The 4 very best areas
Written by someone living in Colombia since 2021
Since I have been living in Colombia since 2021, including a few months in Bogota, I can tell you with certainty that I can give you good advice on your question about where to stay in Bogota first time.
You’ll find loads of articles out there trying to answer this question—but honestly, most of them just make things more complicated than they need to be.
So, I’ll keep it simple and to the point.
There are a few key areas in Bogotá that come highly recommended for visitors—and a few that you’re better off avoiding altogether.
Like many cities in Colombia, Bogotá has some neighborhoods that aren’t as safe as they should be, or just don’t have much going on for travelers.
And then there’s the traffic. It can be a real nightmare. There’s a metro under construction, but right now it’s more of a political talking point than a real solution for getting around.
So, picking a strategic base for your stay is definitely important to save valuable time during your travels.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best places to stay in Bogotá, especially if it’s your first time here. We’ve tailored our picks to suit different types of travelers, all while keeping your experience enjoyable—and safe.
At the end of the post, you’ll find a handy map showing all our recommended areas, plus some of the city’s top highlights.
We’ve also tackled some of the most common questions, like how to get around and what to avoid.
Let’s dive in!
The best areas to stay in Bogota first time are Zona Rosa, El Chicó and Parque 93, and La Candeleria,Bogotà International Center.
Close to these popular tourist areas, there are several smaller neighbourhoods that are suitable for tourists too.
Unfortunately, there are some areas that you as a tourist should avoid as it’s not that safe.
Robberies do take place in these parts. So, stick to the four areas, to minimize the risk.
In the next paragraphs, we dive deeper into each recommended area in Bogota for tourists and what makes them unique.
Below, you find an overview of all the recommended areas along with a short explanation of what makes that area so special.
You can tap on the red link to go immediately to that recommended area. Or, simply continue reading the article.
Zona Rosa – This is one of the safest and most vibrant areas in Bogotá. It’s known for its upscale shopping, trendy restaurants, and good nightlife. It’s a great base for first-time visitors who want to explore the city with plenty of amenities and entertainment within walking distance.
El Chicò – El Chicó is a quiet, safe and upscale neighborhood that’s perfect for those looking for a more relaxed, residential vibe while still being close to the action. As it’s one of the safest areas in Bogotá, it’s a comfortable and secure choice for travelers like families.
La Candelaria – Bogotá’s historic heart that offers a unique, authentic experience with its colonial architecture, museums, and cultural landmarks. Many tourists tend to stay here as it’s perfect for first-time visitors who want to dive into the city’s history. But be aware that it’s a more bustling, less polished area, so you’ll need to stay alert for pickpockets.
Bogotá International Center – A central and modern area, offering a mix of business hubs, stylish restaurants, and convenient access to both cultural and commercial attractions. It’s a great choice for first-time visitors looking for a more cosmopolitan feel, with excellent transportation options and proximity to key spots like Zona T and Chapinero. Less character than La Candelaria, but safer and quite convenient.
If you’ve been to South America, you’ll know that every city has its own version of Zona Rosa, and Bogotá’s is where the action’s at.
It’s the heartbeat of the city’s nightlife, and trust me, it’s not hard to see why—it’s vibrant, youthful, and just buzzing with energy.
Now, it’s a bit of a trek from the old town, but don’t worry—Zona Rosa is close to some of the city’s other top spots, like El Chicó and Parque 93, which are both super safe and pretty chill.
And if you’re into shopping, this is the place to be: the Andino Shopping Mall is right here, and it’s full of everything from designer stores to local boutiques, perfect for some retail therapy.
But here’s where Zona Rosa really shines—its nightlife. T
he moment the sun dips, the streets light up with all kinds of spots to check out.
Whether you’re in the mood for a chilled-out bar, a fun salsa joint, or a sleek restaurant, you’ve got it all right here.
It’s definitely the place to be if you want to dive into Bogotá’s social scene and experience the local nightlife.
The only catch?
You’ll need to hop in a cab or take public transport if you want to hit up the city’s historical sites, like the Casa Museo Quinta de Bolívar.
But honestly, it’s a small price to pay for being in such a vibrant and safe area, where you can enjoy a perfect mix of fun, food, and local culture.
El Chicó and Parque 93, both tucked within the Chapinero district, are two of the safest and most charming areas to stay in Bogotá as a tourist.
