So, I just got back from this trip to Bogotá, and wow, I have a lot to spill about it. Seriously, when I started planning, I was looking for the best things to do in Bogota, thinking it would just be a checklist of touristy spots. But it turned out to be way more than that, and I can't wait to share. Grab your coffee; this might take a minute.
This spot? Total surprise.
Let's talk about La Candelaria first. I wasn't expecting much other than the usual colonial buildings and a decent coffee shop or two. But man, it was like stepping into a different world. I found myself wandering those narrow, colorful streets, and there was this one mural that nearly stopped me in my tracks—a giant, vibrant representation of a Colombian myth. I don't know why I ended up there; I was just trying to find a café with Wi-Fi, needing to map out my day. Instead, I got lost—literally and figuratively.
I think my favorite part was the little plaza right where I ended up. There was a street performer playing some hauntingly beautiful Andean flute music, and it felt like the kind of moment that could be a soundtrack for a film. I joined a small crowd, and everyone was just vibing together. No one was on their phones—just soaking it all in. It's funny how those spontaneous moments end up being the highlights of a trip, isn't it?
The afternoon that changed my whole mood
Now, let me tell you about a little afternoon that completely flipped my mood. I had planned to hit up a big, famous museum, but when I got there, the line was wrapped around the block. Totally not happening. Disheartened, I started wandering again, half-heartedly looking for a back-up plan when I stumbled upon a small, unassuming art gallery. I think it was called Casa Candelaria?
Honestly, I wasn't expecting much. I mean, how good could a random gallery be? But I walked in, and it turned out to be this intimate space filled with local artists' work. The curator—a young guy with bright red glasses—was super passionate and started telling me about each piece like it was his child. I ended up losing track of time. We talked about art, life, and the wild complexity of Colombian identity. I never imagined I'd find myself having these little heart-to-heart conversations while on vacation. It was like a mini-therapy session, just through the lens of creativity.
I almost missed this, no thanks to my bad sense of direction
Then there was that day when my terrible sense of direction almost got the best of me. I decided to visit Monserrate, the mountain that overlooks the city. Now, you'd think there'd be signs, but apparently, there are none when you're wandering around a massive mall trying to find the cable car station. I was circling the vicinity for what felt like forever. Seriously, if getting lost was an Olympic sport, I'd take home the gold. At one point, I even considered giving up and just hitting up another empanada place instead.
But of course, after finally making my way up—after what seemed like a mini trek of mountainous proportions—I was greeted by this breathtaking view. The city sprawled beneath me, with the Andes framing the horizon. Honestly, those mountains made Bogotá feel both vast and cozy at the same time. It was one of those moments where I just stood there, breathing it all in, and all the frustration from getting lost melted away into sheer awe.
And speaking of getting lost, the sunset from that mountain? Unforgettable. The sky exploded into colors I didn't even know existed. If I hadn't almost missed the cable car, I wouldn't have been in the right spot at the right time to catch it. Life is weird like that, right?
An unforgettable meal
Let's talk about food for a second. If you're thinking about the best things to do in Bogota, don't forget the food scene. I found this tiny eatery in the La Macarena district called Ajiaco. Yes, I know—what a cliché, right? But you have no idea. This wasn't just any restaurant; it was a local's place with a line that seemed to snake around the block. I figured, “Why not?”
I ordered a bowl of ajiaco, which is a traditional chicken soup. I swear it was like a hug in a bowl. They served it with avocado, cream, and capers, and I felt like I was indulging in a comforting bowl of nostalgia. Not to sound cheesy, but that soup reminded me of chilly nights back home, and all the while, I couldn't stop thinking about how food connects us, even when we're far from our actual homes.
Oh, and pro tip: if you ever find yourself there, don't skip dessert. I tried this dessert called “bocadillo,” which is basically guava paste and cheese, and let's just say it was dangerously easy to inhale. By the end of my meal, I was stuffed and blissfully happy.
A reminder of what really matters
I had this moment when I realized: sometimes the best things come from the least expected experiences. Like when I almost didn't see that art gallery, or nearly skipped Monserrate due to a totally flawed sense of direction. It's funny how the minor hiccups can lead to the major highlights. Each day unfolded in such a human way—no perfect itinerary, just genuine moments that really hit home.
I spent my evenings sipping coffee in little cafes, talking to locals, and getting lost in random conversations. It's easy to forget that sometimes the best adventures aren't planned down to the last detail. They're those unexpected turns, the conversations you didn't see coming, and the meals you didn't think much of at first.
So, if you ever find yourself wondering what the best things to do in Bogota are, just let yourself flow with it. Go ahead and get lost—both in the streets and in the experiences. You never know the magic you might stumble into.
And while I sit here sipping the last dregs of my coffee, I can't help but smile at all the little detours that made me feel more alive than ever. Isn't that just wild?
