Bogotá

The city is served by 🌍 El Dorado International Airport (BOG  ^IATA) (~20 minutes from downtown in a taxi), that receives several flights daily from New York City, Washington D.C., Atlanta Airport, Houston, Miami Airport, Orlando Airport, Fort Lauderdale, Paris Charles de Gaulle, São Paulo, Madrid Barajas, Barcelona El Prat, Frankfurt airport, Mexico City Benito Juarez, San José (CR) / Alajuela, Lima, Buenos Aires, Panamá City Tocumen Airport, Quito, Guayaquil, Oranjestad (Aruba), Willemstad (Curaçao) and Toronto among others. Travelers can also take advantage of the convenient connections and direct flights from Los Angeles, Washington, Santo Domingo, San Juan, Punta Cana, Valencia (Venezuela), La Habana, Montego Bay, London, Frankfurt and Orlando. International airlines include JetBlue, United, Delta, Iberia, Air France, Lufthansa, Air Canada, American Airlines, LATAM, Avianca, Copa Airlines, Aerolíneas Argentinas, Spirit, Aeromexico, Air Europa, Albatros Airlines, JetSmart, LASER Airlines, Sky Airline, Turkish Airlines, Viva Air Peru, and Wingo.

Domestic flights are served by many airlines including Avianca (main Colombian airline), LATAM, Viva, Wingo, Satena and EasyFly. Domestic flights of Avianca are served from the Puente Aéreo terminal, next to El Dorado terminal, and features WiFi access to the Internet from almost every location. There are more than 20 daily flights from the 2 airports in Medellín, over 15 daily flights from Cali and more than 10 from Cartagena. Domestic flights to Bogotá are among the 50 busiest flight routes on earth and heavy competition can net you cheap fares. Taxis are regulated, reasonably priced and safe from the airport. El Dorado is also the third busiest airport in Latin America and the largest by cargo movement.

To get out from the airport into the city there are a couple of options:

1. Regulated taxis. You first have to search for a stand where you will have to point out your destination and then they will print out a ticket indicating the price you will have pay. Then, pick up a taxi from the line and explain to the driver your destination. At the end of the journey you will have to pay only what is printed out in the ticket.
2. Transmilenio. You can only use the bus system if you have small luggage - you might not be allowed into the stations if you are carrying big suitcases. To get out the airport without having the public transport card, take the bus line "16-14". It's a green bus that brings you for free to the bus station "Portal El Dorado". There buy the Tullave card before going through the turnstile. People with Transmilenio or blue SITP jackets are ready to help (although most of them do not speak English - bring your Spanish phrasebook or use Google Translate). The bus station has WiFi. A lot of bus lines depart from that bus station, you may be able to reach your destination in Bogota with a direct connection.

The safety of bus travel in Colombia has greatly improved. However, foreigners should be cautious not to travel to areas of unrest and travel only during the day. Do not carry large amounts of cash with you as robberies are known to occur along some routes. Service in the 'upscale' buses are very good and they are very comfortable. Pick the most expensive service (just a couple of dollars extra) as these buses tend to be newer and in better mechanical condition.

Buses run in and out of Bogotá's main station, 🌍 El Terminal de Transporte de Bogotá (Terminal Salitre). The station is clean and has standard amenities. Located at Dg 23, No 69-59, several bus companies have regular routes to destinations around the country. To get there from the airport, you can take a short taxi ride.

Take into consideration that most of the restaurants serving within the terminal can be expensive by Colombian standards, but well served. In case of need, it may be advisable to order a dish for 2 people or just to check places around the station.

The Terminal is divided in several color-coded areas that indicate the destinations to which companies in that area travel to: Yellow = South, Blue = East and West, Red = North and International, Purple = Arrivals.

In additional to the above, the same governmental agency that operates the main bus station (Terminal La Salitre) also operates satellite stations in the north part of town and another in the south part of town which may be closer to your point of origin or final destination in Bogota:

• 🌍 La Terminal del Sur (South Terminal) along Autopista Sur at Carrera 59 in La Bosa, in the south side of town.
• 🌍 Terminal Satelite del Norte (North Terminal) on Calle 192, #19-43 off of Ave Carrera 45 north of town.

