Iberoamerican Theater Festival, the biggest theater festival in the world (occurs every two years in April).

Take a cab or Transmilenio to a working class neighborhood in the southside. Sit down in a 'panaderia' (bakery), order a "colombiana" brand soda and some good bread...sit down and breathe the environment of the regular Colombian...don't narrow yourself to the upscale Norte.

• Gold Museum El Museo del Oro, Calle 16 #5-41, 571 2847450, Fax: 571 3432222, [2]. Impressive collection of gold and pre-Columbian artifacts. Don't miss this museum. The Gold Museum is unique and you wont find a better place to see the pre-Spanish artwork on gold. The museum is under renovation, that will last until August 2008. The collection is stored in 'Banco de la Republica Art Collection' building, and it's free of charge but not all the collection is exhibited. Open: Tu to Sa 9AM-7PM and Su/holidays 10am-5pm. Entrance is free on Sunday.
• Donación Botero, Calle 11 #4-41, 1 343 1331. Collection of paintings donated by Botero to Bogota. Besides work of Botero the collection contains work from Picasso, Renoir, Monet, Dali and others. Entrance free. Open: Mo & We-Fr 10am-8pm, Sa 10am-7pm and Su 10am-4pm.
• Casa de Moneda, next to Museo Botero. Has a collection of Colombian coins and the history of moneymaking.
• Museo Nacional, Carrera 7 No. 28-66. 334 8366, info@museonacional.gov.co, [3]. The National Museum is the oldest in the country and one of the oldest in the continent, built in 1823. Its fortress architecture is built in stone and brick. The plant includes arches, domes and columns forming a sort of Greek cross over which 104 prison cells are distributed, with solid wall façade. The museum houses a collection of over 20,000 pieces including works of art and objects representing different national history periods. Permanent exhibitions present archeology and ethnography samples from most antique Colombian men vestiges, 10,000 years BC, up to XX century indigenous and afro- Colombian art and culture. Founders and New Kingdom of Granada room houses rich Liberators and other Spanish authorities iconography; the round room exhibits a series of oleos synthesizing Colombia painting history. Tue: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Wed and Sat: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Sun: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Museum of Modern Art of Bogota (MamBo), Calle 24 No. 6-00. Exhibits a complete collection of modern art work basically consisting of drawing, paintings, engraved work, sculpture and assembly. Houses work of Colombian masters Fernando Botero, Alejandro Obregón, Enrique Grau and Édgar Negret, among many other together with important Latin American artists pinacotheca. The moderns building, designed by architect Rogelio Salmona, achieves optimum space and natural light management. Tue to Sat: 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sun from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Banco de la Republica Art Collection, Calle 11 No. 4-41. Exhibits Permanent Banco de la República Art Collection consisting of nearly 3,000 paintings, sculptures and assembly of Colombian and Latin American masters from the XVI century to our days. Visitors may appreciate a selection of Colombian painters works, for instance Gregorio Vázquez de Arce y Ceballos, the most important Colony painter, Alejandro Obregón, Enrique Grau, Latin American as Rufino Tamayo, David Alfaro Siqueiros and many other globally renowned. Tue to Sat:10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sun and holidays 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Closed on Mon, including holiday Mondays.
• Museum of Colonial Art, Calle 24 No. 6-00. Under Eduardo Santos administration on August 6, 1942 the Colonial Museum containing Viceroy-ship art, silver plates, the Virgin of the Light and the most characteristic Gregorio Vásquez de Arce y Ceballos collection, among other valuable Colombian culture treasures opened its doors. Declared National Monument National in 1975, Las Aulas Cloister is one of the oldest buildings in Bogotá. Tue to Sat: 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sun from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

• Hacienda Santa Bárbara, Carrera 7 No. 116 - 05. A 19th century house that belonged to Pepe Sierra, one of the wealthiest Colombians in that time, that became a mall in late 80's. Famous for its cafés (some of them nationally renowned), is not as crowded as other malls.
• Usaquén a rather new "cool" section of Bogota. The main square is the meeting point of the area where you can find pretty nice restaurants and bars. But walk around and find more great places to eat and drink.
• La Candelaria, the historical neighborhood in Bogota.There're a lot of interesting museums and old churches, that is the oldest Bogotá neighborhood, in some streets you can't drive because are only for walking, the most important places are La Catedral,Plaza de Bolivar, Palacio de Nariño, Iglesia del Carmen, Biblioteca Luis A Arango (blaa), the Colonial Art Museum and the old architecture of the houses and buildings.
• La Macarena (Bullfight ring area) is a bohemian neighborhood full of artsy cafes, art galleries and great restaurants.
• Parque de la 93 which is a trendy section of Bogota with nightclubs, and cafes frequently visited by Bogotas "jet set". Highly recommended El Salto del Angel restaurant.
• Maloka Situated in the Upper/Middle Class neighborhood of El Salitre is Maloka which is a science center one of the only ones built in South America. The highlight is its Dome Theatre.
• Monserrate a true beautiful panoramic view of the city its only a funicular ride away which will cost about 11,000 pesos round trip. You can have the most amaizing views and also enjoy the best Colombian food up there, remember to get a good coat, because up there is very cold. Also on sunday is a very crowded place, so be ready to get into a long line.
• Torre Colpatria Bogota's tallest building and one of South Americas tallest buildings is located in El Centro. You can visit the panoramic deck on the top of building on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays make it a must see.

