There are many free and inexpensive cultural activities in Bogota. There are also many shopping centers, restaurants, and cafes in the city. The options are almost endless and there is a place for every taste. In this article we’ll cover a few of the best things to do in Bogota.
La Candelaria is the heart of the historic center
Known as the city’s bohemian hub, La Candelaria is a historic district in downtown Bogota that is home to several notable cultural attractions. This neighborhood features colonial-era architecture, beautiful churches, and modern-day cafes and shops. Although it is in the heart of the city, this neighborhood is very laid-back and offers a quaint, small-town feel.
Bogota Colombia’s historic center was originally laid out on a grid pattern by Spanish colonials. Wide boulevards once hosted horse racing, while the narrow streets are paved with uneven cobblestones and rise toward verdant mountains and Catholic pilgrimage sites. The city’s original center became a neighborhood, and the name La Candelaria was taken from the first church.
In 1538, Spanish conquistador Gonzalo Jimenez de Quesada founded the capital city of Bogota on this site. The square was later purchased by Friar Quevedo, who installed a public water fountain in the center. However, a collapsed building in 1896 cut off the water supply to the fountain. Today, the square is a popular tourist spot and the home of the Colombian government.
La Candelaria is home to several museums. The Botero Museum, located on Carrera 11, features works by Picasso, Monet, and Fernando Botero. The Catedral Primada, which opened in 1823, is located on the Plaza de Bolivar. It is Colombia’s largest cathedral and one of the largest in South America.
The National Museum is the oldest and largest museum in Colombia
The National Museum is located in the downtown area of Bogota and is home to collections of art, history, and culture from all over the country. The museum is a dependency of the Colombian Ministry of Culture. Its collections are extensive and are well worth the trip.
Over twenty thousand objects and works of art are on display at this museum. This collection reflects the rich history of the Colombian people. It includes artifacts from more than ten thousand years BC and works by both indigenous and afro-colombian artists.
The museum has three floors with exhibits ranging from archeological artifacts to colonial artifacts and modern art. There is also a restaurant on site and an impressive garden. The building itself is a fascinating introduction to Colombian history. It is best viewed with a guide to ensure that you get the most out of your visit.
If you’re traveling with children, consider visiting the museum dedicated to pre-Hispanic art. It has a huge collection of pre-Hispanic goldwork and belongs to the Banco de la Republica museum network. You can see impressive gold pieces from the Muisca raft and other indigenous groups. The museum has recently undergone a renovation and charges a modest entrance fee.
Bogota is located in a high mountain area on the Cordillera Oriental of the Northern Andean Mountains. It is situated at the foot of Montserrat Mountain and Guadalupe Mountain. The Funza River, also known as Rio Bogota, runs through the city. The river ends in the Tequendama Falls, which are 145 meters (475 feet) high. Most of the water in the Funza River is now used for hydroelectric power.
The Gold Museum is the largest collection of gold artifacts in the world
Located in Bogota, Colombia, the Gold Museum is one of the city’s top attractions. It is home to the largest pre-Hispanic gold collection in the region. Its exhibits also feature ceramics, wood, shells, and textiles. Mummies and emeralds are also on display. The museum’s permanent collection includes over 4.975 pieces of ancient gold and 385 ceramic objects.
This museum is home to some of the oldest and most important pre-Inca artifacts in the world. Some pieces date back to as early as 300 B.C., while others date back even further. In addition to the Inca gold artifacts, the museum also has pieces from the Moche, Sican, Chimu, and Vicus civilizations.
The museum’s Filipino Gold exhibition is organized by Adriana Proser. The exhibition is organized into four sections. The first part of the exhibition features a history of archaeology in the country. In the second section, visitors can view 120 pieces from the Philippines. These objects confirm that gold was used in metalworking in ancient Philippines. The exhibit also highlights the Hoard of gold objects discovered by Cecilia Y. Locsin and her late husband Leandro V. Locsin in Magroyong. The Locsins’ efforts resulted in the collection of over 5,000 objects.
