The TRUTH about BOGOTA a WARNING to AVOID this City, Maybe? | Is Bogota Safe or Dangerous?
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- Опубликовано: 5 авг 2024
- This city can be cold, dangerous, crowded, full of pollution and traffic… It’s no wonder why people mark it off their itineraries when choosing to visit Colombia…
But, what if you knew the truth… the real truth about Bogotá….
00:00 - The Truth About Bogotá
01:32 - The Top Two Complaints
04:46 - 8 Things Happening Inside the City
10:25 - 7 Things Happening Outside the City
14:36 - Final Thoughts
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#colombia #expatsincolombia #travelcolombia #visitcolombia #liveincolombia #visitbogota #bogota #expatsinbogota #thingstodo #thingstodoinbogota
I just had the most amazing week in Bogotá! As a solo female traveler I felt so safe. Guess what: because I done my research what areas to avoid and what to look out for. I don’t even speak Spanish and was absolutely fine. I met amazing people and the hospitality is great. Like in literally ANY OTHER CITY IN THIS WORLD you have to be aware of your surroundings. If you go and want to find trouble you will. So please don’t let scary RUclips Videos hold you back from visiting this city. ❤️
LOVE THIS! - Yeah... We kind of scare people in the beginning of this video... But no large city is without crime. I saw a recent statistic that had Dallas TX in the US as one of the cities with the highest homicide rates... Higher than Bogota... And that's where Widny and I met, married, and lived for 6 years before going to Colombia... But, Dallas is pretty great too... It all depends on neighborhoods, activities, groups of people, time of day, etc... We are very happy to hear you have had a positive experience in Bogota. :-)
Which areas did you find the safest/most accommodating for tourists?
Glad you liked it!!!
I´m so happy to read your comment. I love that you had an amazing time in our city, and hope that you come many more times to Bogota and other of our amazing cities.
For your next trip: most touristic things are not that far away one from another, and you can use the shared bike system (it's my main mode of transport).
@@eduardoalexanderrosadio8083 All the north part of the city, avoid the south.
Bogota is one of the best cities in the world! It makes me sad that I'm catching a flight back to the US tomorrow.
Awww... I feel you... That's how it felt with all our visits prior to actually moving here for a while.
I live in the US but it sure as hell doesn’t feel like a big city. The cities in Colombia are very compact, unlike in the US.
Bogotá is horrible 🤢 is a complete mess of a city: the traffic jams are terrible, the public transportation is really bad, people drive like sh*t, most of the city is pretty ugly and looks dirty, it can be a really dangerous city (just read about what used to be the Bronx or the barrio San Bernardo and you'll see hell in earth) it is polluted as f*ck and has some serious infraestructural issues. It's a really frustrating city cause it has lots of potential, but it has been wasted due to the incompetence of the majors and the social problems that has Colombia due to the conflict. The best advise I can give to anyone who wants to travel to Colombia is: don't waste your time in Bogotá, this country has much more to offer.
Alright go back to your basement and take your meds, you un-cultured scum.
@@NgVeneComo colombiano, estoy de acuerdo jajaja
I really fell deep in love with Latin America, especially Colombia. I've been planning my move from Germany to Bogotá for over a year. Furthermore, I was single, tired of my old life and then everything turned out differently than expected. Now not only in the most beautiful relationship of my life so far, but with her, I have gained a family in which I was really, very warmly welcomed. I'm really looking forward to being able to call Bogotá my new home soon.
Gracias por la cantidad de este video. Mucho saludos actualmente todavía de Alemania.
These are such kinds words! - One of things we tend to reflect on often is how Westerns countries may be more developed but they're more "cold" and so are the people... Colombia and many parts of Latin America may lack development but the people are often more friendly and appear to be exceptionally content with their lives although they have less things materialistically. It's rather a paradox. --- We hope you find your home in Bogota soon!
That sounds amazing! I’m also from Germany and fell in love with South America and can’t wait to go back to see more of this beautiful continent.
Are you really a native of Germany? In that case you should try writing to DOMINIC, he is also from Germany, he currently has a prosperous t-shirt business - look for his channel here on RUclips
@@oscardiaz7033 Yes, I am really a German native. I was born and raised in Germany and now in my 30s, I am immigrating to Colombia (Bogotá). Thanks for your RUclips recommendation. Do you mean Dominic with about ~7 million followers? Muchos saludos!
@@lifetheorycouple I see it the same way, and after I let go of this materialism (although I was never particularly materialistic) and asked myself what I really wanted in life, I suddenly became interested in Latin America. Actually, it started quite harmlessly with Cuba, from there it went via Brazil, and finally I fell deep in love with Colombia and later with my girlfriend. It is precisely this "coldness" in the Western world that I find increasingly difficult to cope with.
My girlfriend and I sometimes joke that not even Hollywood could come up with a love story as crazy as ours. We were very cautious and reserved at the beginning because we simply found it difficult to classify. The cultural differences, the good and bad things that you hear or experience. And now I'm at a point where I can more and more imagine asking her the question of all questions. But only once I have settled into my new home.
It's a strange feeling when you feel more and more like a stranger in your own (old) home. And at the same time, there is a continent, a country far away, that is becoming more and more dear to one's heart. Of course, not everything is perfect there either, and it will be a big change for me. And yet I am very impressed by how cheerful the people are despite the difficult conditions. And what is really addictive is the traditional food and music. I've already asked my girlfriend if she'll keep me when I get old and thicker. ;)
Aww, a love letter to Bogota❤. It’s nice to see content for Bogota from people who love the city!
