Bogotá, Colombia’s sprawling capital city. Key to enjoying Bogotá is choosing a good and safe place to stay! Here, I’m going to go over some of the best areas to stay in Bogotá with suggestion for all budgets in each of these best neighborhoods in Bogotá. So read on to learn where is the best place for where to stay in Bogotá for you!
*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I am a member of Amazon Associates, LLC and other affiliate programs and earn from qualifying purchases made after clicking those links. There is never any additional cost to you. To learn more please consult our Disclosure Policy.
Where to Stay in Bogotá – Contents
- Is Bogotá worth visiting?
- Guides to the best areas of Bogotá
- Chapinero – Overall Best Neighborhood in Bogotá
- Candelaria – Best Area in Bogotá for Backpackers and Easy Sightseeing
- Usaquén – Best Area to Stay in Bogotá for Families and Foodies
- Centro Internacional – Where to Stay in Bogotá for Business Travelers
- Places to Stay in Bogotá Near the Airport (for layovers)
- Other Areas to Stay in Bogotá
Too Long; Can’t Read it All Quick Overview
- Best High End Place to Stay in Bogotá – Four Seasons Casa Medina
- Best Midrange Place to Stay in Bogotá – Residence Inn by Marriot
- Best Cheap Hotel in Bogotá – The Grace Hotel
- Best Hostel in Bogotá – Masaya Bogotá
Prefer to have some help planning your trip to Bogotá (and/or the rest of Colombia!)? If you fill out the form here, I’ll get back to you with a custom made itinerary in cooperation with my partners at BnB Colombia Tours and work with you to create the perfect trip, whether it’s just Bogotá or including other great destinations in Colombia. Plans start at $250 USD a day per person.
Don’t forget travel insurance for your trip! Recent times have shown it’s always a good idea to have it. Get a quote from World Nomads here.
Introduction – Is Bogotá Worth Visiting?
Bogotá is huge!
It also has a bit of a reputation for being dodgy, and some people advise avoiding it all together. However, there’s a lot to see and do in Bogotá. It is after all the capital and is a center of culture with lots of historical sites.
There are also lots of great restaurants in Bogotá and a vibrant nightlife. There are some neat places in the countryside nearby like Lake Guatavita and Zipaquirá as well. It’s also the city with the most international flights in and out of Colombia.
Bogotá is the best jumping off point for visiting lesser traveled adventure destinations like the rainbow river of Caño Cristales, the rugged jungles of Guaviare, the ancient Hills of Mavecure, going on safari in Casanare, seeing the neat rock formations of the Tatacoa Desert, and exploring the archeological sites of San Agustín.
In short, there are lots of good reasons to include a stay in Bogotá on any Colombia trip.
However, you’ll want a good place to stay in Bogotá. Somewhere that is both safe and has easy access to the city’s main sites so you can avoid (to the extent possible) the city’s infamous traffic.
Speaking of safety. Bogotá does sometimes get a bit of a bad rep as unsafe. There’s some truth to that, as there is to, well, just about any city of this size. Using general common sense and safety while traveling advice, being extra vigilant at night, and choosing a safe area to stay is crucial in Bogotá.
By the way, although I have Susana’s insight whenever we travel, I know there are increased concerns for traveling on your own as a female. If that’s you, check out this great set of tips for traveling in Bogotá as a female solo traveler.
Below, I’ll go over some of the best areas to stay in Bogotá, which all are safe. In this guide to the best areas to stay in Bogotá, you’ll learn about some of the pros and cons of the best neighborhoods in Bogotá, who they are the best fit for, and give some suggestions on places to stay in Bogotá for all budgets in each.
So, read on to learn the best place for where to stay in Bogotá for you!
Best Areas to Stay in Bogotá
The best area to stay in Bogotá depends a bit on what you’re looking for.
I’ve chosen my favorite area to stay in Bogotá to cover first that I think offers the best blend of value, safety, and access to things to do, but the areas below it may be better fits for some.
Generally, the best areas to stay in Bogotá are in the northeastern section of the city.
