10 Things to Do in Bogota at Night

The Colombian capital is one of the tourist epicenters of the country and during the night it changes its physiognomy becoming a scenario of fun, entertainment and panoramic views. I tell you what you can do in the city after sunset.

Matías Rodríguez

Matías Rodríguez

9 min read

10 Things to Do in Bogota at Night

Julieta Navarro

Located about 2,600 meters above sea level, Bogota is one of the highest capitals in the world and also one of the most important cities in Colombia, due to the large number of attractions it offers. However, when night falls, the city takes on a new meaning and, to all its natural charm, adds a tinge of fun and entertainment that make it a perfect place to party and revisit the local culture.

Some of the best things to do in Bogota at night include touring the tourist attractions on a night bus, contemplating the views of the city from the Monserrate cable car, attending a Clasico Capitalino soccer match, visiting the local breweries, participating in a ghost tour, visiting the planetarium and seeing the rooftop of the Colpatria Tower, one of the tallest in South America.

1. Tour the city's tourist attractions on a night bus tour.

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

One of the highlights is a visit to the iconic Andres DC, a steak and traditional food restaurant that offers the perfect setting for dancing, enjoying live music and soaking up the local culture. In addition, along the way, you will be able to contemplate Monserrate, a mountain that rises over 3,100 meters above sea level and offers some of the best panoramic views in Colombia.

You will also be able to visit some of the most popular historical buildings in Bogota, such as the Catedral Primada de Colombia, the Palace of Justice, the National Capitol and the Mayor's Office. All this before ending the tour in the picturesque colonial district of La Candelaria, the oldest neighborhood in the capital.

Book a guided tour of Bogota

2. See the night views of Bogota from the Monserrate cable car

One of the best and most beautiful alternatives to discover Bogotá illuminated 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 will be able to contemplate a night landscape of the silhouette of the Colombian capital that will leave you dazzled.

The Monserrate cable car, open until midnight, gives you the opportunity to admire Bogota in all its splendor at night. From the top, you will be able to appreciate the extension of the city that unfolds 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 than during 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 point. In addition, you will get to know a place that, because of its charm, is usually included in the best tours of Bogota.

Contemplate the night views of Bogota 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 Bogota.

Book tickets for the Monserrate cable car ride

3. Attend a soccer match between Millonarios and Santa Fe.

If you want to immerse yourself in the passion of Colombian soccer, 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, because 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 fervor among fans.

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

On the other hand, Independiente Santa Fe also has a very distinguished trajectory and has been a protagonist in several national and international competitions. The rivalry between the two teams, therefore, transcends the borders of Bogota, as both teams have often been protagonists at the continental level since the times 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 soccer culture of Bogota and live a unique experience full of passion, rivalry and excitement that drives fans of both teams crazy.

Buy tickets for a soccer match

4. Take a tour of the city's breweries

For beer lovers, a tour of Bogota's breweries is the perfect plan to explore the unique flavors of this beverage. If you opt for this experience, accompanied by an expert local guide, you will embark on a journey through the trendy neighborhoods of the city and taste all kinds of styles of craft beers.

During the tour of the breweries 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 flavor, color, aroma and texture. If you want to deepen the experience you can also participate in excursions from Bogota to explore the hop fields, the main brewing ingredient, on the outskirts of the city.

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

In addition to beer exploration, this excursion will give you the opportunity to socialize and make new friends in the South American Athens. The warm hospitality of the locals adds to the charm of the experience, allowing you to get to know the local flavors and, also, the friendliness of the Bogota community.

Book a beer tour

5. Join a ghost tour through the streets of Bogota.

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 lovers of horror stories 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 reenactments, you will shiver with stories that will make your hair stand on end. The tour will take you through haunted spots in the historic La Candelaria neighborhood, such as the Plaza del Chorro de Quevedo, the Museum of Bogota, the Colon Theater, Plaza de Bolivar and the La Salle Museum of Bogota.

For added entertainment and fun, during the tour you can enjoy alcoholic beverages included while enjoying the staff's performances. The combination of legends, well-crafted reenactments and a dash of humor will make this paranormal experience unforgettable... and spooky at the same time.

Join a ghost tour

6. Visit the Bogota Planetarium

One of the best ways to make the most of a night tour in the city, especially if you plan to take a trip with children, is to visit the Bogota Planetarium. This emblematic astronomical center offers the opportunity to explore the universe from a fascinating perspective, and at nightfall it transforms into a stage where the stars and planets become the protagonists.

The observation deck at the Bogota Planetarium is a highlight of the nighttime 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 who will lead you through the vastness of space, you can marvel at the beauty of the moon and other astronomical phenomena.

In addition to stargazing, the Bogota Planetarium offers audiovisual projections that transport visitors to 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.

7. Explore the city's nightclubs for a taste of Bogota's nightlife

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

If you are looking for a fusion of electronic music and sophisticated ambience, Armando Records is the perfect place for your visit. This nightclub offers a modern experience with live DJs and a lively dance floor. Another must-see 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 emblematic bar that offers live music with genres such as salsa, reggae and rock. Its cozy atmosphere and extensive selection of craft beers make this place a meeting point for music lovers and good company.

8. Discover local flavors on a gastronomic tour

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

You will also have the opportunity to taste the bandeja paisa, a traditional Antioquian dish that includes rice, beans, ground beef, pork rinds, 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, do not miss the opportunity to try ajiaco, an emblematic soup of Bogota 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 flavors and a piece of local history.

Book a gastronomic tour

9. Take in sweeping views of the city from the rooftop of the Colpatria Tower.

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 meters high in the center of the city and is an iconic symbol of the Bogota skyline.

The Colpatria Tower was built in 1979 and at the time was the tallest building in South America. Today, although it has lost that title over time, it remains an architectural landmark and an important point of reference in the city. Originally conceived as a financial center, the tower has evolved into a cultural and tourist epicenter, offering visitors a unique opportunity to appreciate Bogota from above.

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

Join a tour of the El Paraíso slum

10. Enjoy a typical tour in a "chiva rumbera".

If you are looking for a typically traditional experience, then you can't miss a ride on a chiva rumbera in Bogota. This peculiar vehicle, similar to a bus, is a kind of discotheque on wheels where you can enjoy the music at full volume standing up, getting caught up in the rumbero spirit that permeates the atmosphere.

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

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