There are multiple bus lines serving El Terminal de Transporte de Bogotá (Terminal Salitre) and one or both of the other stations in the north or south part of town. The below are the major bus lines connecting Bogota to Medellin and to other cities north and east (Cartagena, Santa Marta, Monteria, Bucaramanga, etc) towards the Caribbean coast and the Venezuelan border:

• Expreso Brasilia, toll-free: 01 8000 51 8001. From Tigo and Movistar phones call #501 or #502 (updated Jul 2015)
• Copetran, ☏ +57 7 644-81-67 (Bucaramanga), toll-free: 01 8000 114 164. #567 or #568 from Claro cell phones (updated Jul 2015)
• Berlinas del Fonce. Travels between Bogotá, Bucaramanga, Cartagena, Cúcuta, Santa Marta and points in between (updated Jul 2015)
• Rapido Ochoa, ☏ +57 4 444-88-88. Travels from Medellin and Bogotá to Arboletes, Barracajermeca, Monteria, Barranquilla, Santa Marta, Tolu and points in between in multiple route combinations (updated Jul 2015)

Other companies that go to multiple cities and towns in the southern part of the country, connecting Bogota to Medellin and to other cities west and south (Armenia, Cali, Manizales, Florence, Ipiales, Neiva, Palmira, etc.) towards the Ecuadorian border and the Pacific coast. Some may offer onward international service into Ecuador and Peru:

• Empresa Arauca, toll-free: 01 8000 42-87-37. (updated Aug 2019)
• Expreso Bolivariano, ☏ +57 1 424-90-90 (Bogotá number). Offers extensive routes from Bogotá and Medellin to Manizales, Armenia, Medellín, Cali, Ipiales, Popayan and to other places south. They also offer international service down into Peru. (updated Jul 2015)
• Expreso Palmira, ☏ +57 321 890-35-97 (from cell phone), toll-free: 01 8000 936-662. (updated Jul 2015)
• Fronteras - Continental Bus. (updated Jul 2015)
• Coomotor. (updated Jul 2015)

In addition to the above, there are also numerous other bus lines connecting Bogota to other cities at varying distances.

The below is distance chart as to how far and how much time it is to travel between Bogota and other major cities by car or by bus on the main highways:

There are no proper intercity trains in Colombia. However touristic steam trains, operated by Turistren, connects Bogotá with the city of Zipaquirá several times per week.

A regional railway system is expected to be launched by 2024.

InDrive, Uber, Cabify and Didi cover the city. As of November 2015, Uber rides can take a while to reach you, particularly if you are in the La Candelaria area. You can also use Uber app to hail a taxi. Note that while rideshare apps are commonly used, they are officially illegal in Colombia, so drivers can be hesitant to drive to places where they may be hassled by police (e.g. bus stations). Drivers may ask you to sit in front so that you appear to be a "friend" of the driver instead of taking a passenger for profit through a ride-hailing app.

While ubiquitous and affordable – the local yellow taxis are arguably the most visible representative to the world of Bogotá's worst side. Travelers used to being cheated by taxi drivers probably aren't yet acquainted with the paseo millionario, or "Millionaire Ride," where a taxi driver swings by to pick up well-armed accomplices who then rob you, possibly drug you, and almost certainly take you to multiple ATMs to forcibly withdraw a large sums of money. This rather extreme practice is actually pretty common. Taxis should not be hailed off the street—only called through dispatch. Nice restaurants and any place of lodging will be happy to do this for you, and will express genuine concern if they think you are going to try to hail one. Otherwise, call one yourself at 599-9999, 311-1111 or 411-1111. Sometimes it can take a while to get one, though, so it's good to have a back up. If public transit isn't your thing, consider keeping a private car service on hand. They are pretty good deal for the money, when all is considered, and your hotel or business should be able to recommend one.

If calling for a taxi, the driver will want to confirm that it is you who called by asking for a "clave" (key), which is always the last two digits of the phone from which you called to request the taxi. Each taxi has a meter which should increment one tick every 1/10 km or 30 seconds and starts at 25 ticks. The rate chart is printed on a card in the taxi. Nearly all taxi drivers will try to take advantage of you in one way or another; be sure the taxi meter is started when you begin your trip. Tipping is never necessary—be sure to count your change and be on the lookout for both counterfeit coins and notes. There are surcharges for the airport, holidays, and nights (after 8PM). Surcharge details are printed on the fare card. There is a surcharge for ordering a taxi arriving at your house and one for after 8PM, even if you are starting your trip before that time. Holidays and Sundays are also surcharged. Lock the doors of the taxi, especially after dark. If you experience a problem in a taxi or with the driver, dial 123 to report a complaint with the police. You should also call the company with which the taxi is registered.

