Expert: Juan Carlos Valencia - 3/31/2008

Question
I'm going to Bogota for the first time, with my husband, who is colombian.  He hasn't been to colombia in about 6 years.  We live in the United states.  I have a couple of questions. First of all, what are some exciting things to do in bogota?  I will visit the gold museum, but, I'm not really into touring old political buildings, etc.  
    The second question is, what should I pack to wear?  My husband says to dress how I dress in the states.  I have been told by some to not wear open-toed shoes, is this true??  He says that I should, but I don't want to look like a weirdo or anything!  Also, do the young women wear dresses and skirts during the day?  Any advice would be appreciated!!
Thanks
Rachel


Answer
Dear Rachel,

I hope you have a good time in Bogota. The city has changed a lot and for the good in the past 6 years. Although it still has many daunting issues to solve, the city looks cleaner, safer and nicer.

Old museums are good. The Gold museum is very nice. Try walking around La Candelaria, the colonial neighborhood in downtown Bogota. Do it in daytime and be careful as you may encounter pickpockets in the area. A good place to visit is the Botero collection at the Banco de la Republica museum in Street 11 with Avenue 4. Grab a nice colombian coffee at the Juan Valdez Cafe in the corner. Then check the new Gabriel Garcia Marquez Cultural Center. It's fairly nice and has a great bookshop and music store. Dont forget to visit Bolivar Square. The views are nice.

But as you said that you're note very much into this kind of tourism, I will recommed you to go to Usaquen. It's a quiet, nice area with great restaurants, a big mall built in a century old Hacienda and some nice shops. Go to the park and walk along the nice pedestrian street.

Try going to Parque de la 93, the trendiest area of the city for bars, pubs and restuarants. You could party in some great places there. Prices are high but when compared to prices in the U.S it would not be too high.

You could also go to Zona Rosa, 82d street is full of bars, pubs and discos. The area could be abit rough but it's fun anyway.

What I prefer to do in Bogota is to walk on sundays along 7th avenue. It's closed to traffic and people take over in bicycles, roller skates or simply walking or jogging. You could  start your journey on 82d street and finish it in 11th street.

I also love to go out to the surrounding countryside. The road to the small town of La Calera takes you above the city, bordering the mountains with great views of Bogota and some lakes. Go to the towns of Sopo, Subachoque, Tocancipa or Guasca. You will see small crops and farms. You will also find great restuarants. One in Guasca is especially good, run by an old american that used to be chef in cargo ships in the south pacific. It's very expensive but delicious.

You may also walk in Parque Nacional (7th avenue with 36 street). Go with other people on a sunny sunday, hike, walk along the paths surrounded by tall trees.

I hope that this helps !

JC