Flower & Fruit Market
Colombia is one of the world’s largest flower exporters, second only to Holland. The city’s main fruit and flower market is worth a visit even if you’re not buying—the myriad varieties of roses, lilies, and plenty of flowers you’ve never even heard of will inspire serious gawking. Munch on feijoa and granadilla (both are tart, super sweet, super delicious fruits) while you wander.
Suki Cohen
It’s worth a visit to Sarah Cohen’s studio (she designs under the moniker Suki) just to try on the Colombian designer’s crazy/sexy/cool lingerie and swimwear with the assistance of Cohen herself.
Monserrate
Yes, this is Bogota’s ultimate tourist activity, but capping off a day by riding an (absurdly steep) cable car up to Monserrate mountain to take in the admittedly breathtaking views some 10,000 feet above sea level. Once your lightheadedness wears off, wander the park and church, then enjoy a cocktail or sugar cane tea at one of the picturesque colonial cafes.
Cacio & Pepe
The Italian restaurant is a short walk from Zona T, the city’s posh shopping district, and the perfect place to indulge in a typically long and leisurely Bogota lunch—glass of rosé included. Work up your appetite for gnocchi and perfectly roasted chicken with some serious cardio (aka shopping) around the neighborhood first.
La Candelaria
Spanning out from the massive Plaza Bolivar, where the national congress, city hall, and judiciary seat are located, Bogota's historic district is a colorful jumble of architectural styles dating back to the 1500s. Stop by the Escuela de Artes y Oficios Santo Domingo, an art school teaching traditional craftsmanship technique, which is housed in a series of impeccably restored colonial mansions. Then, refuel on ajiaco, Bogota’s signature dish, a soup made with chicken, three different types of potato, corn, rice, and avocado.
The Gold Museum
Bogota’s Gold Museum displays incredibly intricate gold artifacts made by indigenous tribes and recovered from tombs. These objects include figures of everything from frogs to UFOs (really), and the detail and narrative of the pieces is stunning to behold.
Museo Botero del Banca de la Republica
The Museo Botero del Banca de la Republica in La Candelaria houses work by Colombia’s best contemporary artists, including Fernando Botero (hence the museum’s name) and a number of others, offering a completely unique perspective on the country complex social and political history.
Andrés Carne de Res
Any local will tell you that the ultimate in Colombian hospitality and nightlife is in Chia, an hour outside of Bogotá. Andrés Carne de Res is something between an adult amusement park (you’re handed a tequila shot as soon as you walk through the door) and Latin-infused spring break fantasy (see: tequila shots). Feast on empanadas, steak, and avocado salad before taking to the neon-lit dance floor.