Please note that English proficiency generally tends to be poor all across Colombia, including Bogotá, so have your hotel staff write the destination in Spanish before taking a taxi.

In other hand If you are interested in a more private and professional option, you can hire a Shuttle Service. This kind of services often have wide range of vehicles and can be paid by credit card so you won't have to worry about carrying cash all the time.

Bogota's rapid bus service, the Transmilenio is extremely affordable, clean and efficient. It carries commuters to numerous corners of the city in exclusive lanes, bypassing the notorious city traffic. Tickets cost COP$2,950 (Oct 2023) for Transmilenio buses & cable cars and COP$2,750 for SITP buses. You must buy a rechargeable card at any Transmilenio station beforehand for COP$7,000 (Oct 2023). Recharging the card must also be done at a Transmilenio station.

If you have WiFi or a data plan, the easiest way to find a connection is using an app like Google Maps, Moovit (also available in English) or Transmilenio y SITP (has a bit more info).

Riders should keep a close eye on their pockets and avoid flashing expensive items, as there is a moderate risk of pick-pocketing, particularly during peak hours or at night.

The vehicles used in that systems are articulated buses; they are fast and safe, but could be full during the afternoon times. The system also uses different kinds of stations: the simples offers bus services at the right and left sides (north-south;east-west) and the intermediates are usually located in middle points and have complete services, such as elevators, station libraries, bikes parks, restrooms. Alimentadores services (buses that reach zones the articulated buses do not) and the portals, the nine arrival and departure places of the buses, are located near the entrances to the city. Service ends 10–11PM, depending on the station. Intercity buses from the metropolitan area also arrive at these stations.

The sheer number of bus numbers is quite intimidating, but has a simple logic to it. There are actually only ten routes, demarcated by letters (and names, but don't worry about that). J and L routes will take you into the historic/political center, with J buses even stopping right at the Gold Museum. B buses will take you up through the North, with Calle 85 being the closest stop to the popular Zona Rosa, B buses take you to Portal del Norte, where you can catch inter-city buses up to Zipaquirá (for the Salt Cathedral). K buses head out towards the airport.

The system, being one of the world's leading examples of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), runs in dedicated lanes with stations containing offboard fare collection and level boarding, giving it a similar experience to rail without the high capital costs of rail.

The TransMiCable inaugurated in 2018 is a 3,340 m (10,960 ft) gondola lift that takes passengers from the TransMilenio stop 🌍 Portal del Tunal.  to 🌍 Mirador del Paraíso.  in the Ciudad Bolivar district.

Another cable-car of primarily touristic transportation value is the Teleférico de Monserrate.

Privately owned buses cruise all the main thorough fares and many side streets, and are the principal form of transport for the working class and student class. Though they do follow specific routes, they do not have bus "stops"; you merely call to them like taxis and they will stop for you where you are standing. Placards in the large front windows list destinations, either neighborhoods or main street names. Upon entering you will be asked for the fare; if you are not traveling alone you may be asked "Para ambos?", for example, meaning "For both?", to see if you are paying for just yourself or for your companion. Then you pass through a turnstile to the seating areas. The buses come in three sizes, usually, long (like a school bus), medium and small (called busetas). All have turnstiles. To exit these buses, you go to the back door and either push a button located usually on one of the hand rails or next to the exit, or simply call out "Aqui, por favor!" (Here, please!) or "Pare!" (Stop!). Passengers are often expected to embark and disembark even from the middle of the street.

Sometimes vendors are allowed to enter the buses to sell candy or small gift items (occasionally donating one to the driver for the privilege). Or, you may find entertainers such as singers or guitar players, and even the more creative of the street beggars who will regale you with a long, poetic story of their sad situation before asking for donations. Even in the smallest buses, cramped full of people standing and sitting, it is a common sight. A Grammy-nominated singer named Ilona got her start performing on buses around Bogotá.

You can plan which bus you need to take ahead of time using a combination of Google maps (which shows stops and bus lines) and the SITP website, though that works only for SITP buses.

Colectivos cover practically every major route of the city, and can generally be flagged down at any point on a main road. Watch these small buses for lists of destinations displayed on their windshields, or ask the driver (in Spanish) if he passes the neighborhood or intersection you are going to. Not very comfortable, but they are faster than a common bus and it's also used as a shuttle for routes that don't have so much affluence, it can take you almost anywhere.

