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Home » Travel Guides » Colombia Travel Guide

Best Hostels in Bogota: Where to Stay in 2019

Explore the metropolitan city in the mountains and stay at some of the best hostels in Bogota while you do.

With over 8 million people, it is no wonder the Colombian capital exemplifies every trait of a big city. However, being 8,000 feet above sea level means it never loses its mountain-cool climate.

Plaza Bolivar - Bogota
Plaza Bolivar in Bogota

If you are backpacking in Colombia, you will likely spend some time in this dynamic city. Below are some of our favorite hostels in different parts of Bogota.

Table of Contents

  • Quick Recommendations
  • What to Look For
    • Best Neighborhoods
    • Cost of Hostels
    • Safety in Colombia
  • Best Hostels in Bogota
    • Best Hostel for a Quiet Night — Masaya Hostel Bogota
    • Best Hostel for Party-Goers — Casa Bellavista Hostel
    • Best Hostel for Amenities — Fernweh Photography Hostel
    • Best Hostel for City Entertainment — Botanico Hostel Bogota
    • Best Cheap Hostel — El Pit Hostel
  • Conclusion

Quick Recommendations

  • Quiet Night — Masaya Hostel Bogota
  • Partying — Casa Bellavista Hostel
  • Amenities — Fernweh Photography Hostel
  • City Entertainment — Botanico Hostel Bogota
  • Cheap Stay — El Pit Hostel
Cathedral of Colombia
Cathedral of Colombia in Plaza Bolivar

What to Look For

Bogota is arguably the lifeblood of Colombia. Visitors are continually coming and going from this huge hub city. Today, your accommodation options in Bogota are better and safer than ever. Here are some tips to keep in mind when deciding where to stay.

Best Neighborhoods

Most tourists will sprawl throughout the historic district of La Candelaria, which includes the landmark Plaza Bolivar. There are plenty of hostels here, and most tourist attractions and museums are within walking distance.

The area is generally safe, with a heavy police presence to give tourists peace of mind. However, the area is known for a high prevalence of street crime, specifically theft.

If you choose to base yourself here, be extra vigilant. Don't use your smartphone in public, a rule that applies to all of Bogota, but especially in La Candelaria.

Alternatively, you can stay in the more upscale neighborhood of Chapinero in the northern part of town. If safety is your primary concern, base yourself there and spend the extra pesos to visit La Candelaria during the day.

There are other neighborhoods, too, but there is plenty to do and see in one of these areas, especially La Candelaria.

Cost of Hostels

Bogota tends to have cheaper accommodation rates than the rest of Colombia. This could be because of its sheer size and the competition hostels face, making things a little more budget-friendly for you.

That said, don’t anticipate don'tls in Bogota being as cheap as those in Thailand or other affordable travel destinations around the world.

South America is a different place entirely, but hostel rates in Colombia tend to be comparable to those on the rest of the continent. Expect to see hostel prices in Bogota averaging between $8 and $11 per bed per night.

See also: Cost of Travel in Colombia

A line forms outside La Puerta Falsa, one of the city's oldest restaurants
A line forms outside La Puerta Falsa, one of the city's oldest districts (La Candelaria)

Safety in Colombia

Colombia has been (and probably always will be) recovering from its reputation for danger leftover from the Escobar years of drug violence in the 1980s and early '90s. However, th'90suntry's safety for tourism has come a long way in the last decade. 

Yes, you can safely travel to Colombia today, including Bogota. However, as with any major Latin American city, it's best to take precautions.

Use your judgment. Don’t wear flashy watches or apparel; keep your valuables (including your smartphone) hidden as much as possible. 

Do not use your smartphone in the streets, taxis, or Ubers (especially at night). They are the most commonly stolen items and can be plucked right out of your hands. 

If someone does approach you and tries to take your phone, give it up without resistance. Robbers are often armed and may not show you what they're holding. If you resist, they may get violent and stab you to get the phone.

A robber with a gun will flash it immediately as a show of force. There's no confusion, they're not a mess. Do NOT resist a robber carrying a handgun.

Stay calm and hand over whatever you have. Your odds of getting out of the situation unharmed are much higher if you freak out, make a scene, or try to run.

See also: Visiting Colombia - Three Important Things to Know

20 de Julio by Fernando Botero
Painting by Fernando Botero hangs in the National Museum

Best Hostels in Bogota

Let’s explore the city. Below, we have highlighted some of the best hostels in Bogota based on typical backpacker interests.

Best Hostel for a Quiet Night — Masaya Hostel Bogota

From $10 for a dorm (6 beds) - Located in the historic district of La Candelaria, Masaya Hostel Bogota offers a lesson in history and culture. The hostel is in an old colonial house with beautiful architecture and traditional decor.

Masaya offers a plethora of activities, such as salsa classes, live music, expositions of local artists, and three great patios to socialize. But don’t worry, they never go too late, which makes this a great hostel for a solid night’s rest. Chenight'slability: Hostelworld

Best Hostel for Party-Goers — Casa Bellavista Hostel

From $7 for a dorm (10 beds) - Casa Bellavista Hostel is in the center of La Candelaria, near a bustling plaza filled with many tourists and young people partying the night away. Therefore, the hostel can get a bit loud, but all in good fun.

We love their philosophy that, as a guest, you are a part of their Colombian family. The owners of the hostel are incredibly friendly. If you are a dog lover, you will love little Maya -- the hostel mascot. Check availability: Hostelworld

See also: Colombia Nightlife

Best Hostel for Amenities — Fernweh Photography Hostel

From $10 for a dorm (9 beds) - Started in 2015 by travelers, Fernweh Photography Hostel was made to be a place that combines two passions -- photography and traveling.

We love the open photo gallery featuring backpackers’ best backpackers and their trips—it's the only photo gallery like it we’ve seen.

Not to mention, the hostel is located in the heart of La Candelaria -- only seven minutes walking to Bolivar Square -- the city’s main square Check availability: Hostelworld

Best Hostel for City Entertainment — Botanico Hostel Bogota

From $10 for a dorm (8 beds) - Botanico Hostel Bogota is an architectural jewel and is equally known for its beautiful green garden and fantastic city views. We chose it as the best city entertainment venue because of its itinerary of activities, which they have designed for guests day and night, every day.

The complimentary breakfast, garden hammocks, and fireplace are bonuses to this beautiful colonial home in the middle of La Candelaria. Check availability: Hostelworld

Best Cheap Hostel — El Pit Hostel

From $6 for a dorm - Wonderful art galleries and restaurants surround El Pit Hostel. It's the only hostel in the La Macarena neighborhood of Bogota.

It is also well-located for travelers, especially those who love art and gastronomy. It is just one block away from the National Museum and a short eight-minute walk from the historical city center.

The hostel itself is inside a historic building and has a restaurant that is open to the public. It can serve as a great place to meet locals. Check availability: Hostelworld

Conclusion

Bogota is a hub for backpackers in Colombia, so it attracts many foreigners and is a great place to make new friends on your trip. At the best hostels in Bogota, you will have everything you need at your fingertips and every opportunity to learn about the city and country.

More Colombia Hostels

  • Best Hostels in Medellin
  • Best Hostels in Cartagena 
  • Best Hostels in Santa Marta
  • Best Hostels in Colombia 
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Dave at Ahu Ko Te Riku on Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Chile.

Hi, I'm Dave

Editor in Chief

I've been writing about adventure travel on Go Backpacking since 2007. I've visited 68 countries.

Read more about Dave.

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