Yep!!!!! - And thank you for being our number one fan. :-)
Te Quiero Bogota'. 💛 I moved here in 2021 best decision ever!
We love to year that! We've been here since the same year, 2021.
I moved here in . . . 1999
Additionally... Bogota is awesome if you like to be walking... that zone around Parque de la 93 is incredible, all that green everywhere! I love it too!
Yes! Lots of large parks in Bogota to enjoy. We love it!
I’m planning a trip to Colombia in March. It will be my first time there in almost 10 years! I think I will be going to Bogotá for two or three days followed by the coffee region for a few days, and then Barranquilla. There are so many other places I would love to go to, but this is going to be a short trip, so there’s only so much I can do.
Just did the same (minus Barranquilla) for the first time and fell in love with the region. Asking myself if I really had to leave as I shiver all week in my current subzero winter hellscape. Enjoy your visit!
WE LOVE TO HEAR THIS!!! - Enjoy, plan out your activities and just explore explore EXPLORE!
Same, i'm going in march as well, for my birthday. this will be my first time going.
Thank you very much for the good Video, that´s exactly my experience with Bogotá. I am from Hamburg, Germany and my Girlfriend live in Bogotá. The first time I visit her in Bogotá everybody told me it is very dangerous in that City and of course, like any other big cities in the world, Bogotá have very dangerous parts, but I love Bogotá very much, because there are so many friendly people and beautiful things in the city. I walked around a lot in Bogotá, also at night and I had never a dangerous situation altough I look very european. For women it is more dangerous at night, but that´s not only the case of Bogotá, unfortunarely that´s a problem in all cities in the world. Bogotá ist a great place to live or visit.
This is sooo great to hear! It doesn’t matter what major city you go to, you always have to be careful about something. It’s not the beer excuse to not go.
best couple doing videos of the cities of colombia....keep it up !!
Awwww! THANK YOU! Such kind words.
I am coming next month to visit Bogota for the first time, I really look forward.
You're going to love it! February is a great month to visit. Typically more sunny than most months.
@@lifetheorycouple sounds great. I will be there for 11 days, hopefully I shall be able to see quite a bit.
me too. in march
How was it?
don't risk your life, if you have the opportunity of coming to Colombia, lose it
i myself have been to bogota...i also visited fusa..chaochi...chia..zipaquira...cajica...and silvania.....i loved it !!
Nice! Yes, I think the real charm of Colombia is all these small towns that are just outside all the major towns. More peaceful and so unique as you really start to stretch across the country.
Visiting Colombia next month. Thanks you for the info. Looking forward to it. 😊
THAT'S SO GREAT! - We hope you enjoy. :-)
I ❤ Bogota and I can say from experience, infrastructure is getting better and better, with the new metro mobility will improve. Great food scene too.
Nice! Yes, we have noticed compared to 10 years ago... That the clean up of all the independent busses in the city has made a big difference. I think more aggressive metro development will help the city certainly be more functional.
Bogota is really slept on i was just there in December. I’ll definitely be back soon!!!!
Yes! I hope you enjoy!
Always happy to see yalls new vids! ❤❤❤
THANK YOU!!!
Lately the weather is hotter than I would prefer. Due to the altitude of 2600 meters, the sun's rays are intense, but I love the dry climate, different from the mostly humid areas of Colombia.
Yes! The water restrictions have been a bit annoying... But, we believe this is due to the El Nino effect. Next year the weather should predictively be back to normal.
Great video! Nice to see the positive! Ive been to Bogota many times and I also enjoy it there.. I love the climate, I dont love the traffic!
Thank you!!! - We are also crazy people who sleep with our windows open... Even in Bogota!
great content guys! love your vibe and passion on these videos. great guide of bogota
THANK YOU! - Yes, Bogota needs some justice, although the traffic is annoying.
Always welcome to Bogota, I am from Bogota and don't believe what you say, we are kind, loving, hospitable and we want our city to grow and be a good place to live and to visit us, it's just that many Colombians from other cities come to look for an opportunity in Bogota But they don't want Bogota, they just want to work, so many of those people who are not from Bogota do not take ownership of the city and they are the cold ones, but not the Bogota residents, because Bogota wants it to be more united and people take ownership, take care of their space, no. Vote rubbish, unlike Medellin, where the majority are from the same city, they are more nationalistic, in Bogota we are more open to receiving whoever arrives, but those who arrive do not always contribute to that union, regardless of that, we accept them and we want greetings, come to Bogota, no. they will regret it...
Thank you for the view and reply! - Curious 🤨, how much of the video did you get through?
To me, Bogota has the best climate in the world. Never too call never too hot. Just fresh and sunny. Very, very comfortable. Those who say it is cold is because they never been to countries with truly freezing weather. And yes, I live in Houston, a city with crazy weather.
TRUE! - Jonny grew up in Texas and even this time of year is way colder than Bogota.
I think i just found my new favorite channel. Ive been thinking about moving to colombia for many reasons. Was looking at medillin but now ive found you guys, i might change to bogota. Im going to go back to your first videos and watch my way up
Aww! Such kind words. It's certainly an adventure. Knowing Spanish is a plus.
