Bogotá is big. It's a huge place, but it's also home to almost nine million people. And until the last decade or so it's not been a particularly safe place for visitors, so this now vibrant, quickly-modernising city is still pretty under-explored. Don't get the wrong impression, Bogota can be frantic, but it also has pockets of calm beauty. One of the most difficult thing about planning a trip is discovering the best places to stay in Bogota to get the most out of this city.

Modern Bogotá has a similar safety record to other South American cities - it's still unwise to appear flashy, or travel into certain areas after dark, but the tourist friendly areas are expanding, and most locals are on your side. And there are plenty of places to go for an after supper rumba (party).

The majority of the historic sights are in the centre of town, in and around La Candelaria. Here you'll find the most graceful church squares, the most famous museums, parks and green spaces, many cafes, and even more charm.

What Not To Miss

• Bolivar Square is probably the very centre of town as far as visitors are concerned. Simon Bolivar, South American general and past President of Colombia, Peru and Bolivia has an army of monuments world wide, but this was one of the first and is one of the largest. This square is the Colombian equivalent of Westminster.
• The Museo del Oro, the 'Gold Museum', home to more than 55,000 gold pieces collected from all the major pre-Hispanic cultures in Colombia;
• The Iglesia de Santa Clara and Iglesia de San Ignacio, spectacularly decorated cathedrals
• The National Museum of Colombia - which has more golden treasures;
• And the Jose Celestino Mutis Garden, Colombia's largest botanical garden, packed with beautiful, rare orchids, exotic native plants and the vast aquatic Amazon flowers.

Our pick of the best places to stay in Bogota allow visitors to conveniently explore many of these major attractions.

The best places to stay in Bogota

For luxury

• B.O.G. Hotel is well situated close to all major attractions. Plus it offers a great restaurant and fabulous roof top terrace with bar which serves great cocktails!

Chic and Central

• Click Clack Hotel is a an achingly hip hotel with an enviably central location. Rooms boast spectacular views from the floor to ceiling windows and design is chic yet light hearted. Boasting a trendy cocktail bar and superb restaurant this property is a step above other uniform hotels in the city.
• Hotel Movich Chico 97 is a modern design hotel in a smart central neighbourhood. Chic rooms offering all the mod cons you'd expect and the bonus of a seventh floor roof terrace with views out to the hills above city. The restaurant offers a wide choice of Colombian and international cuisine. Perfect for passing through Bogota.

For an apartment

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option this holiday - don't hesitate to visit our online partner, Booking.com for a selection of centrally located properties ideal for exploring the city.

Travel Information

• Want to fly to Bogota?

• Fly to El Dorado International Airport 12.6km (7.8 miles) from Bogota with a wide range of domestic and International flights including to North America and Europe.
• If you want to rent a car to explore Bogota, click here for prices and booking with our online partner, Rental Cars.
• Best time to visit - the dry season from December to March for low levels of rainfall.

Still undecided?

• Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Bogotá,
• Alternatively, expand your search to include our recommendations in Cartagena or Buritaca
• Or contact, one of our friendly gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Bogota