Bogotá/La Candelaria

The colonial district is officially the first neighborhood of Bogotá. Colombia's capital city was founded here in 1538 by Spanish conquistador Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada y Rivera in a spot known today as El Chorro de Quevedo. The next year, authorities re-founded the city a few blocks away at what is now known as the Plaza de Bolívar. Bogotá then grew up around the neighborhood. Because the city expanded west and north, La Candelaria retained much of its colonial atmosphere. The neighborhood is full of cobblestone streets and centuries-old houses. It is now a tourist attraction and university district, as well as the site of Colombia's government. Here you'll find most of the public buildings, both from the City and the Country's government. Historical squares, 400 year old churches, picturesque narrow streets are all here, mixing along modern developments of financial business high towers.
Many landmark events in the history of Colombian and South American independence took place in the La Candelaria, district including the near killing and escape of Simon Bolivar, the execution of revolutionary heroine Policarpa Salavarrieta, known as 'La Pola,' and the Grito de Libertad, known as the beginning of the region's revolution. And the district is indeed teeming with history, and there are a lot of interesting museums and old churches in what is the oldest Bogotá neighborhood. Some streets are reserved to pedestrians. The most important places are La Catedral, Plaza de Bolivar, Palacio de Nariño, Iglesia del Carmen, Biblioteca Luis A Arango (blaa), the Colonial Art Museum and the old architecture of the houses and buildings, almost all of the museums charge no admission. La Candelaria also contains numerous Catholic Churches, many of them centuries-old. The Colombian-American and Colombian-French cultural centers are located in La Candelaria, and a Colombian-Spanish cultural center is under construction.

There are two J Zone stations on the Transmilenio in La Candelaria: Museo del Oro and Las Aguas, with the Museo del Oro stop being the most convenient to most everything. But since few buses go to the tiny J Zone, it often makes sense to get of at the A Zone station Avenida Jiménez and walk a few extra blocks. Av Jiménez does not have the safest location, though, after dark.
Carrera 7 (Séptima), which runs through Plaza de Bolívar, is the main avenue, but is most often pedestrian-only, making it a bad place to look for busetas and colectivos. One-way southbound Carrera 4 (Cuarta) is where you'll find colectivos coming from the north, always signed with "Luis Ángel Arango" (the library), while you can find northbound colectivos on Carrera 5 (Quinta).
Inside La Candelaria, there really is no need to get around by any way other than on foot. Rare is the walk that takes more than 10 minutes, unless you're climbing a hill while adjusting to altitude, but that's another story!

• Casa de Moneda

  phone: +57 1 343-1223
  address: Calle 11 No. 4-21
  Has a collection of Colombian coins and the history of moneymaking.

• Cultural Heritage Museum

• Donación Botero

  phone: +57 1 343-1331
  address: Calle 11 No. 4-41
  Collection of paintings donated by Botero to Bogota. Besides work of Botero the collection contains work from Picasso, Renoir, Monet, Dali and others.

• Gold Museum

  phone: +57 1 284-7450
  address: Calle 16 No. 5-41
  Impressive collection of gold and pre-Colombian artifacts from Colombia and surrounding nations. Don't miss this museum. The Gold Museum is unique and you won't find a better place to see the pre-Spanish artwork on gold. La Casa del Florero was the site of an 1810 protest by Colombians considered to be the initiation of the revolt against Spain. The Botero Museum contains both works by Fernando Botero, Colombia's most famous artist, and the contents of his private collection, including works by Picasso, Renoir, Dali and others. The museum was under renovation, up until October 2008 and as of then its open to the public once more so don't miss it out.

• Banco de la Republica Art Collection (Museo Botero)

  address: Calle 11 No. 4-41
  Exhibits Permanent Banco de la República Art Collection consisting of nearly 3,000 paintings, sculptures and assembly of Colombian and Latin American masters from the XVI century to our days. Visitors may appreciate a selection of Colombian painters works, for instance Gregorio Vázquez de Arce y Ceballos, the most important Colony painter, Alejandro Obregón, Enrique Grau, Latin American as Rufino Tamayo, David Alfaro Siqueiros and many other globally renowned.

• Museum of Colonial Art

  phone: +57 3424100
  address: Carrera 6 No. 9-77
  Under Eduardo Santos administration on August 6, 1942 the Colonial Museum containing Viceroy-ship art, silver plates, the Virgin of the Light and the most characteristic Gregorio Vásquez de Arce y Ceballos collection, among other valuable Colombian culture treasures opened its doors. Declared National Monument National in 1975, Las Aulas Cloister is one of the oldest buildings in Bogotá.

