"The Heart of Colombia" a Bogotá Travel Page by el_ruso

Bogota has a lot to offer, even though at first it might overwhelm you. If you have never been to a developing country, I would suggest you either visit some other locales first, or, on the contrary, come to spend more than just a few days. The reason being is that its most beautiful and impressive feature, just as in the rest Colombia, is not in the buildings or museums, but in the sincerity and openness of its people. It does help if you speak Spanish, because very few speak English - this is not Cancun. The local Spanish is however very clear and very easy to understand. Also, try to be careful and vigilant, but all the fame about the rampant violent crime is greatly exaggerated. Oh, and women here are incomparably beautiful (as in the rest of Colombia), so be prepared to fall in love at every corner ;-).

Bogota is a large city spread out north-south along a mountain range. Northern part is considered to be the best, and the south - the worst. The better part consists of brick-faced high-rises, the average parts are concrete townhouses, and the poor areas are stucco-less little brick houses, often with no windows. Roads overall are really bad, and traffic is very hectic - use one of the plentiful and cheap taxis. The part worth visiting is the historic center called La Candelaria, the chapel on top of a mountain Monserrate which is directly to the east, the discos and restaurants in Zona Rosa and other hot spots in the Northern suburbs.

The historic center is composed of overall very well-preserved colonial-era houses. The Gold Museum and other museums are located here as well. The modern financial district directly to the North really lacks much in the way of attractions and can be skipped. The area along Calle 82 is lined with discos and restaurants, stores and bars, and is a favorite area for the upper class residents of Bogota to spend their free time.

There are two sites just outside the city that I have not had a chance to visit on my trip, but hope to do next time I come. 1) - natural park Chicaque with cloudforest walks and trails (chicaque.com), 2) salt cathedral in town of Zipaquira. And there is also a theme park for kids with rollercoasters, castle and other activities.