Located in the traditional colonial quarter, Teatro de Cristóbal Colón is one of the best historical event venues in the city. The construction dates back to 1890 and its interior is beautifully designed in the republican style. It is the home of the Orquesta Sinfónica de Colombia and is the most luxurious theater in Bogotá. Besides opera, Teatro de Cristóbal Colón also hosts theater and concerts each year. If you are in the mood to catch a glimpse of the local culture, then Teatro de Cristóbal Colón is the place to be.
With over 33,000 gold objects, the Gold Museum is one of a kind in the world. The artifacts on display reflect the genius and artistry of the Pre-Columbian societies. The museum is divided into different rooms; each one displays a selection of gold pieces, representative of the indigenous cultures of Colombia. The Salon Dorado room exhibits 8,000 gold pieces of astonishing beauty and the display throws light on the legend of El Dorado using a background of sounds and images. The bookshop carries a vast selection on Pre-Columbian cultures, art, architecture and natural reserves, as well as a selection of souvenirs and reproductions of the exhibited pieces. Guided tours in several languages are provided free of cost.
This peculiar building was initially designed as a prison by the English architect Thomas Reed. It became a museum in 1948 after some internal reconstruction. The exhibits, displayed on three floors, range from pre-Columbian artifacts to contemporary art. The ground floor has a display of archeology and ethnography and numerous artifacts that represent the culture of pre-Columbian societies. The first floor exhibits paintings, furniture and many other objects from the colonial and independence periods. The second floor focuses on the art works of the best-known Colombian painters, such as Botero, Obregón and Grau. Museo Nacional de Colombia (National Museum of Colombia) also organizes temporary exhibitions of well-known international and national artists. For a pleasant respite, take a seat in the cafe opposite the bookshop and enjoy a cup of Colombian coffee while looking through some of the fine art books on display.
Cerro de Monserrate is very important to Bogotá. The white church built on the mountain summit, nearly 3,200 meters ( 10498 feet) high, dominates the cityscape. Pilgrims, devoted to the Señor Caído (a statue of Christ inside the church), visit to pay their dues. The mountaintop also offers the best panoramic view of Bogotá. There is a handicrafts market, cafés and a couple of excellent restaurants with both traditional and international menus, which stay open until midnight. You can get to the top by funicular or cable car after paying the entry fee or traverse the walking trail up the mountain free of charge.
The increasing number of businesses, including exclusive shops, restaurants, boutiques, and discos, which are being set up around this beautiful park, are gradually turning this residential area into a more commercial one. Parque de la 93 not only offers you a pleasant and relaxing walk and the chance to catch a glimpse of a famous personality but also is a space to enjoy cultural activities and events. With paved pathways, lush green grassy areas, and mountain views, this is a pretty place to watch the world go by.
Located near the most important roads in Bogota, this is the largest park within the city area and the most popular among the thousands of locals who visit it daily. Simón Bolívar Park was established in 1979 and has since expanded to incorporate lakes, cycling lanes, pedestrian circuits, three pools, parking, woods, and a huge area that plays host to special events. In addition to being a gorgeous green oasis located a short distance from the city center, this park calls out to visitors for its peaceful atmosphere and lush environs.
The chapel is located on the south side of the Cathedral in Plaza de Bolívar. The stone building, erected in the 17th century, is very well preserved. The arch that leads from its facade to the presbytery is in a plateresque style. The interiors are decorated in the mudéjar (Spanish-Moorish) style, and it contains several paintings by the colonial artist Gregorio Vásquez.
This scientific and cultural center is situated next to the Parque de la Independencia. It holds frequent events, such as films, videos, conferences and seminars. The center also provides a wide range of information on astronomy, space travel, natural science and ecology and organizes temporary art exhibitions. The projection system installed in the ceiling enables the planetarium to demonstrate the movement of the stars, planets, constellations, eclipses and other celestial phenomena.
The Edificio Liévano is a wonderful example of early 20th century Bogotano architecture, a period characterized by the substitution of Spanish design elements with those from other old world cultures, especially France. Today, in this beautifully constructed building, which runs the length of the eastern side of the Plaza de Bolívar, the Mayor of Santa Fe de Bogotá watches over the city. Designed by the French architect Gaston Lelarge, it was completed in 1905 and stands on the spot of the Galerias that burned down in 1900.
Launched in 2013, Casa Santamaría is a shopping destination for women, an art gallery and a coffee shop rolled into one. Not only can women buy stylish clothing and accessories from designers like Ana Lavarde, Diana Cepeda and Loopzu but a range of contemporary artworks by local artists can also be found here. While you are shopping their fabulous collection, the store owners also ensure that your batteries are recharged with a range of refreshing coffees and other light beverages on offer. For those who are in the mood for a memorable time out, then heading to Casa Santamaría can certainly be rewarding.