Bogotá: A Four-Day Foodie Adventure

  1. Day 1: La Candelaria and Paloquemao Market
    30 minutes (5 miles) from El Dorado International Airport

    Begin your culinary adventure in the historic La Candelaria neighborhood, home to many of Bogotá's best restaurants. Start with breakfast at La Puerta Falsa, a local institution famous for its tamales and hot chocolate. After breakfast, take a short walk to the Plaza de Bolivar, a beautiful public square and popular tourist destination. For lunch, head to El Cielo, a highly acclaimed restaurant serving contemporary Colombian cuisine. In the afternoon, visit the Paloquemao Market, a bustling and colorful market where you can sample fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats. End the day with dinner at Andres Carne de Res, a lively restaurant known for its grilled meats and festive atmosphere.

  2. Day 2: Chapinero and Zona G
    20 minutes (3.5 miles) from La Candelaria

    On day two, explore the trendy neighborhoods of Chapinero and Zona G, which are home to some of Bogotá's top restaurants. Start with breakfast at Abasto, a modern restaurant that serves delicious Colombian breakfasts and specialty coffee. Next, head to the Gold Museum, where you can learn about Colombia's rich pre-Hispanic history and admire exquisite gold artifacts. For lunch, visit Criterion, a Michelin-starred restaurant that offers a unique and sophisticated dining experience. After lunch, explore the boutiques and galleries in the fashionable Zona G area, then enjoy dinner at La Brasa Roja, a casual but high-quality rotisserie chicken joint that is beloved by locals.

  3. Day 3: Usaquén and Calle 85
    25 minutes (4.5 miles) from Chapinero

    For the third day, head north to the charming neighborhood of Usaquén, which is known for its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and vibrant flea markets. Start with breakfast at Pasteleria Florida, a local bakery that serves delicious pastries and coffee. After breakfast, explore the Usaquén Flea Market, where you can find unique crafts, antiques, and souvenirs. For lunch, visit Mini-mal, a vegetarian restaurant that offers creative and flavorful plant-based dishes. In the afternoon, head to Calle 85, an upscale shopping and dining destination. Treat yourself to a sweet snack at Crepes & Waffles, a popular chain that serves delicious dessert crepes and ice cream. For dinner, visit El Bandido Bistro, a cozy and intimate restaurant that serves French-inspired dishes made with local ingredients.

  4. Day 4: Salitre and Ciudad Salitre
    15 minutes (2.5 miles) from Usaquén

    For the final day, head to the Salitre and Ciudad Salitre neighborhoods, which are home to many popular restaurants and cafes. Start with breakfast at Cafe Cultor, a specialty coffee shop that offers a range of single-origin and blended coffees. Next, visit the Botero Museum, which features the works of Colombia's most famous artist, Fernando Botero. For lunch, try El Cielito Lindo, a traditional Mexican restaurant that serves authentic tacos and other dishes. In the afternoon, head to the Salitre Plaza Shopping Mall, where you can find a variety of high-end shops and boutiques. End your foodie adventure with dinner at Criterión Bistro, a sister restaurant to the Michelin-starred Criterion that offers a more casual and affordable dining experience.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • La Puerta Falsa (45 min, $)
  • El Cielo (2 hours, $$$)
  • Andres Carne de Res (3 hours, $$)
  • Abasto (1 hour, $$)
  • Gold Museum (2 hours, $)
  • Criterion (2 hours, $$$$)
  • La Brasa Roja (1 hour, $)
  • Pasteleria Florida (45 min, $)
  • Mini-mal (1 hour, $$)
  • Crepes & Waffles (30 min, $$)
  • El Bandido Bistro (2 hours, $$$)
  • Cafe Cultor (45 min, $)
  • Botero Museum (1 hour, $)
  • El Cielito Lindo (1.5 hours, $$)
  • Criterión Bistro (2 hours, $$$)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $$$

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider taking a cooking class at one of Bogotá's many culinary schools or visiting the coffee farms in the surrounding countryside. For a shorter trip, you can skip some of the museums and other cultural attractions and focus solely on food and drinks. Don't forget to try some of the local street food, like arepas and empanadas, but be careful about hygiene. Finally, be sure to check the hours of operation for all the restaurants and attractions you plan to visit, as many places have limited hours or are closed on certain days of the week.

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