If you’re looking for peace of mind and a neighborhood that feels more like home than a tourist hotspot, this is the place to be.
In El Chicó, you’ll find a mix of upscale residential neighborhoods, leafy streets, and plenty of well-established restaurants that cater to both locals and visitors.
It’s a quieter, more laid-back part of the city, but still close enough to the action.
Personally, I stayed here for more than month during my first visit to Bogotá, and it quickly became one of my favorite areas.
There’s something about the vibe—no hustle, no massive crowds, just a feeling of calm and security.
It’s not packed with tourists, which means you get a more authentic experience of Bogotá, where you can interact with Colombians in a more relaxed environment.
However, a downside to this area is that it’s a bit of a trek if you want to visit the main historical attractions like Plaza de Bolívar.
It takes a decent amount of time to get to these sites, which are located more in the heart of the city.
But for me, the trade-off was totally worth it for the peacefulness and safety that El Chicó offers.
If you’re in the mood for a little more activity, just head over to Parque 93, which is only a short walk away.
During the day, the park is full of locals enjoying the fresh air, walking dogs, or catching up with friends—it’s a perfect spot for people-watching or grabbing a coffee at one of the nearby cafes.
As the evening rolls in, the bars and restaurants around the park fill up, offering a laid-back but still lively atmosphere.
While it’s not quite as trendy or wild as Zona Rosa, Parque 93 is a nice alternative for a more relaxed evening out.
You can enjoy a good meal, sip on a cocktail, and take in the local scene without the crowds you’ll find in the more bustling nightlife areas.
For those who do want that full-on nightlife experience, Zona Rosa is just a short ride away, where you’ll find a whole different vibe—more energy, louder music, and plenty of places to dance the night away.
But if you’re like me and prefer a quieter, more refined environment to rest your head at night, El Chicó and Parque 93 are perfect.
La Candelaria is Bogotá’s colonial heart, a neighborhood steeped in rich history and vibrant culture.
Here, you’ll find many of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including museums, plazas, and the stunning architecture of colorful, historic houses that date back to the 16th century.
Wandering through the cobbled streets feels like stepping back in time, with every corner telling a piece of Bogotá’s story.
The area is also home to some of the city’s best cafes, street art, and local shops, making it a fascinating place to explore.
While it’s undoubtedly one of the top attractions in the city, with its charming streets and cultural significance, it’s important to keep in mind that La Candelaria isn’t the safest area for tourists, especially after dark.
The neighborhood is known for its pickpocketing issues, and visitors can often become easy targets if they’re not careful.
That said, it’s still worth visiting during the day to soak in the history and culture, but just be mindful of your surroundings and take the usual precautions.
Many tourists do choose to stay here for the proximity to Bogotá’s cultural center, but we recommend staying alert and only venturing out during daylight hours unless you’re in a group.
If you decide to stay in La Candelaria, make sure your accommodation has good security, and don’t walk around with valuables in plain sight.
For those wanting a more tranquil experience, nearby areas like El Chicó or Parque 93 may offer a safer alternative, but nothing beats the unique charm of La Candelaria during the daytime.
While there are better areas in Bogotá for tourists, staying at Bogotá International Center can still be a solid choice, especially for those who appreciate a more modern, business-oriented vibe.
This area serves as the financial district of Bogotá, filled with sleek office buildings and a professional atmosphere.
If you’re visiting for business or prefer staying in a more polished, urban environment, Bogotá International Center is a great option, offering plenty of convenience.
During lunchtime, the area comes alive with professionals heading to nearby restaurants, making it easy to find a good meal if you’re looking for comfort and quality.
The district also boasts several modern hotels, and if you value easy access to public transport, this location is ideal for getting around the city.
However, one thing to keep in mind is that, unlike other areas, you won’t find much in terms of tourist entertainment or attractions, aside from the National Museum of Colombia.
Still, being just a short distance from the historic Old City, you’re never too far from the cultural highlights of Bogotá.
If you’re looking for a little more character, nearby La Macarena is a quiet, charming neighborhood located just behind the Planetario de Bogotá.
It’s a small, safe area with good access to public transport, the older parts of the city, and some fantastic local restaurants.
Like Bogotá International Center, though, you’ll need to travel a bit to experience the bustling nightlife and entertainment in spots like Parque 93 or Zona Rosa.
