Bogotá, the vibrant capital of Colombia, sits high in the Andes at 2,640 meters above sea level. The city balances historic charm with modern energy, where cobblestone streets meet bold street art and colonial churches stand beside sleek galleries and cafes. At the heart of it all is La Candelaria, Bogotá’s oldest neighborhood, where travelers can visit centuries-old buildings, including the neoclassical Capitol and the richly decorated Gold Museum, home to over 55,000 pre-Hispanic artifacts made by Indigenous civilizations.

Art and culture pulse through Bogotá’s streets. The city boasts more than 50 museums, including the world-famous Museo Botero, which features works by Fernando Botero alongside pieces by Picasso, Dalí, and Monet. Murals and graffiti are not only legal but celebrated, turning entire districts into outdoor art galleries. Guided street art tours reveal the stories behind the images, many of which touch on politics, identity, and resistance in striking color and detail.

For a change of pace, a ride up to Monserrate provides sweeping views of the city below. At over 3,100 meters, this mountain sanctuary can be reached by funicular, cable car, or a scenic hike. Locals often climb it on foot as a spiritual pilgrimage, while visitors come for the panoramic views, traditional Colombian food stalls, and the 17th-century church that crowns the summit. On clear days, the city stretches endlessly across the savanna, framed by mountains and clouds.