In a nutshell
- Looking for the right place to stay in Bogotá? We’ve got you covered — here are the best and safest neighborhoods, plus our personal hotel recommendations.
- For first-time visitors spending a few days in the city, we recommend Chapinero. Our top hotel pick: Urban Heights Bogotá.
- Only in Bogotá for a stopover and want to see the highlights fast? Stay in the Old Town La Candelaria. Our top hotel pick: Hotel Casa Deco.
- Want a modern, safe, and less touristy base? Usaquén is the answer. Our top hotel pick: Hemma Bogotá Country Luxury Suites Hotel.
The Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Bogotá with Map
Like any other city in South America, Bogotá has safe and unsafe neighborhoods. To make sure you feel comfortable on your trip, you should definitely pay attention to which area your hotel is in.
In this article, we’ll walk you through three neighborhoods that we can wholeheartedly recommend for an overnight stay.
Since Bogotá has no metro or trains, you don’t need to worry about transit connections when choosing your accommodation. We recommend getting around by Uber or taxi rather than the buses.
Our top picks for where to stay in Bogotá
- Chapinero: The “tourist neighborhood” of Bogotá is ideal for first-time visitors — there are plenty of hotels, restaurants, and nightlife options.
- La Candelaria: The historic center is perfect if you want to be close to the main attractions and are only in Bogotá for a short time.
- Usaquén: A great alternative if you’ve already visited Bogotá before and care more about an authentic local atmosphere than sightseeing.
Staying in Chapinero
Chapinero is the best choice if you’re spending a few days in Bogotá, doing plenty of sightseeing, and want somewhere lively to head out in the evenings.
Chapinero is Bogotá’s equivalent of El Poblado in Medellín. It’s more developed than other parts of the city, with modern buildings, hotels, and restaurants around every corner.
That’s why Chapinero is so popular with tourists. You’ve got great nightlife options and the surroundings feel genuinely comfortable for an overnight stay.
The pedestrian zone Zona T is especially great for an evening drink. During the day, it’s also a solid spot for shopping.
The city center with the main attractions is about 7 kilometers away. The quickest way to get there is by Uber, though buses run that route too.
Advantages of staying in Chapinero
- Excellent hotel selection across all price ranges
- Plenty of restaurants and nightlife in the evenings
- Safe and well-developed neighborhood
Disadvantages of staying in Chapinero
- Touristy feel
- A bit of a trek to the main sights
Our hotel recommendations for Chapinero
Good and affordable
Better
Luxurious
Staying in La Candelaria
La Candelaria’s historic district is the right call if you want to be steps from the top attractions and are only in Bogotá for a short time.
In the old quarter, you’ll find many of the most beautiful things to see in Bogotá. The alleyways lined with low, colorful buildings are a real highlight in their own right.
During the day, La Candelaria is always buzzing with activity, and you’ll have a solid selection of restaurants and cafés to choose from.
In the evenings, though, things quiet down considerably — many streets are practically deserted. At that point, we’d seriously recommend taking an Uber rather than walking around on foot.
For that reason, we’d suggest La Candelaria only if you’re really in Bogotá purely for sightseeing. For longer stays, another neighborhood will serve you better.
Advantages of staying in La Candelaria
- Right next to the main attractions
- Nice selection of affordable boutique hotels
- Lots of restaurants and cafés nearby
Disadvantages of staying in La Candelaria
- Quiet and potentially unsafe at night
- Very touristy surroundings
Our hotel recommendations for La Candelaria
Good and affordable
Better
Staying in Usaquén
Usaquén is a great pick if you want a safe, well-developed neighborhood away from the tourist crowds.
Usaquén feels similar to Chapinero, but far fewer tourists stay here. You’ll still find plenty of modern buildings and excellent local spots to eat and drink.
We especially recommend Usaquén if this is your second visit to Bogotá and you already know the main sights. It’s also a smart choice for longer stays.
The hotel selection isn’t as vast as in Chapinero, but the overall price level is a bit lower — and you really get a lot for your money here.
Advantages of staying in Usaquén
- Much less touristy
- Safe and modern surroundings
- Good mix of restaurants, local spots, and hotels
Disadvantages of staying in Usaquén
- Further from the main attractions
- You’re staying well outside the center
