants, quality cafes and more luxury hotels. A great place for exploring and taking it easy. A safe area to walk around in after dark.
- Usaquen– Bogota’s most upmarket neighbourhood full of brilliant restaurants, cafes, markets and luxury hotels.
I often get asked with is the best area to stay in Bogota over on my Instagram but this is a difficult question to answer because the answer is based on your preferences and how much time you have in the city.
I’ve personally been to Bogota three times now and I stayed in many areas around the city. For first-time travellers to the city who are on a limited budget and have limited time, I’d recommend staying in La Candelaria. If you do have more time and a larger budget I’d recommend staying in Chicó or Usaquen for the evenings in those areas and taking a day trip to the center.
Note that Colombia also has some of the cheapest luxury accommodations in the Americas. In many Colombian cities, you can easily find 4 or 5-star hotels for as little as $60 per night.
This is something worth considering before disregarding luxury hotel names that you might not normally be able to afford. If you would like to upgrade your stay for a really lovely experience in Colombia, Bogota and other Colombian cities are the place to do so.
Read more: Where to Stay in Medellin in 2022- The Best Neighbourhoods & Hotels
La Candelaria
La Candelaria is located at the heart of Bogota’s Historic Center. It’s here where you’ll find most of Bogota’s sights such as the Museo de Oro, Plaza de Bolivar and Monserrate Hill. It’s the best place to stay in Bogota for quick access to the city’s hostels, tours and nightlife. Restaurants around the historic center tend mostly to be open for lunch.
Because most of the things to do in Bogota are located in Candelaria it makes a lot of sense to stay here, especially if you’ve only got a day or two in the city.
Generally, in large South American cities, the historic center is often the oldest and most culturally significant part of the city. It’s also a part of the city that sees a lot of degradation over time and therefore an increase in crime and other social issues. Bogota follows the same pattern.
Although there are very nice parts of La Candelaria, trendy stores and restaurants and amazing street art, the area as a whole is quite run-down, dirty and can be a little dangerous. While it’s fine to walk around during the day- there is a lot of police presence-, (even for solo females), you’ll need to take a lot more care at night.
For this reason, I personally prefer to stay elsewhere, in areas such as Chicó and Usaquen where it’s much safer to walk around in the evening.
Read more: The Very Best Things to Do in Bogota Colombia
Top Hotels in La Candelaria:
Hotel de la Opera – Housed in a beautiful historic building in the heart of La Candelaria, Hotel de la Opera offers guests a comfortable and stylish place to stay in Bogota. With large, traditional rooms with amazing views of the city, on-site restaurants, a pool, great breakfast and amazing service, this is a winner for the historic center.
Check rates and availability here.
Selina La Candelaria Bogota – For where to stay in Bogota with charm, style and the opportunity to meet fellow travellers and/or digital nomads, Selina is always an excellent option and this is probably the best hostel in Bogota.
We love their branch in La Candelaria for its amazing decor- a fusion of traditional and modern, spacious double rooms with vaulted ceilings and a private bathroom, a great cafe and plenty of places to relax, work or meet others. The hotel is within walking distance of most of the best places you’ll want to visit in the historic center.
Check rates and availability here.
Candelaria House Boutique – Another charming option in the heart of La Candelaria, this beautiful converted historical house with beautiful decor and finishings makes for the perfect place to stay. With an amazingly attentive host, delicious breakfast and great location, it really ticks all the boxes for amazing places to stay in Bogota.
Check rates and availability here.
Hotel Muisca – A great option on the edge of La Candelaria away from the hustle and bustle, this great boutique hotel is located on one of La Candelaria’s most pretty streets. With larger comfortable beds, big rooms with exposed brick, a living area, a sauna and the best part- a rooftop terrace with amazing views of the city.
Check rates and availability here.
Chapinero
Chapinero is a very large neighbourhood located between the historic center (La Candelaria) and Chicó. It’s a cool and trendy neighbourhood that’s always changing and evolving. For this reason, there are always new places to visit here, including some of the best cafes and restaurants in the city.
Chapinero is also the city’s more gay-friendly neighbourhood. You might also see the northern part of Chapinero also being referred to as Zona G.
Chapinero is a great neighbourhood to base yourself in because here you’re not far from everything. You’re just a short Uber ride away from the historic center but also from the more northern neighbourhoods of Usaquen and Chico, which are definitely worth exploring when in Bogota.
Top Hotels in Chapinero
HAB Hotel Bogota – Easily my top pick for Chapinero and quite possibly the whole of Bogota, HAB Hotel goes above and beyond to make guests feel at home straight away with authentic and top-notch service. The hotel itself is in a converted boarding school giving it a truly unique feel.
The beds here are super comfortable, the rooms are simple yet trendy and modern, their on-site cafe is one of the best in Bogota and the location in the heart of Chapinero is in the middle of everywhere you want to be in Bogota.
Check rates and availability here
Hotel Estelar Suites Jones – Located in a gorgeous, art nouveau-esque building, this hotel is simple but prides itself on comfort and service. Super clean with a slightly traditional feel this hotel is located in the heart of Chapinero with everything you might need close by.
Rooms are spacious and beds are super comfortable. There’s also a large terrace, basic fitness center, on-site restaurant and free parking.
Check rates and availability here.
NH Collection Bogota WTC Royal – Another great option in the heart of Chapinero with quality and comfortable rooms, great views and all the services you might need from a 5-star property.
Check rates and availability here.
Matisse Hotel – A great, colourful option for the budget traveller, Matisse Hotel provides a comfortable and relaxing place to stay at a great location and price point. The hotel has lots of flair and colourful accents throughout making it a really fun place to stay. The rooms are spacious, well-lit, modern and comfortable.