• Museum Francisco José de Caldas

  phone: +57 1 289-6275
  address: Carrera 8 #6-87
  Centered around the life of the revolution martyr. Showcases his mapping expedition of Colombia and how he contributed to the revolution by building a fort and a rifle factory in Antioquia.

• Museum of Regional Costumes

• Museum of Religious Art

• National Police Historical Museum

  phone: +57 1 233 5911, +57 1 281 3284
  address: Calle 9 No. 9-27
  Its main interest resides in the rooms dedicated to the hunt of Pablo Escobar. Guided tours in Spanish and English.

• Bogota Bike Tours

  phone: +57 1 281-9924
  address: Carrera 3 No. 12-72, La Candelaria
  Twice-daily four-hour bike tours of central Bogotà, leaving at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Learn about the Colombian capital's history and culture, taste exotic fruits, view graffiti and learn how coffee's roasted. Visit off-the-beaten-path spots you wouldn't likely see on your own. On Sundays (or any day) you can rent bikes for La Ciclovia, when many major avenues are shut to cars. Bogota Bike Tours rents bikes for 7.000 pesos per hour or 20.000 pesos for four hours.

• Henry Comida Rapida

  address: Carrera 1 and Calle 19
  Fast food joint for the nearby university, order a godzilla and you'll be served with what is most likely the biggest empanada of the continent !

• Asociación Construimos Futuro

  phone: +57 3374323
  address: Calle 15A #2-21, La Candelaria
  Cooperative of social economy with friendly and helpful staff. Good and varied breakfasts and lunches. The association holds a supermarket besides as well.

• PitaWok

  phone: +57 1 562 75 94
  address: Carrera 4 #14-88, La Candelaria
  Small and friendly restaurant with excellent Middle-East and Thai food: shawarmas, kebabs, pitas, Wok dishes and Arabian pastries. Food delivery as well.

• La Monapizza

  phone: +57 1 282 16 65
  address: Carrera 4 #12-25, La Candelaria
  Excellent pizzeria with sizes ranging from pizzeta to grande. The pequeña is more than enough for one person.

• Rica Sole

  phone: +57 1 473 99 20
  address: Carrera 4 #12C-54, La Candelaria
  Well known for their picadas - A delicious traditional colombian mix of small fried pieces of meat, chicken, sausages, potatoes, french fries, arepa, cassava (yuca). One plate normally serves two people. Eat with a toothpick and dip it in either the spicy or the herbal salsa. Fresh fruit juices are excellent, too!

• El Fogón de las Sopitas

  phone: +57 319 493 7589
  address: Calle 12 No. 8-38, La Candelaria
  This restaurant is always busy serving one of their delicious soups. Every day of the week they have a slightly different menu. Come here for traditional ajiaco (COP 10.000) or Sancocho with chicken (COP 11.000). All soups come with rice, avocado, refreshment and yes, a banana that you can add to your soup. Try it!

• Crepes & Waffles

  phone: +57 1 6767600 ext 729
  address: Avenida Jimenez (Cl 13) No. 4-55, La Candelaria
  This great ice cream is made from fresh fruits and local chocolate and therefore comes with a real flavor you won't forget for quiet a while. Stick to their routine: Tell them how many (big!) scoops of ice cream you wish and whether in a homemade waffle or in a cup, pay and then choose among more than 20 flavors: café, coconut, maracuya, dark chocolate, blackberry, arequipe, lemon, black forest, biscuit, hazelnut, almond ... The list is long and changes daily and according to season! Crepes & Waffles supports Colombian single women by hiring them. You will hardly find any man working in one of the many branches all over the country.

• Pastelerá Florida

  address: Carrera 7 No. 21-46, Bogotá, Colombia , La Candelaria
  When days are cold Bogotanos gather in this ancient confectioner's to warm up with a cup of hot chocolate santafereño that is actually a plate (COP 8.000): cassava bread, cheese bread and wheat bread come along with butter, cheese and marmelade and - of course - a cup of hot chocolate. You'll first get the empty cup and then they come and fill it to the brim from a big can. Traditionally you dip the bread and the cheese into the chocolate. Most even break the cheese into small pieces and leave them inside the cup to get melted and slightly change the flavour of both, cheese and chocolate. Afterward they spoon it. Great place to have breakfast, too (try their tamales).

• Melé

  address: Calle 11 No. 2-29, Bogotá, Colombia , La Candelaria
  This is one of the many places to enjoy a good corrientazo. They offer hearty soups and solid plates that will fill you well. Come early to choose from the complete menu of the day.

While La Candelaria, and Centro in general, is not the city's premier nightlife destination by a long stretch, there's still a good range of places to visit. Dance floors are almost non-existent, though, so club-hoppers really should get on the Transmilenio and head north. The few dance options are usually packed with university students.

