How to make the most out of your layover in Bogota

Surrounded by stunning mountains, often referred to as the “sea of green,” Bogotá is the beautiful, multicultural capital of and the largest city in Colombia, South America. It’s where people from all over the country meet to work, study, and exchange cultures. So if you want a taste of Colombian diversity and warm hospitality, a layover in Bogota is the ideal starting point.

Whether you have a brief layover or an extended one, Bogota will please and surprise you. From its beautiful natural scenery, strong coffee culture, Indigenous heritage, and colonial charm, there’s so much to love about the city that’s worth leaving the comfort of the airport lounge for. And even if you stay at Bogota Airport, you’ll find something that will make your wait worthwhile.

With plenty of things to do in Bogota on a short layover, you won't want your suitcase or travel bags weighing you down. Simply drop off your bags at a convenient Bounce Bogota bag storage location and pick them up before your next flight to your final destination. With your hands-free, you can savor delicious local cuisine, wander Bogota's historic streets, and navigate public transportation with ease.

Things to keep in mind before leaving the Airport

Visa requirements in Colombia

You need a Colombia transit visa to pass through the country during your visit. It’s valid for 24 hours, and you should apply for it before leaving your country. Visa regulations can vary by country, so check the specific requirements for your nationality.

Minimum layover times in Bogota

In-airport short layover

• Domestic flights: Give yourself at least one hour to have enough time to get to your connecting flight to a domestic destination. Have your passport and boarding pass ready for a quick check-in process.
• International flights: Two hours is recommended for international flights, but it’s best to budget more time, especially when traveling during peak hours. Plus, flight delays can happen, so having an extra hour can help avoid missing your connecting flight.

In-airport long layover

If you prefer a longer layover so you don’t feel rushed but don’t want to leave the airport, plan for at least three to four hours. That gives you enough to explore the airport, check out the shops, eat, or relax in one of the airport lounges.

Out-of-airport layover

Perhaps, you want to step out of Bogota’s El Dorado International Airport during your layover and see more of the capital. If you have at least six to seven hours, that gives you about three hours of exploration after you factor in travel time and security checks. Just a heads up, traffic in Bogota can be unpredictable so plan your trips and allow extra time, especially during rush hours and peak travel season. And though Google Maps can be a helpful tool for navigating a new place, use it with a grain of salt.

What to do in Bogota during a layover

You may be short on time, but Bogota has a world of experiences waiting for you, no matter the time of the day or day of the week. From touring the museums and great mansions built in the colonial era to attending a concert and admiring the colorful murals in the streets of La Candelaria, the Colombian capital proves to be a worthy destination for a layover.

Whether you’re a backpacker looking for a burden-free trip or a business traveler who wants to escape to the city and needs a safe place to store your business materials, our luggage storage service will let you explore Bogota freely and embark on a hassle-free adventure.

Morning layover in Bogota

Start your day with a delicious Colombian coffee at Casa Galería Café. It’s a lovely spot with a cozy atmosphere, where you can have a distinctive Colombian breakfast experience. Try their regional breakfast dish called Changua Santafereña, which is a comforting egg and milk soup, and pair it with your favorite coffee or ask them for recommendations.

Plazoleta Chorro de Quevedo, one of the city’s famous tourist spots, is just a short walking distance from the café and other city attractions like the Botero Museum, with a donated collection of over 200 pieces. Or visit the Gabriel García Márquez Cultural Center, which has a lot of character and is full of life, with some really old houses, colorful graffiti paintings on the wall, and people from all walks of life.

About 800 meters from the square, you’ll find Colombia’s iconic Gold Museum (Museo del Oro), which houses the world’s largest collection of pre-Hispanic goldwork. The amount of gold in this museum will dazzle you not only because of the incomparable beauty of the gold pieces but also due to their historical value.

Although the museum has lockers for personal items, they fill up quickly and aren’t large enough for suitcases. Use a luggage storage service before you go to the museum, so you don’t have to wait for a locker to be available, and ensure there’s a space for your belongings.

Afternoon layover in Bogota

Feeling adventurous? With a longer layover, take the funicular or cable car to the sanctuary of Monserrate for a rewarding view. The cable car will give you a feeling of floating above the capital and allow you to enjoy a panoramic view. But in the funicular, you’ll feel closer to nature as journey along the rail with the lush greenery around you. You can also walk along the path for some exercise and if you don't want to spend on a cable car ticket. But before you tackle the trail, leave your stuff with Bounce and free yourself from the weight of your luggage.

The Sanctuary has been a part of Bogota’s history for nearly half a millennium, so just imagine the stories this sacred place could tell. From the elegant neocolonial-style church to the Stations of the Cross and trails, there’s so much history, nature, and spirituality waiting for you here.

If you get hungry after a long hike or need some refreshments, there are several dining spots on the hill. One of them is Restaurante Casa Santa Clara, which serves coffee, desserts, snacks like fish balls and empanadas, and cocktails. They have an outdoor patio with breathtaking views from the top of Monserrate.

Evening layover in Bogota

After a long day of sightseeing, you might want to wind down by going for a relaxing walk around the charming bohemian streets of La Macarena. It has important landmarks like the Santamaria Bullring and The Planetarium of Bogota, but it’s also home to modern restaurants and quirky cafes.

Check out El Patio Café, a small spot that serves excellent Italian, French, and South American fare. It has a warm atmosphere and a vintage vibe that will make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time.

How about exploring Bogota on a self-guided audio tour? You don’t have to match the pace of a large tour group, and you can dive deeper into every key Bogota attraction more than you would independently. Free yourself from unnecessary baggage by using the Bounce luggage storage service in Bogota and get fully immersed in your journey.

Overnight layover in Bogota

If rest and relaxation are your priority on your overnight Bogota layover, book a room in one of the hotels near the airport. You have numerous options to suit your budget, like the budget-friendly Habitel Hotel, just a stone’s throw from El Dorado Airport, or the more upscale Courtyard by Marriot Bogota. Both have complimentary amenities like an airport shuttle, so you don’t have to worry about going back to the airport.

When it comes to Bogota nightlife, Zona Rosa stands out with its clubs, haute cuisine restaurants, discos, and bars dotted throughout the area. It’s especially busy on Fridays and weekend nights. To fully enjoy a wild night experience in Zona Rosa, drop off your bags in a secure baggage storage facility. Some of our convenient storage locations remain open until late or even 24 hours, giving you unmatched flexibility.

Tips to make the most out of your time in Bogota

• Languages spoken: Spanish is the primary language in Bogota.
• Currency: Peso is Colombia's official currency.
• Safety: Bogota is generally safe for tourists, but you should avoid walking alone at night, especially in dark and quiet areas. Be aware of your belongings and don't bring large amounts of cash when going out.
• General expected costs: The cost of your trip will depend on the activities you choose, your preferred level of comfort, and your length of stay. Expect to pay around US$15-25 per meal in a good restaurant, but you'll save more on a US$5-10 meal at a street food stall. Budget hotels can cost US$30-50 per night while luxury ones cost over US$100.
• Best time to go: Although Bogota is a city you can enjoy any time of the year, its tourism peaks during the dry season (December to February) because of the pleasant weather and fewer rain showers. If you want to skip the crowds, visit Bogota between March and May, but bring your umbrella for the heavy rains.

A layover in Bogota can offer a fascinating introduction to Colombia's rich cultures, history, and stunning natural landscapes. With all there is to discover and enjoy, don't let your heavy baggage dampen your travel spirit. Store them with Bounce and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your belongings are in safe hands.