I get Bogotá has kinda a bipolar weather, you can literally see the sun while being bathed by some rain at the same time, but people who complain about Bogotá being cold seem to have never experienced a true winter weather. Snow is fun for a couple days but when you get closed roads, snow blizzards, black ice storms etc etc etc you quickly realize how fortunate and how nice and mild the weather is here. Great vid guys!!!
TRUE! - And that is the point we make in this video. It's not winter weather whatsoever. It's mild fall weather... But I think it is true, people who grew up in warmer climates then come visit Bogota experience the coldest weather they've ever encountered. But most people coming from areas outside of the tropics find it pleasant because it's not too cold and nor does it actually get hot.
i think also there has been a great shift of modernization in all the worlds cities
This is a good thing! Even the city I am from in the US has very rough edges. ~Jonny
Cool video, I got inspired to take my wife to these lovely places. Thanks for this!💓
Thank you for the view and comment and we are glad to here you enjoyed it!
Good info...I visited for 8 days in January this year.....great city!!
Point to note: Exercise before you visit...walk run etc...the high altitude does affect you...
Absolutely! If you're active, like we are, doing just one or two work outs in Bogota will get you acclimated very quickly. But if you're not active whatsoever... I could see how it would be difficult to breathe if coming from lower elevation.
Thanks for letting us know about Bogota i am planning to visit there soon
Thank you! - What was the most helpful part?
Very Interesting and good video about Bogotá 🤔
I'm glad you think so and thank you for watching! Please share with a friend if you think they'll find value as well!
thats a such a great video..very helpful for us who want to vistit bogota
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for showing Bogota as it is.
You're welcome and thank you for watching!
After watching your vid, its on my list. Thank you ❤
THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT WE LOVE TO HEAR! - All cities comes with crime and their sets of inconveniences... But, if you really choose to LIVE in any given city, there so many beautiful experiences to have. I hope you enjoy Bogota once you visit.
@@lifetheorycouple Agree. Same here in South Africa. All our provinces have crime due to poverty and unemployment but we have good advantages too.
Reading all comments just make me sad I left my city 20 years ago right when changes started hopelly i will be back soon in the mind time enjoy for me. 😢
Was that a good cry or sad cry? - It's definitely still Bogota, but things have changed in the past 20 years for sure!
Bogotá is fantastic. My home, pure life!
Thank you! - Yes! A lot more people love Bogota than the internet tends to make you believe.
Good info!
THANK YOU!!!
We have a layover in Bogota from 5am to 2pm (flight from US) - so realistically we got 3-4 hours to play with before we need to book it back to El Dorado. Any tips to get to the city center quickly and if any place is walkable? Just sightseeing and eating. No museums. Thanks for the video!
Uber or Taxi might be best. But depending on time of day it could take an hour to get to the city center. And then another hour to get back to the airport. The neighborhood of La Candelaria is walkable. I’d try to get as close to Plaza de Bolivar or go straight to Monserrate for the cable cart. - Your time line is a bit tight for a large dense city like Bogota.
Great video!
Thank you!!!
That weather is perfect weather for me
Nice autumn weather. :-)
I live in Bogota and I have travelled and I love this weather.. I'm colombian
I live in Bogotá, but I just visited La Candelaria and Monserrate! There are so many places I haven't explored yet! 🇨🇴 #Bogotá #LaCandelaria #Monserrate #Colombia #travel #explore #wanderlust
Yes! I lived 24 years in Bogotá and there are places that I continue to discover 💛❤️
Awesome video! It’s refreshing to see a video that’s about quality daytime activities. I’m not a party guy and I don’t drink alcohol, so this is the kind of content I’m looking for!
I do have two questions though, I have a large dog, are there many good veterinarians in the chicó/chapinero/rosales areas? Also, what about career opportunities? I alway wonder how people do all these activities without thinking about making money lol! I know that’s a boring conversation, but it’s the most important one that people never seem to talk about.
Thank you! - We are happy to hear this! --- (1) Vets? We don't have animals; however, the dog culture is huge in Bogota... I've even seen people take their dogs into malls... I think there are plenty of vet serves... I'd join some Bogota Expat groups on FB and start asking around... (2) Career opportunities is a tough one... If you found any job in Colombia you'd likely make about 1,500 or 2,000 USD at the most per a month. We are lucky at this moment in our lives because we have kept our US based corporate jobs and work remote. (3) Half the activities featured in this video are free, and if they do cost money, not very much... We have plans to do more budget break down type of videos, so stay tuned for those. Is there a specific activity or two that interests you more than others?
We love hearing that we're not the only people opposed to (1) drinking and (2) night life... We had someone comment on our channel that we should film night life... If we did that, it would be us sleeping from 9pm to 6am. LOL
@@lifetheorycouple That’s awesome to hear! I spent a month in Medellín last year and saw dogs in the malls as well. I figured Bogotá was also dog friendly but I wanted to make sure. As far as activities, Cicloviá will easily be my favorite! Other than that, I can really just go with the flow as long as I’m getting to know quality people. I’m really a huge talker and laugher, but I’ll need to get better at Spanish before I’ll know how to let my true personality show lol!
Tbh, I the majority of my time will spent focused on earning my Master’s Degree in Data Science via the online program from Eastern University in Pennsylvania; classes start next month. I’ve worked for 11 years as a Mathematician in the Software Engineering field, but I’d like to transition into Machine Learning Engineering and Web Development. If I study full time, I can finish in 10 months then get a U.S. job remote. Afterwards, I’d be much more open to spending more time on activities. I’m looking to make a long term move so establishing myself financially and socially are my highest priority.