Bogotá has Latin America's largest network of bicycle routes, called 'Ciclorutas.' On Sundays and public holidays, many main and secondary roads are closed to cars for the Ciclovia from 7AM-2PM, a special feature of Bogotá, where people can run, bicycle, inline skate or just watch from the side. There are refreshment stands along the way and most parks host some type of event such as yoga, dancing, stretching, spinning, etc. To get a bicycle you can rent a bike or going for a guided bike tour on Bogota's Ciclorutas or participating in the Ciclovia are fun and healthy ways to get to know the city, and to get closer to the people.

Something that usually greatly surprise tourists and newcomers to Bogota DC is that the city's streets, boulevards, and avenues are rarely named; rather they are referred to as Carreras and calles counted from the geographical center of the city northwards and southwards, with few exeptions to this rule being the Avenida El Dorado (El dorado avenue), Avenida Jiminez de Quesada (Jiminez de Quesada avenue), and the Autospistas norte y sur (Northern and southern highways).

The capital district is built on a Cartesian coordinate grid system. Although the original city of Bogota in the 1500s (now the Historic Center of the metropolis) was designed as a perfect square, whose center would be the Plaza de Bolivar and would be crossed from north to south by the Calle real (now carrera septima), massive urban growth in the 18th 19th and 20th centuries due to immigrants coming from all over the world and the country, made the original shape of the city change. Now nearly 500 years after its founding, Bogota DC is a booming metropolis over 1,000 times its original size. The city has grown to such an extent that it has absorbed various neighboring cities such as Usaquen, Chapinero, Usme, and Suba, Chia, and Soacha into the Greater Bogota Metropolitan area that now houses a population of over 15 million people (one of the largest metro areas in the world). Bogota has been transformed from a small town of 100,000 people in the 1600s to a thriving and modern global city composed of millions of inhabitants from all over the country and the world. Although this change has been immensely positive, it has also resulted in the original layout of the city being changed. Now Bogota resembles more of a rectangle than a square, composed of the same Cartesian coordinate system, but with some irregular blocks, twisting streets, and diagonals cutting across what is supposed to be a perfect grid. The original Historic center of the city is now more to the south-east of the city, rather than at the geographical center of the city. The apparently straightforward street address system designed by the original founders of Bogota hundreds of years ago, has historically been more of a guideline as to where things are than a precise way to get to places. In the 1950s an update of the street addresses in much of the city was directed towards solving certain inconsistencies in getting around some areas of the city. Most places that tourists tend to visit, have been quite easy to find since that time.

Carreras (roads) are abbreviated as Cr., Kra., and Cra. and run parallel to the mountains from south to north. Carrera numbers increase from east to west, away from the mountains - so Carrera 7 is near the mountains and Carrera 100 is far from them - except for a very few carreras near the mountains that increase in reverse order and that have names like "Carrera 1 E" ('E' standing for east).

Calles (streets) cross the carreras and run from east to west. Calles are abbreviated as Cll. and Cl. For half of the city (the northern half tourists are most likely to visit) calle numbers increase from south to north - so Calle 13 is near the center of the city, whereas Calle 250 is one the last streets before exiting Bogota on the northern side. Calles in the southern half work similarly to 'east' carreras near the mountains: the southern calle numbers increase from north to south, mirroring streets in the northern half. These are called things like "Calle 85 S" ('S' standing for south).

Aside from calles and carreras, there are 'diagonales' and 'transversales'. As their names suggest, they are not perfectly parallel to calles and carreras. However, the same numbering system applies to them. Diagonales are supposed to be deviations from calles, whereas transversales are supposed to be deviations from carreras. So, for example, Diagonal 107 runs sort of east-west and is somewhere around Calle 106 or 108.

Avenidas, abbreviated as Av. or Ave., are usually larger, main streets. Geographically speaking, most avenidas somehow fit into one the four categories mentioned above, although some avenidas twist around. They usually have a classification and number as described above, but they also have a distinct name, like "Avenida Suba", "Avenida Boyacá" and whatnot. So, for example, Avenida Jiménez is a main street and, in the number system, is also called Calle 13.

Each address consists of a street and a series of numbers. For example, Calle 45 No. 24-15 (sometimes written as CL 45 # 24 - 15 or CL 45 24 15), means (1) the location is on Calle 45, (2) of the two intersecting carreras nearby, the one with the lower number is Carrera 24 (since in this case we are talking about carreras, it means the nearest carrera to the east of the location; if we were talking about calles, it would be the nearest calle to the south of the location), and (3) the location is roughly 15 meters from the intersection of Calle 45 and Carrera 24. Furthermore, since the last number, 15, is odd, the location is on the southern side of Calle 24 (if the location were on a carrera, it would be on the west side of it). Even numbers at the end have the opposite meaning.

