New friends
by acemj
The best part of visiting Bogota was definitely getting to see some friends, both old and new. One of my friends in Philadelphia, Mauricio, is a doctor originally from Bogota who was living there when I visited for a year to do some training. I was able to spend an evening with him and his girlfriend and they were even kind enough to take me on a nighttime driving tour of La Candelaria.
I also was able to spend some time with Amy (pictured) who works for Children's Vision, a non-profit school/orphanage in South Bogota. She's been in Bogota for 6 1/2 years and is doing truly remarkable work with kids who were abandoned and unloved and who have now found a home at Children's Vision. Being able to spend some time with Amy and visiting the kids was truly rewarding.
Colombia, as Venezuela and...
by lichinga
Colombia, as Venezuela and Ecuador, has gained total independence around 1830. Simon Bolivar was the leader of the movement, together with Santader (celebrated in Colombia) and Sucre (celebrated in Ecudaor). While the number of statues and references to 'El Libertador' does not reach the peaks you may experience in Venezuela, in Colombia, Simon Bolivar is widely celebrated. Its monument dominates the Parliament square in central Bogota.
Torre Colpatria
by morgr
The Colpatria Tower is the most easily recognized of the skyscrapers in Bogota. It is the tallest building not only in Bogota, but in Colombia as well (though not for long, a taller building is currently being built in Cartagena). It was completed in 1978 and is either 196m or 162m tall (I'm reading conflicting reports).
Anyways, it is open to the public on weekends and public holidays. For 2,000pesos you ride the elevator to the top, where there is a cafe. Go up a few more flights of stairs, and you are on the roof. The views can be nice on a clear day.
Carrera 7 # 24-89
Siam
by morgr
Siam is the place you will end up if you are going on a hardcore drinking binge and don't want to pay the exhorbitant prices of Zona Rosa. Prices are about 1,500-2,000pesos a beer.
It is a nightclub of sorts, in an old rundown converted home. It has a covered dancefloor and a large courtyard with a tree, named Monsieur Bucheron, whom likes to be hugged. There is an upstairs area too, mostly reserved for people doing drugs, but all are welcome. There is a hole in the floor upstairs, and the lighting is poor, so beware.
They put on occasional 'parties' hosting international DJ's.
Usually opens by 2am, sometimes later. Goes until whenever.
Almost all travelers arrive...
by idrincon
Almost all travelers arrive using commercial planes. Roads leading to Bogota are in very good shape but from Colombian borders to Bogota is almost a 15 hour ride.
You will not (I'm sure) drive in Bogota. Unless you have experience in driving in places like Mexico City, Sao Paulo or Bankgog, you will find driving in Bogota a very annoying experience. However, taxis have a very good 24 hour service and it's very cheap for foreigners (a typical ride will cost between 2 and 5 dollars). For safety reasons, it's better to use hotel taxis or call-in taxis.
If you want to venture in public transportation use Transmilenio, the Bogota answer to metro systems. It runs along two major streets (N-S and E-W) that will serve almost every major point in the city.
Do not use any other kind of public transportation (even locals get lost sometimes because routes are not clearly defined)
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Steep vistas
the easily missed courtyard is gorgeous
little girl & the sweet treats
Callejon del Embujo
