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Which are the best neighborhoods to stay in Bogota?
Discover the best neighborhoods to stay in Bogota: safe areas with services and an ideal atmosphere for students and digital nomads.
Bogota is a huge, diverse city full of cultural contrasts. In minutes, you can move from quiet, green streets to lively areas with culture, cafés, and coworking spaces. Trust me, choosing the right neighborhood matters, especially if you’re coming from abroad and searching for the best neighborhoods to stay in Bogota.
We break down the best neighborhoods in Bogota for digital nomads, students, and different lifestyles across the city. By the end, you’ll know which area is most recommended for living and where to start looking for your new home in Bogota.
The 4 best neighborhoods to live in Bogota
Discover the 4 best neighborhoods to live in Bogota, areas that combine safety, services, and quality of life for a comfortable experience.
Usaquén (historic district & Santa Bárbara)
Living in Usaquén feels like having two worlds in one. On one side, there’s the historic district with cobblestone streets, cozy cafés, great restaurants, and the traditional Sunday flea market that gives the area a unique bohemian and cultural vibe. On the other, there’s modern Santa Bárbara, bordered by Carrera Séptima, one of Bogota’s main avenues linking north and south, and packed with shopping centers, schools, supermarkets, and every service you could need close by.
That blend of traditional charm and modern living is what makes Usaquén so appealing if you’re looking for a residential feel with local character, without giving up the convenience of city life.
Factors that contribute to the quality of life in Usaquén:
- Health: The area is also home to the Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, one of the country’s most prestigious hospitals, which gives peace of mind when it comes to access to top‑quality medical care.
- Education: The area has well-regarded schools and is relatively close to major universities in the north of the city.
- Safety: It is perceived as a safe area, with a strong community life and private security on many residential streets.
- Services: Everything you need is close by, including banks, pharmacies, restaurants, supermarkets, and shopping centers. This means shorter commutes and a smoother daily life.
- Leisure and culture: Besides the Sunday flea market, the area offers a wide range of dining options, from international cuisine and craft bars to specialty cafés, along with a vibrant and ongoing cultural scene.
- Green spaces and air: Although it’s not the greenest part of Bogota, being close to the Eastern Hills brings cleaner air and opportunities for nature walks and hikes.
- Transportation and infrastructure: The area is well connected via Carrera Séptima, Carrera Novena, and the North Highway. There are also bike lanes and good public transport options, although traffic can get heavy during rush hours.
- Digital connectivity: This area has fiber optic coverage and fast internet, which is essential for digital nomads and remote professionals.
- Environment and density: It’s a quieter area compared to Chapinero or downtown, with less noise and light pollution, making it ideal for a more relaxed lifestyle.
Chicó, Parque 93, and the El Virrey area
Living in Chicó, near Parque 93 and the El Virrey corridor, means enjoying the city without giving up green spaces. Parque 93 is full of energy, with plenty of restaurants, cafés, bars, and outdoor cultural events. Just a short walk away, El Virrey offers the perfect spot for jogging, biking, or walking your dog.
Getting around is easy too, with the Virrey TransMilenio station nearby and major roads like the North Highway and Carrera Séptima just minutes away. The area also has excellent digital connectivity, with reliable fiber optic internet, making remote or hybrid work effortless. On a daily basis, having supermarkets, banks, pharmacies, and top clinics close at hand saves time and adds peace of mind.
Keep in mind, this is a high-end neighborhood. Living costs and rent are on the higher side, but you gain safety, convenient services, and an excellent lifestyle. It’s a great fit for digital nomads and professionals who appreciate a modern area with plenty of culture and everything close by.
Chapinero Alto, Quinta Camacho, with Zona G nearby
Living in this area of Chapinero means being at the center of Bogota’s most creative and cosmopolitan scene. Old mansions have been converted into trendy restaurants, bars, and specialty cafés, giving the neighborhood a lively and cultural atmosphere. There is always something going on, from small concerts and art shows to talks and food festivals. On top of that, the famous Zona G is just a short stroll away, with top-notch restaurants that make this area a go-to spot for food lovers.
Factors that promote quality of life:
- Mobility: Its central location, close to Carrera Séptima and Avenida Circunvalar, makes it easy to get both to the historic downtown and the northern parts of the city.
- Educational opportunities: Renowned universities and colleges are within easy reach, giving the neighborhood a youthful, academic atmosphere.
- Health and services: Private clinics, pharmacies, and supermarkets are nearby, making everyday life easier.
- Culture and leisure: The area is always buzzing, with cultural spaces, alternative bars, and cafés that serve as gathering spots for creative communities.
Keep in mind that living costs, including rent and daily expenses, are on the higher side, and the constant activity can bring some noise, especially at night. Still, if you’re looking for a vibrant urban environment with endless cultural life and the convenience of walking to almost everything, this is one of the most recommended neighborhoods in Bogota.