Popular among visitors are the historic Downtown and La Candelaria neighborhood. In fact most affordable lodging and dining options can be found this side of town making it highly desirable by low-budget travelers and backpackers, given its close location to many of the city's attractions. Start your way on Carrera Septima (7) and Calle 16, just arriving Parque Santander. Take the opportunity to visit the world famous Museo del Oro, or Gold Museum for its legendary El Dorado collections. Then continue south one block up to Avenida Jimenez and give your camera a workout at one of Bogota's most famous and historic intersections, where a couple of ancient churches and 19th century buildings collide. Turn east (towards the mountains) and walk up Avenida Jimenez alongside downtown's famous Eje Ambiental or Environmental Axis, which is a section of the avenue that has been closed off to vehicles except Transmilenio, to make way for a generous tree-lined pedestrian sidewalk and an enclosed water stream. Many historic and famous buildings are located alongside the Eje Ambiental, home to Bogota's most renowned and traditional companies like El Tiempo and the Bank of the Republic. A few blocks east just past the Parque de los Periodistas the Eje Ambiental starts bending northwise, so leave the axis and turn south instead via one of the small streets that branch into the neighborhood and make your way up to Calle 12b and Carrera 2, el Chorro de Quevedo, unofficial center of La Candelaria, where it is argued that the City of Bogota was founded back in 1538. Today, bohemian life meets to enjoy arts, culture and music at this spot. On the way make sure to take in the whimsical coloring and architecture of the neighborhood's streets and colonial houses. Continue on Carrera 2 southward a couple of blocks up until Calle 11, and turn west once again just in front of La Salle University: You'll be glad you do since you've been climbing constantly eastward so enjoy your walk back down. Make sure to notice the eccentric street names found on picturesque signs at every corner. Make your way down west on Calle 11 and you will pass by the Museo Botero, museum showcasing some of famous Colombian painter Botero's private art collection and work. Another block down is the Centro Cultural Garcia Marquez, modern cultural center and venue that includes Library, Art Galleries, concert halls and lesson rooms, with year-round events and displays for all tastes and audiences interested in culture and the arts. Continue down west and reach the Plaza de Bolivar, the city's overwhelming main square surrounded by neoclasic government palaces and the Catedral Primada, largest church in the country. After taking in the many sights, you might want to leave the square southbound for a couple of blocks on Carrera Septima to check out the Presidential Palace and its Presidential Guard. Finally turn around back Carrera Septima northward until you find Transmilenio, just about where you started!

• On some Friday nights, parts of Avenida Septima are closed in the Centro and you can see all sorts of street performers, live music, magic shows, buy crafts and street food. If you don't mind crowds its worth a visit.
• Check out the Iberoamerican Theater Festival, the biggest theater festival in the world (occurs every two years during Easter Week).

• Catch a football (soccer) game at El Campin Stadium. Easily accessible by Transmillenio and with a capacity of 48,000 spectators, it hosts games for the Colombian international squad as well as for professional league home teams Millionarios and Santa Fe. Avoid the north and south section for these home games which are populated by rival supporter groups; instead get a ticket for the eastern or western wings.
• Take a cab or Transmilenio to a working-class neighborhood in the southside. Sit down in a 'panaderia' (bakery), order a "colombiana" brand soda and some good bread. Sit down and breathe the environment of the regular Colombian. Don't narrow yourself to the upscale Norte. Since picking out one of these neighborhoods can be dangerous, the best ones to do so: Santa Isabel, 20 de Julio, The Tunal area.
• Go to Parque Simon Bolivar and chill like rolos (Bogota citizens) do, walk around the city's biggest park or ride the train.
• Ciclovía. Every Sunday and national holiday from 7AM-2PM, major avenues are closed to cars and thousands of people turn out to bike, skate, jog and walk. You can join on foot or by renting a bicycle in the Candelaria neighborhood with Bogotravel tours. 
• Sabana de Bogotá. Who would have imagined that there exists a fascinating natural wonder right in the heart of Bogotá? The wetlands of the Sabana (savannah) de Bogotá is where the rivers slow down a bit to rest on the plateau and “clean up” after flowing down from mountains. The water then continues to flow into the valleys to rejoin with the rivers below, including the Bogotá and Magdalena rivers. 

