Bogotá: 2,600 meters closer to the stars

We spent one week in the Colombian capital of Bogota. While we were waiting to board our flight from New York, we overheard a woman telling her friends how she didn't consider Bogota to be the "real Colombia". We beg to differ. It's a city that's bursting with culture, history, gastronomy, and happy people. While it may have a different climate and rhythm than it's coastal counterparts, it's a gem that's worth discovering. 

The gardens at Monserrate

Bogota as seen from Monserrate after rainfall

From the Monserrate lookout, 3,200 meters above sea level, you get a view of the city that sprawls out past the horizon (unless, of course, you do like us and go up on a foggy day). The Banco de la Republica museum is a chance to get up close and personal with the works of renowned Colombian artist Fernando Botero, recognized for his full-figured subjects. From the majestic Plaza de Bolivar, the city's main square, the imposing Andes seem to collide with the bustling action below. Bogota's narrow streets tell the story of an old colonial city striving to make it as a Latin American metropolis.

Vibrant streets of the Candelaria

We stayed in the northern part of Bogota, near the famous T-zone. This area is known for its classy malls, hopping nightlife and wide variety of restaurants. One thing Bogotanos seem to do better than North Americans is ambiance. Every bar or eatery you walk into has a vibe of its own, and a decor to go with it. Here is a list of our favorite must-try spots: 

• Breakfast: for a simple and delicious start to your day, try Masa (Calle 81 # 9-12)
• Lunch: for typical Colombian empanadas and arepas, try Saudade (Calle 20 # 3-29 este)
• Dinner: for superb Italian cuisine at prices you won't believe, try Di Lucca (Carrera 13 # 85-32)
• Nightlife: for a night out to suit all moods, try Armando (Calle 85 # 14-46). And of course, a trip to Bogota wouldn't be complete without an outing to Andres Carne de Res (two main locations).

What is striking about Bogota, like many other places in Colombia, is how safe it feels. Despite the impressions you might have of this country and its violent past,  Colombia has been reborn in recent years, and it's drawing crowds from the four corners of the globe.

Guards in front of the Presidential Palace