The Local’s Guide to 72 Hours in Bogotá. Flavor, Culture, and Soul

We’ve always said that Bogotá is a city that rewards curiosity. At first, it can feel big, misty, and layered — a mountain metropolis wrapped in cloud and history. But give it a few days, and the city unfolds like a story told just for you. 

This 72-hour guide is designed to show you Bogotá the way locals live it — through food, design, cocktails, and rhythm. You’ll explore the north of the city — neighborhoods like Zona G, Chapinero Alto, Usaquén, and Parque 93 — where the best of Bogotá’s dining, nightlife, and shopping come together. It’s the version of the city that pairs flavor with elegance, creativity with calm, and always leaves room for one last rooftop drink under the Andean stars.

Day 1 — Welcome to the North: Coffee, Flavor, and Rooftop Nights

Morning: Coffee and Calm in Zona G

Every Bogotano will tell you: the day starts with coffee — real coffee. And nowhere does it better than El Rocío Café, one of the city’s most respected specialty coffee houses. Here, baristas treat each cup like a craft performance. The beans are Colombian-grown, roasted with precision, and brewed to highlight their natural sweetness. Sit by the window with a pour-over, breathe in the aroma of freshly ground beans, and watch Zona G’s quiet morning rhythm begin to hum.

For a second caffeine hit, stroll to Devoción, a lush, plant-filled café that feels like a greenhouse of calm in the middle of the city. Their cold brew is famous for its silky finish, and the open layout makes it ideal for lingering with a book or journal while Bogotá’s cool mountain air drifts through.

Lunch: Seafood and Style at La Mar

By midday, make your way north to Usaquén for lunch at La Mar Bogotá, the city’s most elegant nod to Peru’s iconic cevicherías. Bright, modern, and full of natural light, it’s a space that feels tropical even in Bogotá’s crisp climate. Start with a tiradito nikkei, a fusion of Peruvian flavor and Japanese technique, then move to octopus anticuchos — charred, tender, and smoky. A perfectly mixed pisco sour seals the deal.

Locals love La Mar for its balance: it delivers the freshness of the coast with the professionalism of the capital. Expect attentive service, vibrant presentation, and an atmosphere that invites you to linger well past dessert. It’s a leisurely start — the way Bogotá prefers to live its afternoons.

Afternoon: Luxury Shopping and People-Watching

After lunch, spend some time exploring Usaquén’s boutique-lined streets, dotted with local designers and artisan shops. Or, if you’re craving something more cosmopolitan, take a short ride to Bogotá’s luxury shopping triangle — Andino, El Retiro, and Atlantis Plaza. These connected malls feel more like design galleries than retail centers. You’ll find Colombian icons like Johanna Ortiz, Artesanías de Colombia, and Silvia Tcherassi alongside international fashion houses.

When you need a recharge, pause at Azahar Coffee Lounge, a sleek café tucked between the malls, known for its minimalist design and meticulously sourced beans. Grab a flat white and people-watch — this is Bogotá’s version of a catwalk.

Evening: Dinner and Drinks at Parque 93

As twilight descends and city lights flicker on, head to Parque 93, one of Bogotá’s liveliest dining districts. Dinner at Orleans House delivers southern-inspired comfort food with Colombian flair: think fried oysters, braised short ribs, and cocktails built around bourbon and spice. If you prefer something casual yet upscale, El Mono Bandido nearby serves up craft beers and gourmet burgers in a woodsy-chic atmosphere that feels both relaxed and stylish.

Finish your first night at Federal Rooftop, a modern terrace with skyline views that stretch toward the glowing Andes. The playlist slides from downtempo to deep house as the crowd gathers. Order a mezcal cocktail or a classic gin and tonic, and let Bogotá’s rhythm take hold — sophisticated, social, but never rushed.

Insider Note: Families will find Parque 93 especially welcoming before 9 PM, with open seating and safe, walkable streets. LGBTQ travelers will appreciate the inclusive, fashion-forward energy throughout Zona T and Parque 93, where diversity defines the vibe.

Day 2 — Art, Design, and After-Hours

Morning: Usaquén’s Charm

Ease into your second day with a walk through Usaquén, Bogotá’s most picturesque northern neighborhood. Its cobblestoned streets and colonial-era façades are lined with flowered balconies, cafés, and small parks. On Sundays, the Usaquén Market transforms the area into a lively artisan fair, filled with handmade ceramics, textiles, and jewelry from across Colombia.

For brunch, locals love Abasto, a cozy bistro known for its farm-to-table Colombian dishes — cassava waffles, local cheeses, and fruit juices pressed fresh from Andean produce. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and families especially appreciate its relaxed charm and kid-friendly menu.

Afternoon: Museums and Galleries

Spend your afternoon diving into Bogotá’s artistic and historical side. For a gentle start, visit Museo El Chicó, a colonial mansion surrounded by gardens. The museum’s collection of decorative arts and antique furniture offers a window into the city’s aristocratic past, while the surrounding park invites a peaceful stroll.