Basically, everything on the eastern side of the city from the Centro north is pretty safe and easy to get to the main attractions. See more about what each of the best areas have to offer and some suggestions for where to stay below.
Best Area Overall for Where to Stay in Bogotá – Chapinero
Chapinero is my favorite area to stay in Bogotá, and it’s almost always where Susana and I stay when we visit or pass through.
It’s centrally located, very close to the attractions in the historic center while also not being too far from the airport, and it has a good mix of reasonably priced places to stay and lots of restaurants.
However, Chapinero is a huge area!
There are also some parts of it that are a tad dodgy. We’ve actually stayed in a few places that we probably would have preferred to have not stayed to be honest.
So, for the purposes of this article, I’ve split Chapinero into 3 sectors. They are the three best areas to stay in Chapinero by far and are plenty safe with lots nearby so you won’t regret staying in them!
I am going to mention the pros and cons as a collective though. The pros are Chapinero has lots of restaurants and most of the areas are quite walkable. There are also places to stay for all budgets.
The only real con is you do have to taxi or take the bus into see the museums and other sites. However, except for at peak rush hours, it’s relatively easy and quick to do so.
Zona G – Bogotá’s Gourmet District
This area has a ton of great restaurants and a sort of upscale almost suburban-urban vibe. Some call it the SoHo of Colombia.
It’s easy and very safe to walk around, and if you choose this as your place to stay in Bogotá, you’ll have lots of great choices for food and drink within a few minutes walk. It’s also easy to get both taxis and buses here. It’s conveniently located for sightseeing as well as getting to the financial and business sectors of the city, making it one of the best neighborhoods of Bogotá for business travelers too.
High End Pick for Zona G – Four Seasons Casa Medina
I’d probably consider the Four Seasons Casa Medina to be one of, if not the very finest, hotel in all of Bogotá. It’s right in La Zona G. Just up the hill behind it, you’ll find a great few blocks of nice restaurants and cafes. It’s on the major thoroughfare of Carrera 7a, so very easy to get around. The hotel is absolutely lovely with an elegant and sophisticated decor. This would be my pick for where to stay in Bogotá if I had the budget for it!
Other High End Options in Zona G
Midrange Pick for Zona G – Embassy Suites
Hard to argue with any Embassy Suites property as a nice place to stay that will always be well furnished and spacious, and the Embassy Suites in Bogotá is no different. It’s also really a good value for a large chain style 4 star hotel with spacious rooms and in this section of Bogotá. So, if you’re looking to stay in La Zona G and be comfortable and get a lot of bang for your buck, this makes for a great choice for the best place to stay in Bogotá, Colombia!
Other Midrange Options for Zona G
Value Pick for Zona G – The Grace Hotel
While located just a couple blocks south of La Zona G proper, The Grace Hotel is a great value. They offer really nicely furnished rooms that may be a bit on the smaller side but are elegant and comfortable, more so than you’ll often find in this price range. This would be one of my top picks for where to stay in Bogotá for those on a budget but who want a step up and more privacy from a hostel.
Other Value Options for Zona G
Hostel Option for Zona G – Hostal Macondo Bogotá
I’ve never really understood why there aren’t more hostels in this area of Bogotá, but fortunately that is at least one! Hostal Macondo is located a few blocks from La Zona G but it is still very accessible by foot. It’s a fairly new hostel and has a nice vibe and good early reviews. So, if you want a hostel in Bogotá that’s not in La Candelaria and near the more upscale places to eat and in these better Bogotá neighborhoods, check it out!
Apartment Pick for Zona G – Urban Heights Bogotá
With it’s easy to walk streets and restaurants, La Zona G makes for a good choice for looking for short term apartment rentals too. A good choice is Urban Heights, which has both standard hotel style rooms and a studio apartment with a small kitchen. While not as big as some other places you might find on AirBnB, it’s a good choice for a solo traveler or couple.
More Apartments Near La Zona G
Parque La 93 aka Chico – Possibly Bogotá’s Nicest Neighborhood
Parque 93 is a lovely public park located in the northern part of Chapinero, also often called Chico. Most of Chico is an upscale residential neighborhood, but there are lots of nice restaurants clustered around the park.
