The colossal city of 6 million is one of the most under recognized cities in Latin America. Culture, nightlife, art, music, and friendly people await those who make the trip. The city sits at nearly 9000 feet, much of it flowing onto the surrounding mountainsides. Some of the poorest and wealthiest neighborhoods in the country are there; as are some of the oldest buildings and most modern. Old traditions are being mixed with cutting edge technology. It is a city of great contrasts and diversity. The colonial center is where many of the best churches and colonial buildings can be found. Candelaria is home to a vibrant student population, arts and nightlife scene, and also has many colonial buildings and architectural highlights. The Northern part of the city is home to the richest neighborhoods in the country with fine dining, many galleries, and upscale nightlife. You can get a view of the city from the top of the mountain of Moserrate, which you can reach by a combination of rail and funicular. As for attractions, the Gold Museum has the best examples of Pre-Colombian gold work in the world and is also a very modern, informative, and well laid out. The Salt Cathedral at Zipaquira brings you into an underground salt mine that has been transformed into one of the world’s most stunning and unique places of worship. There are many other museums worth a look such as the Museo de Arte Colonial, the Museo Nacional, Museo de Arte Moderno, the Museo Arquelogico, and the Museo de Artes y Tradiciones.

Bogota has an impressive dining scene that draws on fine European and various South American cuisines. Try Casa medina for traditional French, La Fragata for seafood, Pajares Salinas for Spanish, Casa Vieja for Colombia dishes, El Patio for Italian, and Carbon de Palo for grilled meats. For more unusual options try the country style Restaurant Hacienda La Margarita where food is paired with horse shows or Casa San Isidro, a seafood restaurant that sits atop of Monserrate.