The capital city is as diverse as the dynamic country itself, comprised of a host of different neighborhoods, each with its own distinct vibe. Bogota is where you’ll find some of the country’s top museums, such as the popular Museum of Modern Art and the National Museum. And the city’s art spills out onto the street with colorful murals spread across the town. Add in an eclectic dining scene, world-famous nightlife, and lots of cafes serving some of the world’s finest coffee and you have a cultural experience like no other.
For an amazing view over the city take a trip up to Cerro Monserrate, rising over 3,000 meters above sea level and topped by a historic church. Bogota’s Botanical Garden welcomes with over 120,000 plant species in a tranquil oasis that provides a serene getaway from the often chaotic city just beyond its walls. To fill up your Instagram feed, stroll down to the La Candelaria neighborhood and wander its colonial streets lined with amazing architecture.
There’s a reason the walled colonial city is a top tourist destination. Quite a few reasons in fact. Wander cobblestone streets teeming with centuries-old architecture, which house museums, fine restaurants, and boutique hotels. All set before amazing beaches!
The city is a seafood lover’s paradise, with dishes made from fresh catches along its shores. Delight in fried snapper and traditional ceviche with seasoned whitefish, shrimp, octopus and other selections from the sea that are “cooked” in citrus juice. And while the city’s Old Town is an incredible place to explore during the day, it is just as enticing at night with a club scene to rival cities that are much more cosmopolitan.
Top things to do include a visit to the historic San Felipe de Barajas Castle, taking a 45-minute boat trip out to Baru island, where turquoise waters lap up against white sand, and checking out the busting Bazurto market, a feast for both the eyes and the stomach.
Those who visit Cartagena often make side trips to Barranquilla, as the drive between the two cities takes about 90 minutes and bus lines run regularly. While the town is also along the Caribbean Coast, it has something of a more industrial vibe and is less suited for tourism. That said, there are still plenty of things to do in the vibrant metropolis.
Some of the city’s top attractions include the El Museo del Caribe, with exhibitions on the region’s unique indigenous cultures. Head out for a nature excursion to where the Caribbean Sea meets the Magdalena River at Bocas de Cenizas, or take a 20-minute drive out to Castillo de Salgar, a 19th-century Spanish fort that today houses a great restaurant. And while the beaches may not be as impressive as those in Cartagena, there are still plenty of spots to stick your toes in the sand before calming ocean waters.
If you’ve done any serious binge-watching on Netflix, you’ve probably seen the bloody exploits of Pablo Escobar in the streets of Medellín. Well, that true tale was a long time ago and today Colombia’s second-largest city has shed its once-dangerous reputation. Now you’ll visit a metropolis that’s at the forefront of green development, with a collection of eco-friendly parks and a cable-car system linking the modern metro to the hillside spots that surround the city. Outdoor space is enjoyed with year-round temperatures in the low-70s.
It’s a great city for strolling its many museums. The popular Museo de Antioquia is a must-visit, housing works that range from modern to colonial and pre-Colombian, set before Plaza Botero, home to a series of bronze works from native sculptor Fernando Botero. Both a science museum and an aquarium, Parque Explora is home to hundreds of interactive exhibitions. The building itself is a work of art at the Museo de Arte Moderno, which has sizable permanent collections from local artists. Or go Old School at the Museo El Castillo, set in a Gothic structure and surrounded by manicured gardens.
Again, we look back to Colombia’s notorious recent past and the drug cartels that ruled the land. While Cali can’t claim levels of safety as much as Medellín and Bogota, it’s still much improved from its blood-soaked past and welcomes tourists who can safely visit, taking the basic precautions you would in any big city across the globe.
And smaller than Medellín and Bogota in terms of population, it’s an easier city to navigate but still offers some great cultural experiences such as the Salsa Museum and the Gold Museum. Did we mention salsa? The city has a certain affinity for the dance and you can almost always find “salseros” out on the dance floors at one of the city’s many nightlife spots.
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