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Bogota, a city of six million inhabitants, lies at an altitude of 8660 feet. Bordering the Andes mountain range, the weather is always spring like. The vast contrasts between poverty and wealth within the city define its uniqueness. It is Colombia's largest financial, political and cultural center. The city is comprised of many districts, each with its own architectural flair and personality, and which also include wonderful restaurants, bars and nightclubs.
The Gold Museum
Calle 16, 15-41
Tel. 57.1.343.2222
Who could resist all this luscious lucre? Make a visit here to see 34,000 pre-Columbian gold artifacts. You’ll also find 20,000 bone, stone and ceramic objects and textiles plus anthropology and archeology exhibits.
The Botero Museum
Calle 11, 4-21
Tel. 57.1.343.1223
Colombian painter and sculptor Fernando Botero is known for his plump people, animals and inanimate objects. He has donated 123 of his works to this museum, which also displays Picasso, Monet, Renoir and others.
The Funicular
Carrera 2 and Calle 21
The ride is entertaining and the view is incredible when you take this little train 3,200 meters up to the top of Monserrate. Cerro de Monserrate, the white church built on the summit, is where pilgrims pay their dues. There is a handicrafts market, good cafés and a couple of excellent restaurants with both traditional and international menus, which stay open until midnight. You can also get to the top by cable car.
Casa Vieja
Avenida Jimenez, 3-62
Tel. 57.1.334.8908
A Bogota specialty is ajiaco, a chicken, potato and avocado stew seasoned with guascas leaves. They do it well here, and also offer a variety of selections including steak and corncakes. You dine amid antiques and artwork from Colombia's colonial past.
Andres Carne de Res in Chia
Calle 2, 11a-56
Tel. 57.1.863.7880
www.andrescarnederes.com
A riotously decorated spectacle of art, music and eccentricity comes with the meal here. You may want to dine in the afternoon or early evening before the eating, drinking and dancing on tables gets into full swing. The menu is heavy on beef, but you’ll find almost everything else.
Artesanias de Colombia
Carrera 3 con Calle 18
Tel. 57.1.284.3095
www.artesaniasdecolombia.com.co
Located in front of Plazoleta de Las Aguas, and next to the church of Nuestra Señora de Las, this shop stocks a beautiful selection of handicrafts that are displayed in groups according to the region of their Colombian origin. You will also find fine pottery, leather goods, wooden curios, fabrics, and ornaments.
Joyería y Platería A. Solórzano
Centro Comercial Unicentro
Carrera 15 con Calle 125
Tel. 57.1.214.6958
This shop, one of the most reputable and prestigious jewelry stores in Bogotá, was founded in 1923 by the Solórzano family. You’ll find some of Colombia’s famous emeralds, 18-carat gold and silver jewelry and many more temptations. Their jewelry shops can also be found in some of the city's shopping centers. All the stores have an English-speaking attendant and are open on Sundays during special occasions.
Oma
Calle 94 No.38A
Tel. 57.1.622.3830
www.cafeoma.com
Oma not only sells the finest roasted Colombian coffee and a great selection of tea, but also allows its customers to sample them in any of its numerous outlets. Oma's ground roasted coffee is considered to be the best in the world. The coffee can be packed specially for long journeys and makes for a great gift.
Toldos de San Pelayo
Carrera 6 entre Calles 116 y 120
This Sunday open-air street market is located in the heart of the old Usquen neighborhood in North Bogota. It is an ideal place to stroll around and spend hours browsing through an array of goods, particularly antiques. It is possibly the most attractive market in the city, and people often visit for its cafes, restaurants and the overall ambience (though it can be quite expensive). Assuming your language skills are good, haggling is recommended.
Café Chamois
Calle 85 No. 11-69
Tel. 57.1.616.8921
Cafe Chamois claims to offer some of the best drinks in the city. It’s a pleasant place for a cup of coffee or a cocktail with friends. Thanks to the outdoor fireplace, which warms even the coldest Bogota nights, customers can sit out on the terrace all year round.
Disco Bar Salomé Pagana
Calle 82 con Carrera 14
Tel. 57.1.218.4076
This is one of the trendiest places in Bogotá, and has an excellent selection of salsa and son. César Pagano, a famous Colombian expert on this musical genre, runs the club. His collection of Cuban music is considered as the best in the city
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