By plane

The city is served by El Dorado International Airport (IATA: BOG) (ICAO: SKBO) (~20 minutes from downtown in a taxi), that receives several flights daily from New York, Atlanta, Toronto, Montreal, Miami, Los Angeles, Houston, Paris, Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Havana, Panama City, Caracas, Curacao, Fort Lauderdale, Alicante, Madrid, Mexico City, Lima, San Jose, Montego Bay, Quito, Sao Paulo, Rio De Janiero, Santiago de Chile, La Paz, Aruba, and other South and Central American cities. Many international airlines such as Delta, COntinental, Air France, Varig, LAN, American Airlines, Aerogal, Iberia, Copa, Mexicana, Taca, Air Canada and others serve El Dorado. Domestic flights are served by many airlines including Avianca (main Colombia airline), AeroRepublica (an Continental-owned domestic airline) and Aires. Domestic flights of Avianca are served from the Puente Aereo terminal, next to El Dorado terminal, and features WiFi access to the Internet from almost every location. Taxis are regulated, reasonably priced and safe from the airport. El Dorado Airport is under a complete makeup, wich will end in 2012 and will make it bigger and more comfortable. El Dorado is also the third busiest airport in Latin America and the largest by cargo movement. A taxi ride from the airport to the center takes approximately 15 minutes.

By bus

The safety of bus travel in Colombia has greatly improved in recent years. However, foreigners should take precaution of not traveling to areas of unrest and travel only during the day. Do not carry large amounts of cash with you as robberies are known to occur along some routes. Service in the 'upscale' buses is very good and they are very comfortable. Pick the most expensive service (just a couple of dollars extra) as these buses tend to be newer and better mechanical condition. Bogotá is also building 2 new terminals, one located far south and one on the north corner to serve buses going on those directions.

Currently buses run in and out of Bogota's main station, El Terminal de Transporte de Bogota. The station is clean and has standard amenities. Located at Calle 33 B, No 69-59, Multiple bus companies have regular routes to destinations around the country. To get there from the airport you can take a short taxi ride. Terminal's Website

The Terminal is divided in several color-coded areas that indicate the destinations to which comapanies in that area travel to. Yellow= South Blue=East and West Red= North Purple=Packages

Search Engine by Destination Destino=Destination Empresa=Bus Company. Simply enter destination and a list of companies serving that route will return along with average prices.

Some common bus companies in Colombia that are found in this Terminal are:

• Expreso Bolivariano Expreso Bolivariano- This company has one of the most extensive networks. Some international destinations as well.
• Coomotor [1] Mostly destinations in Southern Colombia

The city of Bogota is built on a grid system. Carreras (streets) are abbreviated as Cr, K and Crs and run parallel to the mountains from South to North.

The calles (also streets) cross the Carreras and run from East to West. Calles are abbreviated as C, Cll and Cl.

Avenidas, abbreviated as Av, are usually larger and main streets. The numerical system for the Avenidas is used but some have names that are more commonly used such as Avenida Jimenez. Each address consists of a series of numbers, for example: Calle 16 # 2-43. This indicates that the building on Calle 16 is 43 meters from the corner of Carrera 2 towards Carrera 3.

By Transmilenio

Transmilenio is the most important massive transport system, as of June 2007, the system runs throughout 8 lines, covering Av. Caracas, Calle 80, Autopista Norte, Av. Jiménez, Avenida NQS , Calle 13, Av. de las Américas, and Av. Suba.

