Despite the bad reputation Columbia endured in the 80′s and early 90′s, tourism has increased in Bogotá since the 2000′s due to aggressive publicity campaigns and advancements in both infrastructure and safety. With a population of about 8.8 million people, it’s hard to understand the sheer size of the city. Bogotá is the largest city in Colombia, one of the biggest of Latin America, figures in the 30th largest cities of the world, and its altitude (2,640 meters) makes it the third-highest capital city in the world.

The botanical garden, José Celestino Mutis, La Quinta de Bolivar, the national observatory, the planetarium and the observation point of La Calera are some of the few important landmarks and tourist stops in Bogotá. The city has several green parks and amusement parks like Salitre Magico, Mundo Aventura and Camelot. The city also offers 58 museums and over 70 art galleries to chose from. One not to be missed is the Museo del Oro (Gold Museum), with 35,000 pieces of tumbaga gold, along with 30,000 objects in ceramic, stone and textiles, representing the largest collection of pre-Colombian gold in the world.

Bogotá’s economy has significantly improved due to new shopping malls built within the last few years. Downtown Bogotá is an interesting area to stroll around in filled with boutiques, business offices, cafés, and the banking district. Most of the best hotels, restaurants and shops are located in the Northern end of the city. So if you’re interested in exploring the culture and richness of a South American metropolis, Bogotá should be one of the top cities to visit where you will feel free to shop, party, explore and most of all, relax.