La Candelaria

Suits:

First visit, museums, colonial architecture

In short:

Cobbled, hilly, full of museums and street art; empty and best avoided on foot after dark.

Bogotá is long and narrow, running north–south along the base of the eastern hills. A first visit covers four areas: La Candelaria (the historic centre) in the south, La Macarena just north of it, then a long gap of traffic before Chapinero, Zona Rosa/Zona T and Usaquén further north.

Lines from the Bogotá drinking guide that name this district.

• La Candelaria chicherías · Chicha (fermented maize drink) bars · until Evening, check individual barsA traditional pre-colonial drink; a cultural experience more than a big night out.
• Chicha · Fermented maize drink with pre-colonial roots · COP 3,000–6,000 a glassLa Candelaria chicherías

Markets and shopping streets from the Bogotá buying guide that name this district.

• Coffee · Specialty roasters in Chapinero and La Candelaria; supermarkets for a cheaper baseline · Shop hoursColombia exports most of its best beans, so a local specialty roaster is worth the extra cost.

• La Candelaria street art on Carrera 3 and around Chorro de Quevedo

• La Candelariaday: oknight: caution

  Empties out after dark; book a car rather than walking, even a short distance. Keep phones and cameras in a bag.