The vehicles used in that systems are articulated buses,those are fast and safe but could be full in afternoon times, the system uses different kinds of stations, the simples offers bus services at the right and left sides (north-south;east-west), the intermediate stations, which are located usually in middle points and have complete services as elevators, station lybraries, bikes parks, restrooms, and alimentadores services (buses that reach zones the articulated buses don't) and the portals, there're 7 in the city, and are the arrive and deparure place of the buses, are located near the entrances to the city. In addition to feeders and articulated buses, intercity buses from the metropolitan area also arrive at these stations. The portals also offers the alimentadores service.

By taxi

Taxi cabs are ubiquitous and affordable. They can be flagged down anywhere. They can also be called by phone, at no extra charge, you can call 311-1111 or 411-1111. If calling for a taxi, the driver will want to confirm that it is you who called by asking for a "clave" (key), which is always the last two digits of the phone from which you called to request the taxi. Each taxi has a meter which increments one tick every 1/10 kilometer or 30 seconds and starts at 25 ticks. The rate chart is printed on a card in the taxi. Nearly all taxi drivers are honest, but be sure the taxi meter is started when you begin your trip. Tipping is not necessary. There are surcharges for the airport, holidays, etc. (Details are printed on the fare card.)

By bus

Bogota's new Transmilenio rapid bus service is extremely affordable, clean and efficient and carries commuters to numerous corners of the city. There are some main routes that are not yet reached by Transmilenio.

Privately owned buses cruise all the main thoroughfares and many side streets, and are the principal form of transport for the working class and student class. Though they do follow specific routes, they do not have bus "stops"; you merely call to them like taxis and they will stop for you where you are standing. Placards in the large front windows list destinations, either neighborhoods or main street names. Upon entering you will be asked for the fare; if you are not traveling alone you may be asked "Para ambos?", for example, meaning "For both?", to see if you are paying for just yourself or for your companion. Then you pass through a turnstile to the seating areas. The buses come in three sizes, usually, long (like a school bus), medium and small (called busetas). All have turnstiles. To exit these buses you go to the back door and either push a button located usually on one of the hand rails or next to the exit, or simply call out "Aqui, por favor!" or "Pare!" (Stop!). Passengers are often expected to embark and disembark even from the middle of the street.

Sometimes vendors are allowed to enter the buses to sell candy or small gift items (occasionally donating one to the driver for the privilege). Or, you may find entertainers such as singers or guitar players, and even the more creative of the street beggars who will regale you with a long, poetic story of their sad situation before asking for donations. Even in the smallest buses, cramped full of people standing and sitting, it is a common sight. Interestingly, a recent Grammy-nominated singer named Ilona got her start performing on buses around Bogota.

The cost for riding on a private bus ranges from 1000 to 1200 Colombian pesos.

By colectivo

Colectivos cover practically every major route of the city, and can generally be flagged down at any point on a main road. Watch these small buses for lists of destinations displayed on their windshields, or ask the driver (in Spanish) if he passes the neighborhood or intersection you are going to. Not very comfortable, but cheap and can take you almost anywhere.

By Bicycle

Renting a bike and having a ride on Bogota's modern Ciclo-Ruta is a very exciting and healthy way to get to know the city and get closer to the people. There are certain rules that must be followed: Helmet must be worn when riding, also a reflective vest must be worn. The bicycle must have reflective panels in the wheels and back. On sundays and public holidays many main and secondary roads are closed to serve ciclovia from 7AM to 2PM, a special feature of bogota, where people can walk, ride bicycle, enjoy inline skating or just dance.

• Inexpensive handicrafts and jewelry from vendors
• Coffee-based products
• Leather handbags, shoes, and wallets.
• Uncut and cut emeralds brought in from the world's best emerald mines
• Inexpensive silver jewelry
• Dress suits and shoes

• Upscale Shopping Malls

Unicentro, Centro Andino , El Retiro, Atlantis Plaza, Hacienda Santa Barbara, Santa Ana, Palatino, Salitre Plaza, Santa Fé, Gran Estación, Salitre Plaza, Santa Ana, Bulevar Niza

• More Affordable Shopping Malls

• Unicentro, a very modern mall with many western retail shops.
• La Zona T which is another chic area of Bogota which is surrounded by the upscale malls of Centro Andino, Atlantis Plaza and El Retiro which holds various upscale boutiques such as Lacoste, Louis Vuitton, Versace, Bulgari, Cartier, Loewe and much more.

Plaza de las Americas - outdoor, Ciudad Tunal, Tintal Plaza, Amazonas, Unicentro de Occidente If you can use common sense, but definitely worth the experience - shopping in the streets of El Restrepo

Arepas: Corn flour based pancakes, sometimes made with chesse or slightly salted.

