Question 1

Is Bogota Safe? My Essential 2026 Safety Advice

Accepted Answer

I personally felt safe during my 3 days in Bogota but we were still careful especially after dark. One of the biggest things I learnt while travelling Colombia was “No Dar Papaya” and I think this is especially important to remember in Bogota. These are the main safety tips I followed during my time here:

“No Dar Papaya”: One of the most important things to learn before visiting is the Colombian saying ‘No dar papaya’. This literally translates to ‘do not give papaya.’ It means do not make yourself an easy target or give anyone a reason to take advantage of you. This meant being discreet with my phone in public, leaving my jewellery at home in the UK and staying aware of my surroundings while I explored.

Transport: Stick to apps such as Uber especially at night rather than hailing taxis on the street. We used Uber whenever we needed to get around after dark even if it would have only been a ten minute walk.

Neighbourhoods: Be extra cautious in La Candelaria after dark. We were happy walking around during the day but once it got dark I preferred to get an Uber rather than walk even for short journeys.

Altitude: Do not forget that Bogota is 2,640m above sea level. If this is your first stop in Colombia take your first day slowly and give your body some time to adjust to the altitude.

Question 2

How to get there?

Accepted Answer

Since your trip most likely starts in Colombia’s capital you will probably be heading straight here from El Dorado International Airport (BOG). Most international flights land here making it the easiest place to start your trip around Colombia.

To get into the city I highly recommend using Uber to get to your accommodation. We made the mistake of taking a taxi from the airport and the driver charged us around 5x more than an Uber would have cost! After that experience we stuck to Uber whenever we needed a taxi in Bogota.

Question 3

Where to stay in Bogota for first timers

Accepted Answer

For those wondering where to stay in Bogota for the first time I recommend staying in La Candelaria. This is the historic heart of Bogota and where we chose to stay. The colourful streets, colonial architecture and pedestrian friendly lanes make it easy to explore on foot during the day.

Most of the main attractions in the city are just a short walk away. You can easily reach Plaza Bolivar, the Gold Museum and some of the city’s best street art. There are also plenty of cafes, restaurants and small shops nearby. As I mentioned in my safety tips above I was happy walking around La Candelaria during the day but I recommend being more cautious here after dark.

For nightlife and a more modern area, Zona Rosa is another option. However, it is further away from the historic centre and most of the main attractions included in this guide.

Blog

6 Best Things to Do in Bogota Colombia: A 3-Day Guide (2026 Guide + Safety Tips)

Colombia 3 Week Itinerary: Perfect 2026 Travel Guide