• Gato Gris

  phone: +57 3421716
  address: Kra 1A No 13-12
  This place is just charming in many ways. It is right at the Chorro de Quevedo, the birthplace of Bogotá. It has many nooks and levels, perfect for little intimate gatherings. Great rooftop with fireplaces and views of downtown Bogotá. Italian dishes are delightful, ceviche not so much.

Hostels

• Anandamayi Hostel

  phone: +57 1 341-7208
  address: Calle 9 No. 2-81 La Candelaria
  Anandamayi is a very comfortable and inexpensive hostel in the most beautiful colonial house in la Candelaria old town. Hostel Prices 9-14 USD. Very nice vibe (the owner is a Buddhist lady), but it is quite a few blocks walk from the Transmilenio (calle 16 vs. calle 9). This area is known to be dangerous at night. Hostels like Fatima are better located.

• The Cranky Croc

  phone: +57 1 342 2438
  address: Calle 15 No. 3-46 La Candelaria
  In the heart of La Candelaria is the newest and cleanest hostel in Bogota. Run by Aussia ex-pat Andy and his crew, this historic building has been completely remodeled and features a wet bar, indoor barbecue and cafe serving breakfast and the Friday night all you can eat barbecue. The hostel also includes a huge kitchen, clean rooms and dorms with lots of hot water, 2 outdoor patios, free coffee, excellent Wi-Fi and Internet terminals, laundry facilities, and motorcycle/car parking at a small additional fee.

• Destino Nómada Hostel

  phone: +57 1 352-0932
  address: Calle 11 No. 1-38 La Candelaria
  The hostel is located right in the middle of 'La Candelaria', Bogotá´s historical center. From the Hostel's street, you will be able to reach all the most important cultural spots, and a party area within just a few blocks. The hostel is surrounded by 2 of the biggest universities in Bogotá (Externado and La Salle), which keeps the area full of students always willing to interact with fellow travelers and makes the location safer as it's up to the next door museums, theatres, famous restaurants and again the universities to keep it that way and 24/7. The hostel includes free coffee and a local drink called 'Agua de Panela', free towels and linens, pick up service from/to the airport, TV room, High Speed Internet Access with enough computers & Free WI-FI, fully equipped Kitchen, Bar with budget drinks and specials, BBQ every Friday and more. The hostel also receive Credit and Debit Cards.

• Hospedaje Cacique Sugamuxi

  phone: +57 1 337-4326
  address: Calle 15A No. 2-19, La Candelaria
  Upstairs, very secure and a bit quieter than the other English-speakers hangouts. Dorms from COP$19.000-45.000.

• Hostal Colonial La Quinta

  phone: +57 1 284 7696
  address: Calle 13A No. 1-43 La Candelaria
  Good location, breakfast included, 24-hour security, free wifi, laundry for 2,000 COP, TV

• Hostal Fatima

  phone: +57 1 281 6389, +57 1 283 6411
  address: Calle 14 No. 2-24, La Candelaria
  Including breakfast costs a little more, Free internet (but old hardware). The hostel probably has the most beautiful interior in La Candelaria, but mattresses are not solid enough. Hot water is limited by electric heating system. They have opened up a bar as well, which can be fun on some nights.

• Hostal Martinik

  phone: +57 1 2833180
  address: Cr. 4 No. 11-88, La Candelaria
  New Hostal, opened jan. 2010, in a huge colonial house in the popular Candelaria district. Close to Bogotas major sites such as the Botero Museum or the Gold Museum. Offers clean rooms, new mattresses and FITTED sheets, big fully-equipped kitchen, hot water, laundry facilities, high-speed wi-fi internet and coffee. It can get a little noisy at night though. There is a big patio area, with hammocks and barbecue and a TV-Room. Hammock: 10.000, Dorms: 15.000-24.000, Private and Doubles: 25.000-50.000. Every fifth night is half price .

• Hostal Sayta

  phone: +57 1 2810387
  address: Calle 12B No. 0-57 La Candelaria
  The tastefully decorated Sayta Hostal is located in a calm and safe part of the "La Candelaria" old town. There is free coffee, Internet and Wifi, hot showers and great rooms with comfortable beds. Friendly owners, too.