Consider an excursion to Zipaquirá with its impressive Catedral de Sal. Shared or private guided tours can be booked in hotels/hostels or you can go there by bus or train.

The nicest malls in town are generally in the North, in Usaquén and the east of Suba: Unicentro, Hacienda Santa Barbara, Santa Ana, Palatino, Cedritos, Santafé and Parque la Colina, Iserra 100, Bulevar Niza.

The chicest area of Bogota, Zona T in the district of Chapinero, is surrounded by the upscale malls of Andino, Atlantis Plaza and El Retiro which holds various upscale boutiques such as Lacoste, Louis Vuitton, Versace, Gucci, Loewe and many more.

More Affordable Shopping Malls : Downtown: San Martín, Calima. West and Northwest: Gran Estación, Salitre Plaza, Hayuelos, Metrópolis, Plaza Imperial, Unicentro de Occidente, Titán Plaza. South: Plaza de las Américas, Centro Mayor.

Arepas: Corn flour based pancakes, sometimes made with cheese or slightly salted.

Empanadas: The closest comparison would be pastries. These are popular all over South America, so generally each country/region has their own recipe. The filling usually consists of meat, potato, vegetables and rice wrapped in a corn flour crust.

Tamal: Usually eaten for breakfast. A mixture of meat, chicken, potato, vegetables and yellow corn wrapped in plantain leaves and then boiled. Should be accompanied by a large mug of hot chocolate.

Ajiaco: Traditional thick soup based on three kinds of potatoes, chicken, avocado, dairy cream, herbs, corn, among others, usually eaten for Christmas and other important festivals. Typically from the altiplano region, and considered the city's official dish.

Pizza and burgers. OK, can we really call these traditional Bogotá meals? One could surmise they're from here, seeing their omnipresence. The city does both quite well, and you just need to do a 360° turn to find some.

Options are many for casual dining, unsurprisingly for a Latin American city of seven million people. Bogotanos love food from all over, so you'll find a good mix of Colombian food, as well as cheap food from North America (especially pizza and burgers!) and Asia. Note that the Chinese food is almost always Colombianized, which can be pretty good anyway, but is almost never the real deal. Sushi is likewise easy to find, but usually of below-average quality. The clear exception is (upscale) Wok, which has several locations, and for a North American-price will serve you top-notch sushi and other authentic East and Southeast Asian dishes.

For lunch, definitely try a corrientazo—a small eatery that is only open for lunch, serving people on their lunch break a delicious full meal, with soup, fresh squeezed fruit juice, a meat dish, several starch offerings, and usually additional fruit on the side. You'll know corrientazos by their well-advertised and extremely limited menu, which often consists of only one available main course! Best options are usually traditional ajiaco, bandeja paisa, or fish. Sometimes the advertisement is just "almuerzo" (lunch) on a cardboard sign. Prices are astoundingly low. You can ask a local, where a corrientazo nearby is.

Rotisserie chicken is usually not far away, often called chicken "broaster," and is just fabulous. They'll pass you plastic gloves to wear while you eat it to keep your fingers clean.

If constant meat and starch isn't your thing, the more popular neighborhoods have lots of places just selling fruit and fruit juice/smoothies, often selling ice cream too. The fruit in Colombia is outstanding, and the juice bars are unbelievably cheap.

And there's always Crepes & Waffles, a ubiquitous Bogotá chain that—with such a focus—can't help but be great.

There are a few dedicated gourmet zones, the most impressive of which is Zona G (G for Gourmet). It's a quiet, residential-looking neighborhood jam packed with absolutely incredible, world-class restaurants. Other places to look for high-end dining are (naturally) the Zona Rosa, as well as Parque 93, the La Macarena neighborhood of Santa Fé, and a little further afield in Usaquén.

For dining with a view, there are two restaurants up at Monserrate that are not at all tourist traps—they are excellent, modern, high-end restaurants. Just outside the city on the road to La Calera is Tramonti, another mountaintop restaurant less-known to tourists, but done up like a Swiss mountain chalet and perfect for watching the sunset and the lights come on.

For specific suggestions regarding restaurants have a look into the dedicated district articles of Bogota.