This would make an especially good place to stay in Bogotá for families as the park is great to visit with kids and the area is generally quiet. It’s also super safe to walk around here. While a bit further north from the historic sites and attractions of the Centro, it’s still fairly easy to get here and back.
Luxury Option in Chico – Salvio Parque 93
After the Four Seasons mentioned above, Salvio Parque 93 would be my 2nd choice for the overall best places to stay in Bogotá, Colombia. There are great rooms here that are well furnished and comfortable. It actually isn’t outrageously expensive either, so while certainly not cheap, it’s not a bad value. In addition to standard hotel rooms, they also do have some apartments with kitchenettes, so this would make a great choice for those looking for something nice for a longer stay too.
Midrange Option in Chico – Residence Inn by Marriot
Similar to the Embassy Suites, the Residence Inn by Marriot is another high quality chain hotel that is really a good value for what you get in this area of Bogotá. While they don’t offer kitchenettes, they do have larger rooms that would be comfortable for longer stays, and the room are really nicely furnished and comfrotable.
Alternative Midrange Options in Chico
Value Option in Chico – Soy Local Parque la 93
Soy Local operates a handful of nice but affordable accommodations around Colombia. While not a lot of frills, Soy Local Parque la 93, is comfortable and clean and lets you stay close to Parque la 93 at reasonable prices. They also do have a 2 bedroom apartment available.
More Value Options for Chico
Apartment Option in Chico – 93 Luxury Suites and Residences
If you’re looking for something that’s nice and larger for a longer stay with a full kitchen near Parque la 93, 93 Luxury Suites and Residences is a great choice. With furnishings similar to a luxury hotel and lots of space, they apartments here are a great choice for staying in one of the best neighborhoods in Bogotá in style.
More Apartments in Chico/Parque 93
La Zona T aka La Zona Rosa – Classiest Nightlife in Bogotá
La Zona T is often also called La Zona Rosa. That’s because there are lots of bars and clubs clustered around this area, making it a favorite for a classy night out on the town. It also is one of the best areas to stay in Bogotá with a number of nice, higher end hotels with a few more moderately priced ones.
It’s located in between Zona G to the south and Chico to the north, meaning it’s convenient to get to the nice restaurants there and many of Bogotá’s main attractions. There is a nice mall and a lots of good restaurants around here too.
Luxury Pick for La Zona Rosa – Four Seasons Bogotá
We’ve already covered one Four Seasons above. While I don’t think the main Four Seasons location is quite as well located or as charming as the Casa Medina mentioned above, it’s still a great choice for a luxury hotel in Bogotá. Rooms are lovely with high end furnishings all right in one of the best areas to stay in Bogotá!
Alternative High End Options in La Zona Rosa
Midrange Pick for La Zona Rosa – GHL Hotel Hamilton
I think the GHL Hotel Hamilton is one of the best values and bangs for your buck among these best places to stay in Bogotá. It’s rooms are close to as nice for hotels that are much more expensive and it’s in the great location for easy access to the Zona T.
Alternative Midrange Options in La Zona Rosa
Value Pick in La Zona Rosa – Hotel 84 DC
While this is one of the higher end best neighborhoods in Bogotá, it doesn’t mean you can’t find more budget friendly places to stay. Hotel 84 DC is the best value place to stay in Bogotá near Zona T. There are nice, solid 3 star style hotel rooms here and it’s still easy to walk to the Zona T and enjoy all there is to see around here.
Alternative Value Option in La Zona Rosa
Hostel Pick in La Zona Rosa – 82Hostel
For those on an even tighter budget and/or wanting to get the chance to mingle with other travelers, there’s also a hostel option in La Zona Rosa! 82Hostel has dorms as well as private rooms. There’s a nice common area, perfect for hanging out. It’s easy to walk to go out in La Zona Rosa as well as get the bus to go sightseeing. I personally would prefer to stay at a place like this rather than the better known hostels in La Candelaria if I was going the hostel route for where to stay in Bogotá.
