Gone are the days when a mention of Colombia would remind you of cocaine and civil war. Colombia has settled down into peace and prosperity after decades of internal upsets and strife. The country is now on a fast recovery, with tourism playing a big hand in improving the economy.
Even during a time when South America is not very popular with tourists, Colombia is a hot favorite. It is not without reason that the country is visited by discerning travelers from all over the world.
Bogotá is the capital city of Colombia. It is one of the most developed cities in South America, and is a center for culture and economics in Colombia. There are a huge number of fascinating attractions on offer for tourists.
There are more than two dozen museums, a huge collection of architecture from the colonial period, some of the most pulsating nightlife scenes this side of the world. There are a huge number of excellent sights besides these, and tons of fun things to do.
Most of the main must see attractions of Bogotá are located in and around La Candelaria. This area is the colonial center of the city. La Candelaria is easily accessible from the airport as well, just a short taxi ride away.
Check the following list for the main landmarks and sights worth seeing in Bogotá, Columbia . . .
Cerro de Monserrate . . .
Cerro de Monserrate is a Roman Catholic Sanctuary situated at an elevation of two thousand feet above Bogotá. This ca be accessed by cable car or cog rail. The mountain top offers a panoramic view of Bogota. In addition to the view, there are a number of charms such as a magnificent church, a huge number of shops, fabulous gardens and more.
Bolivar Plaza . . .
Bolivar Plaza is the center of the country. the space has the Cathedral Primada, the first cathedral of the nation, surrounding it. Other buildings surrouding the Plaza include the Supreme Court, the Colombian House and Senate and more. The Casa de Narino, the official residence of the Colombian president.
Museum of Colonial Art . . .
The Museum of Colonial Art is situated in a fabulous colonial mansion. There are a huge number of exhibits housed in a magnificent colonial mansion. The museum has hundreds of artworks right from the conquest and the early settlements.
Gabriel Garcia Marquez Cultural Center . . .
Gabriel Garcia Marquez is a Nobel Prize winning Columbian author. Colombians are justly proud of Marquez, whose works are venerated the world over. The Gabriel Garcia Marquez Cultural Center has a huge collection of information related to the author and his works. There is some excellent Colombian Coffee in the open air café.
Botero Museum . . .
Fernando Botero is a world famous artist from Colombia known for his works in paint and sculpture. The Botero Museum has a huge collection of artwork owned by the artist, with a number of works by Matisse, Renoir, Monet and Picasso.
Museum of Gold . . .
The Museum of Gold is home to a huge collection of artwork, numbering more than thirty thousand, from the pre Colombian era. This includes the raft of Guatavita, source of the famous legend of El Dorado. The Gold Museum is situated at downtown Bogota.
Colombia is an affordable destination even now. The local restaurants are much cheaper than the American style ones and offer some excellent cuisines.