Teatro Colón

Walking along Bogotá’s busy La Candelaria district, the golden façade of Teatro Colón is hard to miss. Planning ahead ensures the smoothest experience, especially since the theater’s events draw locals and tourists alike. Tickets for performances sell out fast, while daytime guided tours offer a quieter glimpse behind the scenes. Crowds pick up around showtime, but earlier hours usually offer more breathing room in the ornate halls.

• Best time to visit: Weekday mornings for tours, or evenings for live shows (avoid Friday and Saturday nights for fewer crowds)
• How to get there: By taxi, TransMilenio bus to Museo del Oro or Las Aguas, or on foot from nearby hostels and hotels in La Candelaria
• Accessibility: Ramp access available at the main entrance; elevators to most levels (older stairways inside may be tricky for some)
• Average visit duration: 1 to 2 hours for a tour; 2 to 3 hours for a performance

Inside Teatro Colón, every corner seems to whisper secrets from Colombia’s long artistic past. Whether attending a ballet, an opera, or a simple tour, visitors find themselves surrounded by layers of craft and creativity. Aside from the main theater, unexpected treasures await—like the richly painted ceilings and the old rehearsal spaces tucked away from the public eye.

• Ceremonial main hall: Marvel at the horseshoe-shaped auditorium, with delicate Italian frescoes and gold leaf details
• Guided backstage tours: Glimpse the costume room and stand where legendary performers have waited in the wings
• Private boxes and balconies: Snap photos of the stage from above, framed by glittering chandeliers
• Historic lobby: Spot busts of Colombian writers and composers; read exhibit plaques about the country’s performing arts
• Sunlight courtyard: Seek out the quieter patio, a favorite hidden retreat during matinee intermissions