La Candelaria is the 17th locality of Bogota, and makes up the historic Old Town of this sprawling megalopolis. I spent two weeks here in 2014, and found myself falling in love with the suburb more and more each day. The vibe here is stately, bohemian and hipster all at the same time. Think towering churches nestling against tiny cafes, student bars rubbing shoulders with cobblestone streets. Most backpackers will find their way into La Candelaria eventually - however, why join an organised tour when you can walk the streets of this gorgeous suburb unassisted and unaccosted?

STOP 1: COFFEE

You need fuel for the day, so start your engines at Papaya Gourmet. Here you’ll get a decent cup of coffee and a pastry for less than $5 US.

(Cra. 3 ##12C-90, Bogotá, Colombia)

STOP 2: Museo Botero

One of Bogotá’s most famous art museums, Museo Botero celebrates the art of Colombia’s favourite son, Fernando Botero. His work depicts people and animals in exaggerated proportions and volumes. Other works from artists like Dalí, Degas, and even Picasso can also be seen at the museum.

(Calle 11 No. 4-41, Bogotá, Colombia)

STOP 3: Plaza Bolívar

Plaza Bolívar is the main square in the heart of La Candelaria and at the center for some of the city’s most important buildings and offices. Around the square you’ll see the Palace of Justice, the National Capitol building, the Cathedral of Bogotá and the Museo del 20 de Julio (Independence Day).

(Plaza Bolívar, Carrera No. 11-10, Bogotá)

STOP 4: Museo del Oro

Located 5 minutes up the road from Plaza Bolivar, Mueseo Del Oro is a testament to gold, and is one of Colombia’s most impressive museums. Within the steel plated doors lies some 55,000 pieces of gold. Some are simple pieces of jewelry and ornaments, while others are masterful works of some of Colombia’s oldest welders.

(Museo del Oro, Carrera 6 No. 15-88, Bogotá, Colombia)

stop 5: La Puerta Falsa

It’s lunchtime. your stomach should be telling you this by now. Stop by La Puerta Falsa for some share plates - la Puerta Falsa is a Bogotá institution and perhaps the oldest restaurant and snack bar in the city. The restaurant has been open since 1816 and has remained a landmark since then. Anthony Bourdain called the tamales at La Puerta Falsa ‘a thing of beauty.’ You can’t miss out on their hot chocolate or agua de panela.

(La Puerta Falsa, Calle 11, #6-50, Bogotá,Colombia)

STOP 6: Plazoleta Chorro de Quevedo

Your next stop is a mere guide. Plaza Chorro de Quevedo forms the basis for your next few stops. Here you’ll find a looming chapel, street performers and a variety of cafes. It’s time to look for the street art. Head down funnel street (Calle del Embudo) for a meandering pathway under some of the more gaudy, yet oddly beautiful street art that this city has to offer.

(Plazoletta Chorro de Quevedo, Calle 12b, Bogota, Colombia)

stop 7: La Casa de Poesía Silva

Like reading? You’re in for a treat. Your next stop will be taking yo to the house of José Asunción Silva. Considered the one of the founders of Spanish-American modernism, Jose’s house is a welcome break for any traveller with a passion for the written word. You’ll find original copies of some of his literary work, as well as paintings, furniture and personal belongings that belonged to Silva when he was alive.

(La Casa de Poesía Silva, Calle 12C No.3-41, Bogotá, Colombia)

STOP 8: BOGOTA BEER COMPANY

This is a personal addition. I spent hours of my life in this lively little pub, reading, writing, talking with fellow travellers and locals alike. By this stage in the afternoon you’ll be needing some form of imbibing, and the Bogota Beer Company will provide you with a range of gloriously bubbly options to whet your whistle. Definitely a much needed rest stop on this whirlwind tour of the suburb. Want to read more about beer drinking in Bogota? read my other post on the topic here.

(Calle 12D # 4-02, Bogotá, Cundinamarca, Colombia)

For one of the largest cities in South America, there surely must be more than 8 things to see in Bogota? Let us know what to add in the comments below!