Check rates and availability here.
Selina Chapinero – If you’re a fan of the Selina chain but you don’t want to stay in La Candelaria, you’ll be pleased to know there’s one in Chapinero. With all the flair and vibe of the Selina brand, this hotel/hostel is no different; beautifully decorated rooms with both privates and dorms to choose from, plenty of places to relax and work and even a yoga studio to flow to some new friends in the mornings.
Check rates and availability here.
Chicó
Another one of the best neighborhoods in Bogota when looking for where to stay, Chicó makes an excellent option. Located further north of La Candelaria, Chicó is a trendy neighbourhood that’s full of some of the best restaurants, bars and cafes in the city. Chicó is also the home of Parque 93, a fantastic square that’s surrounded by restaurants and great nightlife.
Chicó is a safe neighbourhood and we were comfortable walking around after dark from our hotel to a restaurant.
Hotels in Chicó tend to be quite luxurious and cool and on the more expensive size by Colombian standards but you’ll easily be able to get a night’s stay here for well under $100.
While Chicó is a cool, safe neighbourhood and a great area to stay in Bogota, it is a little far from the center, La Candelaria and most of Bogota’s famous sights. I recommend getting an Uber to the center in the morning and making a day trip of everything the center has to offer. An Uber from Chicó to the center takes about 30-40 minutes and is very affordable.
Top Hotels in Chicó:
The Click Clack Hotel Bogota – Easily one of Bogota’s finest, trendiest hotels, the Click Clack has everything you need for a perfect stay in Bogota. Located just two blocks from Parque 93 in Bogota’s Chicó neighbourhood, this hotel boasts trendy and beautifully decorated communal spaces and private rooms with easy access to the best things to do in Bogota.
Rooms are light, bright and airy and most of them have beautiful views of the city. Their cafe also focuses on serving delicious, healthy breakfasts each morning. Make sure not to miss the rooftop bar with even better views of the city
Check rates and availability here
EK Hotel – Another top hotel in Chicó when considering where to stay in Bogota. With a sleek, modern design and simple, well-lit rooms this cool hotel has everything you need for a great stay. It also has a fantastic breakfast, it has a gym and a wellness center and it’s only 5 minutes walk away from Parque 93, just north of Bogota’s Zona T or La Zona Rosa.
Check rates and availability here.
Salvio Parque 93 – One of the best apart-hotels you’ll find in Bogota, this superb, modern option right on Parque 93 is one of our top picks with a near-perfect location. Opt for a double room with a balcony for great views of the city or a standard apartment where you’ll be able to cook some light meals too in the modern kitchen.
Rooms here are tastefully designed and comfortable and the breakfast is one of the best in the city. There’s also a gym, spa and onsite bar for a few drinks before heading out.
Check rates and availability here.
Hotel Estelar Parque de la 93 – Another great modern option very close to Parque 93, this hotel is full of charm and character. Rooms are modern, well lit and cosy and there’s a rooftop terrace, gym and a pool. Breakfast is also highly rated.
Check rates and availability here.
Hotel Movich Chico 97 – Where we stayed the last time we were in Bogota, the Movich Chico 97 is a great option with a wonderful location not far from Parque 93. With friendly staff, modern, spacious rooms and bathrooms, a gym, a quality breakfast and a rooftop restaurant with great city views this is another great choice in Bogota.
Check rates and availability here
Usaquen
Usaquen is a small, upscale neighbourhood right in the north of Bogota’s central spine. It’s here you’ll find the most exclusive restaurants, properties and also the most upmarket boutiques, great coffee shops, concept stores, shopping malls and a great flea market.
Usaquen is a very small and chilled neighbourhood. It’s generally one of the safest areas in Bogota too. While it does have quite a few brilliant hotel choices, Usaquen doesn’t have the same volume of places to stay in Bogota as Chicó or Chapinero.
The pros of staying in Usaquen are that this is a great neighborhood to be in and to explore in its own right. With tones of amazing cafes, hello, Colo Coffee Usaquen, for breakfast and restaurant choices for dinner this is a superb place to be around in the evening for a walk or a night out.
Usaquen however is quite isolated and it does take quite a bit of time to get to La Candelaria and Bogotá’s main sights from here. However, taking an Uber to La Candelaria for the day, exploring the main places and coming back in the evening does make a solid daily itinerary.
Top Hotels in Usaquen
NH Collection Bogota Hacienda Royal – Part of the NH Collections, this is another, classy option in Usaquen. With neutral, contemporary rooms that are light and spacious, a sauna, gym and a Turkish bathhouse on site this hotel is located right on a beautiful square in Usaquen and next to one of my favourite supermarkets in Bogota, Merka Organico Enoteca.
Check rates and availability here
W Bogota – One of the coolest hotels in the city, the W is located in Usaquen. With incredible city views, futuristic rooms with free-standing baths, a fantastic restaurant and bar, pool, spa and one of the best hotel gyms in Colombia.
The W in Bogota is literally a sanctuary to go to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Check rates and availability here
Apartamentos Plaza Suites – For those that prefer apartments to hotels, this apart-hotel is a great stay in the Usaquen neighbourhood. Clean modern rooms and apartments are equipped with a kitchen, coffee machine, fridge and minibar- everything you might expect from an apartment rental, making this a great option for longer stays. It’s a short taxi ride to Parque de Usaquen from here.
Check rates and availability here
Have you decided where to stay in Bogota? Let me know your questions and comments below, I’d love to hear from you.
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