Bikes, Beverages, and Car-Free Living in Bogota, Colombia

Plenty of first-time visitors to Bogota end up spending most of their vacation in the colonial center, which is pretty understandable – it's where the city's world-famous gold museum is after all. It's a great spot for a day or two of sightseeing, but if you're seeking a bit more time in the city away from the tourist crowds, the more cosmopolitan and bike-friendly neighborhood of Chapinero is the place to be.

In some ways, Chapinero feels like a different city altogether, with bike-friendly streets lined with the best of Bogota's gastronomy, nightlife, and boutique hotels.

To make sure you have the coolest cafés and bakeries within walking distance, stay at the Four Seasons' Casa Medina, located in the Zona G – for gastronomy. If you want some shopping or nightlife action, venture a bit farther to the Zona T, or to the bars and restaurants around Parque 93. Both are an easy bike ride away – and once you've seen Bogota traffic, you'll know what a godsend that is. To get your bearings, the Casa Medina provides bike tours too.

→ Good wifi and coffee – it has to be Azahar 93, Amor Perfecto or Cafe Libertario.

→ Good wifi, coffee, and the best almond croissants – look for Árbol del Pan-a, a tiny bakery hidden in a quiet side street.

→ Car-free living – don't miss the car-free hours of ciclovia on Sundays (07:00 - 14:00) when a festive atmosphere erupts on the closed-off streets. Expect open-air dance workouts, street performers, and of course, throngs of cyclists.

→ A good alternative to Casa Medina – try Casa Legado. The seven mid-century chic rooms are each named after the owner's nieces and nephews.

Let us know what dates work for you and we'll get planning.

Images one and two :© Christian Horan / Four Seasons Images three and four: © Alejandro Osses Images five, six, and seven: © Christian Horan / Four Seasons