Colombia’s cities are its epicenters – diverse centers of population that weave together different cultures, cuisines, tourism activities and artistic expression.
Each of the top Colombian cities to visit has a unique flavor and is proud of its regional dialects, cultural contribution and delicious local cuisine.
Music, fashion and artistic expression vary from city to city, which is why there is such a wide variety of things for tourists to see and do across the country.
The best Colombian city to visit depends on a visitor’s preferences and the purpose of their trip. Here we examine two standout Colombian destinations, Bogota and Cartagena, and explain why they’re so special.
Cartagena is simply beautiful
Cartagena de Indias, the jewel of Colombia’s Caribbean coast, is constantly on the lips of those who have fallen for its charms.
The founder of the popular Lonely Planet guide books, Tony Wheeler, included Cartagena within his five most recommended destinations, on a BBC radio interview.
He said the city was “simply beautiful” and listed walks around the old, walled city and explorations of Cartagena’s world class bars and restaurants, boutique hotels, and colorful streets as his top reasons to visit.
Cartagena is certainly a magical place. The gentle breeze of the Caribbean Sea nudges the scent of tropical flowers through its narrow cobbled streets and visitors can’t help but be entranced by its brightly-painted walls and photogenic colonial balconies.
The city’s enchanting, 400-year-old houses and its ornate and imposing doors are one reason why it was nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is certainly one of Colombia’s best preserved examples of colonial architecture.
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Experience Colombian culture in Cartagena
Cartagena is one of the best Colombian cities to visit because, as a cultural icon, it hosts events and festivals that showcase Colombian and international culture.
The city welcomes the world-renowned Hay literary festival every year, hearing from the most celebrated writers and thinkers, and hosts a classical music festival every January, filling its streets with haunting music.
The bohemian Getsemani neighborhood offers an eclectic mix of sights and sounds, with locals gathering to sample the city’s street food, and dance the region’s popular champeta style, amid locally-run eateries that serve the very best Caribbean cuisine.
Don’t miss the wildlife on the Caribbean coast
The charms of the Caribbean Sea are an integral part of life in Cartagena and its white sands and palm-fringed beaches are restorative for the soul.
The best way to discover them is to take a short boat trip from the old city, taking in the crystal waters of Playa Blanca (White Beach) on Barú island and exploring the Rosario Islands, a national park home to one of the region’s most important coral reefs.
There is an aquarium and an oceanarium there, and most visitors choose to dive into the water so they can swim and snorkel with the masses of tropical fish, as well as spot the schools of dolphins that are frequent visitors to the area.
Bogota has culture on every corner
Colombia’s capital is a keen competitor when it comes to the best Colombian cities to visit, which is why the New York Times ranked it second among its best places in the world to go.
The newspaper remarked on the city’s richness and diversity, and the fact the capital is a mecca for street artists, showcasing work from across the world, as well as artworks and historic objects in more traditional museums and galleries.
The charming architecture of the city’s colonial La Candelaria neighborhood is not to be missed and there visitors will find the Gold Museum, which houses the world’s biggest collection of gold, mostly pre-Columbian, as well as pottery, wood, shell and textiles.
Bogota is fast becoming a global gastronomic hotspot, with foodies drawn to its tiny local cafés and intimate eateries, which serve cuisines from across Colombia, as well as its renowned fine dining and gourmet food experiences.
Local restaurateur Leonor Espinosa was named as the world’s best female chef in 2022 and leads the city’s culinary revolution.
Bustling markets and unexpected wildlife in Bogota
One destination that draws tourists and food-lovers alike is the city’s giant Paloquemao market, especially early in the morning. Visitors will discover an intoxicating array of fresh produce, including unusual tropical fruit and flowers.
Bogota is a thriving metropolis, bustling with music, concerts, festivals and fairs, but there are plenty of places for visitors to escape the crowds.
A hike or cable car up Monserate mountain offers the chance to glimpse dozens of hummingbird species, as well as enjoy a fresh cup of Colombian coffee and savor an unbeatable view of both the capital and the savanna beyond.
The city’s Botanical Garden combines a natural haven with important work to catalog and preserve the country’s stunning biodiversity, and Simon Bolivar Park is a great place for a picnic, outdoor games and hiring a boat to take onto the lake.
It’s clear there are no champions when it comes to Bogota vs Cartagena. These are two of the best Colombian cities to visit, and it’s essential to discover them both.
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