Experiences in Bogotá Worthwhile If You Want to Know Something More

BePelican
Apr 16
2 min read

Illustration of animals and flowers representative of Bogotá

Bogotá offers more than museums and Monserrate. If you're curious to uncover the city's real character — where daily life, street art, and tradition collide — this guide is for you. These experiences in Bogotá go beyond typical sightseeing and connect you with its vibrant urban culture.

Start With the Paloquemao Market

📍 Why it’s worth it: This massive public market is where locals shop for everything — and where travelers taste Bogotá's everyday life.

Here you’ll find:

Exotic fruits you’ve likely never seen before
Traditional dishes like “leche asada” or “caldo de costilla”
Fresh flowers and handmade snacks

Savor Traditional Bogotá Dishes in Historic Spots

Traditional Colombian dish called "ajiaco santafereño" served in a clay bowl. It features potatoes, shredded chicken, corn on the cob, a slice of avocado, and sides like rice, spicy sauce, and lime.

📍 Local Restaurants serve classics that date back generations.

What to try:

Ajiaco santafereño (creamy soup with chicken, three types of potato, and guasca herb)
Tamal con chocolate
Changua, for a true Bogotá breakfast experience

🌿 Want something local? Local food courts at La Perseverancia or 12 de Octubre have great options.

Walk Through Colombia’s Plant Heritage at the Botanical Garden

📍 This is Colombia’s largest botanical garden and a quiet oasis in the city.

Highlights include:

Andean cloud forest replicas
High-altitude orchids
Native ecosystems from across the country

It’s perfect for a midday break or a reflective solo walk.

Catch the Pulse of the City at Local Festivals

📍 Bogotá’s cultural calendar is packed, and music and arts festivals are one of the best ways to feel its energy.

Notable events:

Festival Estéreo Picnic – massive outdoor music fest (March/April)
ARTBO – international art fair, featuring Colombian galleries and creators
Rock al Parque – one of the biggest free rock festivals in Latin America

🎟 Most events are public or affordable. Bring ID and check official websites for schedules.

Panoramic view of Bogotá from Monserrate hill, featuring a colonial-style lantern in the foreground, lush trees, and the city’s modern downtown buildings under a cloudy sky.

Take in the City From Its Hills: Hiking in Bogotá

📍 Get off the street and into the hills — Bogotá has urban hiking routes with unforgettable views.

Top picks:

Cerro de Monserrate (by funicular or trail)
Quebrada La Vieja – natural trail open during mornings only
Sendero Santa Ana – La Aguadora

🥾 Bring good shoes, water, and check schedules (some open only at set hours).

Frequently Asked Questions About Experiences in Bogotá

Is Bogotá safe to explore independently?

Yes, especially in the day and in the areas mentioned above. Like any big city, stay alert, don’t flash valuables, and use official transport or ride apps at night.

How do I know what events are happening while I'm there?

Check Bogotá’s official cultural agenda online at bogota.gov.co or follow event venues on social media.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

Not necessarily — many locals speak some English, especially in tourist areas. But a few words in Spanish go a long way and are always appreciated.

Final Thoughts

Bogotá rewards the curious. From street food and sidewalk art to hiking paths and hidden cultural gems, these experiences in Bogotá will show you a more real, more vivid version of the city — one most travelers miss.