• Argentina, Carrera 12 Nº 97-80, 5a piso, ☏ +51 7 2880900, consulares_ecolo@cancilleria.gov.ar. (updated Aug 2019)
• Australia, Edificio Tierra Firme, Avenida Carrera 9 Nº 115-06/30, oficina 2003, ☏ +57 1 6578030. M-Th 8:30AM-12:30PM. Australian Embassy in Bogota is also accredited as a non-resident embassy to Venezuela (updated Aug 2019)
• Austria, Carrera 9 Nº 73-44, Oficina 402, Edificio Fiducafé, ☏ +57 1 7452086, +57 1 7458189, fax: +57 1 317-7639, bogota-ob@bmeia.gv.at. M-Th 10AM-noon. (updated Jul 2018)
• 🇩🇿 Algeria, Cra. 11a #93-52, ☏ +57 1-635-0520, +57 1-635-0474, fax: +57 1-635-0531. (updated Sep 2023)
• Belgium (Belgica), Calle 92 Nº 11-51, Oficina 503, Barrio Chico, ☏ +57 1 328-7180. M-Th 8:30AM-12:30PM & 1:30-4:30PM; F 8AM-noon. Emergency number is +57 317 661-1516 
• Bolivia, Carrera 10 Nº 113-36, Barrio Santa Barbara, ☏ +57 1 6126700. (updated Aug 2019)
• Brazil (Brasil), Calle 93 Nº 14-20 piso 8º, ☏ +57 1 218-0800. M-F 9AM-5PM. 
• Canada, Carrera 7 Nº 114-33, Piso 14, ☏ +57 1 657-9800, fax: +57 1 657-9912, bgota@international.gc.ca. M-Th 8AM-12:30PM, 1:30-5PM, F 8AM-1:30PM. 
• Chile, Calle 100 Nº 11 B-44, ☏ +57 1 1-7427874, +57 1 7427875. M-F 8AM-noon. (updated Aug 2019)
• China, Carrera 16 No 98-30, Santa Fe de Bogota, ☏ +57 1 6223235, +57 1 6223126 (consular office), fax: +57 1 6223114, chinaemb_co@mfa.gov.cn. 
• Cuba, Carrera 9a Nº 92-54, Chicó, Bogotá D.C., ☏ +57 1 6217054, +57 1 6216116, +57 1 6216120. M-F 9AM-noon. (updated Aug 2019)
• Ecuador, Calle 89, Nº 13-07, ☏ +57 1 252-6512, fax: +57 1 317-5324, cecubog@cancilleria.gob.ec. (updated Aug 2019)
• 🇪🇬 Egypt (Egipto), Transversal 19 A # 101-10, Localidad de Chapinero, ☏ +57 1 2562940, +57 1 2561976, +57 1 6163401. (updated Sep 2023)
• 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates (UAE), Transversal 3 # 86-73, Barrio el Refugio Alto, ☏ +57 16353233, +57 16355559, embassyEMB@mofaic.gov.ae. Sa Su 9AM-4PM. (updated Sep 2023)
• France (Francia), Carrera 11, n° 93-12; Apartado Aéreo-29611, ☏ +57 1 618-0511, consulat@ambafrance-co.org. French Guiana, Guadeloupe and Martinique are overseas departments (territories) of France and therefore, are represented by the French Embassy. 
• Germany (Alemania), Edificio Torre Empresarial Pacífic, P.H., Calle 110 Nº 9-25, piso 11, ☏ +57 1 4232600, fax: +57 1 4232615. (consular section by phone) M & Th 2-4PM; (switchboard) M-Th 8PM-noon & M-4PM; F 8PM-noon. Hours given are for phone inquiries only. Open hours to go see them are by appointment only. 
• Japan (Japon), Carrera 7 Nº 71-21, Torre B Piso 11, ☏ +57 1 317-5001, fax: +57 1 317-4956, info@ba.mofa.go.jp. M-F 9-11:30AM & 1:30-2:30PM; Passport & document issuance 3-5PM. 
• Indonesia, Calle 70 Nº 8-19, ☏ +57 1 217-2404, +57 1 211-1023, fax: +57 1 345-5730, bogota.kbri@kemlu.go.id. 
• Italy (Italia), Calle 93B Nº 9-92, ☏ +57 1 2187206, +57 315 3474107 (emergencies only), fax: +57 1 2187206, bogota.consolare@esteri.it. 
• 🇱🇧 Lebanon (Libano), 88, Cl. 74 #11, Localidad de Chapinero, ☏ +57 13481781. M-F 8AM-2:30PM, Sa Su closed. (updated Sep 2023)