Quinta Paredes or Salitre
If you’re looking for convenience and a great location, Quinta Paredes and Salitre are definitely among the top neighborhoods in Bogota. Located along the Calle 26 corridor, this area stands out for its proximity to El Dorado Airport and key spots like Corferias, the U.S. Embassy, and the District Administrative Center. This mix gives the neighborhood a very international and practical feel, making it ideal for foreigners who need to get around the city easily.
Factors that make this area attractive:
- Mobility: Calle 26 provides direct access to the airport, downtown, and western Bogota. The area also has TransMilenio stations and key roads like Avenida 68 and Avenida Boyacá, making getting around the city easy.
- Health services: Here you will find renowned clinics such as Clínica Universitaria Colombia, as well as EPS (health insurance providers) and medical offices.
- Education and culture: Being close to the National University and spots like the Virgilio Barco Library and Simón Bolívar Park offers a perfect balance of study, culture, and recreation.
- Green spaces: Simón Bolívar Park and the Botanical Garden are two of Bogota’s largest green spaces, just minutes away, perfect if you enjoy spending time outdoors.
- Cost of living: Compared to northern areas like Chicó or Usaquén, rent here tends to be more affordable, making this neighborhood an attractive option for longer stays.
- Basic services: With supermarkets, banks, and shopping centers like Gran Estación nearby, everyday life is convenient and easy.
Overall, Quinta Paredes and Salitre offer excellent connectivity, full amenities, and large green spaces, making them some of the best areas for a balanced and convenient lifestyle in the capital.
The best neighborhoods to live as a digital nomad in Bogota
If you work remotely and want a place that combines reliable internet, coworking spaces, and a safe, lively environment, these are some of the best neighborhoods in Bogota for digital nomads.
Parkway (Teusaquillo)
The Parkway is one of Bogota’s most appealing spots for remote workers. Its tree-lined central boulevard gives the area a relaxed and safe vibe, while the surrounding streets are filled with bookstores, independent bars, and cultural spaces that keep the neighborhood buzzing.
For a digital nomad, the area stands out for its strategic location, making it easy to reach the north, downtown, or west without spending hours commuting. On top of that, there’s a growing number of coworking and coliving spaces, many catering to young professionals and expats, which naturally encourages community and networking.
Another strong point is its neighborhood vibe. Unlike more corporate areas, this part of the city feels close-knit, with green spaces for walks and a vibrant cultural scene that makes it easy to unwind after work. In short, the Parkway offers comfort, community, and a lifestyle that perfectly suits what digital nomads look for in Bogota.
La Macarena
Living in La Macarena means choosing a neighborhood with its own unique, bohemian, and artistic character. It’s close to downtown but feels like a small village within the city. Its narrow streets, packed with cafés, indie restaurants, and galleries, make it easy to explore and always offer something new to discover. For digital nomads, this creative and welcoming atmosphere is a major draw.
Factors that improve the life of a digital nomad in La Macarena:
- Small co-living and co-working spaces: Perfect if you are looking for a workspace or accommodation where you can meet other professionals.
- Creative community: Artists, art students, and freelancers have made this neighborhood a multicultural meeting place.
- Everything within walking distance: The small size means you can walk to almost everything: restaurants, cafés, markets, and cultural venues.
- Green spaces nearby: Parque Nacional and Parque de la Independencia, just minutes away, perfect for relaxing after work
- Quiet atmosphere: Although bohemian, it is perceived as safe and lively, which is reassuring if you are visiting from out of town.
In short, La Macarena offers a blend of authenticity, an international community, and a lifestyle that combines work, culture, and leisure all in one place.
Galerías
Galerías is a central, youthful neighborhood known for its university and cultural vibe. It attracts students, young professionals, and expats looking for a more affordable area than the north, while still enjoying a lively local atmosphere. It’s practical for digital nomads, offering good connectivity along with a growing number of coworking spaces, WiFi-friendly cafés, and short-term accommodations.
What makes Galerías attractive to digital nomads:
- Affordable coworking spaces: There are several shared workspaces at lower prices than in premium areas such as Chicó.
- Cafés with Wi-Fi and cultural life: It’s common to find independent cafés that also serve as meeting spots for students and freelancers.
- Strategic mobility: Connected by Caracas and NQS, with TransMilenio stations that make it easy to get to the center or north.
- More affordable co-living and rentals: Rent here is lower than in Usaquén or Parque 93, making it an appealing option for longer stays.
- Young and cultural atmosphere: The area is home to theaters, bars, and artistic spaces, adding energy and plenty of entertainment options after work.
- Proximity to parks: Just a few minutes from Simón Bolívar Park and green areas where it’s easy to disconnect.
