Experience in Santafé de Bogotá, Colombia by Maria

What is it like to live in Santafé de Bogotá? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

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Bogota is very nice. There are a lot of things to do, cultural and entertainment wise. Like going to museums, concerts, parks, restaurants, bars, and the ciclovia which takes places on Sundays: they close some main streets for people to do sports. There are free activities, like free concerts at parks. We have Rock al Parque which is a music festival that is free and takes place during a long weekend. There is also Festival Internacional de Teatro, every 2 years, and companies from all over the world presents their plays, some you pay for and some are free too. Besdides, food is delicious and you can find very cheap and local food.

What is the student lifestyle like in Santafé de Bogotá?

It's fun! I remember when I went to University people would hang out with friends a lot (not many foreigners though) and go to the cinema, bars, or having parties at someone's house. Bogota is not cheap, so depending on your budget you can go to fancy or not so fancy places.

How much does it cost to live in Santafé de Bogotá?

It depends on the area, and your personal taste. I think that aprox. for a decent living in a decent place, with decent commodities you will need around 1000 to 3000 USD. Housing is very expensive.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Santafé de Bogotá? Is there any advice you can give?

Yes, even as a local and professional it is difficult, because the downtown places or the ones that are close to everything are very expensive. The light, water, gas, etc, services can be high depending on the zone you are living. Parking is super expensive.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

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Although you can find international food, it is not likely to find African or Indian restaurants for example, which I think there are like 2. But food is very good, fresh fruits and veggies all year. Restaurants are having a boom and you can find very good ones, with reasonable prices. I am not a big fan of local cuisine, I find that the traditional recipes are too heavy on the carbs, and are full of potato and rice. But you have to try ajiaco, bandeja paisa, arepas and empanadas. Also try juices, many people have juice with lunch whereas I can't do it, I don't enjoy it very much. But for breakfast or as a dessert you have to try mango, guanabana, lulo and maracuya juices. For vegetarians the options are not so easy because the market has just started to open for them. Organic and ecological markets are ok, but a bit expensive.

What places would you recommend visiting in Santafé de Bogotá?

• The museums: Museo del oro, Museo del Banco de la Replublica, Museo Nacional, La coleccion Botero
• Parks: Simon Bolivar y Parque nacional
• Monserrate up in the mountain people go to do the trail and pray.
• La Candelaria which is the colonial neighborhood in downtown bogota.
• La macarena which is a neighborhood with restaurants, night spots, galleries.
• La 82 with the shopping, malls, restaurants, bars, discos...

Is it good to eat out in Santafé de Bogotá? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

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Yes it is good. Restaurants are having a boom here, so they are opening new ones, with good food, good locations, and competitive prices, you can find international take out food, or local food in a modern way. There are many fast food chains, locals and from the US.

Is the nightlife good in Santafé de Bogotá? Where is good to go?

Yes, although it all ends at 3 am. Places close at that time due to security reasons. Going out depends on your personal taste, really. Many people go out dancing - salsa, merengue, vallenato, reggeaton, etc. There is a very popular place among Colombians and locals call Andres Carne De Res (also a restaurant) there is one in the zone of the Av, 82 and the bigger and most popular is like 30 min outside Bogota, in Chia. People love it and love to take foreigners there. Personally, I don't like it, I like other kind of music, so I go to places like El Coq and Armando Records. There are also old salsa places which are good, many of them are in the Candelaria Neighborhood.

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What advice would you give future students heading to Santafé de Bogotá?

Don't be so paranoid about what you hear about security reasons. Bogota as any other capital has its "be careful zones", try to always take a safe cab, meaning that you should call it by phone or app. Do take care of your personal belongings, and dont walk alone by night in some areas. Mostly be patience with traffic. Go out ahead of time.