When I planned my first trip to Colombia, Bogota wasn't even on my radar. Friends who had traveled there kept saying, "You have to go to Medellin." But Medellin turned out to be somewhat overrated for me, and then a friend of a friend offered me a Couchsurfing stay in Bogota. I figured, why not?
To my surprise, Bogota exceeded my expectations—both in coolness and safety. I left without a single incident.
The city is packed with galleries, museums, fascinating history, and a lively urban scene. Beyond that, I felt genuinely welcomed.
That said, crime warnings are real. Bogota has moved past its worst days of murder and violence, but street crime, gangs, and drug trafficking remain part of the picture.
Traveling smart in Bogota isn't just about avoiding night walks; it also means being careful with food, planning your routes, and staying highly alert.
Whether you're a first-time solo traveler or wondering if it's safe to bring kids, you're about to get my insider tips on staying safe in Bogota!
Is Bogota Safe to Visit Right Now?
Yes, Bogota is safe to visit. That said, there are a few things to know before you go backpacking in Bogota to maximize your safety.
With its rich history, abundant art and culture, and a touch of crime, according to Statistica, 1.1 million tourists visited Bogota in 2023—and the vast majority had a completely safe trip. While you're probably aware of its history of drug wars and violence, Bogota is further than ever from its infamous past.
How dangerous is Bogota? There are still dangerous gangs affecting the capital and dodgy areas you should avoid. However, drug trafficking rarely affects travelers unless they get involved.
It's the largest city in the country with many different tourist areas and neighborhoods. With 11.5 million people and growing, it's safe to visit Bogota, but you can't guarantee that all those people will obey the law.
Oddly, tourist areas like La Candelaria change after dark. Pickpocketing and mugging often involve violence. Also, the south of the city is often more dangerous than the north.
Grey Sunday in La Candelaria.
Strikes, protests, and demonstrations do sometimes occur. When they do, it's best to steer clear: they can be passionate and confrontational.
Spikings with Scopolomine are very common in Bogota and travelers are targeted. The substance causes severe confusion and blackouts and is used for robbery, rape, or worse. One of our team members was personally poisoned by this, so we know it's very real.
There are tourist police, however, recently deployed in the city to help deal with crime issues. That said, the police are not above the occasional theft and extortion themselves, especially around La Candelaria.
So, with all facts considered, Bogota is about as safe as it can be at the moment. Crime and other issues shouldn't put you off visiting. This is one charming city.
Check out our detailed where to stay guide for Bogota so you can start your trip right!
Safest Places in Bogota
When choosing where to stay in Bogota, research and caution are essential. You don't want to end up in a sketchy area and ruin your trip. Here are some of the best neighborhoods in Bogota to stay in.
Everything the light touches is Bogota, Simba.
- Zona Rosa – The vibrant nightlife area, Zona Rosa has a heavy police presence that makes it one of the safest areas in Bogota. Those who love boutique shopping will also feel at home in Zona Rosa.
- Teusaquillo – With its central location, Teusaquillo is perfect for outdoor lovers! It's our recommendation for where to stay in Bogota for your first time as it's generally very safe and peaceful. It has Bogota's biggest public park and a botanical garden. It's a safe area to relax and chill and a great base to explore the rest of Bogota.
- Chapinero – To be near the action, Chapinero is by far the coolest and safest neighborhood in Bogota. It's centrally located to get anywhere else in the city and incredibly diverse with lots of expats and the largest LGBT club in the world!
Places to avoid in Bogota
When it comes to how dangerous Bogota is, there are areas that aren't safe for travelers. Like most of what you'll find while traveling in Colombia, the most dangerous areas have little to no interest for tourists, so you won't miss a thing by steering clear.
Equally, some areas are worth visiting, but you need to keep an extra level of vigilance while there. When you get to Bogota, ask locals or your accommodation staff for recommendations and what they think of the local area.
Here are some of the more dangerous districts to consider avoiding:
- ANYWHERE after dark – The city can completely turn at night, so it's best to stay at home, stick with a group, and take a taxi home.
- Ciudad Bolivar – A high crime rate and bad flooding during the rainy season.
- San Cristóbal – Similar to Ciudad Bolivar, this city also has a high crime rate. It can be visited, but it's best to have a local guide show you around.
- The street of Calle 9 and the south of Barrio Egipto are known for muggings. Avoid, if possible.
- La Candelaria – Known as the hotspot of pickpocketing and violent crimes, you definitely have to be more aware of your surroundings than anywhere else in Bogota. If possible, leave all your valuables in a safe at your accommodation.
Quick tip: Plan everything in advance!
Best Bogota Tours: Check out the coolest tours in Bogota Best Places to Stay in Bogota: Check out top rated hotels and hostels in Bogota Best Transport in Bogota: Book the best transport in Bogota
Keeping Your Money Safe in Bogota
One of the most common things to happen while traveling is losing your money. And let's face it: the most annoying way for this to happen is when it's stolen from you.