It looks like you have a lot of work ahead of you! - Working in the IT space whether data science, ML, AI, etc... I think once you prove yourself to any employer who gives you a fully remote job will give you the geographic freedom and flexibility you seek. --- Activities wise, Ciclovia is the best in Bogota! - The organized hiking in the Cerros Orientales is free also, you'll just need to sign up.
Bogota is a nice city only if you can afford an apartment rent in exclusive zones.
Fair point! I think it also depends on the quality of apartments you want. You can find some as low as $300.00 USD and has high as $3,000.00 USD. We like to keep it under $800.00 if possible, but fully furnished.
Thanks for the video looking to visit Bogota are people friendly there?
We would say in the nicer neighborhood (which are all the ones mentioned in the video) and the touristy areas yes. However, we also well acquainted with other parts of Bogota no so highlighted in this video such as the south and east... It's a different story... So in short, it depends on where you go. But for the neighborhoods that attract foreigners, they're quite friendly.
Todos nosotros los colombianos somos amigables bienvenidos todos se poden sentir como en casa 🇨🇴🇨🇴🙂👐🏼
I've ONLY been to Bogota in Colombia, and that's twice, each time one week each on vacation. I've highly enjoyed Bogota as a city. Part of the reason I think I did is because I did my research on what I was getting my self into when I arrived. I knew it was a huge urban landscape with cooler non-tropical temperatures. I wasn't expecting a party city like Cartagena/Medellin with warm weather, I was expecting something like NYC in the fall. Bogota still knows how to party though! Love the nightlife there too. Part of me enjoys the fact that I haven't been to Medellin/Cartagena yet because EVERYONE tells me to go to those places lol
Yes! Autumn weather all the way... Yeah, we're such morning people that we just have a hard time going out to party. We party in our dreams. XD
You are missing out so badly, Cartagena and Medellin are SO much better in so many ways, much more developed, beautiful and fun, and the best thing around there aren't the parties
@@isabel4998 I'm not knocking Medellin/Cartagena truly, I honestly do want to visit those cities. I just get the vibe that Bogota gets a bad rap from the rest of the country exactly because it IS a big crowded city and the climate is so different from the rest of the country. For the record, I don't think Bogota is the only representation of Colombia, I know the country is known for its tropical climate and beautiful scenery. I'm just saying, I had a good time in Bogota because I did my research and, quite frankly, I've come to enjoy big bustling cities like NYC over time and now those are my vacations, city vacations. I used to ONLY go to tropical cities by beaches.
Hi you two, i had already visited Bogota 4 times before I watched your videos and right now i'm in my cozy loft apartment above the Candileria. Tomorrow i will attempt to get out of town a little and go up the mountain. I am so serious about living here next year, but so far I have been a little lazy finding the right information. How do i get around the ex pat tax? Should i start a business? Or buy an apartment, i really love it here. And Ive never lived in a big city before but something just resonates with my heart here. Maybe someday i'll see you at Cafe del Mercado ?
❤ Gavin
Great questions in this comment. They are too big to answer in a comment however... If you're interested in staying in Colombia for the long run, I highly suggest working on getting your m-visa (Migrant Visa) and work with a law firm like Langon Law. Those m-visas last 2 years... Taxes, depending on your source of income, if it's outside of Colombia, you may no need to pay tax. I suggest reaching out to a tax professional to understand this.... Start a business? We are not the best source of info on how to do this as we have not ran our own profitable businesses, we are remote corporate employees.... Buying is way more complicated and locks you down. If you're like us, it was just more economical to go the Airbnb route and jump around Colombia for a while.... Cafe del Mercado? Unfortunately at the time of typing this comment we have decided to leave Colombia to explore some other countries. ---- BEST OF LUCK
Great video. Thank you for putting together this video for us😊
You're welcome and thank you for watching!!!
¡Di la verdad! Bogotá es un ciudad muy especial.
Bogotá es mi ciudad y siempre será especial 💕
~Widny
I love Bogóta ❤ yet I hate cities. Bogotá is so different, however. It is a mix of modern hip, and beautiful, lush green parts. The food is phenomenal. Even just the produce is incredible. I am going to buy a condo there and base myself there! My only problem ? High altitude makes my rice cook mushy! 🥰
HA! - I wouldn't have thought of the rice. We don't eat much rice except when we have sushi at a restaurant.
3:32 To be honest, the US doesnt have the infrastructure to sustain the car culture either... Bogotá in fact follows the car-centric model of the US and that is why it collapses, just as traffic collapses in New York, Boston or Chicago.
This is the plight of human development and population growth. Major cities are just crowed. lol
The real problema in tráfico in Bogotá, is that arrives many People of all regiones in Colombia and from Venezuela, and they create congestion
as a Colombian, you are completly wrong, in Bogotá there's absolutely no highways and the urbanization is POORLY made
I’ve been living in Bogota for 2.5 years and all of the above is true. Weather stinks and safety is bad. But the city is super underrated and there’s always something to do
That's what we love to hear! Thank you for the view and comment.
I lived for 3 years in Bogota and returned to Australia 5 years ago. I’ve been to all these places and everything on this video is true.
Bogota is a great place to visit but if you don’t speak any Spanish I’d suggest going with someone who does. You’ll enjoy it much more that way.
