The R&K Guide to Bogotá

The R&K Guide To Bogotá

After over two decades of living in relative peace, Bogotanos are finally getting over their fear of each other and starting to figure out their identity as a city. The result is a gastronomic revival, a rising tourism industry, a booming nightlife and a thriving arts scene—all of which have begun to lift the city up from its cultural and geographical isolation and to make it, for the first time in many Colombians’ lifetime, a destination. So if you are into being at the right place at the right time, look no further than Bogota.

How To Do
Bogotá

01. TransMilenio or Bicycle? Navigating Bogotá
02. Walking Tour: Hunting Street Art and Food in Chapinero
03. Getting Online
04. The Perfect Dish: Sobrebarriga
05. GTFO: Day Tripping Around Bogotá

18 Things to Know Before You Go

A History in 9 Dishes

Walking Tour: Hunting Street Art and Food in Chapinero

Bogotá is, hands down, one of the best places in the world for street art. In recent years, graffiti has taken over the city, thanks to the work of more than 8,000 artists and benevolent local laws. See some of the city's best work, and fuel with coffee, ramen, and aguapanela along the way.

Walk

Quick Hits What To Eat

Breakfast at Ázimos A vegetarian- and vegan-friendly bakery in the artsy La Macarena neighborhood that offers a spacious, sun-lit dining room, and a store when you can buy local delicacies to take home.
Art, Beer, and Empanadas at Espacio KB One of the recently opened art galleries in the revamped art district of San Felipe, and one of the few that open late, KB also offers cheap beer, Argentinean snacks, and a nice terrace on which to enjoy them.
Dinner and Drinks at Mini‑Mal This restaurant melds Colombian cuisine from the Pacific and the Caribbean coasts, and from the Amazon forest. Delicious seafood, salads and, beef garnished with fruits (often exotic even to Colombians) and one-of-a-kind cocktails.

Quick Hits What To Drink

Wine at El Castillo del Mono Osorio A medieval-style castle built in the early 20th century, this building now hosts various businesses, including EATS, a pizzeria that comes with a wine cellar carved out of the castle’s brick walls.
Prepared rum at *Matik‑Matik* All the cool kids are watching experimental bands play at this bar/concert hall/recording studio/record store, and drinking one of their rum concoctions, which incorporate local fruit flavors such as passion fruit or lulo.
Craft Tea at Taller de Té Do you remember how you mocked craft beer until you tried the perfect brew? You can do the same here, but with tea.

Quick Hits What To See

Museo de la Basura A sometimes-open (if the owner is in) museum, showcasing various objects Bogotanos have discarded as garbage over the past two decades.
Parque Mirador de los Nevados On the rare mornings Bogotá’s sky is not obscured by smog, you can see three snow-capped mountains from here. If you’re not so lucky, you can still a great view of the city.
Jardín Botánico The city’s beautiful and peaceful botanic gardens, accurately described by Google as containing “a waterfall, a sun clock & numerous orchids.” They forgot to mention iguanas and butterflies.

Features From Bogotá

A Damascene Love Story in Bogota

The unlikely journey of one man from Syria to Bogotá.

What to Drink While Eating the World’s Largest Rodent

I knew I couldn’t reach for just any beverage. It’s a respect thing.

There’s No Such Thing As a Short Minute When You’re Hungover and Waiting for Pie

Tamal in Bogota.

Switching From Beer to Rum Ups the Stakes When Gunpowder Is Involved

A new meaning to the term ‘drinking game.’

A Warming Drink for When Your Country Might Not Be Falling Apart

Canelazo is used for energy, warmth, comfort and sometimes even to battle out a cold.

The Many Meanings of Arepas

One of the most important things you could eat in Colombia. I’m here to brief you on its glory.

A Fragile Peace in Colombia

An impending peace agreement between the government and FARC guerillas draws new and old opposition.

Colombia’s Bloom Boom

On farms outside Bogotá, Valentine’s Day is less hearts and kisses and more big bucks and sore backs.

Roam