As capital city and home to more than 6 million people, Bogotá has many places to be explored. Most historical sites are downtown (in the city center), but no visit will be complete if you don’t get a chance to experience life in this city beyond. Here are some suggestions, check out the categories below for more specific information:

In downtown – La Candelaria – you’ll find most museums and colonial churches within walking distance; a stop in the central square, Plaza de Bolivar, might be a good place to kick off a walking circuit of the neighborhood. Nearby, the Luis Angel Arango Library is part of a whole block devoted by the Banco de la República to cultural scenarios. The library itself usually houses one temporary exhibit, aside from its beautiful concert hall that has year-round performances by both international and national artists. You’ll find the Botero Collection, Colección Botero, the coin museum, and the Bank’s Art Museum. Close by, the Gold Museum, El Museo del Oro is a must, with one of the most complete collections of pre-Columbian gold artifacts in the world. The Santa Clara church, near the Plaza de Bolivar is a nicely preserved colonial church, well-worth the visit. Other museums in the area include the Modern Art Museum, the Military Museum, the Dresses and Costumes one and the Bogotá Museum in the Planetarium.

A walk in la Candelaria will show you around all the small colonial streets and the colorful houses through a neighborhood with shifting identity and some bad reputation: home to many universities, small restaurants, coffee shops, theathers, student flats and huge colonial houses, its best to walk its streets with care. But don’t miss the chance to go, and discover its own particular charm.

Also near downtown you can catch a ride 400 mts up into one of the mountains that overlooks Bogotá and get a look at the city from Monserrate. Visit the church, enjoy the view, and taste some traditional treats.

In recent years, Bogotá has made a very important effort to set up a network of public libraries which where almost non existent in the city. The three major ones, El Tunal, El Tintal and the Virgilio Barco Vargas might well be a visit for their architectural value, and to get a taste of everyday life in the city. The Virgilio Barco Library is close by to Bogota’s biggest public park, Simon Bolivar, the place where many a bogotano family choose to spread a picnic, fly a kite or play a small soccer match on Sundays. Going to the north, and if you feel like getting the pulse of the hip part of town, definitely check out Parque de la 93. In the heart of the Zona Rosa, this small park is the center of some of Bogota’s most fashionable restaurant, bars and dancing venues. However, it should be said that nightlife in the city offers many possibilities: some of the most classic salsa bars are downtown, while some say that the true popular rumba in Bogotá goes on in the west of the city, around las Americas. A bit for everyone.