Living in Bogota is another thing.if you’ve got money and live in a decent neighbourhood you’ll enjoy it but if you aren’t cashed up I’d say don’t do it.
Best wishes.
Fair! - I believe if you have money period... Life is a lot easier. You can afford to be in the nicer areas of a city/town and afford more luxuries. Thankfully, we are a good position.
Bogotá has a lot of pros, but I can’t pass up the fact that crime and drugs are out of control. I’m also American and an experienced traveler in Latin America - Bogotá is the sketchiest place I’ve been to. It’s so annoying to have to consider that every time you leave your hotel that you could get robbed.. sorry, this isn’t happening in many places in the world.
Very fair assessment! - This is indeed our biggest annoyance regarding Bogota and most of the cities in Colombia. Theft and gun-point robbery is a real thing, and you just never know when it's going to happen... However, in the US, as we all know, mass-shootings are a real thing, and you never know when that's going to happen either...
as a bogotano, foreigners need to go to important festivals like rock al parque (music festival in june or november) or SOFA (comic con in October, it happens in Corferias)
Yes yes and yes! - Widny being a Bogtana/Rola, she makes a big deal about these.
¡¡Amo
Bogotáaaa!!!
Love it!
something worth mentioning is the entertainment industry here. Most major rock bands, pop artists come to Bogota.
It was mentioned at one point in the video. - But yes! Very true, every year there is a free rock concert and major artist come to play.
@@lifetheorycouple rock al parque sucks, I mean, there are a ton of major paid good quality events in this city
We moved from Miami to BOGOTA aid the coolest place !!! food , people , culture is so cool !!!! Is the NY in LATAM
This is what I’ve always said (Widny) but in biased, I grew up in Bogota and have had the fortune to explore so much. Thank you for watching! 💕
Good video, fare approach.
THANK YOU! We like to be fair.
Oh my gosh such an amazing 🤩 video blog 🎉 👏 congratulations 🎊 I’m from Bogota, I’m not living there but definitely have an amazing places to visit, thank you for sharing this 🎉
Thank you! - It really is a great city!
You left?
Due to my Mother in Law’s aging and health I may be moving to Mazuren!
I was hoping you would do a video of that area?
My wife’s family will not let me go anywhere alone,, which is very frustrating!
And you are such a cool couple I was hoping to meet you!
Good luck in all your travels!
Love your videos!
We will be back for sure! Bogotá is our second home 💕
I must say that my family was terrified of Jonny walking alone in the streets of Bogotá, but with him learning survival Spanish and all of the “safety tips,” we started to feel more and more comfortable. To the point that he would sometimes watch my little brother and they would go on small adventures around the neighborhood.
Jonny has always expressed his need for his independence and how much he enjoys walking, so it is something that we had to respect and trust that everything will be fine. I would suggest communicating with your wife and her family to make sure they understand and they help you feel safe and confident navigating Bogotá, instead of being fearful.
@@lifetheorycouple
Thank you SO much for taking the time to answer me!
That is very helpful,,,
It’s work in progress!
Gracias!
It's a beautiful city big city it got lots of danger parts, but it's very safe other parts especially in the northern areas. The traffic is bad and the bus are very congested. I have friend here and since I been staying here off and on my experience been great. This city has alot of room for growth.
Thank you for the view and comment! - We are well aware of the dangerous parts... There really are two sides to Bogota. We of course have showcased the better parts of the city. But this is true of nearly every major city on this planet.
I highly recommend visiting Bogota's wetlands (humedales), you can find some beautiful animals
I (Widny) have visited a couple of the humedales in the city but this is a great suggestion! I had not thought about taking Jonny to see one of those. Thank you!
The climate is awesome ❤
We agree!
I was specially close to get a little bit mad and vent in the commentaries section until I heard the deliberation, wish ya'll the best! Hope this video has enough diffusion, coming from a native Bogotá citizen heh
Hahah! We love it. 💛💙♥️
I would never speak badly of my city 🫢
~Widny
I agree with you I been there, but I don't feel too much unsecured, depending on the area you go to. Some places are very dangerous than others, for example, Bogota center in the night is very scare and dangerous to walk that area.
Thank you for the view and comment! - We agree, there are some scary parts. But we like to hear that others have experienced feeling secure/safe in Bogota. Thank you for sharing.
The weather seems perfect there iny eyes. Ive been in Medellin the last six months and its hot here in the afternoons wearing jeans is not an option for me.
Have you visited Bogota? It’s about 10 degrees cooler, if not a little lower, all times of the day compared to Medellin. You’ll definitely want to have pants or jeans on past sunset. The temperature always drops to about 60.
I stayed in the business district North of Bogota, met alot of beautiful women, stayed at a great hotel NH Collection of Bogota, I speak no Spanish and I was treated very well. I have no plans to visit Medillin or Cartegena.
This is sooo great to hear! Bogota, although it has a lot of crime and you'll find yourself scrambling to put on a jacket... It's got culture, vibrance, and sooo much going on. If, as it sounds like you are, a large-city lover, then Bogota Colombia is a one stop shop.
@@lifetheorycouple I actually stayed in the hotel connected to the stock exchange building, it seems North Bogota is the major business district, I'm not trying to stay in areas and put myself in situations to be drugged robbed and possibly killed, just wanna chill enjoy the vibe and scenery, and head back home safe.
