Where to stay in Bogota?
Quick answer: The best areas to stay in Bogota are La Candelaria, the colonial centre where most hostels are, and Chapinero, the livelier, more modern district near Zona Rosa and Parque de la 93. Pick La Candelaria for sightseeing and Chapinero for nightlife, restaurants and a safer feel after dark.
After years in the shadows, Colombia has found the light and taken its place in international tourism, and Bogota, its sprawling, high-altitude capital, is a hot travel destination. This guide helps you choose the best hostel in the right part of the city.
A quick tip on getting around: Carreras are avenues running north to south, while Calles are streets running east to west.
Where to Stay in Bogota: La Candelaria
La Candelaria is a colonial neighbourhood in the centre of Bogota, and this barrio (neighbourhood) has the majority of the city’s hostels.
There are plenty of things to do in La Candelaria during the day, but at night the historic centre can get a bit dodgy, so take care after dark.
Backpacker Hostels in La Candelaria
Chocolate Hostel: set in a beautiful colonial house on a quiet street, this is not a loud party hostel. Plenty of fast food stalls nearby sell arepas and empanadas.
WiFi | Kitchen Access | Breakfast Included | From USD 8.56
Local Hostel: centrally located in La Candelaria with a good vibe. It’s clean, has comfortable beds and is an ideal place to meet other travellers.
WiFi | Kitchen Access | Breakfast Included | From USD 8.56
Bogota dreams hostel: known for its tranquil environment, it is 100 metres from the Botero Museum and 500 metres from the famous Museo del Oro (Gold Museum).
WiFi | Breakfast Included | From USD 5.75
Hostal Casa Colibri : a clean, comfortable hostel in the heart of La Candelaria, in a house that is part of the city’s historical and architectural heritage.
WiFi | Kitchen Access | From USD 6.84
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Where to Stay in Bogota: Chapinero
Chapinero is one of the most traditional localities in Bogotá and is recognised for having the widest range of entertainment, leisure and events. It is home to Colombia’s financial centre, numerous universities and academic centres, and a wide range of formal and informal commerce.
Places of historical and cultural interest include the Basilica of Our Lady of Lourdes and La Porciúncula Church. Chapinero is also home to Colombia’s two most elegant nightlife areas, Parque de la 93 and Zona Rosa. Transmilenio (Bus Rapid Transit) runs regularly between Chapinero and La Candelaria, the historic part of Bogota.
Backpacker Hostels in Chapinero
La Pinta: one of the top-rated hostels in Bogota, on the outskirts of Zona G, also known as the Restaurant and Gourmet Zone of Bogota.
WiFi | Kitchen Access | Breakfast | From USD 10
La Niña: a newer hostel from the owners of La Pinta, and much quieter. It’s 5 to 10 minutes from Zona T and Parque de la 93 (restaurants, shops, clubs).
WiFi | Kitchen Access | Breakfast | From USD 6.8
Hostal CQ Chapinero : set in an old house of republican architecture more than 120 years old, with a sun terrace and an on-site bar. El Campin Coliseum is 1.4 km away.
WiFi | Kitchen Access | Breakfast | From USD 6.85
Fulano Backpackers: in a charming neighbourhood full of character in northern Chapinero, surrounded by restaurants, bars and galleries, just a 10-minute walk from the popular nightlife district of Zona Rosa. Its great common areas give it the perfect blend of cleanliness, comfort and cultural atmosphere.
WiFi | Kitchen Access | From USD 10.28
Mi Llave Hostels: beautifully furnished suites with private bathrooms in a converted historic Colombian home. It’s centrally located with easy access to Zona Rosa and historic and artistic sites, and feels more like a B&B than a hostel.
WiFi | Kitchen Access | From USD 7.88
La Candelaria vs Chapinero at a Glance
| La Candelaria | Chapinero | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Colonial history and daytime sightseeing | Nightlife, restaurants and shopping |
| Hostels | Majority of Bogota’s hostels | Fewer, often quieter or more boutique |
| At night | Can get a bit dodgy | Home to Zona Rosa and Parque de la 93 |
| Hostel prices listed | From USD 5.75 | From USD 6.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best area to stay in Bogota for backpackers?
La Candelaria has the most hostels and is best for sightseeing, while Chapinero suits travellers who want nightlife and restaurants.
Is La Candelaria safe at night?
There’s plenty to do during the day, but the historic centre can get a bit dodgy at night, so take care after dark.
How do I get between Chapinero and La Candelaria?
The Transmilenio bus rapid transit runs regularly between the two neighbourhoods.
Conclusion
Deciding where to stay in Bogota comes down to your travel style. Choose a colonial hostel in La Candelaria to be close to the museums and history, or base yourself in Chapinero for Bogota’s best restaurants and nightlife.
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