Empanadas: The closest comparison would be a pastie. These are popular all over South America so generaly each country/region has their own recipe. The filling usually consists of meat, potato, vegetables and rice wrapped in a corn flour crust.

Tamal: Usually eaten for breakfast. A mixture of meat, chicken, potato, vegetables and yellow corn wrapped in plantain leaves and then boiled. Should be acommpanied by a large mug of Hot Chocolate.

Plenty of options. These are only a few and are divided by areas. However, it is very difficult to find a decent Chinese/Japanese restaurant. Do not expect much even if you find any, since most of them are "fake" oriental restaurants.

Zona G

This zone has some of the finest eateries in Bogota. Within a few small blocks you will find plenty of options. The restaurants are more oriented toward fine dining more so than night club type activity. If you want elegant or romantic, this is a good choice. This are five diamon star restaurants. By looking at the addresses below, you can tell that these restaurants are all neighbors.

• "SUNA" Organic Restaurant and Market. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner - Fish, Organic Poultry, Vegetarian, Vegan, Raw

Calle 71 No. 4-47, Tel: 2123721 [4]

• Bagatelle Crepes, Sandwiches, Salads, Breakfast, Cafes, Brunch

Calle 70 A No. 4-99. Tel: 3213475

• Lina's Crepes, Sandwiches/Salads, Breakfast/Brunch, Cafes (very overpriced)

Calle 69 A No. 6-51 Tel: 2101294

• Harry's Steaks and much more!!

Calle 70 No. 5-57 Tel:321 3940

• Alice?s Chinese

Calle 69A No. 5-18 Tel: 217-0242, 249-1960, 217-0841

• Gostinos 69 Seafood

Carrera 5 No. 69A-30 Tel: 3130612, 3130601

• La Barra Spanish

Calle 69 A No. 5-08

• Tony Roma's American BBQ

Carrera 6 No. 69 A-20 Tel: 2487727

• La table de Michel French

Calle 69A No. 4-15 Tel: 248-1136, 347-7939

• Criterion Gourmet

Calle 69A No. 5-75 Tel: 310-1377

• 'Distrito International Fusion

Calle 69A No. 5-61 Tel: 345 6189, 345 6190

• Circa Fusion

Calle 69A No. 5-09 Tel: 217 1123

• Astrid y Gaston Peruvian Fusion

Carrera 7 No 67-64 Tel: 211-1400

• La hamburgueseria Burgers (Note: As the restaurant says extensively, it is not fastfood)

Calle 70 No. 4-69 Tel: 321-3350

• Michel Patisserie Pastry, Desserts

Calle 69 A No. 5-79 Tel: 236 9168

• Nazca Peruvian

Calle 74 No 5-28 Tel: 321-3459

• Oliveto Pizza Gourmet Pizza

Carrera 5 No. 70-26 Tel: 212-6570, 212-0807

• Clowns Deli Sandwiches/Salads

Calle 69 A No. 4-28 Tel: 248 0254

• Clarooscuro International

Calle 69 A No. 5-59 Tel: 249 0940, 249 0118

• Osaki Japanese (Sushi)

Zona T and Zona Rosa

This zone has a mix of good dining, discos, shopping malls and more. It gets crowded on the weekend, and is popular with foreigners.

• Taurus Grill, International, Argentina

Calle 83 No. 12-29 Tel: 256 3040, 618 0577

• Cafe Tostion Coffee

Carrera 12 No. 83-80, local1 Tel: 610 5154

• Balzac Crepes, French

Calle 83 No. 12-19 Tel: 610 5210, 610 6206

• 1492

Latin Fusion,Grill, International Carrera 12 No 83-11 Tel: 257-2853, 257-2874

• Crepes & Waffles Crepes, Waffles, Salads, Desserts (cheap and good! Has had an unbelievable success, check for long lines)

Carrera 12A No. 83-40 Tel:256 4683

• Il Pomeriggio Salads,Sandwiches, Wine, Dessert,Coffe

Carrera 11 N. 82-01. Loc. 158 Centro Comercial Andino Tel: 616 8616

• Club Colombia

Colombian Food Avenida 82 No 9-16 Tel: 249-5681, 321-0704

• H. Sasson Wok & Satay Bar From one of the best chefs in Colombia!! If you like a juicy steak ask for "Chuleton"

Calle 83 # 12-49 Tel:616-4520

• Di Lucca Italian (great Italian food and bread!!)