I like Bogota although the first time I went I didn't like it alot. There's lots of forests but the hiking trails are always closed for "security" reasons, that sucks because I like hiking.
This is our exact issue too, unfortunately... You cannot go for a hike by yourself and expect to be safe. Not like the US or even Chile. Instead, you can expect to go for a hike and get robbed... This is why we highly suggest hiking the Bogota Cerrors Orientales as organized by Acueducto (caminos.eaab.gov.co/).
1. Cold Weather? I only heard from Colombians that it was cold lol. I loved the weather and I live in Dallas. It was perfect sin lluvia. I even got hot in my apartment and wanted some AC but realized I needed change my sleepwear habits. 2. Traffic? Uber is super easy and cheap... just get an Uber and let them deal with the traffic while you rest. 3. Pollution is way better than Medellin imo and so is the traffic although I felt like we were restricted in movement more in Bogota the traffic in Medellin was way crazier.
I already miss it and want to go back.
Nice! We lived in Dallas, TX ourselves. November - March can be quite cold at times... Nothing compared to Bogota's "cold'. And yes, it's true, that the only people who describe Bogota as cold are often Colombians themselves. Since the whole country is located in the tropics, they don't have 4 seasons, therefore, they perceive temperature differences more severely, I believe. --- People who grew up in say Santa Marta... That then get used to wearing blue jeans mid-day and don't break a sweat, then one day go to visit Bogota... Experience it as if it's extreme cold. Often times you can find me walking around Bogota in shorts, especially the sunny days. ~ Jonny
At Bogotá and Colombia locals respect foreigners and help them anytime. Colombia people have human values inside the heart always more important others than simple things or material belongings 😊
Yes! Colombians can be very welcoming and inviting into their groups/circles of people. This is something Jonny has really enjoyed about Colombian culture.
I am planning a trip in bogota in June. Is it safe to travel.
Yes it is. Don’t use your phone on the street and you’ll be ok.
@@lifetheorycouple You mean to say personal phone? Perfect Thanks.
Yes, autocorrect 🙈
As a colombian/venezuelan, the best thing you can do in Bogotá is take a flight to medellin or to Cartagena, Bogotá is the absolute worst city ever, don't travel here guys, miss it! There's no good gastronomy, prices are higher, and there's absoultely no reason to be spending your good earned vacations in a boring and smelly city (also, note, if you are ever looking for the absolute best beaches in the world, go to venezuela, the beaches in Colombia are the worst I have visited in the Caribbean)
Como una caribeña viviendo en Bogotá por mis estudios, reconozco que la ciudad tiene mucho para ofrecer, sin embargo, no es ni de lejos la mejor opción para vivir en Colombia
No es perfecta, pero este video es cómo una carta de amor a Bogotá ☺️
Weather, I'd love. Can't get past the traffic. I'd love to visit, but not day-to-day life. Like New York City is great to visit, but I couldn't see living there. I like Medellin, but I feel like I spend all day waiting to cross streets, dodging motorcycles. I'll opt for Villa de Leyva or Paipa or even Tunja.
That's fair! The traffic is constantly wearing. Boyaca has nice towns and smaller cities. Much quieter and less going on. Just generally more peaceful.
@@lifetheorycouple - I'll be serving in Peace Corps, hopefully in Boyaca, so I took a whirlwind tour last month. Still, I want to see what's cool in Bogota. MANY years ago, I was there a day and only saw the Museo de Oro.
Good luck in your travels.
Dear both, what is your take on the recent surge in robberies at restaurants in “upscale “ areas? Thank you 😊
See you in Bogota tomorrow 😃
These are unfortunate circumstances. - Abasto was one of the those and is a restaurant we recently ate at twice! - Many of these types of robberies happen in restaurants that are smaller or right next to the street with lots of visibility. So... I advise finding spots that are larger and have less visibility to the street if possible... Ask the host to sit near the back of the restaurant or as far as possible from the door. - The robbery at Abasto did not happen inside the restaurant but instead to an individual with a visible Rolex waiting in line to get into the restaurant. DO NOT show any displays of wealth in the streets. --- I'd also Uber to places and enter them quickly... Time of day matters too... We're early risers so we're usually at these places while the sun is out.... But again, you really never know when this is going to happen. ---- We think these circumstances are terrible for the reputation of the city... However, there are many restaurants were it would be near impossible to not get caught because of how large they are... ---- ENJOY BOGOTA!
@@lifetheorycouple dear both, many thanks for the details reply and offering additional advise! If you can recommend any restaurants, feel free to do so:)
My wife and I are completely new to Bogota and your videos are awesome! 🙌
A lot of the good restaurants we’ve found are through the instagram account Bogota Eats.
We’ve also attended a couple of their food festivals and by trying a few signature dishes from a couple restaurants we’ve found really good places in Bogota.
In fact, Bogota Eats will be hosting a food festival March 8-10 at Parque el Chico. If you like burgers, this will definitely be a fun experience and a way to try different restaurants.
If you choose to go, we recommend you get the earlier ticket option, as there will be less people and the lines for each restaurant booth won’t be so bad.
Some of the restaurants we tried most recently and we thought were really good are:
Central Cevicheria, it has different locations. The one on Ave 19 is large and cute
Selma in Chapinero
And El Chato
Even if it happened once a day, which it doesn't, the chances of it happening to you are far, far smaller than getting hit by a car....or bicycle.
