10 Things to Do in Bogota at Night

Located some 2,600 metres above sea level, Bogotá is one of the highest capitals in the world and also one of the most important cities in Colombia, due to the many attractions it has to offer. However, when night falls, the city takes on a new meaning, adding a touch of fun and entertainment to all its natural charm, making it the perfect place to party and revisit the local culture.

Some of the best things to do in Bogotá at night include touring the sights on a night bus, taking in views of the city from the Monserrate cable car, attending a Clásico Capitalino football match, checking out the local breweries, taking part in a ghost tour, visiting the planetarium and seeing the rooftop of the Colpatria Tower, one of the tallest in South America.

If you want to discover the vibrant and eclectic essence of the Colombian capital in a quick tour, you can opt for a night bus tour, a journey of about five hours that will immerse you in the life of the region after dark. Accompanied by an expert local guide, you'll explore the city's hot spots, experiencing the unique atmosphere of the city as the sun goes down.

The tour will take you to emblematic spots, such as the Parque de la 93, located in the Chicó area in the north of the city, renowned for its varied gastronomic offer. Zona T, with its luxury shops, restaurants and exclusive clubs, will also be one of the main destinations on this circuit, which aims to show you Bogota's lively nightlife.

One of the highlights is a visit to the iconic Andrés DC, a steakhouse and traditional food restaurant that offers the perfect setting for dancing, enjoying live music and soaking up the local culture. Along the way, you'll also get to see Monserrate, a mountain that rises more than 3,100 metres above sea level and offers some of the best panoramic views in Colombia.

These experiences also include a tour of some of Bogotá's most popular historic buildings, such as the Catedral Primada de Colombia, the Palacio de Justicia, the Capitolio Nacional and the Alcaldía Mayor. All this before ending the tour in the picturesque colonial district of La Candelaria, the oldest neighbourhood in the capital.

One of the best and most beautiful ways to discover Bogotá lit up at nightfall is to take a trip on the Monserrate cable car, an experience that will offer you unparalleled panoramic views of the city. This funicular ride will take you to the top of Monserrate mountain, where you'll be able to contemplate a night-time landscape of the Colombian capital's skyline that will leave you dazzled.

The Monserrate cable car, open until midnight, gives you the chance to admire Bogotá in all its nocturnal splendour. From the top, you will be able to appreciate the expanse of the city unfolding at your feet, with its bright lights creating a unique luminous tapestry. La Candelaria, the modern skyscrapers and the mountains surrounding the city combine to offer a completely different view to that of daylight hours.

However, the cable car ride will not only give you an unforgettable view, but will also allow you to experience the city's transition from daytime to nighttime from a privileged vantage point. What's more, you'll get to see a place that is usually included in the best tours of Bogotá because of its charm.

Seeing the night views of Bogotá from the Monserrate cable car is an experience that combines the magic of nature with urban luminosity, in an activity not to be missed during the cool nights of Bogotá.

If you want to immerse yourself in the passion of Colombian football, which is one of the most traditional activities in the country, you can attend a match between Millonarios and Santa Fe, a spectacle that goes beyond a simple sporting encounter, as it is the most famous derby in Colombia. This Clásico Capitalino pits two of the most emblematic and representative teams of the region against each other and generates fervour among fans.

Millonarios has won numerous titles over the years and has established itself as one of the most successful clubs in local football. Their stadium, El Campín, becomes a battleground during the derby, which is played several times a year in different competitions, in matches that usually take place at night, either during the week or on weekends.

On the other hand, Independiente Santa Fe also has a very distinguished track record and has been a protagonist in several national and international competitions. The rivalry between the two teams, therefore, transcends the borders of Bogotá, as both teams have been protagonists at the continental level since the days of Colombia's El Dorado.

Attending a match between Millonarios and Santa Fe is more than just a sporting event, as it will allow you to discover the football culture of Bogota and live a unique experience full of passion, rivalry and excitement that drives fans of both teams crazy.

For beer lovers, a tour of Bogotá's breweries is the perfect way to explore the unique flavours of this drink. Accompanied by an expert local guide, you'll embark on a journey through the city's trendy neighbourhoods and sample all kinds of craft beer styles.

During the brewery tour you will witness the process of packaging these beers, appreciating the presentation and design that makes them unique in Latin America. Each method applied influences the taste, colour, aroma and texture. For a more in-depth experience, you can also take part in excursions from Bogotá to explore the hop fields, the main brewing ingredient, on the outskirts of the city.

You can also learn about the history of this drink in Colombia and its role as an important economic engine of the country, as it is, after coffee, the second most traded product, which is why it is often the protagonist of the best excursions in the city.

In addition to beer exploration, this tour will give you the opportunity to socialise and make new friends in South America's Athens. The warm hospitality of the locals adds to the charm of the experience, allowing you to get to know the local flavours and also the friendliness of the Bogota community.