Apartment Pick in la Zona T – 8010 Urban Living
8010 Urban Living offers luxury style apartments. They are nicely sized and very nicely furnished. This would be a great choice for those looking for apartment style places to stay in Bogotá that want to be close to the great restaurants and nightlife nearby.
More Apartments in La Zona Rosa/Zona T
La Candelaria aka Centro Histórico – Best for Easy Sightseeing and Backpackers
La Candelaria is the historic section of Bogotá’s downtown.
This is the area where the city was founded and has some neat historic homes and architecture. It’s also the area where you’ll find most of the best museums in the city and sites like Bolívar Plaza with the National Cathedral and Capital building.
Easy walking access to these places is the main pro of staying here. It’s also a popular choice for backpackers and where you’ll find most of the best hostels in Bogotá. So if you’re looking for a hostel where you can mingle with other travelers, it’s a good choice.
By the way, check out here how to get from the Bogotá airport to the city center.
There are a few nicer places too, so don’t think it’s just a choice for backpackers! If you have limited time and want to be able to easily walk to the main sites, it’s also a good choice.
The cons are that it tends to be very crowded.
It is the downtown of a bustling metropolis after all. Traffic going in and out to other places can be tough, and in parts, especially at night, it can get pretty dodgy. I’d probably prefer staying somewhere mentioned above and just taxiing and walking to do sight seeing during the day, but there are some good places to stay in Bogotá here too.
Best Luxury Place to Stay in La Candelaria – Hotel Muisca
I’m going to be frank, if you want a higher end hotels, choose one of the ones in Chapinero above or in the sections below. They are nicer, mor emodern, and better values. However, if you do want to be in the historic center in a nicer place, Hotel Muisca is the best choice for a luxury place to stay in Bogotá’s Centro Histórico.
Alternative Luxury Options in La Candelaria
Best Midrange Option in La Candelaria – Hotel bh Bicentenario
A place like Hotel bh Bicentenario is where I think you can find a nice blend of value and quality in La Candelaria. The rooms are great, and it’s much better priced than the places above. In short, it’s a nice bang for your peso here! So, if you want a nice place in La Candelaria to be able to walk to the historic sites, consider staying here.
Other Midrange Options in La Candelaria
Best Value Option in La Candelaria – Hotel Regina
Once again, I think a place like Hotel Regina is a great value. It’s hardly a step down from more expensive places and still offers easy access to the museums and historic streets of the Calndelaria. So if you’re looking for a place in this area to stay in Bogotá and don’t want to go the hostel route while also not breaking the bank, this is a great choice.
Alternative Value Options in La Candelaria
Best Hostel in La Candelaria – Masaya Bogotá
La Candelaria is the hostel hot spot in Bogotá. It’s by fare the best neighborhood to stay in Bogotá if you want hostel options. Masaya has a nice chain of slightly more boutique but nice and affordable hostels. That’s why Masaya Bogotá would be my best choice for a hostel in Bogotá. It’s got a nice colorful vibe and a great location.
Other Good Hostels in La Candelaria
Best Apartment in La Candelaria – Depa Quevedo
This pretty little apartment at Depa Quevedo is in as about a good of a location as you could ask for where to stay in Bogotá for sight seeing. It’s located right off the Chorro Quevado plaza where Bogotá was founded. There are great cafes and bars nearby, and the other sites of the Centro Histórico are just a short walk away.
Other Apartments in La Candelaria
Usaquén – Best Place to Stay in Bogotá for Families and Foodies
Usaquén is a mostly residential neighborhood towards the northeastern edge of Bogotá. It’s known for being a quiet and safe area of Bogotá with some great restaurants, malls, and a famous flea market. Some of the cities best restaurants are located here and there are always new gastronomic options opening up, why I think this is the best area to stay in Bogotá for foodies.
For those looking for a peaceful place to stay that’s safe for families and for walking, it along with the area around Parque 93 make the best choice. That is the main pro of staying here.
Another additional pro if you are stopping over in Bogotá to head north to say Villa de Leyva, it is super easy to get to the Terminal del Norte bus station from Usaquén.