Petty crime is pretty much a problem all over the world.
The best solution? Get a money belt.
21 Top Safety Tips for Travelling to Bogota
Take a big, scary dog to protect you.
Bogota is not a holiday camp; it's a working city with a troubled past and problems to iron out. But still, traveling to Bogota is really cool!
First off, you need basic safety precautions. With that in mind, here are some of our top safety tips when visiting Bogota:
- Be vigilant – Always stay aware of your surroundings.
- Don't wander off – Ask locals about areas to avoid.
- DO NOT WALK AROUND AFTER DARK – Get a taxi.
- ONLY use official taxis – More info coming.
- Always keep an emergency stash of cash – Never keep all your cards/currency in one place. And hide it all from thieves with a hidden money belt.
- Don't give papaya – Wait, what? The local expression no dar papaya means don't make yourself a target.
- Use smartphones inside – Your number one risk in Bogota is phone snatchings.
- Don't leave food or drinks unattended – Regardless of gender, druggings happen.
- Learn Spanish – This will help you with eeeeeeverything!
- Use ATMs inside – Prime robbery spots.
- Plan your route – 1) You look less lost, 2) You don't get lost.
- Know about scams – Colombians are friendly but be aware of anyone getting too close.
- Carry a crappy wallet – With a little bit of cash. Keep the rest of your cash hidden.
- Hand it over – In a worst-case scenario, if you do get robbed, hand over said crappy wallet.
- Take a good medical kit with you – You never know when you might need it!
- Carry a copy of your passport – Including your Colombia visa. Police can ask for it.
- Stay away from drugs – Look, I know. But you aren't Pablo Escobar. Don't contribute to Colombia's issues.
- Look for hostels with good security – Especially in La Candelaria with high nocturnal street crime.
- Go on a barrio tour at your own risk – Best to opt for a walking tour.
- Get a sim card – Again, invaluable.
Is Bogota Safe to Travel Alone?
Yes, Bogota is pretty safe to travel alone. People live alone in Bogota, so why shouldn't you travel alone there? There are risks, obviously, but they can be easily minimized with these travel tips:
- Make friends – Having a friend in the city is the BEST first defense.
- Read reviews – For good hostels in Bogota and bus services.
- Know your way home – Avoid getting too drunk or exhausted to make that much easier.
- Keep in contact with people – Keep people at home updated with your movements.
- Know emergency numbers – Colombia's emergency number is 123.
- Stash cash in different places – Having everything in one place is just not a good idea. If that goes missing, it's game over.
- Get a credit card for emergencies – And keep it safely tucked away.
- Get local tips – Ask the staff at your hostel or guesthouse what they would do or see in their city.
- Remember to rest – Go easy on your body.
Is Bogota Safe for Solo Female Travellers?
Yes, women can travel safely by themselves in Bogota. But Bogota is still a dangerous city (like so many other places in the world) so that's not a reason to steer clear of the Colombian capital.
As a solo female traveler, take extra precautions. To help out, here's some friendly advice:
- Trust your gut – If a situation doesn't feel right, get out of there.
- Don't walk around looking lost – This makes you an easy target. Plan your route from your hostel.
- Check out good hostels for women – Maybe consider a female-only dorm.
- Locals are friendly in Bogota – You can always ask for help.
- Catcalling happens – Unfortunately, it's still cultural in Colombia. Just ignore it and don't let it ruin your day.
- Do not open the door – Unless you know or trust the person. That's the staff's job.
- Let people know where you're going – Update people, a new friend you've made at the hostel or the hostel staff themselves.
- You don't have to be honest – If someone is asking lots of questions, white lies are fine.
- Take a guided tour – You'll get to meet other travelers and visitors to Bogota.
- NO is a full sentence – The main thing for female travelers to remember is that you are in charge of your own safety. Don't feel bad to prioritize that.
Where to Start Your Travels in Bogota
The safest area: Zona Rosa
For wild nights out, shopping, and budget accommodation, Zona Rosa is the ideal place to stay! With lots of police presence, it's also one of the (if not THE) safest neighborhoods in Bogota.
Is Bogota Safe for Families?
Colombia is actually pretty safe for families; that includes Bogota. Although, it's not going to be on the same level as, let's say, Madrid. There just are things to be more aware of.
Firstly, Bogota is one of the highest capitals in the world. At 2,640 meters above sea level, this beautiful, soaring city is stunning, but the altitude can be an issue.
The high altitude can mean that people, children more than adults, experience things like shortness of breath, nausea, and increased heart rate: the air is thinner, basically. People still do take their children to Bogota, but being aware of this altitude issue.
Family is first here.
When it comes to getting around Bogota with children, forget prams and pushchairs. It's more trouble than it's worth. Opt for a sling instead.
Colombia is family-oriented; children come first. You'll be whisked to the front of queues and get special treatment. On top of this, there's even a dedicated line at immigration if you're arriving with children.
