For the more mature backpacker- this hotel - once the opera house - is now a tranquil haven of old colonial with stylish bedrooms and a leafy quadrangle for dining- after the hustle and bustle - nestled in a cobbled street just above the government house. A real treat for sore feet.

www.hotelopera.com.co/
Calle 10 No. 5-72 La Candelaria, Bogotá, Colombia
+ 57 1336 2066
Google map: bit.ly/o7TZZR

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This is an old bowling alley underneath the street on Avenida Jiménez, Bogotá. It lies under the traditional 'Café Paisaje'. It has a really wonky, uneven piste, and a young lad climbs up and down a little ladder at one end to replace the skittles after you've had your go. If you're lucky he'll juggle for you, and if you're a pretty woman, he'll put them closer together to make it easy to beat your male opponents. The musty air and blaring rancheras make this a really atmospheric spot.

Avenida Jiménez and Carrera Séptima. Just next to the Las Aguas trasmilenio spot.
Avenida Jiménez # 6 - 71
+57 (1) 3423232
Google map: bit.ly/dI5mXi

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Best market I've seen, filled with bizarre artefacts, toys and whatnot from the last 100 years. How they ended up in the hands of these humble folk is a mystery, but there they are, for sale and waiting to make the most unusual new addition to your home! Not to be missed. Viva Colombia! "A la Orden!"

On the corner of carrera 7 (septima) with calle 18. (in the carpark behind the Mambo Museum. Sundays.

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The main draw of the Anandamayi is the cute, pretty extras it provides. Hammocks, pretty geraniums, colourful patios, a garden with waterfall and fish create an attractive exterior which is a pleasure to walk up to.

The interior is clean and tidy, and the hotel/hostel has a very homely, cosy feel. Most guests however spend a lot of time in the garden and courtyard which are by far the gems of the property.

All the major attractions of Bogota are within walking distance and they have a female dorm available at the same rate for those who would don't want to be in a mixed one.

www.anandamayihostel.com/

www.hostelbookers.com/hostels/colombia/bogota/18761/

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We found this apartment service online and we can highly recommend it. Located in an old charming building, the apartments are thoroughly renovated to an excellent standard.

The location is also superb, with easy access to the important business districts as well as sights and Zona Rosa, Bogota's main shopping and nightlife area.

www.checkin.se/bogota

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Like most parts of Latin America, you can buy tatty souvenirs in Bogotá. If you are looking for high quality, authentic and tasteful gifts, Galeria Cano is the solution. The handicrafts have information about their makers. The styles are often subtle. The prices are expensive by Colombian standards, but cheap by Western ones. And the staff at the airport shop are great.

Shops in Centro Comercial Urbino and at International Airport in Bogotá and at Plaza Bolivar in Cartagena.
www.galeriacano.com.co/index.htm

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As a 'regular' at the much grander Hotel de la Opera, I was intrigued to stay several nights in this cheaper option in Candelaria historic district. The attempt to create a boutique hotel in a lovely old building has its quirks and is somewhat ramshackle, but it will suit anyone who does not expect 5-star comforts. Don't expect English to be spoken.

Dirección CALLE 9 NO. 6 45
Teléfonos 3421108
Email hotelcasadelabotica@hotmail.com

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Worth a visit.

www.museonacional.gov.co/

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The place to be out and about at night. If you want to be seen with the right people, make sure you are seen there. Great places to eat, drink, dance, and most importantly, people watch.

Calle 92 with Kr 15

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Ideally situated in the colonial Candelaria, and equipped with great bars and a restaurant, this hotel offers everything that you could need, including great views, guided tours and excursions. Prices from £60 for a double room.

Calle 10 5-72; www.hotelopera.com.co

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It is difficult to spend too much money on food in Colombia but try this iconic Bogotá venue. Andres Carne de Res is actually a little out of town in the Chia district, but the trip is well worth the effort. Movers, shakers and the beautiful people descend on the sprawling bar, grill and restaurant nightly. The decor is unique, the vibe amazing, and once you are done eating the dancing goes on until the wee hours. Make sure you have someone to take you home again. The website will give you a better idea of the style of the place than anything I can tell you.

www.andrescarnederes.com

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Bogotanos are absurdly proud of the gleaming new Transmilenio bus service, a kind of overground metro. A bendy bus might not seem that exciting, but compared to the insanity of the traditional bus routes, this is travelling in style.

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Provides a showcase for the bewildering variety of plants that grow in the country, one of the planet’s most bio diverse.

Calle 57 61-13

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The city’s trademark dish. A delicious chicken and potato soup served with rice, plantain, corn, avocado, capers and cream. A siesta afterwards may be necessary.

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Emeralds are one of Colombia’s natural riches and a great temptation for bargain hunters. However, inferior stones can be passed off onto unsuspecting gringos with ease if you don’t know your stuff, so go for reputable outlets or avoid altogether.

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The Mirador restaurant upstairs at Hotel de la Opera is right in the middle of the Candelaria, the romantic colonial section of the city. Sit on the fourth floor and enjoy a candlelit dinner watching the sensational high altitude sunsets and distant mountain lightning that flickers beyond the terracotta rooftops and view of the main plaza.

Calle 10 5-72; www.hotelopera.com.co

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Woven baskets, hammocks and mochilas (a local bag) are all worth a look, as are reproductions of pre-Colombian pottery and gold work.

Try the pricey but high quality Artesanias de Colombia next to the church Iglesia de las Aguas on Carerra 3A, 18-60.

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Gifted to the city by Colombia’s most famous artist. Botero’s trademark paintings of dumpy people abound, but a surprising number of other artists too including Miro, Picasso and more.

In the Candelaria, Calle 11 4-41

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The Museum of Gold houses arguably the finest collection of pre-Colombian gold on the planet. Not to be missed. 2,500 pesos for adults, free on Sundays.

Calle 16, 5a-6a; www.banrep.org/museo

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On Sundays and bank holidays a network of main roads is shut to traffic to create the ciclovia (which sounds better than ‘bike route’). It seems like the whole city is out and about, either on foot, bike, roller blades or unicycles. Those not riding are selling; hundreds of food stalls, vendors and entertainers will cater to your needs.

Start early on the Septima, (Carerra 7) and follow your nose.

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