If you dare to dive into the unknown and want to live a scary and fun experience in equal parts, the ghost tour through the streets of Bogota is an activity that will take you to explore the most curious mysteries and legends of this destination. This sightseeing plan is perfect for those brave enough to face the paranormal or for horror story lovers looking for an alternative tour.

Under the moonlight, a private guide will take you through the paranormal experiences that locals have claimed to live in emblematic places of Bogota. Through live re-enactments, you'll shiver with stories that will make your hair stand on end. The tour will take you through haunted spots in the historic La Candelaria neighbourhood, such as the Plaza del Chorro de Quevedo, the Bogotá Museum, the Teatro Colón, the Plaza de Bolívar and the Museo de La Salle de Bogotá.

For added entertainment and fun, alcoholic drinks are included during the tour while you enjoy performances by the staff. The combination of legends, well-crafted re-enactments and a dash of humour will make this paranormal experience unforgettable... and spooky at the same time.

One of the best ways to make the most of a night tour of the city, especially if you're planning a trip with kids, is to visit the Bogotá Planetarium. This emblematic astronomical centre offers the opportunity to explore the universe from a fascinating perspective, and at nightfall it transforms into a stage where the stars and planets take centre stage.

The observation deck at the Bogotá Planetarium is a highlight of the night-time visit. Equipped with state-of-the-art telescopes, this platform allows you to enter the immensity of the universe, exploring constellations, planets and celestial objects. With expert guides leading you through the vastness of space, you can marvel at the beauty of the moon and other astronomical phenomena.

In addition to stargazing, the Bogotá Planetarium offers audiovisual projections that transport visitors on imaginary journeys through space. In these interactive experiences you can imagine yourself discovering distant galaxies, nebulae and the ends of the universe in an immersive experience that combines scientific knowledge and entertainment.

If you want to really get to know Bogota's nightlife, you can't miss the discotheques and bars that will offer you a unique experience full of rhythm and fun. One of the highlights of this circuit is Andrés DC, a themed nightclub that will transport you to a carnival atmosphere with live music, dancing and extravagant decorations.

If you're looking for a fusion of electronic music and sophisticated ambience, Armando Records is the perfect place to visit. This nightclub offers a modern experience with live DJs and a lively dance floor. Another must-visit destination is El Coq, a traditional nightclub in the city that combines live music shows and a full bar.

For those who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, Quiebracanto is an iconic bar offering live music in genres such as salsa, reggae and rock. Its cosy atmosphere and extensive selection of craft beers make it a meeting point for music lovers and good company.

One of the best ways to discover Bogotá from a different perspective is to take a gastronomic tour to discover the local flavours that make the Colombian capital a culinary paradise. This circuit will allow you to enjoy the fusion between the traditional and the modern that characterises Bogota's culinary offerings, and you'll be able to try dishes such as arepas, which consist of corn dough stuffed with eggs and various ingredients.

You'll also have the chance to try the bandeja paisa, a traditional dish from Antioquia that includes rice, beans, ground beef, chicharrón, avocado and fried egg. For the more adventurous, the gastronomic excursion also includes surprises, because among the tastings you will be able to eat culonas ants, a traditional Colombian food considered an exquisite delicacy.

Also, don't miss the opportunity to try ajiaco, an emblematic soup from Bogotá that combines chicken, potatoes and corn cobs in a thick and tasty broth. This culinary experience will immerse you in the city's rich gastronomic heritage, where each dish reveals authentic flavours and a piece of local history.

For a different panoramic perspective than that offered by the Monserrate cable car, you can choose to visit the rooftop of the Colpatria Tower, an iconic skyscraper that rises 196 metres above the city centre and is an iconic symbol of the Bogota skyline.

The Colpatria Tower was built in 1979 and was once the tallest building in South America. Today, although it has lost that title over time, it remains an architectural landmark and a major landmark in the city. Originally conceived as a financial centre, the tower has evolved into a cultural and tourist epicentre, offering visitors a unique opportunity to appreciate Bogotá from above.

Once on the rooftop, you will be enveloped in a panoramic view that encompasses the entire city. From this vantage point you'll be able to contemplate the complexity of this destination, which combines skyscrapers, sprawling parks, popular neighbourhoods such as the favela El Paraíso and mountains that frame the skyline.

If you're looking for a typically traditional experience, then you can't miss a ride on a chiva rumbera in Bogotá. This peculiar bus-like vehicle is a sort of disco on wheels where you can enjoy the music at full volume while standing up, soaking up the rumbero spirit that permeates the atmosphere.

Despite the strangeness of its striking structure, the chiva rumbera is a tradition present in Colombia and many Caribbean countries. Music and dance are intertwined in a journey that not only physically transports you, but also immerses you in the true Colombian essence, which is why it is usually the star of the best tours of Bogotá.

These peculiar vehicles usually go out at night, gathering a lively group of people willing to immerse themselves in the experience of the rumba on wheels. In addition, on special dates like Christmas, the chiva rumbera is transformed into a festive tour of the most illuminated areas of the city, creating a joyful atmosphere that is contagious to all present.