A District Guide to Bogota

A typical Spanish colonial city during the 17th, 18th andEl Salitre is home to most of Bogota's open green
19th centuries, Bogota began to reflect other Europeanspace. Attractions include the Parque Simon Bolivar
influences during the 20th century. For example, thethe citys largest public park as well as the Unidad
city's palaces built at the turn of the 20th century areDeportiva El Salitre, the Jardin Botanico (The Botanical
French-influenced, while the residential areas built duringGardens), Museo de los Ninos (the Bogot Children's
the mid 20th century are English-influenced. Bogota'sMuseum) and Maloka, an interactive science center.
skyscrapers, which were erected late in the 20thAvenida Chile
century, clearly reflect an American architecturalAvenida Chile is Bogota's central business sector.
sensitivity.Tourists can visit the Granahorrar shopping center,
By visiting each of Botoga's neighborhoods andnext to La Porcioncula church, or take in an authentic
districts, one can gain a better appreciation fordining experience in one of the district's numerous
Bogota's contrasting, yet complimentary, style.Colombian restaurants.
Barrio La CandelariaChapinero
Barrio La Candelaria is the oldest district in Bogota andOnce one of Bogota's most exclusive residential
the city's historical center. Barrio La Candelaria is homeneighborhoods, the Chapinero is now one of the city's
to a lovely residential sector, known for its magnificentcentral shopping areas. The district is also home to
colonial houses with wooden balconies and clay tilenumerous examples of neo-gothic architecture,
roofs. It is also home to the Plaza de Bolivar area,including the Nuestra Senora de Lourdes church and
where the presidential residence (or Palacio de Narino)the Teatro Libre.
is located.El Campin
Just to the south of La Candelaria is Nueva Santa Fe,El Campin is home to the Nemesio Camacho el
one of several government-sponsored projects in theCampin, Bogota's largest stadium, featuring sporting
1990s to revitalize the city center. This newevents and concerts year-round.
neighborhood, with plentiful examples of lateCarrera 15
20th-century architecture, is home to Colombia'sCarrera 15 is Bogota's only pedestrian-only zone, with
impressive national archives (the Archivo General de laa host of lovely cafes, restaurants, shops and the
Nacion).city's famous Mercado de las Flores (flower market).
Centro InternacionalCarrera 15 also has a number of nightspots, making it
The Centro Internacional (International Center) areaa popular destination after dark.
surrounds the Hotel Tequendama and can offerLa Zona Rosa
visitors a variety of cultural, dining and religiousPerhaps Bogota's liveliest nightspot, La Zona Rosa is
experiences. Just to the sorth of the hotel is the Torrewell known for its restaurants, bars and discotheques.
Colpatria, while the Museo de Arte Moderno and theParque de la 93
Biblioteca Nacional are to the east. To the north areThis stunning Parque (park) lies at the center of one of
the Museo Nacional and the Parque Central Bavaria,Bogota's most exclusive residential neighborhoods. The
which is one of the best examples of Bogota'sdistrict also offers numerous five star restaurants,
modern architecture.many of which ring the park and have outdoor seating
El Salitreon their terraces.