Botero Museum was founded in 2000 when the artist gave over 120 of his own works and 85 items from his personal collection to the Banco de la Repblica, which manages the museum out of a colonial manor home in the city's historic district of La Candelaria.

Fernando Botero's full-bodied aesthetic may be observed in fine artworks and massive public monuments in major towns and institutions worldwide. His penchant for curvaceous subjects—men, women, children, animals, and even bowls of fruit—is well known in his native Colombia and beyond; however, since the 1970s, Botero has amassed his own collection of historic masterpieces by seminal artists such as French-Russian multidisciplinary modernist Marc Chagall, legendary Spanish Surrealist Salvador Dal, and Claude Monet, leader of the French Impressionist movement.

The east wing of the museum houses paintings by the above and beyond, with works on display ranging from a 19th-century piece titled Gitane au tambourin by the French painter and draughtsman Camille Corot to a late 20th-century oil painting by the Spanish modern artist Miquel Barceló. The caliber and breadth of Botero's acquisitions place Museo Botero "among the five most important public international art collections in Latin America," according to Google Arts & Culture.

The west wing of the museum houses around 120 paintings, sculptures, and sketches by Botero himself. The collection depicts Botero's visual language known as "Boterismo," a style marked by bloated subjects that reference and draw on art history while simultaneously belonging to the artist's completely unique personal taste. Every day, over 1,000 people visit Museo Botero to view the collection, take a tour, participate in a workshop, or listen to a lecture. Botero co-curated the museum's collection, which was donated with the stipulation that all artworks remain in the space indefinitely.

Google rating: 4.8/5.0

Address: Cl. 11 #4-41, Bogotá, Colombia
Phone: +57 13431316
Opening hours: Mon to Sat - 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Sun - 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Website: artsandculture.google.com/partner/museo-botero-bogota

The history of the Santa Clara Museum covers more than 360 years since its construction in 1647. The Church and the convent of the Clarisas nuns witnessed all the historical events of the nation and in 1983 it was delivered as a Museum to all Colombians.

The Santa Clara Museum is a public institution whose objective is to investigate, preserve, disseminate and exhibit the cultural processes of the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, from the perspective of the construction of Colombian identity.

The Museum preserves the original decoration of the church made up of Baroque altarpieces, oil paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries, stewed and polychrome images, mural painting and Mudejar latticework. In total there are more than 140 pieces, not counting the rich mural painting and vaulting, with more than 950 flowers with five leaves – pentafolias – carved in wood and covered in gold foil. That is why it is considered one of the most important architectural and artistic jewels of the country's colonial period.

The Museum has areas of Management, Conservation, Curatorship, Education, Administration, Museography and Communications, all aimed at developing the objectives of the Ministry of Culture regarding the generation and preservation of culture in Colombia. It works in a close administrative unit with the Colonial Museum. Visiting the Santa Clara Museum is immersing yourself in the experience of Baroque representation from the 17th and 18th centuries. Its architecture, images and decorations account for the social and cultural dynamics of the colonial era.

Tripadvisor rating: 4.7/5.0

Address: Carrera 6 No. 9-77
Phone: +57 (1) 341 6017

Opening hours: Tue to Thu - 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m, Sat and Sun - 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Website: https://museolasclaras.com/en/

The Botanical Garden of Bogotá, officially named the José Celestino Mutis Botanical Garden in honor of the astronomer and botanist José Celestino Mutis, is a center for research, conservation and dissemination of the diversity of plant species in Bogotá, the capital of Colombia. Founded in 1955 by the priest Enrique Pérez Arbeláez.

In May 2022, the national government, through the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, granted recognition as a Research Center to the José Celestino Mutis Botanical Garden, after validating that the entity complies with all the current technical and regulatory criteria, in terms of infrastructure, resources and conditions that contribute to the development of knowledge and scientific research.

Through Resolution 469 of May 17, 2022, the Vice Ministry of Knowledge, Innovation and Productivity of the Science and Technology Portfolio, ordered that the Botanical Garden of Bogotá complies with the evaluation criteria established in the Technical Guide for the recognition of centers and research institutes, which makes it the first Botanical Garden to hold the status of Research Center in the country.

The Botanical Garden functions as a research center on ecosystems in urban and rural areas, in order to learn about their interactions, development and the effects they have, to investigate and create strategies to improve urban and regional vegetation cover. It is a public entity with functions in the arborization of the city, which seeks to guarantee vegetation cover in Bogotá.

Google rating: 4.7/5.0

Address: Cl. 63 #68-95, Bogotá, Colombia
Phone: +57 601 4377060

Opening hours: Mon to Fri - 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Sat to Sun - 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Website: https://jbb.gov.co/

The Sanctuary of Monserrate in the eastern hills of Bogotá can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. It is located at 3,172 meters above sea level, at the top of Monserrate or Cerro de Las Nieves. Devotees climb up a nearly two-mile path to this traditional religious pilgrimage site, which began in 1620.

