Car Free Bogotá
by mircaskirca
To improve the transportation system in the city and encourage the use of alternative means of transportation Bogotá held the most successful car free day in the world on February 24, 2000. Even though some European cities had held successful car free days, this was the first time that the use of private vehicles was restricted in an entire city.
For the last years every Sunday the city closes 110 kilometres of main arteries to all auto traffic during 7 hours (07:00am-02:00pm), so that more than one and half million people can use this public space for recreational purposes and people go cycling, skating, jogging or just walking. On the Ciclovía (Cycleway) people from all social and economic classes meet so this has environmental as well as social benefits.
The main street, Carrera Septima, which crosses the city from north to south, is also among the streets that are closed for traffic. There are all sorts of live music concerts, street theatre plays and magic shows, and you can buy healthy (and unhealthy) food, crafts and other stuff.
I very much enjoyed my Sunday morning stroll here. Unfortunately, soon after it I had to say 'Goodbye Bogotá, goodbye Colombia!'
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Nightshop
by Saringuis
Alot of Colombians don't go out at night for an emergency pack of smokes or a couple of beers to drink with the buddies. They have 'em delivered! There is a shop that does this kind of service exclusively. They have a number, you call, they bring whatever, you pay (regular store price!!) Very handy if you don't want to risk getting out in the middle of the night! So spoiled...
visit the romantic place...
by hanspeter_W.
visit the romantic place Melgar, 2 hours drive down from Bogota, very peaceful place in a wild nature and very tropical climate
to recommend: Hotel Campestre Villa Yudy, Melgar
'el sitio ideal para sus fines de semana y vacaciones'
tel bogota 348 0008 or 544 9931 fax 348 0008
Bus Terminal
by morgr
Bogota's bus terminal is quite a large one and is split into three parts. 'Norte' services bus routes to the north of the country, 'Oriente & Occidente' go to the east and west and 'Sur' go to the south. So depending on where you are going, will depend on which terminal you need to go to. Though all the terminals are side by side, so a mistake wouldn't mean needing to walk far. The terminal is serviced by dozens of different bus companies, all of whom opperate a window in the applicable terminal. IE if one company services buses going both to the north and to the south, that company will have on window in the 'Norte' terminal and one in the 'Sur' terminal. Buses depart frequently to all parts of the country.
Bogota's bus terminal is quite a distance from downtown Bogota, however it's a strait forward afair getting to and from. From downtown hop on a colectivo labelled 'Terminal', from the terminal hop on one labelled 'Germania'. The fair is 1,000pesos, or thereabouts. A taxi should be no more than 8,000-10,000pesos, I'm guessing (as I've never actually taken a taxi there, only used colectivos).
Also at the terminal, there are cafe's, food stalls and such.
Fancy a Cup of Best Colombian Coffee?
by mircaskirca about Oma
If you would like to experience delicious Colombian coffee in a pleasant ambience you should not miss Oma (German for grandmother, fondly). The company is dedicated to coffee business and was established over thirty years ago. It has at least ten coffee shops in Bogotá. I visited two of them in the city centre. There are modern places with nice ambience and very good coffee. Their knowledge of coffee resulted in developing different coffee drinks to satisfy the taste of every customer.
You can choose between tens of different coffee drinks, from creamy cappuccino, coffee with chocolate, espresso macchiato to drinks with alcohol, such as Cafe crema, Irish coffee and cappuccino with amaretto, Bailey, brandy or cognac. They also offer light meals and ice cream. And don't forget to try their daily fresh pastries and cookies. They are delicious.
Different lines of coffee are available. The Finest Selection comes from selected coffee regions of Colombia, such as San Agustín, Bucaramanga and Boyaca. These regions have special quality types known as Caracolito and Organico. I had a nice cup of creamy cappuccino and chocolate pastry which was really soft and melted in my mouth. Another time I had coffee with chocolate. It tasted really good. I also bought a few packages of coffee Organico to take with me so that I can enjoy the best Colombian coffee all year long, until my next visit of the country :)
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Unlikely pastime
the courtyard alone is worth a visit
don't miss chanqua
Hard Rock Cafe Bogota