The con is it’s a farther and more expensive taxi ride to many of the main attractions in La Candelaría or even Monserrate. Still, if you’re looking for a place to stay that offers peace and quiet for a family or perhaps a longer stay like doing some digital nomading, it’s a good choice for where to stay in Bogotá.
Best Luxury Place to Stay in Usaquén – W Bogotá
After the Four Seasons options above, I’d probably say W Bogotá is the top choice for a luxury Bogotá hotel. The rooms are spacious and luxurious. Plus, there is a BBC craft beer pub on site! It’s also close to a mall with nice shopping and more dining options. The hotel has a reputation for great service and a top notch breakfast too, making this a perfect choice for where to stay in Bogotá in luxury in Usaquén.
Other Luxury Places to Stay in Usaquén
Best Midrange Place to Stay in Usaquén – NH Collection Hacienda Royal
There are several NH Collection hotels in Bogotá that offer a good blend of comfort, luxury, and value. The Hacienda Royal property is my choice for a midrange place to stay in Usaquén. There is a slew of nice restaurants nearby, and the area around the hotel is very safe and walkable. Rooms are plenty nice and comfortable too.
Other Midrange Places to Stay in Usaquén
Best Value Hotel in Usaquén – Hotel Casona Usaquén
I really like the Hotel Casona Usaquén offers a great value for a place in one of the best areas to stay in Bogotá. This is the type of hotel where Susana and I like to stay. It’s not particularly fancy, but it’s nice, clean, and comfortable in a nice location. There’s a pretty little terrace and garden here too. I think it’s probably one of the best values for where to stay in Bogotá without a doubt.
Other Cheap Hotels in Usaquén
Hostel Option in Usaquén – Casa Mood
If you are looking for a budget place to stay in Bogotá in a quieter area with good gastronomy like Usaquén, Casa Mood makes for a good choice for a hostel. There are private rooms here with prices comparable to Casona Usaquén above, but there is also a small dorm, meaning you can get a dorm bed here for cheaper.
Apartment Option in Usaquén – Travelers Obelisco Apartments
A hotel style apartment building, Travelers Obelisco Apartments is a great choice for those looking for a bit longer of a stay where they can have access to a kitchen but also the convenience and safety of a front desk. There are smaller studio apartments as well as larger two bedroom apartments here. All are comfortably and nicely furnished, allowing you to take full advantage of staying in one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Bogotá.
Other Apartments in Usaquén
Centro Internacional de Bogotá – Best Area for Business Travelers
The Centro Internacional, or International Center is the financial and business center of Bogotá. While it’s home to some of Bogotá’s largest office buildings and skyscrapers, there are limited accommodation options here.
Really, I’d only suggest staying here if you are traveling for business and will be going to meetings at one of the companies that has offices here.
Otherwise, I’d just pick one of the other places to stay, and I might even do that even if I was coming for business in this area. Particularly the nicer hotels below close to the airport and the ones above in Chapinero (especially Zona G) and Usaquén make for good choices for business travelers too.
Best Luxury Hotel in Centro Internacional – Tequendama Suites
Tequendama Suites is a great choice for business travelers. All the rooms here are suites that feature a kitchenette as well as small living room and a desk to work at. If you are coming to Bogotá for business in the Centro Internacional, and particularly if you are staying more than just a few nights, it’s really a great choice for one of the best places to stay in Bogotá.
Alternative Luxury Hotels Near the International Center
Midrange Pick for Centro Internacional – NH Urban Royal 26
Another NH property as a good bang for your buck option is the NH Urban Royal. Located right next to the Centro Internacional, it also makes a good choice for those coming to Bogotá for business here or those who want to be near La Candelaria but not in it.
Value Pick in Centro Internacional – ibis Bogotá Museo
ibis has a great chain of pretty fairly valued hotels around Colombia. They cater somewhat to business travelers. Their rooms tend to be on the smaller side, but they are usually great values. So, if you’re coming to do business in the Centro Internacional and your company doesn’t have a friendly expense policy, this could be a great choice for where to stay in Bogotá for you.
