Bogotá sits high on a cool Andean plateau, so you will not need air conditioning at night, and the city's historic core, museums and nightlife are concentrated in a compact central area. The city spreads across a long plateau, with the colonial centre at its heart and the upscale northern districts stretching away toward the airport highway.
For a visitor, the main decision is whether to base yourself in the historic centre, where most of the sights are within walking distance, or in the northern districts, where security is less of a concern but prices are higher. This guide covers the areas the sources identify as practical bases, what each suits, and how the budget levels differ.
Best areas to stay in Bogotá
1. La Candelaria
The colonial neighbourhood in the centre of the city is the most popular choice for low-budget visitors. You will find many cheap, friendly places to stay where you can meet travellers from around the world, and the historic district, the major museums and some nightlife options are all within walking distance.
The trade-off is safety after dark: the deserted streets are unsafe on weeknights, and you should check the location carefully before choosing a place, as security is worse in the tiny deserted streets uphill and closer to the Egypto neighbourhood. Police presence has increased, but you must always remain cautious.
2. Zona Rosa and Parque 93
These upscale northern districts are where you will find several hotels, and security is less of an issue than in the centre. Prices are much higher here.
The northern location also makes practical matters easier: you will have no problem hailing a taxi at six in the morning, because your accommodation would be just around the corner from a nightclub or on the way to the airport.
3. Ciudad Salitre
Ciudad Salitre sits on the airport highway and offers another upscale northern option with several hotels. Like the other northern districts, security is less of a concern and prices are much higher.
Its position on the airport road makes it a convenient base if your priority is easy access to and from El Dorado rather than walking distance to the historic centre.
4. Chapinero Central
Around downtown and near the universities, especially in Chapinero Central, you can find low to medium priced hotels and hostels. These tend to be more expensive than those in La Candelaria.
This area suits travellers who want a central-ish base with a range of budgets, without the after-dark caution that applies to the deserted streets of the historic centre.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Cheap, nice hostels, concentrated in La Candelaria, where you can meet travellers from around the world and walk to the historic district, museums and some nightlife. Note that most hostels carry a strict no-drugs policy.
- Mid-range: Low to medium priced hotels and hostels around downtown or near the universities, especially in Chapinero Central, though these are more expensive than La Candelaria's.
- Splurge: Hotels in the upscale northern districts such as Zona Rosa, Parque 93 and Ciudad Salitre, where security is less of an issue but prices are much higher.
Best area for a first visit
La Candelaria is the best base for a first visit because the historic district, the major museums and some nightlife options are within walking distance, which lets you cover the essentials on foot. It is also the most popular choice for low-budget visitors and the easiest place to meet other travellers. Be aware that the deserted streets are unsafe after dark on weeknights, so check the exact location carefully and stay cautious at night.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need air conditioning in Bogotá?
No. Because of the low temperatures at night, you do not need air conditioning.
Is La Candelaria safe at night?
The deserted neighbourhood streets are unsafe after dark on weeknights. Police presence has increased, but you must always remain cautious, and security is worse in the tiny deserted streets uphill and closer to the Egypto neighbourhood.
Where can I find cheaper places to stay?
Most low-budget visitors choose La Candelaria, where there are many cheap, nice hostels. You can also find low to medium priced hotels and hostels around downtown or near the universities, especially in Chapinero Central, though these are more expensive than La Candelaria's.
Why is it easier to get a taxi early in the morning in the northern districts?
In the northern districts your accommodation would be just around the corner from a nightclub, or on the way to the airport, so you will not have any problem hailing a taxi at six in the morning.
Compare live prices for the area you choose with the booking tools on this page.