North of Bogotá is a very safe place and is an area of 4 Million people, second world stats, mid high and high class
That’s where we spend most of our time. Agree!
I’m in Bogota now and travel here at least two times a year. Since our trip, in April of 2023, it appears they are getting a handle on litter and are starting to use a “level”for their sidewalks? Are 18 inch curbs necessary folks. Otherwise, the climate is perfect and as an old guy, I walk three to seven miles a day. The health care system is terrific if you have private insurance . Great place overall👨✈️🇺🇸
HA! 18 inch curbs... This probably contributes to health/physical movement. We are impressed by the people who are in their 60s, 70s, and some in their 80s who still run up Monserrate.
Bogota is looking better but I love the weather in Medellin and the culture in Cali.
True! - Every city has it's own vibe. Cali definitely has a vibe much different from Bogota and Medellin.
What a very lucky guy. He married one very beautiful Colombian lady.
Thank you!!!
One of the best cities I’ve visited out of cities from 22 countries
This is what we love to hear! Thank you for the view and comment.
Weather in BG is the best! There is no need for air conditioner or heat! Travel two hours south out of BG, and you're in 85+ degree weather!
True! - We've been to Piscilago many times ourselves. Always a good time to get into the hotter climate then drive back up the mountains.
@lifetheorycouple Indeed! I so loved that drive through the mountains! Retired & and living in NJ but making plans to head back and pick up where we left off! BTW, hot as heck here and summer is brutal this year. BG weather is so envious! Enjoy 😉
I love Bogota too. Even though I moved to medellin
This is a common sentiment we hear time to time. We enjoy visiting Medellin once and a while... But clearly, if you watch more of our videos, like Bogota more.
As a Bogota citicen I can say that the city has the potencial to be one of the best in the world, but it can't because of it's local politicians (who delayed a metro system for over a century) and it's people (who seem to hate their own city and damage any sort of public infrastructure).
Thank you for the view and the comment! - This too is a bit of a sad reality for Bogota an Colombia in general. Political tensions have really put a dent in making true progress, especially infrastructure for the country. We agree.
No other Colombian city come close to having what Bogotá has. That's no knock on other cities--Bogotá is the capital and it's much bigger, so it's not like it tried harder or anything like that. If you value what Bogotá has vs. other cities, you will have to put up with the bad stuff (basically the insecurity...traffic and weather are silly things to complain about in my opinion). If you don't, then those other cities (and non-cities of course) start looking a lot more attractive. And it's not like you have to feel the same way all the time--sometimes I want to go to Bogotá, while other times I want to treat it like an airport and bus station and get elsewhere ASAP.
Agreed! Thank you for the view and comment. Bogota really does have a lot more going on than all other cities. More than diverse.
Love your city
THANK YOU!
I knew it was bait 😂
OF COURSE!!! But yes and no... Bogota can be cold at times, rainy, very polluted, and dangerous... But comparing those things to what is going on inside and outside of this city... It's silly to just spend 2 or 3 days here. THERE'S JUST SO MUCH TO EXPLORE AND DISCOVER!
funny thing is most people that visit bogota for the first time fall in love with the city after being haters for no reason in the past
I hear lots of people who actually take the time to explore the city come to realize how much they liked it.
To me Bogota it's the only actual city, the others are just big towns known only for their narcos and whores 😂
The food is the best. Yep 👍
I lived in Bogota for more than 10 years and is a great city, I missed it, but traffic is so terrible, that is true
10 years! Awesome! - It shocked me to learn that Bogota is up there with Manila, statistically, for traffic congestion. It's annoying at times, we agree... But as you know, there's so much going on all the time in Bogota, it's really enjoyable.
I live in Bogota. I don't know why they are promoting Bogota, maybe for RUclips views? There are tons of better places to go in the world. If you do come here, Monserrate is the must see if it is not raining. Most people have layovers here. Travelers don't really hang out. They filmed those shots on one of the few nice weather days. Normally it's cloudy, rainy, not necessarily gloomy, but it's like that all year. Bring a rain jacket if you come here, to stay dry and stay WARM. We're in the tropics, but here it's 2600m/8700' and mountain weather. I usually go out with a rain jacket over a t-shirt during the day, and I rarely take it off, and definitely have a jacket at night. I've seen beautiful sunny days in December and May, so trying to define a rainy season is difficult. It's more like wet, and less wet. Christmas to March is usually less wet.
I think they should be careful with the places they recommend. If you go too far afield, you start getting to places Colombians are afraid to go. Lots of crime. Don't wander off strolling without asking someone if it's safe.
Zipaquira and the salt mines are safe. Small town, nice restaurants, and a big underground salt mine.
I recommend staying farther north in the city of Bogota for safety and visiting La Candelaria and surrounding neighborhoods during the day. In general, the southern part of Bogota has more crime, and the north is "rich" apartments and security guards. Usaquen is a nice area for tourists to visit and stay and fairly safe. I used to stay by Parque de la 93, but I always had my head on a swivel there, even though it's a pretty good neighborhood, relatively. Zona T and El Virrey are similar to Parque de la 93.
Uber exists here and is slightly more expensive than taxis, but it's no hassle and you prepay, so no BS when you get out of the car. That's the way to get around, especially at night or if you are south of Calle 100.
Colombians are typically very polite, friendly, and helpful on the street.
I see a lot of gringos on RUclips walking around filming with cellphones and cameras in the city center. NOT a good idea to advertise expensive equipment on the street. Keep your brand new phones in your pocket. People and tourists have been killed many times in this country for cellphones.