The third floor of the museum features three more exhibits. In addition to the Muisca Raft, the museum has a section dedicated to the shamanic ceremony, called the Flying Chamanic. The second part of the exhibit, The Offering, consists of three parts: the “Offering Room,” the “Offering Boat,” and the “Lake.” There is also an exploratory exhibit where visitors can view artistic videos of gold pieces.
The Flower Market at Paloquemao
The Flower Market at Paloquemaa is a bountiful sight to behold. The flower section, under a large canopy, is vibrant and colourful. Fresh cut flowers are sold for rock bottom prices. Another interesting sight is food grain grass. It is wrapped in cellophane with a Colombian Bolivar – a symbol of food and wealth. This bouquet, however, must be given to someone who will burn it on New Year’s Eve.
The Paloquemao market is Bogota’s main food and flower market. It has been around since 1946 and was relocated to its current location in 1967. The market is divided into separate sections, including a fresh-cut flower section. Colombia is the second-largest exporter of flowers after the U.S., and the area is home to many local farmers who supply the local flower market with fresh cut flowers and wholesale flowers.
One of the best things to do while visiting Paloquemao is to sample the local produce. This two-tier market is home to many unique produce stands, so a visit here is worth it. The market is open seven days a week, except Sundays when it closes in the afternoon. It is also a great way to support local businesses and experience the real Colombian experience. There are sections devoted to fruits, vegetables, and meat.
While visiting the market, try to practice your bargaining skills. It’s best to know how to speak Spanish, because the prices can be intimidating for non-native speakers. For example, an avocado can cost two thousand pesos, whereas a bunch of grapes can cost three thousand pesos. Knowing these big numbers can help you negotiate better.
The Botanical Gardens
Colombia’s largest botanical garden, the José Celestino Mutis, is both a research center and a recreation center. Its focus is on the diverse ecosystems of the Andean and Páramo regions. Visitors can enjoy the wide variety of plants that are native to every climate and altitude in Colombia.
The botanical garden is located in the northeastern part of the city, in the Engativa district. It was named for the famous botanist Jose Celestino Mutis, a Spaniard who led the first botanical expedition to South America in 1783. The garden contains a number of plants native to the Andes, including clematis, climbing asters, and clavellinos.
There are also several pavilions dedicated to plants native to Colombia. The Tropicario house a diverse array of Colombian cycads, aroids, heliconias, passion flowers, flowering trees, and medicinal plants. In addition, the garden is home to a large collection of Colombian Anthurium species, including A. metallicum, A. corrugatum, and A. queremalense.
The Tropicario complex is a stunning addition to the grounds. It replaces an older greenhouse complex, which was designed in the 1970s. In 2014, local designers were invited to submit designs for the complex. The winning design was by the local architecture firm, De Arquitectura y Paisajae. The JMBC and JCM consortiums were hired to build it.
The National Museum
The National Museum in Bogota, Colombia is a wonderful place to learn about Colombia’s history. Located in an old prison, the museum has 17 permanent exhibition rooms and rotating collections. Visitors can visit the museum Tuesday through Sunday. Entrance is free on Sundays.
Another place to see is the botanical garden, which is popular with locals on Sunday. Though the gardens are lush and well-kept, the walk can be a challenge. The gardens are also quite close to the airport. A free guided tour is also available, which makes this place even more appealing.
The National Museum is a fascinating museum that contains thousands of pieces of art from ancient times to modern times. Besides the collections, the museum also has a collection of more than 20,000 pieces of art. There are free guided tours and audio guides for guests.
Bogota’s main square has a number of cultural attractions, including the Cathedral and Palace of Justice. Visitors can also enjoy free one-hour guided tours in Spanish, French, and Portuguese. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday and is free to visit if there are no events going on.
While the National Museum is a must-see during a visit to Bogota, don’t miss out on the historical center of the city. While the historic center of the city is packed with tourist attractions, the city also has upscale neighborhoods, great restaurants, and an excellent nightlife. The city offers a unique blend of cosmopolitan sophistication and authentic culture. During your stay in Bogota, you can take a day trip to a colonial village or a beautiful lake.