La Candelaria (Historic Old Town)
La Candelaria, Bogotá, COL
The graceful and carefully planned Spanish colonial city center, known as La Candelaria, is the oldest part of Bogotá, Colombia. Now a vibrant hub of activity for young artists, bohemian university students, and hip indie businesses, La Candelaria centers on Plazuela del Chorro del Quevedo, the spot where the city was founded in 1537.
This hip neighborhood sits at the heart of Bogotá, and most sightseeing tours pass through its historic streets. A typical tour of the capital’s old town will include stops at Plaza de Bolivar, Chorro de Quevedo, the Botero Museum, Teatro Colón, and Casa de Nariño, where the Colombian president lives and works. Tours of La Candelaria can also be combined with excursions to Mt. Monserrate or the nearby Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral, situated in the Colombian countryside.
La Candelaria is a must-visit for art lovers, history buffs, foodies, and all first-time visitors to Bogotá.
Wear sturdy shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces; the neighborhood is full of cobblestone streets.
Leave valuables at your hotel and be aware of your surroundings.
La Candelaria is not easy to access for wheelchair users and those with strollers.
To get to La Candelaria on public transportation, take a TransMilenio bus to Museo del Oro Station. The neighborhood can get a bit seedy after dark, so plan to take a taxi for evening visits. Alternatively, pass by on a guided walking tour of Bogotá.
Plan to visit the neighborhood during the day, when museums, restaurants, churches, and shops are open for business. Though police regularly patrol the streets of La Candelaria, it’s not recommended to walk around the neighborhood after dark.
During your explorations of the old city center, be sure to stop into one of the cool little cafés for a taste of La Candelaria’s signature beverage, a traditional Andean canelazo. This warming drink is made with sugarcane liquor, cinnamon, and panela sugar, and is served steaming hot.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!