It ain't Switzerland.
We really appreciate this detailed comment and view. - We made this video straight from our hearts because so many people say Bogota is not worth your time... We just find people are wrong about that because they focus too much on the cooler Autumn weather and the traffic is has.... But, if you look past those two, sort of inconveniences, you'll see how much beauty there is to experience within and around Bogota.
do you guys help with tour guides, i would love to visit from south africa
We do not... But, we have a friend who does. Francia can take you to all the places featured in this video and more. We met her on a hiking trail in Bogota and become friends. She's fluent in Spanish and English. I'd message here over on Facebook. Let her know we recommended her. :-) facebook.com/DtourconFrancia
@@lifetheorycouple thank you very much i will open the link
It's great they don't have those horrible highways. Traffic can be solved by implementing more convenient public transportation
That's a good point! Those large highways and be so intrusive.
14:47 Were you high while recording this video? 😅
“Some traffic” 😂
Hahah! I said, “…some very dense traffic, yes…” It’s a shame that people often disregard Bogota as a destination in Colombia or give it only a day or two visit. There are a lot of great things to explore and do I believe many would find more than interesting.
In bogota we got the gold museum and the uniqe ágora ouside greece as modernd and functional in all the world! We are called the Athens of South America!
Thank you! That is a good point.
Great video! But, you didn't mention Chorro de Quevedo.
The plaza with the water fountain? The city center? We always walk through and I think we stopped for a Chica once at Benito.
@@lifetheorycouple Yes, it's the birthplace of Bogota (1538), and at night people play music and everybody sings along. The nearby park is the only place in Bogota where it's legal to smoke marijuana.
ruclips.net/video/646ZdiI_tMw/видео.htmlsi=D6de2LRR87bls6h0
ruclips.net/video/646ZdiI_tMw/видео.htmlsi=czKv2UzxK6zuJ-sX
You mention pollution but never discuss it in the video. How bad is the pollution in Bogota? Is it worse certain times of the year? Can you suggest a peaceful neighborhood in Bogota where you can walk to the hiking trails/mountains? Thanks!
The air quality is worse in the southern and western parts of the city. So if you're near the mountains (Eastern Hills/Cerros) or north, you'll find the air quality to be better. If your next to a busy road, you'll definitely smell the fumes. December is the worst time of year because families are traveling in, out, and through Bogota to see each other. So traffic is worse and so is the pollution during the holiday season. --- Hiking Trails... It's best to always book the Cerros Orientales hikings (caminos.eaab.gov.co/) because its organized and they have police on the trails so that you're safe... Zona G, Zona T, Chico, Parque 93, most of Usaquen, these are safer and more peaceful areas of Bogota.
@@lifetheorycouple Thank you so much for taking the time to write this response, very helpful.
Consider doing chaptres in video.
Thank you! - I believe this video has chapters.
It's true but I love this city but the truth is that is not a place for tourists always rain but I love is like amegakure in Naruto jajajja
It can get rainy at times, that's true. But, that's what keeps it soooo green. Thank you for the view and comment.
Expat living in Bogota for 22 years. You don't know the difference between truth and fiction. In a city of 12 million, you have big city problems. But you also find big city joys (didn't see that you visited free symphony, free horse riding, or art galleries). You don't report "truth" just click bait. Grow up
I grew up in Bogota, lived all over the city for over 24 years,I have family and friends everywhere, north, south, west, etc I have had the privileged to get to know Bogotá VERY well.
THIS is the Bogotá we have come to enjoy and love, we’ve not had the time to explore ALL OF IT, so we shared what we have liked the most. This is OUR truth and it doesn’t have to speak to yours. There’s a reason why you can choose to follow or not.
Every city today has good, bad, and ugly, in Colombia, or another place in the world is no different.
That’s right. It’s a matter of preferences and what you’re willing to sacrifice. Bogota is not perfect but we have discovered parts of the city that we love.
Faltaron los subtitulos
We didn’t start doing subtitles till about a month ago. We got this video posted in January. 😓
As a California... this is nothing. That's traffic? What a joke.
I’m not sure. I think you’d really have to experience it. Depending on time of day it can take you an hour or hour and half just to drive about 5 miles. Plus, we don’t have the greatest footage of the worst traffic either, it’s not something we intentionally try to record. The challenge with Bogota is that they just don’t have the infrastructure for 10 million people.
Please stay in California.
@@lifetheorycouple 1 hour for 5 miles? That’s every single day in LA. Sometimes even 3 hours. I experience it every day. I would not even consider this traffic. lol
@@elterrifico9522 I make at least 5x your annual salary. Please stfu.
Weather changed because of the global warming, that´s why it's sunny now
True! - It's also the El Nino effect. Next year should predictively be back to normally raininess.
You are now an American Colombian.
BY FAR... Our favorite comment. Now, if only the government saw it that way. Culturally, seems like I'm there.
Well Bogotá has nice things. But honestly, not as a Tourist but as "real" Colombian or Bogotano/a living here is HELL. There a far better cities in Latinamerica to visit. Bad things are more than good things here.
We can agree with this to an extent. Widny is Rola, and we have family scattered throughout the city. Comparing north and south or Kennedy to Usaquen… paints a very different reality for those who live in Bogota. The purpose of this video is to show visitors that Bogota is not actual cold and not so dangerous.