Discovering culinary places in Bogotá: a journey through its gastronomic routes
Bogotá is a captivating city, not just because of its history and cuisine but also because of its vibrant gastronomic scene. From the cobblestone streets of La Candelaria to modern culinary areas of the north, each corner provides a unique experience to haute cuisine lovers.
- Usaquén: A delight for your palate among cobblestone streets
Usaquén is a charming neighborhood with cobblestone streets and a bohemian atmosphere located in the north of the city. Its Flea Market on Sundays is the perfect plan for locals and visitors and an unmissable culinary destination.
There, you’ll find a large variety of restaurants that offer traditional Colombian cuisine as well as international haute cuisine.
The former neighboring town, which in the mid-20th century became part of the capital district, has turned into a gastronomic destination with a sophisticated gastronomic offer around its picturesque main square, embellished by the Santa Barbara Church: a religious and architectural jewel.
How to get there?
To get to this colonial “little town” in the capital city, you can arrive in your car, by cab, or by public transportation. You can take the SITP or a TM bus that heads north along Carrera 7. If you want, you can get off at the Hacienda Santa Bárbara Shopping Center (Carrera 7 #115-60, a colonial-style mall), and from there, you can walk to the Usaquén main square and its surroundings.
- La Candelaria: History, ajiaco and desserts
This historic neighborhood is a real architectural and gastronomic treasure in Bogotá’s heart. While you explore its cobblestone streets and its colorful facades, enjoy its varied culinary offers. Its colonial houses and streets are home to museums, theaters, coffee shops, libraries, and cultural centers such as The García Márquez, which is worth visiting.
La Candelaria has a gastronomic secret that is very attractive to visitors, and it’s a street: Calle 11. It is located up to the Carrera Septima and the emblematic Bolívar Square, where you’ll find the best ajiaco of the city: the typical Bogotá dish par excellence. It is a soup with shredded chicken, corncob and potato, accompanied by rice and avocado. Let yourself fall in love with the most traditional flavors at restaurants such as La Puerta Falsa or La Puerta de la Tradición, among others.
However, if you want to try more than a traditional dish, on this street, you’ll also find the best desserts, such as Meringues (a kind of pavlova) or cinnamon rice pudding.
How to get there?
You can arrive at La Candelaria easily. Once you are at the Bolívar Square (Cra 7 No. 11 – 10), start walking through the bordering streets towards the Eastern Hills until the Carrera 4. You can also arrive there by Transmilenio and get off at the Museo del Oro Station.
- Zona T: Where tastes meet with the nightlight
The Zona T takes its name from the perpendicular streets that form part of it: Calle 82 and Calle 85, and Carrera 11 and Carrera 13. It is known for its bustling nightlife, full of sophisticated restaurants and bars, making it the best destination for locals and tourists who look to enjoy the urban nightlife in the city.
In this zone, you’ll find a wide variety of culinary options, from sushi and different Asian dishes to Latin American fusion cuisine. Enjoy an upscale dinner with panoramic views of the city, or relax with a glass of wine or cocktail at one of the bars you find on the way.
How to get there?
You can take public transportation and get off at Carulla de la 85 (Calle 85 and Carrera 15). You can also take Transmilenio in a south-north direction, get off at the North Highway, and walk towards the Eastern Hills.
- Chapinero Gourmet: Flavors fusion
It is located between Carreras 4ª and 7ª and Calles 69 and 72, in the most exclusive area of the Chapinero neighborhood. It is famous for its haute cuisine restaurants.
Chapinero is one of the most bustling neighborhoods in Bogotá, and its gastronomical scene reflects this diversity. This area has a variety of traditional restaurants, food trucks, artisan food stalls, and specialty coffee shops.
How to get there?
You can arrive in your car or take a cab. Transmilenio is also an option. You can take an articulated bus northbound, get off at the Flores station, and walk a few blocks toward the Eastern Hills. You can also take a SITP or a TM bus along Carrera Séptima, northbound, and get off at Calle 63, from where you can start your route.
- The bohemian Macarena: Art and haute cuisine in the city’s heart
La Macarena is a charming bohemian neighborhood located in the city center and known for its artistic and cultural atmosphere. Here, you’ll find an eclectic mix of restaurants, cafes, and bars that reflect the diversity of the city's gastronomic scene. From cozy home-cooking restaurants with home cooking to groundbreaking fusion cuisine establishments.
This area offers options for all tastes and budgets. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore its picturesque streets full of colorful facades and try delicious food in some of its delightful restaurants.
La Macarena's gastronomic area is located in a neighborhood with the same name, behind La Santamaría Bullring and the Planetarium of Bogotá.
How to get there?
You can arrive by cab or in your own car. TransMilenio is an option to; take an articulated bus going northbound and get off at the Museo Nacional station. Another option is to take a SITP or a TM bus along Carrera Séptima in the south-north direction, get off at Calle 28, in front of the National Museum, and walk towards the Eastern Hills.
- Parque de la 93: Gastronomy and urban life
The Parque de la 93 is a vibrant entertainment and food district located in the north of Bogotá. It’s known for its lively nightlife and wide range of bars and restaurants, attracting locals and tourists equally. Here, you’ll find different culinary choices, from international cuisine to typical Colombian dishes.
Enjoy an outdoor dinner at one of the park’s terrace restaurants or taste delectable cocktails at some of the trendy bars in the area. Besides its varied gastronomic offerings, Parque de la 93 also houses art galleries, boutique stores, and cultural spaces, which makes it an ideal place to explore and enjoy Bogotá's urban life.
How to get there?
You can arrive by cab or in your car. TransMilenio is an option too; take an articulated bus going northbound, get off at El Virrey station (Autopista Norte and Calle 85), and walk towards the Eastern Hills. You can also take a SITP or a TM bus until that goes along Carrera 15 and Calle 93.
Bogotá is a captivating city, not just because of its history and cuisine but also because of its vibrant gastronomic scene. From the cobblestone streets of La Candelaria to modern culinary areas of the north, each corner provides a unique experience to haute cuisine lovers.
