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Old Bogota (La Candelaria)

Barrio La Candelaria | Downtown / Candelaria, Bogota, Colombia
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As featured in 3 days in Bogota
Ranked #7 of 85 attractions in Bogota
Type: Neighbourhoods, Historic Walking Areas
Fee: No
Recommended length of visit: 2-3 hours
Owner description: A lively neighborhood section of the city that features small shops and ancient churches. The neighborhood includes a number of attractions including... more » Owner description: A lively neighborhood section of the city that features small shops and ancient churches. The neighborhood includes a number of attractions including The Plaza de Bolivar, The Bogota Cathedral. The Gold Museum, The Fundacion Botero, The Religious Art Museum, The Coin House, The Library Luis Angel Arango. « less
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545 reviews from our community

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London, United Kingdom
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 May 2013 NEW

I agree with the other reviews in that this is an area of Bogota that is a must see for the architecture and museums, but I highly recommend getting out of the area by 4pm as it is not very safe. We walked around during the day and it was a nice way to get a feel of Bogota but... More

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See 4 more reviews by Beau2010 for Bogota
San Diego, California
Top Contributor
53 reviews 53 reviews
27 attraction reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 May 2013 NEW

While I highly recommend seeing this area of Bogota, and we felt safe walking around the couple of blocks that we did, I was saddened that there is so much graffiti on all of the buildings, including the churches and cathedral. I wish there was something that could be done to encourage pride in that neighborhood and in the important... More

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See 5 more reviews by upandaway99 for Bogota
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Top Contributor
68 reviews 68 reviews
16 attraction reviews
Reviews in 22 cities Reviews in 22 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 May 2013 NEW

La Candelaria is great for a stroll to get a sense of Bogota's roots. There's plenty of old architecture - whether museums, churches, or houses in the area. Some of the older homes have a traditional central courtyard with the home organized around that focal point. Plaza de Bolivar is also in the area. It makes a decent starting or... More

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See 10 more reviews by Forca_Barca for Bogota
Lima, Peru
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 May 2013 NEW

There is nothing worth seeing here - your time in Bogota is best spent in the beautiful areas of Zona Rosa, Zona Te and Parque 93. Stay away from this pigeon infested area where we were also spat on & pick pocketted for our mobile phones! Much better places to be in Bogota.

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See 4 more reviews by AngusLizaJabour for Bogota
Memphis, Tennessee
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2013

Safe as a house, armed cops everywhere, walk till your hearts content. Great to be in a Latino walking and strolling environment. Columbian coffee great.

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See 3 more reviews by Ted N for Bogota
New York City, New York
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 May 2013

arrived sunday night. streets deserted. looked scary. looked a little bit scary during the week, with university students as such... but not exactly a "must-visit" place

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Singapore, Singapore
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 May 2013

I was surprised when I found myself at the Archeological Museum which was housed in a beautifully kept colonial house in the historic center of Bogotá, just a few blocks from the stately Casa de Nariño which is the official residence of the President of Colombia. The archeological collection is perfect, well illustrated and explained. Some of the pieces are... More

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See 7 more reviews by MarenCali_Colombia for Bogota
UK
Senior Contributor
29 reviews 29 reviews
13 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2013

I love La Candalaria - narrow streets, coloured buildings, different architecture, hidden gems (explore to find them!), as well as Churches, Museums, shops, cafes and restaurants. Busy during the day and on Friday/Saturday nights. Like any town or city anywhere in the world, take care with your personal belongings and stay within the central area. Have fun wandering around, find... More

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See 7 more reviews by gwpUk for Bogota
milan
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2013

One of the most suggestive place i've seen in Colombia. The purest atmosphere of a Garcia Marquez novel melted with the echoes of an extreme and creative urban vitality.

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See 4 more reviews by amaranta1970 for Bogota
San Francisco, California
Top Contributor
126 reviews 126 reviews
27 attraction reviews
Reviews in 98 cities Reviews in 98 cities
157 helpful votes 157 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 May 2013

It's not a very safe area at night yet a must see in all Bogota sights. Colorful painted buildings colonial cobblestone roads with terracotta roofs.near downtown a must see in Bogota.

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See 5 more reviews by kraor for Bogota

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