Carrera 13 No. 85-32 Tel:611 5614

• Teriyaki Thai, Sushi, Japanese

Carrera 13 No 83-66 Tel: 617-0254, 617-0437

• Takami PanAsian

Calle 85 No 12-86 Tel: 257-3656, 236-8437

• Casa mMxicana Real Mexican (No Tex-mex stuff. Imitation mexican made strictly to Colombia tastes)

Calle 80 No. 14-08, esquina Tel: 218-2874, 257-3407

• Bellini Trattoria Pizza, Italiana (Pizza crust is lacking. There are better choices_

Carrera13 No. 83-52 Tel: 239-4401, 636-9003

• Hard Rock Cafe Bogota (Same as Everywhere) American

Calle 81 No. 13-05 Tel: 530 2200

A little north of the Zona Rosa you will find other fine options.

Parque 93, Carrera 12-13, Calle 93-94, is surrounded by an assortment of restaurants, ranging from McDonalds to nice fine dining in a casual atmosphere (various options).

A little north of Parque 93 are more options not in any particular zone.

• La Fragata Great seafood, in a revolving restaurant located on the top of the World Trade Center Building.

Calle 100 No. 8A-55 Torre C, Giratorio

• Piccolo Café Italian gourmet

Carrera 15 No. 97-03

• Rogaciana la Iguana Mexicana Country Mexican food

Calle 116 No. 15-50

• Houston's TexMex

Calle 93 No. 17-60

Calle 116 at Carrera 7 In USAQUEEN, next to Hacienda Santa Barbara (very attractive shopping center & hotel) There are many excellent dining options just north of the shopping center. Just walk a couple blocks from the north entrance to the shopping center and you will find a traditional town square surrounded with excellent choices. Roughly Calle 120 / Carrera 5

• Andres Carne de Res, [5]. Andres Carne de Res is actually a little out of town in the town of Chia, but the trip is well worth the effort. Movers, shakers and the beautiful people descend on the sprawling bar, grill and restaurant nightly. The decor is unique, the vibe amazing, and once you are done eating the dancing goes on until the wee hours. Make sure you have someone to take you home again. Cover: $10.000
• Bogota Beer Company Bogota´s very own brewery! You can find one in almost every corner! Some of the locations are: Parque de Usaquén, Park at 93rd Street, Zona T (In front of the Andino Mall) and 122 Street with 19th Avenue. Try the "Jirafa" (giraffe) wich is a 1 yard long glass full of the Beer of your choice, or the "Campín Calamari" and the "Cedritos Chips" (All dishes are named after Bogota´s most famous neighborhoods).
• CHA-CHA - One of the most exclusive night clubs, located on 7th avenue and 33rd Street on the 41st floor of what once was The Hilton Hotel, today just and abandoned building. It is located in the "Ball Room" of the old hotel, and keeps the traditional elegant decoration. Crystal Chandeliers meet Electronic music. Has amzing views of the city at night and an amazing terrace to hang out. Frequently visited by world famous DJs. Cover:$15.000
• Escobar Rosas - Located in La Candalaria and mostly frequented by students, gringo hunters, and backpackers, this pharmacy converted discoteca features a bar and a packed dance floor downstairs.
• Gnoveva - Very cheap..lower prices, the music and the people are great, no cover and a bottle of aguardiente is $35.000 pesos.
• Kukaramakara, 15 Avenue and 93rd Street (Near Lola). The environment and decoration of this place has the perfect combination of modern club elements and traditional artesanal environment from Colombia´s ancestors. Also features a local band every Friday and Saturday night that performs Latinamerican singer´s songs.Cover: $15.000
• Lola, 15 Avenue and 92nd Street. Frequented mostly by students and people looking to have fun, on a well located spot for lower prices as those found on the "Zona T" or the Park on 93rd St. Cover: $10.000=
• Pravda, located in the "Zona T". Best Martinis in town, also a little pricey. Try the Lychee Martini.
• Salto del AngelOne of the coolest spots in Bogota, located in the Park at 93rd Street, it is the place to see all the futbol matches with your buddies, beers and really, really good food on Sundays, and on Saturdays, Fridays and Thursdays it is the place to see all the beautiful people dancing salsa and vallenato music on the tables. Great environment but get there early or make a reservation. Cover:$10.000
• Scirocco - Without doubt the most "chic" place in Bogota, at the moment. Serves its unique watermelon martinis, while listening to House music. Concurred by Bogota's elite. Cover is $15.000, and drinks are pricey.

Also visit other local nightclubs where most North residents go like Gavanna, Danzatoria, Velvet, Amatista, Barbarosa, Salome Pagana (Salsa Dancing club) or Nabu (Most located in the "Zona Rosa" one of the trendiest parts of Bogotá.)