Basically, you'll be welcomed if you're traveling to Bogota with kids. It'll be an enriching experience for all of you!
Getting Around Bogota Safely
The best way to get around Bogota is by public transport. It's mainly a bus operation, called the 'TransMilenio'.
Colored buses serve different routes with dedicated lanes known as a Bus Rapid Transit System. Bogota's is actually the largest BRT in the world.
It's an awesome way to get around but gets super busy, so pickpockets plague local buses. DO NOT use your phone on the bus and keep your valuables close.
Alongside the BRT are small, privately owned 'busetas'. They don't have stops: just put your hand out for them. Ask locals for the routes.
Driving in Bogota is not really worth it. The standards of driving aren't very high and traffic rules are chaotic.
Taxis are reasonably priced in Bogota. And, while still chaotic, they know the roads much better than you do.
ONLY use legitimate taxis. Never hail a taxi off the street; that's just asking for trouble. Like many places, taxi drivers create a lot of shady business.
Uber in Bogota is easy and super cheap. You can even request an English-speaking driver for a few more pesos. Apps like Cabify work in the same way and just as well.
When arriving at El Dorado International Airport only authorized taxis are allowed to pick up passengers. Walk a little out and then Ubers can get to you.
Taxis in the city are doing away with the meter and will be using a price system where an app calculates the fair, like Uber. This means that scams are less easy to perform.
Surprisingly, Bogota is fantastic for cycling with public bicycles to use, and stations across the city. Over 2 million Bogota residents cycle with over 300 kilometers of dedicated bicycle lanes throughout Bogota.
What to Pack For Your Bogota Trip
Everyone's packing list is going to look a little different, but here are a few things I would never want to travel to Bogota without…
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don't know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Head Torch
A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must.
SIM card
Jetpac stands as a premier eSIM service provider, catering specifically to the mobile internet needs of travelers.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Money Belt
This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.
FAQs on Bogota's Safety
Planning a safe trip to Bogota can get quite overwhelming. That's why we've listed and answered the most frequently asked questions on safety in Bogota.
What should you avoid in Bogota?
Avoid these things to stay safe in Bogota:
– Don't walk around areas you don't know. Stick to tourist areas. – NEVER leave drinks OR food unattended – Don't resist if you're being robbed – Stay away from drugs. It's really not worth it.
Is Bogota safe for tourists?
Yes, as long as you use your travel common sense, Bogota is safe for tourists. Stick to the travel safety tips and you'll have a great trip.
Is Bogota safer than Medellin?
Statistically, Bogota isn't safer than Medellin. However, this comes down to the size of the city, Bogota is significantly bigger than Medellin. Both cities are definitely safe to visit with a few safety measurements and research.
Is Bogota safe at night?
I wouldn't consider it safe at night in Bogota. Just like in any other city, being outside at night comes with a lot of sketchy characters and dangers. There are some neighborhoods that are okay at night, but unless you're completely sure, it's best to stay inside.
What should solo female travelers consider in Bogota?
Remember that you can travel safely in Bogota as a solo female traveler. You're a strong woman and you don't need no man. However, society is still pretty misogynistic in Bogota. It can be overwhelming at times but try not to lose rationality and remain vigilant.
So, is Bogota Safe?
I have happy memories of Bogota. Although it doesn't have the best reputation among travelers regarding safety concerns, I say it is worth visiting, under one condition: you have to get to know the locals. These people are great, friendly, and will change a kinda intimidating capital city into your new hangout.
Overall, it is safe to visit Bogota – just like safety anywhere in Colombia. But, like any big city in the world, it can be a bit sketchy sometimes.
Yes, it may have that South America Narcos reputation of ultra-violent drug trafficking gangs and corrupt government officials, but that was a depiction of a Bogota, a Colombia, of the past. The country and its capital today are looking forward and you don't have to worry all that much about drug lords running the show.
Your main concern in Bogota will be pickpocketing and petty crime. It does have a bad reputation for phone thefts, which I heard from countless sources so you can't really be overly cautious when it comes to this.
Bogota is a normal city. It closes its roads on Sundays for cyclists. There are a ton of museums and galleries.
People sit around in parks, go to work, use public transport, eat at fancy restaurants, and go for coffee. Crime exists in Bogota, but the best way to avoid it is to not treat Bogota like a holiday destination; treat it like a city and you'll do pretty well. More than that, Bogota will love you more than you expected.
Bogota is definitely worth the visit!
Looking for more info on traveling to Bogota?
- Let me help you choose where to stay in Bogota
- Swing by one of these fabulous festivals
- Don't forget to add an epic national park to your itinerary
- Check out my favorite Airbnbs in the centre of all the action
- Plan the rest of your trip with our fantastic backpacking Bogota travel guide!
Disclaimer: Safety conditions change all over the world on a daily basis. We do our best to advise but this info may already be out of date. Do your own research. Enjoy your travels!
