Get to Know Usaquén, Bogota’s Elegant North-Side Escape

We’ve always believed that Bogotá is best understood through its neighborhoods — and nowhere is that truer than in Usaquén. Perched in the north of the city, where red-brick hills meet leafy plazas, Usaquén feels like a world apart from Bogotá’s bustle. It’s relaxed yet refined, historic yet modern, and quietly confident in its own style.

Once a small colonial town absorbed into the expanding city, Usaquén has become one of Bogotá’s most desirable enclaves — a place where cobblestone streets lead to cozy restaurants, art galleries, and tree-lined squares. Spend a day or two here, and you’ll understand why locals come to Usaquén to slow down, eat well, and live beautifully.

The Soul of Usaquén

What makes Usaquén so irresistible isn’t just how pretty it is — though the white houses, red tiles, and colonial architecture certainly help. It’s the balance: the way quiet plazas meet high-end dining rooms, and how small artisans share space with global names.

At the neighborhood’s heart lies Plaza de Usaquén, the central square framed by the 17th-century Parroquia de Santa Bárbara de Usaquén. During the week, it’s peaceful — locals sip coffee under jacaranda trees while street musicians play soft guitar. On weekends, it transforms into the Usaquén Flea Market, one of Bogotá’s most beloved artisan fairs. You’ll find jewelry, leatherwork, ceramics, and Colombian coffee, all made by independent creators who take pride in their craft.

Just steps from the plaza sits Artesanías de Colombia, a government-backed boutique that celebrates traditional design. Inside, you’ll discover handwoven Wayuu bags, intricate Mompox gold filigree, and vibrant ceramics from Nariño — each piece telling a story of Colombian identity and artistry. Even if you don’t buy anything, the collection alone is worth a visit.

This is the charm of Usaquén — a district that invites you to wander, to discover, and to linger without a plan.

Coffee and Calm — Starting Your Day Right

If you start your morning in Usaquén, start it well. This neighborhood takes coffee seriously, and it shows.

Our favorite place to begin is San Alberto Café, tucked just off the main square. It’s one of Colombia’s most awarded coffee brands, and the Usaquén location doubles as a tasting lab. Baristas here are storytellers — they guide you through aroma, flavor, and terroir like sommeliers. Try the signature San Alberto blend with an almond croissant, and settle by the window as the morning light spills across the plaza.

If you prefer a heartier breakfast, stroll over to Abasto, a neighborhood favorite that captures Usaquén’s easy charm. The setting is rustic-chic, all exposed brick and greenery, and the menu focuses on local ingredients — eggs with arepas de choclo, fresh juices, and artisanal breads. It’s also the kind of place where one coffee easily turns into two because you just don’t want to leave.

For a more contemporary caffeine stop later in the day, Catación Pública is a minimalist café and educational space dedicated to coffee science. Every pour-over highlights Colombia’s regional diversity — from fruity Huila beans to floral Nariño varieties. The staff can even arrange guided tastings if you want to explore the depth of Colombian coffee culture.

Lunch in Style — Mediterranean Sun Meets Bogotá Cool

When lunchtime rolls around, Usaquén’s restaurants shine. The area has mastered the art of pairing international flavor with Bogotá’s calm sophistication.

For a refined yet relaxed meal, head to El Mediterráneo — a coastal escape hidden in the hills. With light wood interiors, olive trees, and airy courtyards, it’s the perfect setting for their octopus carpaccio and seafood paella. The service is polished but warm, and the wine list is impressively global.

If seafood is calling your name, La Mar Cebichería delivers Peruvian elegance with Bogotá flair. The tiradito nikkei, a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian styles, is a must-try, and their pisco sours are among the best in town. Lunch here feels like a celebration — the kind that stretches into a slow, sunlit afternoon.

Between courses, you’ll notice something special about Usaquén’s rhythm. Conversations linger. Glasses clink softly in open patios. Nobody rushes, because here, lunch is meant to be enjoyed, not scheduled.

Afternoon Serenity — Markets, Courtyards, and Local Flavor

Usaquén is the kind of place where afternoons feel slower, softer. After lunch, take a leisurely walk through the Usaquén Flea Market or simply wander its cobblestone side streets. Artists display their work in shaded corners, and musicians play boleros or jazz near the church steps.

If you prefer something a bit more curated, explore Hacienda Santa Bárbara, a restored colonial mansion turned shopping and dining complex. Even without the focus on retail, the architecture itself — brick archways, wooden balconies, and interior patios — tells the story of a Bogotá that has gracefully evolved while keeping its heart.

Evening Energy — Rum, Rooftops, and Refined Ambiance

As the sun dips behind the Andean ridge, Usaquén transforms again. The cafés dim their lights, the air cools, and laughter drifts through open terraces.

Begin your evening at Pedro Mandinga Rum Bar, one of the neighborhood’s most charming cocktail spots. It’s intimate but full of personality, with warm lighting, tropical touches, and shelves lined with small-batch rums from Panama and Colombia. Order a Mandinga Mojito or a Rum Old Fashioned, and settle in — this is where you’ll find locals unwinding after work, travelers swapping stories, and bartenders who genuinely love their craft.

If you’re looking for a view, head just a bit south to Astoria Rooftop Bar, where the city unfolds below in sparkling layers. The crowd is stylish but unpretentious, and the drinks — particularly the rosemary gin tonic and passionfruit mezcal cocktail — are crafted with precision. It’s a relaxed, upscale setting for conversation and connection, whether you’re on a romantic getaway or exploring with friends.

For dinner nearby, you could head up the nearby slopes of Monserrate to take in sweeping views of Bogotá at Casa San Isidro, which offers timeless French sophistication, while back in Usaquén, El Mediterráneo and La Mar remain unbeatable for a final, elegant meal.

Weekend Charm — The Usaquén Market and Beyond

If you’re in Bogotá over a weekend, make time for the Usaquén Flea Market — it’s part of the neighborhood’s soul. Every Sunday, artisans, designers, and food vendors fill the cobblestone streets with color and creativity. You can sample arepas, fruit preserves, and Colombian coffee while browsing paintings, jewelry, and handmade decor.

Tips for Different Travelers

For Couples

Usaquén was made for romance — start with a coffee tasting at San Alberto, explore the market hand in hand, and end the day with sunset cocktails at Astoria Rooftop or rum flights at Pedro Mandinga. For dinner, book a table at El Mediterráneo or Harry Sasson for an elegant, unhurried evening.

For Families

With its open plazas, weekend markets, and welcoming restaurants, Usaquén is great for families. Abasto is perfect for brunch with kids, and the market’s lively, colorful atmosphere keeps everyone entertained.

For LGBTQ Travelers

Usaquén reflects Bogotá’s stylish, inclusive energy. Its cafés, rooftops, and bars are friendly and open,  attracting a diverse, creative crowd. Chapinero’s LGBTQ nightlife is just a short ride away if you want to keep the night going.

For Seniors

Usaquén’s flat, walkable layout and relaxed rhythm make it ideal for mature travelers. You can easily spend the day exploring shops, galleries, and cafés at your own pace. 

Your Usaquén, Perfected

Usaquén captures Bogotá at its most graceful — creative yet grounded, cosmopolitan yet local. It’s a place where you can sip world-class coffee, shop for Colombian design, and enjoy long, elegant meals surrounded by people who genuinely love their city.

At Cielo Travel, we craft itineraries that show you this version of Bogotá — the one locals know best. Our team of travel experts curates every detail.

If you’re ready to see Bogotá through local eyes — and discover the neighborhood where the city’s charm truly comes alive — let Cielo Travel design your perfect journey.