Explore Bogotá During Your Visit
A Guide to Culture, Nature, Gastronomy and Urban Life
Make the most of your visit to Bogotá during Living Data 2025. Beyond the conference sessions, the city offers vibrant cultural events, incredible biodiversity, world-class gastronomy, and unique urban experiences. This guide will help you discover the best of Bogotá according to your interests and schedule.
Important Notice
The activities listed on this page are recommendations for conference attendees but are not organized, sponsored, or managed by Living Data 2025 or its organizing institutions (TDWG, GBIF, GEO BON, OBIS). Participants engage in these activities at their own discretion and responsibility. The conference organizers assume no liability for any experiences, incidents, or issues that may arise from participating in these external activities. For personalized advice on transportation, routes, and local recommendations, we encourage you to connect with local participants and Bogotá residents attending the conference.
Art & Culture
La Candelaria - Historic Center
Bogotá's birthplace and historic heart, founded in 1538. Walk cobblestone streets lined with colorful colonial buildings, visit Plaza de Bolívar, discover world-class museums (Gold Museum, Botero Museum), admire street art, and enjoy traditional Colombian cuisine at historic restaurants like La Puerta Falsa.
Explore La CandelariaBOG25 - International Art & City Biennial
Over 200 artists from 12 countries transform Bogotá into a living gallery. Includes installations, performing arts, music and tributes such as Beatriz González on October 25.
View ScheduleExhibition: Essays on Happiness
Works that reflect on the city, its contradictions and well-being.
Bogotá Philharmonic Orchestra - Listening Peripheries Project
Concerts, premieres of Colombian composers and sound archive in heritage spaces.
View ProgramGraffiti Tour in La Candelaria
Guided tour of murals that narrate the social and political history of the city.
Book TourGold Museum
One of the most important collections of pre-Hispanic goldwork in the world, with pieces of gold, ceramics and stone that narrate the worldview of Colombia's indigenous peoples.
Visit InformationBotero Museum
Over 120 works donated by Fernando Botero, along with pieces by international artists such as Picasso, Dalí and Chagall. Located in a restored colonial house.
Visit InformationDistrict Cinematheque
Independent, Latin American and experimental cinema, with subtitles and training spaces.
View ScheduleMonserrate
Iconic viewpoint at 3,152 meters above sea level offering panoramic views of Bogotá. Includes a 17th-century sanctuary and restaurants with traditional Colombian food.
Visit InformationChorro de Quevedo
A charming colonial square considered the founding place of Bogotá. Surrounded by colorful houses, bohemian cafés, street musicians, and artisan vendors. Perfect spot to try chicha (traditional fermented corn drink) and enjoy the artistic atmosphere of La Candelaria's heart.
Visit InformationSan Felipe - Creative District
Emerging cultural hub with independent art galleries, design studios, specialty coffee shops, craft breweries, and innovative restaurants. Features street art, cultural events, and a creative atmosphere that blends historic architecture with contemporary urban culture.
Explore DistrictTorre Colpatria - 360° Viewpoint
Bogotá's tallest building offers 360-degree panoramic views from the 48th floor at 196 meters high. See the entire city, the Eastern Hills, and on clear days, distant mountains. An unmissable perspective of the capital's urban landscape.
Visit InformationZipaquirá Salt Cathedral
Underground cathedral carved into a salt mine 180 meters deep. Architectural and religious marvel, considered one of Colombia's architectural wonders.
Visit InformationNature & Biodiversity
José Celestino Mutis Botanical Garden
Guided tours through the Tropicarium, living collections of Colombian flora, environmental workshops and educational activities for all audiences.
Visit InformationEastern Hills Trails
Guided tours through high Andean ecosystems, natural viewpoints and ecological restoration areas.
Register for WalkSimón Bolívar Metropolitan Park
Picnic areas, lake, bike paths, pedestrian trails and sports spaces.
More InformationMirador de los Nevados Park
Natural viewpoint with views to the hills, ecological trails and contemplation areas.
Environmental InformationSunday Ciclovía
One of the largest weekly recreational events in the world. Bike, walk, skate or run on car-free streets every Sunday.
Ciclovía RoutesGastronomy & Local Flavors
Paloquemao Market
Exotic fruits, fresh juices, tamales, empanadas, medicinal herbs and flowers.
View on MapZona G - Gourmet Gastronomy
Contemporary Colombian cuisine, gourmet brunch and specialty cafés.
Gastronomy GuideZona T - Restaurants & Nightlife
Signature restaurants, rooftops and bars with creative cocktails.
Nightlife & GastronomyUsaquén - Organic Market & Traditional Cuisine
Sunday artisan and gastronomic market in a charming colonial neighborhood with cobblestone streets, craft shops and traditional restaurants.
Usaquén RecommendationsQuinta Camacho - International Gastronomy
Charming neighborhood with English-style houses converted into restaurants, cafés, and bars. Enjoy international cuisine including Asian fusion, ceviches, and Colombian contemporary dishes in a quiet, tree-lined area.
Gastronomy GuideNightlife & Urban Scene
Zona Rosa (Zona T)
Rooftops, electronic music, pop, reggaeton and LGBTQ+ friendly spaces.
Nightlife GuideChapinero Alto & Quinta Camacho
Craft cocktails, indie music, literary cafés and alternative galleries.
Local RecommendationsRecommended Local Guides
Connect with experienced local guides for personalized tours and authentic experiences in Bogotá and surrounding areas.
Bogotá & Surroundings
Bogotá Birding & Wildlife Tours
Birdwatching and wildlife tours
Páramos & Natural Reserves
Reserva Ecopalacio Chingaza
Chingaza National Park area
Other Regions
Transportation & Getting Around
TransMilenio - Bus Rapid Transit
Purchase a TuLlave card (5,000 COP) at stations or airport. Load credit at counters. Fare: 3,200 COP per trip. Use Moovit or TransMi apps for routes. Avoid rush hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM).
TransMilenio InfoTaxis & Ride-Sharing Apps
Download Uber, Cabify, Beat, or DiDi before your trip. Airport to downtown: 15,000-26,000 COP. Short city trips: 8,000-15,000 COP. Never hail street taxis at night.
Walking Safety
Walk in groups when possible. Stay in well-lit areas. Keep valuables hidden. La Candelaria is best explored during daylight hours.
General Recommendations
Climate
October has intermittent rain. Bring a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes.
Safety
Avoid poorly lit areas at night. Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.
Connectivity
Buy a local SIM card (Claro, Tigo, Movistar). Free Wi-Fi available in museums and cafes.
Language
Many tourist spaces offer service in English. Bring a translation app if needed.
Altitude
Bogotá is at 2,600m (8,530 ft). Stay hydrated, rest on your first day, and avoid intense activities initially.
Currency & Payment
Colombian Peso (COP). Many places accept cards, but carry cash for small vendors. ATMs widely available. USD $1 ≈ 4,000-4,500 COP.