What Every Traveler Should Know About Experiencing Bogotá on Public Holidays

When planning your visit to Bogotá, you might not think much about public holidays. But in Colombia — a country with more national holidays than almost anywhere else — these dates can shape your travel experience in surprising ways. 

In Bogotá, public holidays aren’t just days off. They’re windows into Colombian culture — and if you know how to plan around them, they can become a unique part of your trip. Here’s how it all works.

Understanding Colombia’s Holiday Culture

Colombia has 18 official public holidays, placing it among the countries with the most in the world. Many of these holidays are tied to religious observances, reflecting Colombia’s strong Catholic heritage. You’ll find important dates like Semana Santa (Holy Week), Corpus Christi, and Assumption Day, alongside civic celebrations like Independence Day and Labor Day.

What makes things even more interesting is the “puente festivo” system. Thanks to the Emiliani Law, many holidays are moved to Mondays to create long weekends — called puentes, or “bridges.” This affects how locals travel and how the city flows.

In Bogotá, the impact is visible. Government offices and banks close, some businesses scale back, and residents either head out of town or dive into family plans and cultural events. The usual buzz of the city softens, replaced by crowded parks, packed malls, or surprisingly peaceful neighborhoods.

Knowing how to navigate these changes — and even embrace them — is key to making the most of your time here.

What’s Open and What’s Closed on Holidays

First things first: don’t assume everything will be closed — but don’t assume it’ll all be open, either.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

• Banks, government offices, and many corporate businesses  shut down completely.
• Museums and cultural institutions are a bit tricky. Most are closed on Mondays — even if that Monday is a holiday. So, double-check online or call ahead if you’re planning a museum visit.
• Upscale malls like Andino, El Retiro, and Unicentro usually remain open, although hours may be reduced. These are great spots for shopping, relaxing, or finding restaurants that stay open during holidays.
• Restaurants and cafés in popular neighborhoods like Zona G, Zona T, and Parque de la 93 typically remain open, especially in the evening — but reservations are highly recommended, particularly on long weekends.
• Parks, hills, and plazas fill up. Spots like Monserrate, Simón Bolívar Park, and the Botanical Gardens are often bustling with families and groups enjoying the day off.

Pro Tip: Check Google Maps for hours, call ahead if it’s important, and have a backup plan just in case.

Signature Holidays and How to Experience Them

Here’s a closer look at the major holidays you might experience in Bogotá — and what you can do to make the most of them.

Semana Santa (Holy Week – March/April)

This is one of the most significant holidays in Colombia. From Palm Sunday to Easter, Bogotá slows down. Many locals leave the city for smaller towns or the coast, which gives Bogotá an unusually calm atmosphere.

That said, if you stay, you’ll find beautiful religious processions — especially near La Candelaria and Bogotá Cathedral. Most museums and restaurants close from Holy Thursday to Easter Sunday, so it’s a great time to take a guided day trip or enjoy Bogotá’s nature without the usual city buzz.

Independence Day (July 20th)

Colombia’s Independence Day is a proud, patriotic celebration. In Bogotá, you can expect parades, military displays, and live performances — especially around Plaza Bolívar.

Cultural institutions like the Luis Ángel Arango Library, National Museum, and theaters often host special programming. It’s a wonderful day to experience Colombian music, folklore, and storytelling. Just keep in mind that there will be road closures and a visible police presence, particularly downtown.

Christmas & New Year (December 24–31)

This season transforms Bogotá into a city of lights. Parque El Virrey, Monserrate, La Candelaria, and Usaquén all go big on festive decorations and illuminated displays.

Restaurants may close for private events or family celebrations around Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve — so make reservations early. Some venues offer prix-fixe menus or dinner parties with fireworks views.

For New Year’s Eve, head to Chapinero Alto, Zona T, or any rooftop bar with city views. Expect fireworks, music, and a festive atmosphere.

Día de la Raza / Columbus Day (October)

This holiday, observed on the second Monday of October, has evolved into a celebration of Colombia’s cultural diversity. It’s a fantastic time to engage with indigenous and Afro-Colombian heritage through festivals, food, and art.

Cultural spaces like the Gold Museum or the National Museum often host special exhibitions. We also recommend checking out temporary artisan markets and outdoor performances, especially in Usaquén, La Candelaria, or San Felipe’s art district.

Tips for Planning Around Holidays

Public holidays don’t have to derail your plans — but they do require a little more attention to timing and logistics. Here’s how to plan smart:

• Book hotels early, especially for long weekends. Popular neighborhoods like Zona T, Chapinero Alto, and La Candelaria fill up fast.
• Make restaurant reservations — don’t assume you’ll find a table at the last minute. Use platforms like Resy, TheFork, or call directly.
• Check Bogotá’s official event calendars, such as Bogotá’s tourism office or Bogotá City Hall, to see what performances or public events are happening.
• Avoid driving out of Bogotá during long weekends unless absolutely necessary. Highways to destinations like Zipaquirá or Villa de Leyva can be gridlocked with holiday traffic.
• Use holidays to explore Bogotá’s quieter corners — book a coffee tasting, take a private street art tour in San Felipe, or spend a lazy afternoon in the gardens of Quinta de Bolívar.
• Remember Monday closures, even if it’s the holiday itself. Museums may still follow standard closing schedules.

Who Enjoys Holidays in Bogotá and How

Public holidays offer different experiences depending on your travel style. Here’s how to tailor your time:

Couples

Use long weekends for a romantic city break — spa hotels, rooftop dinners, wine bars in Zona G, or a sunset walk up Monserrate followed by a candlelit meal.

Families

Holidays bring family-friendly events and outdoor fun. Think pony rides in Simón Bolívar Park, kid-centric exhibits at Maloka Science Center, or crafts fairs in Usaquén.

Business Travelers

If your work trip overlaps with a puente, extend your stay. Use the slower pace to dine at Bogotá’s acclaimed restaurants or explore art galleries without the weekday crowds.

Culture Lovers

Public holidays are goldmines for free concerts, folkloric performances, and curated exhibitions. Watch for temporary installations, open-air theaters, and live music in public plazas.

Plan Your Dates Right with Cielo Travel

Hoping to get a glimpse into how Colombians celebrate, reflect, and come together? Or maybe you want to avoid holiday closures. Whatever the case, Cielo Travel is here to advise you on the best dates to travel. 

We’ll also walk you through planning the rest of your trip, from top hotels and dining experiences to tours right in your niche.