• Mexico, Edificio Teleport, Calle 113 Nº 7-21, Torre A Oficina 204, ☏ +57 1 747-7160. M-F 11:30AM-3PM; Passport & document issuance 3-3:30PM; by phone 11:30AM-4PM. The consular section is the Mezzanine level of the building. (updated Aug 2019)
• 🇲🇦 Kingdom of Morroco (Maruecos), Carrera 13 A No. 98, ☏ +571 2188075, +57 1 2187147, +57 1 2188068, sifamabogot@aldato.com.co. (updated Sep 2023)
• Netherlands (Los Paises Bajos), Carrera 13 Nº 93-40, Piso 5, ☏ +57 1 6384200, fax: +57 1 6233020, bog@minbuza.nl. M-F 8AM-4PM. 
• New Zealand (Nueva Zelanda), Edifico ING Barings, Carrera 9 Nº 76-49, Chapinero 110221, ☏ +57 1 439-1666. (updated Aug 2019)
• Panama, Calle 92 Nº 7A-40; Apartado Aéreo-90094, ☏ +57 1 257 5067, +57 1 257 5068. M-F 9AM-3:30PM. (updated Aug 2019)
• Paraguay, Calle 72 Nº 4-17, ☏ +57 1 212-7552, +57 1 235-6987, fax: +57 1 235-6987. M-F 8AM-4PM. Paraguay's Embassy in Bogota is also accredited as a non-resident embassy to El Salvador (updated Aug 2019)
• Peru, Calle 80A Nº 6-50, ☏ +57 1 746-0295, fax: +57 1 218-7073. M-F 8AM-1:30PM; Last Sa of the month 8AM-noon. (updated Aug 2019)
• 🇵🇱 Poland, Cra. 21 Bis #104a15 Localidad de Chapinero, ☏ +57 12140400, bogota.amb.sekretariat@msz.gov.pl. M-F 10AM-4PM. (updated Sep 2023)
• Romania, Carrera 7 No. 92A-58, Chico, ☏ +57-1 256 6438, bogota@mae.ro. M-F 9AM-5PM. Embassy 
• 🇷🇺 Russia, Cra. 4 #75-02, Localidad de Chapinero, ☏ +57 12121881. Tuesday and Thursday 9 AM-12:45 PM.. (updated Sep 2023)
• Spain (España), Calle 92 Nº 12-68; Apartado Aéreo-90355 12-68, ☏ +57 1 622-0090, embespco@correo.mae.es. The consulate is in a separate location at Calle 94A Nº 11A-70 Bogotá, Tel +57 1 6283910. 
• Sweden (Suecia), Calle 72 No 5-83, Piso 8, ☏ +57 1 325 61 00, fax: +57 1 325 61 01, ambassaden.bogota@gov.se. Office hours M-F 10AM-noon; by phone M-Th 8AM-12:30PM & 1:30-5PM; F 8AM-1:30PM. 
• Suriname, 5th Floor, Tatil Building, 11 Maraval Road, Port of Spain, Trinidad-Tobago, ☏ +1 868 628-0704, fax: +1 868 628-0086, AmbSurPDE@opus.co.tt. Suriname does not have a diplomatic mission in Colombia so the nearest ones are in Port of Spain, Washington DC and Caracas. Listing provides embassy information from the one in Port of Spain while the website link is from the one in Washington DC. 
• Switzerland (Suiza), Cra. 9 No 74-08, Piso 11, Edificio Profinanzas, ☏ +57 1 349 72 30, fax: +57 1 349 71 95, bog.vertretung@eda.admin.ch. 
• United Kingdom (Reino Unido), Carrera 9 No 76-49, Piso 8, ☏ +57 1 326-8300, embajadabritanica.bogota@fco.gov.uk. 
• United States (Estados Unidos), Calle 24 Bis No 48-50, ☏ +57 1 275-2000, fax: +57 1 275-4600. 
• Venezuela, Carrera 11 Nº 87-51, piso 5º, Edificio Horizonte, ☏ +57 1 644-5555, +57 1 519-0659. M-F 8:30AM-12:30PM. The consulate could be on Autopista Norte Nº 103-16, a separate location, verify. (updated Aug 2019)

The most important media for Bogotá are:

• El Tiempo is the country's largest daily with a heavy focus on the capital.
• El Espectador has a liberal point of view and also a heavy focus on Bogotá.

For news and travel information on Bogotá in English:

• Colombia Reports
• The City Paper