If you walk up, you will witness a variety of handicrafts, traditional food, station of the cross sculptures, and the chapel of the Virgin of Monserrat. If you take the funicular or cable car up, you may enjoy a stunning view of the city as well as the richness of flora and fauna on the hill, which is home to more than 80 kinds of birds.

Once at the top of the hill, you can engage in a variety of activities, including the primary tourist destination, the Basilica Sanctuary of Monserrate. In this church, you may see stunning colonial-era sculptures, including the important figure of the fallen Lord of Monserrate, which depicts Jesus falling for the third time on his trip to Calvary. It is considered to be amazing since its hair grows and when they try to drop it to the city, its weight rises, making it a difficult undertaking to complete.

Behind the sanctuary is a vast plaza with handicrafts or souvenirs, as well as various restaurants where you can sample the most diverse gastronomy of Bogota, from hot chocolate with tamale and toast to the famed rib broth, changua, ajiaco, and many other dishes. In addition, near to the Sanctuary, there are two beautiful nineteenth-century restaurants with terraces overlooking the mountain and the city, where you can enjoy traditional Colombian cuisine as well as international cuisines.

Google Rating: 4.7/5.0

Location: Santa Fe, Bogota, Colombia

Opening hours: Daily

The Simón Bolvar Metropolitan Park, sometimes known as Simón Bolvar Park, is a greenspace, entertainment, and sports complex in the heart of Bogotá, Colombia. The park, regarded as Bogota's largest and most important park, attracts millions of tourists each year due to the variety of activities available. The park is named after Simón Bolvar, a Latin American liberator. The park is operated by the District Institute of Recreation and Sport and is located in the Teusaquillo neighborhood.

Simón Bolvar Metropolitan Park includes a lake where visitors can rent paddle boats. It also contains wide open green areas, a cicloruta (bike route), playgrounds, extensive parking places, and a highly popular events arena, which is known for hosting festivals such as Rock al Parque and major national and international performances.

There is a Eucharistic temple that was inaugurated in 1968 during the visit of His Holiness John Paul II, as well as tree planting projects that took place between 1981 and 1984. Some modifications implemented between 1986 and 1993 are part of the ongoing efforts to establish the park as a local tourism attraction.

Google rating: 4.7/5.0
Address: Av. Calle 53 y Av. Esmeralda #s/n, Bogotá, Cundinamarca, Colombia

Phone: +57 317 6600266

Opening hours: Mon to Sun - 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

This convent holds first place among all the houses in the Province, for having been the first to be founded in 1550 when the religious arrived from Spain who came to formally organize the presence of the Franciscan Order in the New Kingdom of Granada. For this reason it is known as "the Maximum Convent". But it is also called "Convent of Purification" because this is its owner.

The first headquarters that it had was in the place that today is known as the Parroquia de las Nieves, in the seventh race, for a very short time. Then it was on the same site that is currently occupied by the church of San Agustín. But in 1557 they moved to the current location, to the houses donated to them by Archbishop Fray Juan de los Barrios, also a Franciscan, who he bought from the merchant Juan Muñoz de Collantes. Here they dedicated themselves to building the convent, which came to have two blocks. The Provincial Curia had its headquarters in this convent until the end of 1861 when the decree of extinction of the religious communities in Nueva Granada left the friars without legitimacy. The convent thought of being used as a public prison, but the idea having not prospered, in 1862 the governorship of Cundinamarca was installed.

Due to the tremors of August 1917, the government building suffered serious damage, for which it was demolished. This gave rise to the construction of the current Government Palace, which began in 1918 and ended in 1933, in accordance with the plans made by the French architect Gastón Lelarge.

Google rating: 4.6/5.0

Address: Av Jimenez de Quesada #7-10, Bogotá, Colombia
Phone: +57 13412357

Opening hours: Mon to Fri - 6:30 am to 10:30 pm, Sat - 4 to 6:30 pm, Sun - 4:30 to 7:30 pm

Website: www.templodesanfrancisco.com

Plaza de Bolivar is called after the statue of Simon Bolivar that stands in its center. The statue was cast in 1846 by the Italian sculptor Pietro Tenerani and was Bogota's first public monument. Simon Bolivar is still regarded as a historical figure in South America, particularly in the northern countries of Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador. Bolivar, known as El Libertador (the Liberator), led the modern-day nations of Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Panama, Bolivia, and Peru to independence from the Spanish Empire; practically all of these countries have major cities called Plaza de Bolivar in his honor.

The Muisca, a pre-Hispanic civilisation, used the site and is known to have erected multiple temples there. When the Spaniards arrived in the 16th century, they chose the area to erect a makeshift cathedral on the east side, and the square itself became a popular gathering place for major cultural or religious events. Several prominent municipal buildings surround the area, including the Palace of Justice on the north side. Versions of this edifice have been on the square since 1921, when the original was burned down during the El Bogotazo riots following the assassination of Jorge Gaitan, the Liberal Party's leader at the time. It was restored several times before being destroyed again in 1985 during a siege by insurgents and the Colombian army. The new structure was completed in 1998.

