Bogotá visits
Draft
Transportation
Get around with Uber or DiDi. One thing to know: these apps aren't fully legal in Colombia, so always sit in the front seat. That way it just looks like a friend giving you a ride, you avoid any issue, and the driver will expect it.
Avoid taxis you hail on the street, especially at night. You don't know who you're getting in with, and most of them only take cash anyway, so an app is safer and simpler.
As for public transport, I wouldn't take TransMilenio or the SITP buses unless you're with a local. There aren't many instructions in English, and depending on the area, it isn't fully safe.
Where to stay
Honestly, I don't know much about which hotels are good, since I don't usually stay in one. What I can tell you is where I'd look, and that depends on the mood of your trip.
If the mood is getting to know the historic center, stay in La Candelaria. You'll wake up among the old colonial streets and be able to walk to Plaza de Bolívar, the museums and El Chorro de Quevedo. It gets quiet at night, though, so plan on an Uber back after dinner.
If you just want convenience, stay in Chapinero, somewhere between Calle 70 and Calle 100. You'll have restaurants, bars and malls like Andino around you, and most places you'll want to go are a short ride away.
Food
These are the things I'd try, wherever you find them.
Arepas
Not just one kind: an arepa de choclo, made with sweet corn; an arepa boyacense, stuffed with cheese; and an arepa e' huevo, fried with an egg inside. Have a tamal too.
Panaderías
Bogotá is full of panaderías, and most of them are good, so walk into any you pass. Here's what to ask for:
- Pan de bono: round and chewy, made with cassava starch and cheese. Even better if it's filled with bocadillo.
- Almojábana: soft and a little spongy, made with corn flour and cheese.
- Pan de queso: soft bread with cheese baked in.
- Buñuelos: fried balls of dough and cheese, crispy outside and airy inside.
- Roscón: a ring of sweet bread filled with guava or arequipe.
Have them with a hot chocolate or a tinto (black coffee).
And go to Hornitos, every time. Some are open 24 hours, so even on your way home from a party you can stop for some good, comfy food.
Obleas
Two thin wafers with fillings in between. My favorites are mora, crema de leche, cheese, arequipe and kiwi.
Drinks
Orange juice with carrot, a lulada, a guanabanazo and an avena cubana.