After hearing bad things about Bogota I thought I'd spend a couple of days there and get the hell out. However as with most of the places is been told not to look forward to I was pleasantly surprised. Bogota is an interesting mix of old and new with some fantastic museums, art gallery's and markets to keep you busy. The Old Town especially, although supposedly the most dangerous part of town, is a backpacker hub with cheap street food and beautiful art on every corner.
Here's what I did with my time in the city.
Gold Museum:
Lonely Planet states Bogota's Gold Museum is a 'must-see' and it really is. Not only does it have a fantastic collection of artifacts, they're grouped by floor into areas of interest and have detailed descriptions about the history of gold and the Incas. Ancient tales and myths give another depth to the beautiful objects on display. One exhibit in a dark circular room, hidden by a revolving door played ancient chanting as the walls lit up to unearth gold artifacts found in wells and burial grounds. Very atmospheric and very cool.
Here's what I did with my time in the city.
Gold Museum:
Lonely Planet states Bogota's Gold Museum is a 'must-see' and it really is. Not only does it have a fantastic collection of artifacts, they're grouped by floor into areas of interest and have detailed descriptions about the history of gold and the Incas. Ancient tales and myths give another depth to the beautiful objects on display. One exhibit in a dark circular room, hidden by a revolving door played ancient chanting as the walls lit up to unearth gold artifacts found in wells and burial grounds. Very atmospheric and very cool.
Monserrate:
Overlooking the huge expanse that is Bogota lies a small church and hilltop garden. Take the cable car up for breathtaking views and stroll.
Overlooking the huge expanse that is Bogota lies a small church and hilltop garden. Take the cable car up for breathtaking views and stroll.
Police Museum:
The Museo Historico Policia (not to be confused with the Military museum where you'll find tanks and other manly things) is a humorous museum that fills a nice afternoon. It houses a strange collection of police related odds and ends such as Pablo Escobar's gold encrusted Harley (and a roof tile with his blood on, although this was closed when I went), a range of military uniforms, weapons and a whole room on the drug situation in Colombia. Anyone trying to smuggle drugs can learn how NOT to and there was even a plaque to a canine hero who had sniffed out the largest drug raid ever recorded in Colombia. They gave him a medal!
Our guide was what made it though, he was absolutely hilarious, keeping watch as we tried on hats from around the world and posing with our pen for photos. He even took us up on the roof for views of the city and told us a story about the images on Colombian money. We got a free poster when we left too!
For a night out in Bogota head to Carne del Res outside of the city. Most hostels will put on a party bus of some sorts to take you there. It's expensive but the food is amazing! We got a steak and bottle of rum and then after everyone's finished eating you jump up on the table and dance away. It gets pretty crazy but the restaurant vibe will see you heading to an after party at around 2am.
Finally I have to show you some of the street art scattered around the city. The Old Town has some really beautiful buildings and street performers hang from trees in the small squares each evening. Grab a beer from the corner shop and go and hear a story being told or see a tightrope walker, this is what I loved about Bogota.
SURVIVAL TIP
Don't be scared! Your guidebook might deter you from the old quarter but it really is beautiful. There are police everywhere so you feel safe and if you keep your wits about you, like in any large city, you should be fine.
Don't be scared! Your guidebook might deter you from the old quarter but it really is beautiful. There are police everywhere so you feel safe and if you keep your wits about you, like in any large city, you should be fine.
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