The major cathedral of Bogota presently sits on the east side, a 19th-century manifestation of former structures on the location. The Lievano Palace (Bogota's municipal hall) is on the west side, and the National Capitol, which houses both of Colombia's national congresses, is on the south. Plaza de Bolivar is a prominent protest venue, with huge demonstrations frequently beginning or concluding here. It's also a popular spot for demonstrators to set up tent.

Google rating: 4.6/5.0
Location: La Candelaria, Bogota,Colombia
Phone: +57 14629226
Opening hours: Daily

There are several wonderful museums in Bogota, but the Museo del Oro, or Museum of Gold, is one of the most fascinating. Before Columbus and other European explorers came to Colombia, gold was a significant part of the local culture and heritage. The Museo del Oro investigates this, displaying an incredible collection of gold dating back centuries.

The Muisca Golden Raft is housed in the museum. The raft, discovered in Pasca in 1969, was used in the coronation of a new Muisca federation ruler. After renovations, the museum contained five rooms for golden artefacts and an auditorium as of 2008. A cafe, a restaurant, and a souvenir shop are also available.

The museum now houses around 55,000 artifacts, nearly 6,000 of which are on display. Many of these things were employed in indigenous peoples' daily lives or sacred rites, such as the Muisca and Tayrona. The main welcome area, the shop, and the restaurant are all located on the first floor. Exhibitions are located on the second and third floors. The title of the second floor is "People and Gold in Pre-Hispanic Colombia." Calima, Quimbaya, Muisca, Zenu, Tierrandentro, San Agustin, Tolima, Tairona, and Uraba are among the halls dedicated to various cultures and civilizations. "After Columbus" is the name of one of the rooms.

The third-floor exposition takes off in a different direction. Shamanism is represented by the "Flying Shamanic" and "the Offering." At the end of the exhibit, videos describing the most important objects on display are shown in the Profunditation Room. Almost majority of the exhibits are in English and Spanish.

Tripadvisor rating: 4.5/5.0

Address: Carrera 6 No.15-88, Bogotá 110321 Colombia

Phone: +57 601 3432222

Opening hours: Mon to Sun - 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

A bit off the tourist trail in Bogota, one of Colombia’s best farmers markets is hands down the Paloquemao market. This vast Bogota market brings the greatest and freshest things from all throughout Colombia, creating a truly authentic and immersive experience in the country's capital.

A half- or full-day visit to the Paloquemao market is highly recommended. Negotiate with vendors who are always eager to show guests what they have to offer. So why limit yourself to ogling at the luscious and colorful display of fruit, veggies, grains and more? This is your chance to try and learn about your favorite Colombian ingredients!

Furthermore, if your visit to Colombia does not involve excursions to each of the other regions, the Paloquemao market is a melting pot of the best that each ecosystem has to offer. The Paloquemao market is the place to go if you want to enjoy the aromas and fragrances of Colombia's coast, jungle, and mountains. Explore the market's periphery for prepared food to satisfy your hunger and to try something new. Every day, fresh arepas, substantial soups, and traditional desserts are prepared to serve the thousands of residents that come by and bring life to this daily market.

Numerous different things are offered in the Paloquemao market to appeal to all types of travelers. The fresh-cut flower section is located outside and is a visual feast that showcases Mother Nature's craftsmanship. It's easy to see how Colombia has become one of the world's leading flower exporters after perusing the stunning variety and massive amount of flowers.

Google rating: 4.5/5.0
Address: Av. Cdad. de Lima #25-04, Bogotá, Colombia
Phone: +57 7426664
Opening hours: Mon to Sun - 4:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Colombia is, in fact, the world's emerald capital! In fact, the country controls between 70 and 90% of the global emerald market. Colombian emeralds are prized for their clarity and rich green tint, and the country has been manufacturing them for generations. The International Emerald Museum is the ideal destination to learn everything there is to know about Colombia's emerald trade. It's a private museum housed within a skyscraper, just meters from the Museo del Oro.

The International Emerald Museum houses various exhibitions of beautiful emeralds. The staff is courteous and professional, and guests are frequently given a personal tour of the various exhibitions. Aside from the stones, the museum also houses replicated emerald mines. In addition to the exhibitions, the museum has a jewelry store where visitors can purchase emerald jewelry. Please keep in mind that photography is prohibited at the International Emerald Museum for security reasons. The museum provides 30-minute guided tours. You can reserve your tickets ahead of time using Whatsapp. The International Emerald Museum is a must-see for anybody interested in rare stones.

Google rating: 4.4/5.0

Address: Edificio Avianca, Cl. 16 #6-66 piso 23, Santa Fé, Bogotá, Cundinamarca, Colombia
Phone: +57 316 8321180
Opening hours: Mon to Sat - 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Website: https://www.museodelaesmeralda.com.co/