Best Places to Stay Near the Airport in Bogotá
This one is really self-explanatory. Bogotá’s airport is not actually too horribly outside of the best areas to stay. However, traffic can make the trip a long one.
So, if you are only passing through Bogotá to catch a flight somewhere else, staying nearby is not a horrible option, especially if you have an early flight. The two main neighborhoods to stay in Bogotá near the airport are Fontibón and Modelia.
Best Luxury Hotel in Bogotá Near the Airport – Movich Buro 26
The Movich Buro 26 is located on the main road into the airport. I probably wouldn’t choose to stay here if I was looking to do sight seeing or enjoy going out to eat or on the town in Bogotá. However, if you’re coming for a relatively short stay and/or for business, it’s a great choice for a luxury hotel in Bogotá near the airport.
Other Luxury Hotels in Bogotá Near the Airport
Midrange Pick Near the Airport – Hampton by Hilton Airport
The Hampton by Hilton Bogotá Airport is a terrific choice for a nice and comfortable place at a reasonably price for where to stay in Bogotá near the airport. Unsurprisingly given the chain it’s a part of, the rooms and service are great and it’s just a few minutes from the airport. It makes a good choice for those looking for a nice and reliable place to stay with easy access to the airport.
Other Midrange Places to Stay in Bogotá Near the Airport
Value Pick Near the Airport – Mr. Huésped
Susana and I stayed at Mr. Huésped before flying out to Caño Cristales once. Honestly, the area outside is not so nice, but it’s perfect for a one or two night stay. The room was comfortable and everything felt new, plus the bathroom was super nice. Breakfast was solid, and really you won’t beat this price for a decent place that is comfortable and clean
Other Value Options Near the Airport
Other Best Areas to Stay in Bogotá?
Honestly, for 90% of travelers, I’d say you should stick to one of the areas mentioned above for where to stay in Bogotá. However, there are other areas to stay that are fine, and in some cases they might be more convenient.
Places Near the US Embassy
If you happen to be coming in to Bogotá to do something at the US embassy, there are a number of very nice hotels and a number of fairly cheap hotels nearby. It’s not the prettiest area in the world but is ok to stay.
I’d probably only recommend it if you are actually coming to do something at the embassy. Although, it might be a good option for business travelers too as it’s roughly halfway between the Centro Internacional and the airport and the higher end hotels are good for business travel.
High End Pick Near the US Embassy – Wyndham Bogotá
Susana and I did not stay at the Wyndham when we did her visa. However, we did stay just down the street, and this would be a great place for a nicer place to stay near the embassy. Not only is the hotel nice, it’s like a 3 minute walk from the main embassy entrance, and there’s a food court on the first floor. We came up here to eat most days we were there for the visa. That makes it super convenient for where to stay in Bogotá near the US Embassy.
Other Nicer Options Near the US Embassy
Value Pick Near the US Embassy – Hotel Embajada
To be honest, there’s a whole sort of cottage industry of cheap hotels around the embassy. All are fairly similar, they small, basically furnished rooms, with thin walls. We stayed at a place like this, and it is what it is, a good value, but not particularly nice. The Hotel Embajada looks slightly nicer than where we stayed.
Other Cheap Hotels near the US Embassy in Bogotá
Where to Stay in Bogotá Conclusion
There you have a complete guide to the best areas to stay in Bogotá. I hope it was useful and helped you decide where to stay in Bogotá for your visit, no matter the occasion. Most importantly, I hope you have a wonderful time in Colombia’s capital!
Do you have a particular area you prefer in Bogotá? Did you stay in one of these areas and like or not like it? I’d love to know in the comments!
Cheers and Happy Exploring!
Did you like this post?
Check out these others you may be interested in:
Bogotá’s Gold Museum
Bogotá’s Botero Museum
The Callejón Embudo
Travel Guide to Barichara, Colombia’s Prettiest Small Town
Travel Guide to Salento
Planning a trip to Cartagena too?
Check out the following posts to help plan:
Insider’s Guide to the Best Areas to Stay in Cartagena
Complete Packing List for Cartagena
Top Things to Do in Cartagena
Cartagena’s Best Beaches