• Hostal Sue

  phone: +57 1 334 8894
  address: Calle 16 No. 2-55, La Candelaria
  This hostel is quickly becoming one of the most popular backpacker's hangout, with everything a traveller could want - Great facilities, fully equipped kitchen, sociable bar and courtyard, fun activities and a perfect central and safe location - especially close to the many museums, including Botero and Gold Museum, and the great night life of Candelaria. Rated to have best hot showers in South America by travel guide, with rooms and bathrooms cleaned daily, not to mention the beds are made up daily! Friendly and helpful bi-lingual staff.Laundry Service. Free Locker. Cable TV with many DVDs. Free Internet Access and wi-fi plus most travellers favourite - Table Tennis. Note that there is more than one location—the C 16 location is quieter, smaller, and arguably better located, while the Kra 4 location has the bar, table tennis, and more socializing.

• Musicology Hostel

  phone: +57 1 286 9093
  address: Calle 9 No. 3-15, La Candelaria
  New hostel - opened in 2009, located in a colonial house in La Candelaria district. The hostel offers free breakfast, free internet, bar with food and alcohol, TV room, Spanish classes, hot showers, laundry service.

• Platypus Hostel

  phone: +57 1 281 1801
  address: Calle 16 No. 2-43, La Candelaria
  Located in the old Candelaria district, it is owned and run by a friendly and helpful Colombian named German (pronounced 'Herman'). The hostel is usually over-crowded and the facilities are too old, beds are neither good nor clean and hot water is not stable. Prices seem like overcharged as there are better hostels around. However, it's still the most famous place in La Candelaria, and it's a guaranteed great place for meeting travelers. The hostel offers free coffee, internet facilities and hot showers. Included in the Platypus portfolio are Platypus 2 and 3, where those wishing to stay for longer can take advantage of having their own room at discounted rates. Make sure you book for Platypus in advance as they very seldom have availability on arrival. The best reason for staying here is German's knowledge but he is rarely around nowadays.

Budget

• Hotel Aragon

  phone: +57 1 342-5239, +57 1 284-8325
  address: Carrera 3 No. 14-13
  If the Platypus is full, you can try this hotel a few blocks down. It's actually a hotel so there are no dormitories. The place is basic and a little dated but the rooms are fairly clean and there's hot water all the time (but it may not be on your floor). It's a period style building with spacious rooms, in-room Wi-Fi, a big kitchen (free coffee in the morning), TV lounge, and big bathrooms. Rooms facing the street can be noisy.

• Hotel Dorantes

  phone: +57 1 3346640, +57 1 3415365
  address: Calle 13 No. 5-7, La Candelaria
  Hot water (not electric), beautiful building in need of attention. WiFi may be available (just ask for the key). Clean and friendly. Unique charm and kitsch. Avoid Friday and Saturday night if you plan to fall asleep before 3AM - perfect if you want to join the partying taking place outside.

• Hotel Internacional

  phone: +57 1 341-3151
  address: Carrera 5 No. 14-45, La Candelaria
  A safe, inexpensive alternative to hostels. Shared bathrooms down the hall with strong hot water. No TV in rooms. Internet computers available in lobby. Shared kitchen available to guests. Tourist information in several languages.

Mid-range

• Hotel Casa Deco

  phone: +57 1 283-7032
  address: Calle 14 No. 2-30
  Very close to mayor Touristic attractions like Gold Museum ,Botero museum, Monserrate, excellent service and great breakfasts.

• Hotel Chorro de Quevedo

  phone: +57 1 3426204
  address: Calle 13 b n. 1-53, Barrio La Candelaria Centro, Bogota
  All the rooms have a bathroom and television with cable (lots of English language channels). The staff are really friendly, and ready and willing to offer travel advice. A great base to explore La Candelaria. Breakfast included.

• Hotel San Sebastian

  phone: +57 1 337-5031
  address: Avenida Jimenez No. 3-97
  This comfortable and convenient hotel located in the pleasant area of La Candelaria offers 36 excellent accommodation, a stones throw from the top sights in Bogota.

La Candelaria, very unfortunately, is just not a safe neighborhood, this is not to say that you will have problems—in all likelihood you'll be just fine—but La Candelaria demands extra precautions. At night most residents lock their steel doors and leave the streets empty, which naturally makes them safer, but you are more vulnerable if you are walking around alone or in a small group. If you are staying in a hostel, though, there is usually a good nightlife scene without going outside! The big exception is on Thursdays and Fridays, which are the Bogotanos' "going out" nights, and the area stays bustling until late. During the day, you should generally be fine. When picking a place to stay, keep in mind that your personal security is best the less that you have to walk the quiet narrow streets at night; staying closer to Kra 7 or Ave Jimenez will decrease the distance to main streets. The neighborhoods to the south and especially southeast across the Circunvalar (the beautiful old decaying neighborhood of Egipto is particularly notorious) are very dangerous at all times of the day, and the violence from those neighborhoods can and does spill into La Candelaria.