The colonial old town at the foot of the mountains — cobbled streets of painted colonial houses, the great museums, Plaza Bolívar, universities and a bohemian, backpacker buzz, all beneath Monserrate. The most atmospheric and central base, packed with hostels and character; a little rough after dark, so take care at night, but unbeatable for history and culture on foot.
A look around
What you’ll be living next to. Swipe through.
€25–50
typical per night in Colombia
Easy on the wallet
Among the cheapest areas to sleep in Bogotá.
Where it sits
The circle is La Candelaria and roughly a 10-minute walk around it.
How far is everything?
From the middle of this area to the city's headline sights — pick your own on the city page and these become your list.
- A graffiti street-art tour7 min walk598 m
- Paloquemao market24 min walk2.0 km
- The Sunday Ciclovía25 min walk2.1 km
- Colombian coffee18 min taxi5.9 km
- A night out in Chapinero18 min taxi5.9 km
- Zona Rosa shopping & bars25 min taxi8.2 km
- Ajiaco & Colombian food36 min taxi12.0 km
- Usaquén & its Sunday market36 min taxi12.0 km
On your doorstep
What you’re living next to if you stay here.
- 1.Monserrate — The mountain that towers over the city, topped by a white pilgrimage church at 3,150 m — ride the funicular or cable car up (or hike on a safe morning) for a breathtaking panorama over the endless sprawl of Bogotá to the plains beyond. Best in the late afternoon as the lights come on; a food-and-craft market and restaurants wait at the top. The definitive Bogotá view.
- 2.La Candelaria old town — The historic heart — a hilly grid of colourful colonial houses, cobbled lanes, tiny plazas, university cafés and street art, all beneath Monserrate. Wander with no plan: peek into courtyards, sip a hot chocolate with cheese (a local ritual), and feel the bohemian, centuries-old soul of Bogotá. The best of the city's history and culture is packed into these few atmospheric blocks.
- 3.The Gold Museum — One of the world's great museums — the Museo del Oro holds a dazzling collection of over 30,000 pieces of pre-Columbian goldwork, from delicate figurines to the famous El Dorado raft, beautifully displayed and explained. A stunning window into the sophistication of Colombia's indigenous cultures; genuinely world-class, and a highlight of any visit to the country. Allow a couple of hours.
- 4.The Botero Museum — A free gem in La Candelaria showcasing the work of Colombia's most famous artist, Fernando Botero — his instantly recognisable, gloriously rotund figures and still lifes, plus his personal collection of Picasso, Monet, Dalí and other masters. Beautifully set in a colonial mansion; charming, accessible and a joy. One of the best free museums in Latin America, and a lovely hour.
- 5.Plaza Bolívar — The grand main square at the heart of La Candelaria, ringed by the neoclassical cathedral, the Palace of Justice, the Capitol and the mayor's palace, thronged with pigeons, vendors and llamas for photos. The symbolic centre of Colombia and a fine spot to feel the scale of the historic city; the buildings and the bustle make it the classic Bogotá gathering place.
When are you staying?
Booking.com & Airbnb open searched to La Candelaria; flights via Google Flights.