Bogota Solo Guide: Essential Info (2025)

Heading to Bogota? This short, sharp guide skips the fluff—get the essentials for an epic trip (top hostels below)!

TL;DR

• Perfect for: 2–4 days
• Best for: Adventurous explorers, museum geeks, urban cyclists, foodies
• Why visit: Friendly locals, rich culture, world-class cycling, solo-safe if you stay smart

BOGOTÁ AT A GLANCE

• Population: 11.3 million (largest city in Colombia)
• Vibe: Buzzing capital packed with history, culture, and color
• Famous for: Epic mountain views, Gold Museum, world’s biggest urban bike network
• Nicknames: “Athens of South America” (for all those museums & universities)
• Solo feel: Backpacker hub, plenty of expats, mostly friendly if you keep your wits

ESSENTIAL INFO

• 💰 Currency: Colombian Peso (COP)
• 🗣 Language: Spanish
• 🌦 Best time to visit: December–March (driest, lively street life, still bring a jacket for cool nights)
• ✈️ From airport:
  • Bus (Transmilenio): Easiest/cheapest—Alimentador shuttle + Transmilenio (1,700 COP/ride)
  • Taxi: Official booth inside—get printed rate (~15,000 COP to city center)
  • Rideshare: Uber, Beat, or DiDi (safer than street taxis, sit up front)
• 🧳 Safety: Stay in touristy neighborhoods; take Ubers after dark; avoid obvious valuables—locals say “no dar papaya”
• 🎭 Cultural calendar tip: August (Carnaval & Summer Festival); April (Book Fair)
• 🎦 What to watch on the plane: “Embrace of the Serpent” (stunning Colombian adventure)

WHERE TO STAY (FOR SOLO TRAVELERS)

• 🛏️ Best hostel: The Cranky Croc Hostel – Social yet chill, epic location in La Candelaria, daily walking tours, friendly staff, clean & safe. Popular spot – book ahead!
• 🏘️ Best neighborhood for hotels/Airbnb: La Candelaria – Historic, colorful, steps to sights & lively backpacker/boho vibe
• 🧭 Alt neighborhood: Chapinero – Edgy, LGBTQ+-friendly, best casual food, buzzy nightlife without the crowds
• Tip: Book hostels ahead in peak season; always double-check hostel reviews for solo safety

TRANSPORT & NAVIGATION

• 🚶‍♂️ Walkability: Superb in La Candelaria & Zona T; hilly at times, stick to daylight strolls
• 🚌 Bus (Transmilenio): Citywide, 1,700 COP/ride, avoid at rush hour (packed!)
• 🚋 Other buses: Mini-buses/colectivos everywhere; ask driver to alert you to stop
• 🚖 Taxi: Never hail on the street; use apps or call and get the “password” (last 2 phone digits)
• 🚲 Bikes: Rent in La Candelaria or join a group tour; Sunday Ciclovía = 120km of car-free bliss!

TOP 5 THINGS TO DO ALONE

• 🏛️ Cerro de Monserrate: Iconic viewpoint—take cable car up, hike down for sunrise magic
• 🌿 Ciclovía Sundays: Over 120km of city roads closed to cars, perfect for cycling or skating
• 🧠 Museo del Oro (Gold Museum): Mesmerizing, massive, all the bling—free on Sundays!
• 🧭 Wander La Candelaria: Colonial history, street art, indie coffee shops, lively plazas
• 🎨 Jardín Botánico: Peaceful gardens, rare orchids, perfect solo reading/picnic spot
• 🔀 Wildcard: Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá—mind-blowing underground church, easy DIY day trip by bus

WHAT TO SKIP

• ❌ Plaza de Bolívar at night: Gets sketchy and quiet—visit by day only
• ❌ Random unlicensed taxis: Real safety risk; always opt for apps/Uber
• ❌ Barrio Santa Fe: “ Authentic grittiness” just means trouble—don’t wander here

EATING & DRINKING

• 🧍‍♂️ Solo-friendly spot: Mercado de la Perseverancia—legendary market with dozens of street-food stalls
• 🥃 Quiet pub/bar with character: El Irish Pub (La Candelaria)—chill, expat-friendly, live music vibes
• 🍽️ Try these local foods:
  • Ajiaco: Classic chicken & potato soup—try at La Puerta Falsa
  • Bandeja Paisa: Hearty mixed platter—Andrés D.C.
  • Arepas: Street stands everywhere
• 💸 Best cheap eats: La Puerta Falsa or bakeries in La Candelaria—snacks under 5,000 COP
• 🥦 Veg/vegan options: Herbívoro Cocina Vegana—killer vegan bandeja paisa
• 🍸 Cocktails or nightcap: Doña Ceci (La Candelaria)—old school cantina, local aguardiente

BEST OF BOGOTÁ IN 1 DAY – SOLO ITINERARY

• Sunrise: Hike or cable car up Monserrate—epic city views
• Morning: Coffee & pastry at Azahar Café, then hit Museo del Oro
• Lunch: Feast on ajiaco at Mercado de la Perseverancia
• Afternoon: Explore La Candelaria’s street art & indie bookstores
• Evening: Cycle or stroll down Carrera 7 or in Parque Simón Bolívar
• Dinner: Heaping bandeja paisa at Andrés D.C. (book ahead!)
• Night: Local drinks and live music at El Irish Pub or Doña Ceci

LOCAL TIPS & INSIDER WISDOM

• 🎉 Festival/seasonal tip: Summer Festival (August)—the city is buzzing, with open-air shows and parties
• 📍 Hidden gem: Paloquemao Market—snack like a local, weird fruit galore
• 📷 Photo spots: Top of Monserrate, Candelaria’s graffiti walls, peaceful Jardín Botánico
• 🧠 Etiquette tip: Say “buenos días/tardes/noches” when you enter small shops; always greet first
• 🚩 Safety reminder: Stay alert in crowded areas, use Ubers at night, avoid “no dar papaya” situations
• 👀 One last thing: Brave Ciclovía on a Sunday—even if you just walk, you’ll fall in love with Bogotá’s spirit!

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