Connectivity – A key factor for digital nomads
No matter which neighborhood you choose, the most important thing for a digital nomad is staying connected. In Bogota, you’ll find cafés and coworking spaces with reliable internet, but having mobile data from the moment you land provides security and convenience. A practical solution is Holafly’s monthly plans, which let you activate unlimited data in minutes without relying on physical SIM cards or unstable Wi-Fi. This way, you can work from anywhere in the city and stay online at all times.
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍
The best neighborhoods to live in as a student in Bogota
If you’re coming to study in Bogota, picking the right neighborhood can be the difference between spending hours in traffic or having everything within reach. These are the areas where both local and international students gravitate, offering great locations, convenient services, and an environment that makes settling into the city much easier.
Chapinero
If you’re studying at Javeriana, Politécnico, Piloto, or Santo Tomás, Chapinero is incredibly convenient. You can get around on foot or with short trips, and the area offers libraries, cafés for studying, and rental rooms or studios designed with students in mind.
Why choose it:
- Proximity to campus: Javeriana (Cra. 7 with 40s) and Politécnico Grancolombiano (Cll 57/Cll 61).
- Plenty of rooms, co-living spaces, and cafés with good Wi-Fi; youthful atmosphere.
- Connectivity: Séptima and Circunvalar, bike lanes, and buses that take you quickly to downtown or north.
- Local tip: Check out specific streets: some blocks are very quiet, while others are noisier at night.
Teusaquillo
This area is right in the heart of student life, thanks to its proximity to the National University and several other institutions. Plus, you’re just steps away from Simón Bolívar Park and the Virgilio Barco Library, perfect spots to unwind.
Why choose it:
- Walk or bike to classes if you go to Ciudad Universitaria (UNAL); more affordable rent than in the north.
- Neighborhood with character: Parkway for studying in cafés, Galerías with a youthful vibe and services close at hand.
- Easy access via Av. 30, Caracas, and La 26; many bus and TM routes.
- Local tip: Great if you value a balance between green spaces, culture, and short commutes.
Expanded historic center (La Candelaria, Las Aguas, Las Nieves)
For students at universities like Los Andes, Externado, Rosario, or Tadeo, living near the historic center makes getting around easier and immerses you in the city’s cultural scene. The area is very walkable, with libraries, museums, and bike paths close by, though some streets can be lively at night, so choosing your exact spot matters.
Why choose it:
- Close proximity to: Uniandes (La Candelaria), Externado (ladera oriental de La Candelaria), Rosario (Claustro, Calle 12C) and Tadeo (Las Nieves, Cra 4 #22-61).
- Plenty of rooms/studios and residences available; university and cultural vibe all year round.
- Plenty of transportation to all areas; perfect if your routine is in the center.
- Local tip: Prioritize well-lit streets with active stores; at night, plan your routes.
La Macarena
Small, bohemian, and very walkable, just steps from downtown and Javeriana. The area is full of cafés for studying, workshops, galleries, and a growing number of boutique coworking and coliving spaces that foster a sense of community.
Why choose it:
- Perfect if you’re looking for a creative atmosphere and short distances to classes and cultural spaces.
- A good mix of restaurants and everyday services without losing the neighborhood spirit.
What is the best neighborhood to live in Bogota?
If there’s a neighborhood that perfectly balances quiet living with the energy of a big city, it’s Usaquén. It’s not only safe and residential, but also vibrant, thanks to its many cafés, restaurants, and bars that serve as gathering spots for both locals and expats. You’ll easily find cozy places to work, meet friends, or just spend the afternoon, giving the area a modern feel while keeping its traditional neighborhood charm.
Another thing that makes it stand out is its proximity to business centers and office areas. This means the neighborhood stays active during the week, with plenty of services and good transport options, but without the chaos of more central areas. Evenings and weekends are much quieter, giving Usaquén a balanced, comfortable feel that makes it a great place to live.
In short, Usaquén is lively yet peaceful at the same time. You have social and cultural life within easy reach, the convenience of being close to work areas, and the added benefit of a safe environment that lets you enjoy it all with ease. That’s why, no matter why you’re coming to Bogota, this neighborhood is one of the best choices for feeling comfortable and well connected.
Frequently asked questions about the best neighborhoods to stay in Bogota
Usaquén is usually one of the most recommended neighborhoods due to its good reputation for safety and residential atmosphere.
Areas such as Parque 93, El Virrey, Parkway, and La Macarena attract nomads for their cultural atmosphere, coworking spaces, and cafes with WiFi.
Yes, areas such as Galerías, Teusaquillo, and Cedritos tend to have more affordable prices than the premium north.
Teusaquillo stands out for its proximity to Simón Bolívar Park, the Botanical Garden, and the Parkway.
Salitre and Quinta Paredes are ideal due to their proximity to the airport and good connections via Calle 26.
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Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍
