Plaza de Bolivar (Carrera 7 #11-10, Bogota) – located in the heart of the Colombia capital, this square has a statue of Simón Bolivar (the Venezuelan who liberated his country, as well as Colombia, Panama & Ecuador from Spanish colonial rule). The Palace of Justice is located north of this square (which earned its place […]
Primatial Cathedral of Bogota (Plaza Bolívar, Bogota) – this is a Roman Catholic cathedral that’s located on the eastern side of Plaza Bolívar in Bogotá. It acts as the seat of the Archbishop of Bogotá, and is the largest religious house of worship in the Colombia capital. Construction of the cathedral originally began in 1553, […]
Puerta del Reloj (Carrera 7 #4-34, Cartagena) – once known as the “Boca del Puente”, this acts as the main Gateway into the walled-in colonial section of Cartagena. The tower (which includes a four-sided clock) was actually added in 1888. Due in part to the growing tourism activitiy in Cartagena, this structure went through renovations […]
Torre Colpatria (Carrera 7 #23-85, Bogotá) – this is a 50-story skyscraper located at the downtown section of Bogotá. It’s the second-tallest building in the country, and the fifth tallest in South America. The 48th floor has an observatory section, where visitors can get a panoramic view of the city. Admission: COL$ 4,500. Hours: 2:00 […]
8-18 (2-124 Gastelbondo #8, Cartagena) – located in Cartagena’s historic district, this is one of its finer restaurants – serving its patrons local (costeña) cuisine (which means seafood is a major staple). The smart-looking tables and sophisticated artwork on its walls draw in an upscale clientele. It gets particularly busy during the Cartagena Film Festival.
Carmen (Calle de Cuartel 36-77, (Inside Hotel Anandá Boutique), Centro, Cartagena) – this is another upscale restaurant in Cartagena’s historic section. Carmen restaurant serves mainly Asian fusion cuisine. Since it’s located within the Hotel Anandá, this restaurant occupies two al fresco areas and one air conditioned salon. If you don’t have time for the […]
Crepes & Waffles (various locations within Bogota) – this is a restaurant chain in Bogotá that’s popular for its veggie, meat, and seafood crepes. The portions are large (which means that each crepe meal can be shared). Some say this eatery feels like being at a trendy restaurant in U.S. The owners of this restaurant […]
El Corral (various locations within Bogota) – this is a popular Colombian burger chain. There’s a food & drinks deal during “happy hour” (3:00 pm – 7:00 pm weekdays). El Corral reputedly serves the best burgers in Colombia, and is priced accordingly (US$5 and up for a burger). With this eatery’s interior reminiscent of trendy […]
Andrés Carnes de Res (Calle 82 – interior Centro Comercial El Retiro #12-21, Bogota) – located towards the outskirts of the capital, this restaurant, the size of a warehouse (with seating capacity at 750 plus), has a meat-centric (if pricey) menu. There’s live entertainment (ranging from actors, to bands that go from table to table), […]
La Casa de Socorro (Calle 25 #8B-112, Cartagena) — located in Cartagena’s Getsemqaní district, this open-air dining space is known for its seared seafood, freshly-squeezed lemonade, tasty chicken stew, and salsas.