The Salt Cathedral Guide To Bogotá

How would you describe Bogotá to someone who's never been?

It's a big city surrounded by giant green mountains and tons of brick buildings. Since it's on the equator weather is determined by altitude. Bogotá is at high altitude which means the weather remains around 16-24º C all year round. Sunny days, blue skies, occasional rain. and not humid at all.

The city is chaotic and lively. Full streets and also it is a city of social contrasts. It has modern areas that look like they belong in any major capital in the world, but also has areas that evidence the country's intense wealth disparity.

It is a beautiful city!

Who are the best local musicians/bands/artists?

Meridian Brothers, Frente Cumbiero, Bomba Estéreo, Curupira, Pernett, and brothers Antonio and Tico Arnedo are some of the best local musicians/band/artists!

What's the best venue to watch live music?

Best place is Armando Music Hall and Chamorro Music Hall.

What's the best club?

If you want to go for a electronic dance night, BAUM is the place to be. If not, go to Andres Carne de Res in Chia and experience a lot of salsa, reggaeton, and cumbia in the middle of a heavily decorated restaurant. It's an hour away from Bogotá and you go and eat, drink, and party. Unique place.

Where's the best record store?

RPM Records. You can find really great music on vinyl. You can find a great selection of old and new vinyls there. If you're into finding vinyl gems that's the place to go.

Where's the best place to eat?

For a casual lunch, Salvo Patria. For a nice dinner, Gamberro. For casual modern takes on Colombian food, El Chato is our favorite. If you want typical Colombian food go to Doña Elvira or El Panoptico at the National Museum.

Best place to drink?

Any 'cigarreria'. Have a shot of aguardiente and/or beer with friends.

Who are the local heroes?

Jaime Garzón. He was a political commentator, TV personality, peace activist, and a comedian, most known for his recognizable fictional characters, like the shoe polisher who interviewed politicians. He was around in the late '80s and '90s and was murdered in 1999 in a conspiracy yet unresolved that supposedly involved the paramilitary, cartels, and even the police. He was witty, brave, and ahead of his time. Definitely a local hero.

Favourite urban legend/myth?

Bogotá is set a top a high plateau surrounded by mountains, a valley of sorts called the Bogotá savannah. According to the legend of the Chibchas, the ancient native tribes that inhabited the area, Bochica was a bearded old man who taught the Chibcha people ethical and moral norms as well as agriculture and crafts such as clay pot making and weaving. At one point and as a punishment to the people from the gods, heavy rains flooded the Bogotá Savannah. They seeked out for Bochica's help. He returned on a rainbow and with his magic wand he broke a wedge to drain the flood, creating what is now called the 'Salto del Tequendama', a 132-meter-long waterfall.

What are the best sights to see and places to visit?

The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá and Monserrate which is a church in the very top of a mountain. You can go up by cable car or be brave and take the stairs.

How do you get around the city? Why?

Nowadays, biking. Because Bogotá's traffic is terrible, riding your bike is a great way to move around. Traffic was so unbearable that Bogotá issued a license plate restriction where you are not allowed to take your car out for two days out of the week. In response they've also created many bike paths around the city.

Where is the best place to relax?

Usaquen. We love walking around that area. It tends to be quiet and there are old houses and great restaurants around. Also, the Parque del Virrey is a nice morning walk if you're staying in the area.

What's the worst thing about Bogotá?

The traffic!

What's the best thing about Bogotá?

The warmth of the people. In general people from Bogotá are friendly and welcoming. Waking up seeing the mountains is a unique thing about Bogotá. One of the best things about living in the city is your accessibility within one to two hour drives to beautiful towns and landscapes in both hot (tropical) and cold (mountain) weather. It's like it can be "summer" every weekend.