As Colombia's capital and largest metropolis, Bogota
has benefited in recent years from an increasingly prominent profile on South
America's tourism scene. It's long been known as a great place for culture and
cuisine and a favorite among luxury and budget travelers.
However, there are more reasons why travelers are drawn
to Bogota today.
As the city continues to evolve, several new trends are
fueling growth, according to the Instituto Distrital de Turismo de Bogota
(IDT), the city's tourism office, and ProColombia, the nation's tourism promotion
organization.
Bogota is crafting a destination identity that fits an
ever-diversifying range of traveler preferences. During my most recent visit, I
dove deeper into what officials say are some of the hottest topics driving
travel. Here's what I found.
Nightlife Tourism
According to the city tourism office, Bogota has more
than 11,000 nightlife venues including bars, clubs, live music spaces and
theaters. Three of the city's nightclubs ranked among the World's 100 Best Clubs according to the
International Nightlife Association: Theatron, Clandestino and Octava.
Theatron, by the way, is the largest LGBTQ+ nightclub in the western hemisphere
and possibly the world, with multiple themed venues and a capacity of more than
5,000 people and the venue is so well known that people of every identity and
orientation patronize it.
Nancy Correal, a Bogota-based tour guide with ToursbyLocals, confirms that nightlife is
one of the biggest draws for her clients: "Bogota offers a great variety
of bars and restaurants for different types of travelers and locals, and it's
definitely a big part of the city's appeal," she said. "I've had
tourists who have come to celebrate New Year's Eve, for example, as a big night
out."
Theatron Nightclub in Bogota, Colombia. (Photo Credit: DepartureLevel.com)
Inclusive Travel
Bogota's growing reputation as a safe and welcoming
city is well-earned. It is, after all, the capital of a nation considered a
beacon for LGBTQ+ rights in Latin America. Tour companies like Out in Colombia offer LGBTQ+-friendly tours,
while hotels, including the W Bogota and Estelar Hotels, carry the Friendly Biz seal, a
certification that recognizes inclusive business practices.
"I've had many LGBTQ+ tourists coming to
Bogot," said Correal. "They're interested in culture since they've
been traveling all around the world, and Colombia has become a hot new
destination. Many plan a night at Theatron as the highlight of their
visit."
Bogota is also breaking ground in making travel more
accessible for neurodivergent visitors. The Tur4all app helps users locate
sensory-friendly spaces, quiet zones and accessible tourism providers. The city
has also launched the Red de Turismo Accesible (Accessible Tourism Network),
which promotes barrier-free experiences and educates local businesses about
accessibility.
Fashion Tourism
Bogota is a style hub, and an increased focus on
sustainable fashion has resulted in interesting options for fashion-savvy and
environmentally conscious travelers. Bogota's Red de Moda Circular (Circular
Fashion Network) encourages recycling, reusing and reducing waste within the
fashion industry.
"There are many influential new local fashion
designers in Bogot," said Correal. "We can find them especially in
the Zona Rosa area, one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Bogota, where
designers have their standalone boutiques. You can also find them in malls like
the luxury-focused Retiro or Centro Comercial Andino. Some of my
visitors have even requested tailored shopping tours pun intended to
explore these unique boutiques."
Tech-Savvy Travel
Bogota is upping the ante with new technology designed
to make travel go more smoothly. At El Dorado International Airport, which
reported a 19.4% increase in passengers between 2023 and 2024, departing
travelers can now use kiosks to scan their boarding passes, streamlining
security processing.
In addition, the tourism office recently introduced
"Candelaria," an AI-powered chatbot on its website designed to assist
tourists in real-time. Available in both English and Spanish, the chatbot
offers 24/7 support and helps travelers navigate the city's many attractions,
dining options and events. With smart tourism on the rise, Candelaria enhances
convenience while reinforcing Bogot's status as a digitally forward
destination.
Bogota, Colombia. (Photo Credit: ProColombia)
This innovation complements larger infrastructure
improvements, including the much-anticipated new Bogota Metro, a mass transit
system that will ideally provide new ways for locals and visitors to avoid the
city's notorious traffic; the first line is slated to open in 2028.
Arts, Entertainment and Hotel Growth
The city's thriving cultural calendar also contributes
to its tourism growth. According to a city report, attendance at arts and
entertainment events saw a 6.2% uptick in 2024, driven by events including
concerts, festivals and museum exhibitions.
Hotel development continues around the city. Among the
newest names in hospitality is the Four Points by Sheraton Bogota Tequendama,
which debuted in March 2025 in a high-rise that for decades was home to the
InterContinental and later the Crowne Plaza Tequendama. Also opened within the
past year are the Masaya Collection Camelia, a boutique property
in the historic city center, and Art Homes 85 in the Chapinero district.
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