Fun things to do in Bogotá

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The ecclesiastical niche in Bogota is significant. It has examples of early colonial architecture and its austere outlook, followed by the opulence and scale of cathedral building and flowing through to the newer and more uncertain in their roots architectural styles of the 20th century. All of them spare no expense to make you feel you are in God’s home and presence while his lieutenants watch over you carefully and sternly. The side effect – artistry has continued to flourish through the centuries.

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As with many charming colonial towns in Colombia, Bogota is no stranger to balconies. Enclosed or open, these often intricately carved of wood structures add a true flair to an already colorful collection of colonial buildings and are great fodder for photographic outings. Walking around early in the morning, you not only have a great chance to stumble across some great ones but also will enjoy the city at its most peaceful. Though we saw many we liked, we especially loved these green ones set off well against their orange background but if you walk around Bogota on your own one morning you're bound to find favorites of your own.

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The oldest of Bogota's many churches is La Iglesia de San Francisco which took nearly 65 years to complete between 1557 and 1621. Close to the Museo del Oro it demands at least a cursory visit to see its incredible 17th century gilded altarpiece, by far not only Bogota's largest but most intricate. Unless you are planning on attending mass you might not spend much more time as they are literally in session there on an hourly basis from opening till closing.

Similar in exterior style with a gorgeous stone facade, La Iglesia la Tercera is just up the street from it and is worth taking a peek for its elaborately carved in wood altars and ceiling in an otherwise plain white setting. It is a much more peaceful place of contemplation than its neighbor as well.

Museo de Art del Banco de la Republica. Now, that's a mouthful and a surprising one too. Connected to the the Botero Museum by a labyrinth of courtyards, it is also easily accessible by an entrance near the Juan Valdez location likely to draw your attention if heading to see the Botero collection. This little gem should not be missed as it is also free and houses a nice collection in its Arte Coleccion section. Colombian artist Luis Caballero is prominently as well as some lovely large landscapes depicting some of the country's gorgeous nature.

We revisited this on our second pass through Bogota and there was an amazing exhibition of B&W photography which we thoroughly enjoyed and was also free.

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The Botero Museum is one of Bogota's great intrigues. So very obviously one of the capital's biggest attractions, it is hard to fathom why its entrance is free. Even without the artist's considerable works of art, the building alone with its all too charming courtyard would warrant inspection. Add to that perhaps the greatest collection of Botero paintings and sculptures on the planet and even the casual art fan will consider it a can't miss attraction. Set in one of Bogota’s most beautiful colonial buildings, the famed “fat” works by Botero take on a surreal aspect when inspected as such a large group. It's as if suddenly the fat figures are run-of-the-mill everyday life and in modern society one could say that just might be the case. No matter, his insightful depictions of Colombian life are at the very least intriguing and even if the museum was empty, it would be worth lingering in its drop dead gorgeous courtyard or taking refuge from the brutal mid-day sun under one of its verandas. Chuck in a few Picassos, Monets, Renoirs and even one crazy ass sculpture by Dali and you have a world class exhibit, and free no less.

Easily overlooked, La Iglesia de la Candelaria should not be missed. If you are staying in La Candelaria, you are likely to walk by it on your way to Plaza de Boliva. It's golden exterior will certainly draw your attention if you are doing this walk in early morning light when its impressive facade is aglow. The key is to go beyond the admittedly gorgeous cover as this is one book whose cover is only the beginning. The interior is one of Bogota's most stunning with some of the most intricate woodwork of any church in town. Unfortunately, photography is not permitted and there is someone always on guard to make sure you are not tempted by its beauty. Take a seat in one of the empty pews and soak in its majesty. That much is free and worth not only making the stop for but taking a deep breath too.

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On november 28th, Monserrate's Hill will say "hello" to the colombian christmas eve, with its traditional concert on charge of the Bogota's Filarmonic Orchestra.
That day, with the Fallen Lord Sanctuary as scenary, the activities of the most waited part of the year will start, in which the Hill gets dressed of lights and the classic colombian christmas figures, welcomes national and foreigner people and enjoys the spectacle of music and fireworks to celebrate the birth of the son of God