BOGOTA WITH KIDS: TIPS TO HAVE AN UNFORGETTABLE TRIP.
As we continue to explore South American places today, I would like to invite you and your family to explore the endless and unexpected possibilities that Bogota offers for both adults and kids.
Bogota is Colombia’s capital and one of the most important cities in Latin America; with over 10M people, it is an essential hop in the region with lots of directs flights to/from most of the continent’s capitals and Europe. The city offers a wide range of hotels, parks, museums, restaurants, shopping malls, and various day-trips to unique locations and attractions.
Located at 2.600 metres above sea level, by one of the three mountain chains that cross Colombia, Bogota is a beautiful city with mild weather and green spaces everywhere.
Tip: because of the altitude, you might feel a little bit dizzy and short of breath. To properly adjust to it, plan for a quiet first day.
Let’s start with my tips!
What to pack.
As Bogota’s weather varies from 8C during the night to 25C during the day, it is essential to pack a warm and light Jacket, some sweaters and a pair of comfy boots or sneakers. If you plan to go out at night, don’t forget to include some more formal outfits, nothing too fancy.
Where to stay
Bogota is a big city, so it is crucial to choose your hotel based on your itinerary. When travelling for pleasure, I suggest staying in the northeast end of the city. Below are some recommendations of hotels located in three of the most traditional neighbourhoods in the city: Nogal/Cabrera, Chico and Usaquen.
Nogal/Cabrera
This neighbourhood houses some well-known hotels. I would recommend:
- JW Marriot
- Hilton — it has a heated swimming pool perfect to enjoy with kids.
- If you prefer to have some flexibility, I recommend the ‘8010 urban living’ — it offers modern, beautiful and well-equipped apartments (including a TV, a kitchenette, dishwasher and microwave). It is strategically located within a 5-minute walk from the famous T zone, an area with restaurants, cafes, and the Andino Shopping mall, one of Bogota’s most traditional and elegant malls.
Chico
If you prefer to stay in this neighbourhood, I would recommend booking a hotel or apartment between 91st and 100th Street and the 7th and 15th Avenues (similar to New York City, in Bogota, they use numbers to name streets and avenues). If you stay in the area, you will be close to the famous ’93 Street Park’, an urban park surrounded by restaurants, cafes and places to spend an entertaining evening.
Some recommended hotel include:
- NH Hotel — good quality and affordable prices
- GHL collection — modern suites
- Holiday Inn
- Novotel. This hotel has some family rooms.
- If you prefer to rent an apartment, check the ‘Attik Luxury Apartments’ — located near Chico Park, an excellent place for a picnic day and outdoor.
Usaquen
Usaquen is a breath-taking traditional area with colonial buildings and plazas, as well as paved streets that invite you to explore the eclectic array of local shops and restaurants. If you happen to be in Bogota during a weekend, visit Usaquen’s Flea Market on Sunday, which is always filled with local artisan’s stands.
My hotel suggestions for this area are:
- NH Collection Bogota Royal
- NH Collection Hacienda Real
What to do
As Bogota offers so many activities and places to explore, I have group my recommendations by area so that you can make the most out of your time in the city. However, feel free to take a map and plan your adventure.
City downtown and Monserrate
Bogota downtown is a colonial historical centre, known as La Candelaria, it is ideal for walking around and discovering its local business, cafes and museums. Suppose you enjoy art and history and want to transfer that passion to your kids. In that case, I suggest visiting the Fernando Botero Museum (one of the most important modern Colombian artists) and the Gold museum, where you can learn about the relevance of this metal on Colombian history, especially before the colonial era.
Close by, on top of the mountain, 3125 meters above sea level, Monserrate, a pilgrim place with a church built in the 17th century, has become one of the main tourist attractions because of the fantastic views of the city. Restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops complement the visit.
You would have three options to get here:
- Walking, which is only recommended if you have time and a good fitness level as the path is 2350 meters long.
2. Cable car — climbing Monserrate Hill by cable car, you will experience one of the best views over the city, and your kids will be excited about how high it goes.
3. Funicular Railway: if you don’t like heights, using the funicular railway would be ideal for your visit and a fun experience for the kids.
West End
After learning about Colombia’s history, I suggest visiting Maloka Interactive Centre and Gran Estacion Shopping Mall.
Maloka is an interactive science museum created to promoted and develop critical thinking, innovation and creativity. Here kids learn about science and technology while playing for hours.
After a fun time in Maloka, visit The Gran Estacion Shopping Mall. Eat there before going back to your hotel, as the mall has some good restaurants you and your children will love; my personal favourites are:
- Corral Gourmet: the most famous and traditional burger chain in Colombia. It offers a whole variety of burgers. If you love fries, don’t forget to order them with cheese and bacon on the top. Their milkshakes are second to none!
- Crepes and Waffles: I mentioned this restaurant in my previous Blog about Cali (“Cali with Kids”). This is a dream for kids with lots of alternatives for sweet and savoury crepes, waffles and ice cream. It is a staple visit for any Colombian living abroad, which probably means you should try it.
North End and beyond
No place on earth is like Andres Carne de Res: an eclectic and whimsical restaurant, full of joy, creativity and magic, as well as some of the best food in town. You shouldn’t leave Bogota without visiting Andres.
Andres has 2 locations: Andres D.C., located in the city (close to the Nogal and Chico areas), and the original one, located in a small-town called Chia, about 30–45min north of Bogota. If you don’t have the time to leave the city, visit Andres D.C. But if you can spare some hours, go to the original location. It is a unique place in the countryside and a 100% fun experience for both kids and adults. There is a dedicated area for kids where they can build their crafts, paint t-shirts, explore some carpentry, create masks, dance, and so much more. As for adults, be prepared to have an afternoon/evening filled with great music, circus-like waiters and entertainers, in a place fully decorated with the crafts created on-site, all in a relaxed atmosphere.
Another day-trip worth your time is the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral), an underground church carved in a salt mine that, together with Its meticulous illumination, makes this place an experience you won’t have anywhere in the world. If you are a music enthusiast, the cathedral’s acoustic has been appreciated by many connoisseurs.
How to move
While the city has an excellent public transit system called Trasmilenio, it would take some time to figure out how to move around using it. I recommend booking a private driver or taxi that takes you around the city and waits for you while you explore it. It is cheap, and you will be able to move faster and enjoy your visit better. Ask the concierge at the hotel to help you find a reliable driver.
Please message me if you have any questions about Bogota. I’ll be more than happy to help you plan your trip.
Feliz Viaje!
