Plaza de Bolívar

Visiting Plaza de Bolívar is both simple and rewarding, but a bit of planning helps make the most of every moment. The square stays lively year-round, drawing school groups, vendors, political demonstrators, and tourists. Weekdays in the early morning or late afternoon offer the calmest atmosphere. Plan for crowds at midday, when nearby offices empty out. Arriving by bike or public transit is easy, but taxis will drop visitors nearby. The area remains flat and walkable, so families, seniors, and kids can enjoy it together.

• Best time to visit: Early mornings or late afternoons, especially December to March for the mildest weather.
• How to get there: Take TransMilenio buses to Museo del Oro or Las Aguas stations; taxis and ride-shares reach nearby streets.
• Accessibility: Flat plaza surface; ramps for wheelchairs; benches available.
• Average visit duration: 1 to 2 hours, depending on tours and museum stops.

The main square dazzles with history and architecture. Stone buildings from different centuries frame the open space, while the sky often shows a show of shifting light. While the Cathedral dominates the view, several lesser-known corners offer discoveries for curious eyes.

• Key sights or features: The Metropolitan Cathedral with its baroque facade; the neoclassical Capitolio Nacional; the Palace of Justice; city hall (Palacio Liévano).
• Unique experiences: Watching a changing of the guard at the Capitol; joining a free walking tour from local guides; feeding pigeons with children while vendors sell tiny bags of corn.
• Photo-worthy locations: View of Cerro de Monserrate from the plaza’s center; the street art murals in the alleys just north of the square; the formal gardens behind Palacio Liévano.
• Cultural or historical facts: The plaza served as the stage for Colombia’s declaration of independence; stone plaques mark key uprisings and speeches; inside the cathedral, a small museum displays relics from the colonial period.