If you’re up for a short drive south, head to Museo Botero in La Candelaria. This intimate museum houses masterpieces by Fernando Botero alongside works by Picasso, Dalí, and Monet. Visiting with a private guide adds depth — they’ll help you see how Bogotá’s creative energy flows from its art to its everyday life.

Before returning north, stop for coffee at San Alberto, just a few blocks away. This elegant café offers guided tastings that turn a simple cup into an experience — a fitting reminder that in Bogotá, coffee is culture.

Evening: Dinner and Cocktails

Back in Zona G, prepare for one of Bogotá’s defining culinary experiences: dinner at El Chato. Regularly ranked among Latin America’s top restaurants, El Chato’s ever-evolving menu highlights Colombia’s biodiversity through refined, creative dishes. Expect ingredients like Amazonian fish, local mushrooms, and foraged herbs — plated with precision but full of soul.

Afterward, transition into cocktail mode at Huerta Coctelería Artesanal, a botanical-themed bar where herbs and edible flowers grow on-site. Order the basil gimlet or a guava highball, and watch as the mixologists craft each drink like a miniature garden.

If you crave something quieter, La Sala de Laura offers an entirely different mood: a speakeasy-style lounge that feels like stepping into a friend’s candlelit apartment, complete with vintage records and intimate conversation.

For LGBTQ travelers ready for something more energetic, end the night at Theatron, Bogotá’s iconic multi-room club in Chapinero — one of the largest and most inclusive nightlife spaces in Latin America.

Day 3 — History, Wellness, and a Stylish Farewell

Morning: Bogotá’s Historic Core

Your final morning is the perfect time to explore Bogotá’s roots. Head downtown for a guided walk through La Candelaria, the city’s historic district where colorful murals, colonial balconies, and cobblestone alleys tell centuries of stories. A private guide — the kind Cielo Travel arranges — can tailor the visit to your interests, whether it’s architecture, politics, or contemporary street art.

Don’t miss the Museo del Oro, home to one of the world’s most impressive gold collections, revealing the craftsmanship of Colombia’s pre-Hispanic cultures. Afterward, unwind with a coffee at Café San Alberto, a serene refuge that turns tasting into ritual — the perfect balance to the sensory overload of downtown.

Afternoon: Relaxation and Shopping in the North

Return to the northern neighborhoods for a slow-paced afternoon. If you’re staying at W Bogotá or Click Clack Hotel, book a spa treatment — both are known for their high-end wellness programs blending oxygen therapy, aromatherapy, and Andean botanicals.

If you’d rather squeeze in a little more shopping, visit Zona T for fashion and design boutiques or Parque La Colina, a modern lifestyle mall filled with home goods, cafés, and artful Colombian brands. It’s the city’s softer side — cosmopolitan but calm.

Evening: A Refined Farewell

For your final dinner, indulge at Harry Sasson, Bogotá’s culinary institution. Set inside a stately brick mansion surrounded by greenery, Harry Sasson blends Colombian tradition with international flair. Try the arepas with truffle butter, the smoked beef tenderloin, or the ceviche mixto — all served with flawless precision and warm hospitality.

End your Bogotá experience with a nightcap at Bar Enano, the city’s tiniest speakeasy hidden behind a nondescript door. Everything inside — from stools to martini glasses — is miniature, but the atmosphere is immense. Order one of their famous mini martinis, toast to the city, and let the night linger just a little longer.

Notes for Different Travelers

Families: The north of Bogotá is particularly family-friendly. Parque de la 93, Abasto, and Andrés DC offer space and energy without sacrificing style. Malls such as Parque La Colina include play zones, cinemas, and interactive exhibits for kids.

LGBTQ Travelers: Bogotá is proudly one of South America’s most inclusive cities. Neighborhoods like Chapinero Alto and Zona T feature welcoming cafés, bars, and nightlife, from elegant lounges like La Sala de Laura to world-renowned clubs like Theatron.

Solo Travelers: The city’s café culture and design-forward restaurants make it easy to explore alone. Locals are friendly yet respectful of space, and safety in the north is strong, especially around Zona G and Usaquén.

Seniors: For travelers seeking comfort and accessibility, Bogotá’s upscale north offers wide, well-maintained sidewalks, luxury hotels with concierge services, and easy transportation options. Museums such as El Chicó and Museo Botero are compact and easily walkable, while private guides can make cultural excursions smooth and relaxed.

Your Bogotá, Perfected

In just three days, you’ve experienced a city of layers — where coffee meets craftsmanship, cocktails meet culture, and mountain air meets urban creativity. From rooftop drinks in Parque 93 to long lunches in Usaquén and intimate dinners in Zona G, Bogotá shows its best side when you let it set the tempo.

At Cielo Travel, we specialize in curating upscale, personalized itineraries that connect you to the real Bogotá — arranging everything from private art tours and restaurant reservations to late-night cocktail crawls and weekend escapes into the Andes.

When you’re ready to see Bogotá through local eyes — to live every hour beautifully — we’ll help you plan the trip you’ll never forget.