Updated on 03/13/2024
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I would also like to recommend our Colombia travel guide, which provides a perfect overview of the tourist attractions in Colombia. Enjoy reading it!
Do you feel tired and exhausted? Would you like to relax in a natural setting?
Although Bogota is a huge and chaotic city, there are some fantastic retreats and natural oases in the middle of the city. In the following, we have summarized the most beautiful and worthwhile parks in Bogota.
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Parque Simón Bolívar
Calle 63 # 59a-06
Opening hours: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Entry: Free
Highlights: You can enjoy musical and cultural events such as Rock al Parque, the largest free rock festival in Latin America, or the Bogota Summer Festival, which offers sports, recreational and artistic activities for the whole family.
“A huge park with a lake and lots of green spaces to relax in.” This is how a Mexican tourist describes one of the most important places in the city.
The park is located in the Teusaquillo district, halfway between the airport and the city center of Bogotá. It’s the perfect park to spend time with friends and/or family. A wide variety of activities can be carried out within the park. In addition to boats on the small lake, there is also an outdoor gym and children’s playgrounds. All of this is embedded in the deepest green.
The park was created in 1968 on the occasion of the visit of Pope Paul VI and is currently the largest park in Bogotá (910,000 square meters of green space). Various events are also held here. The most important and largest event is Rock al Parque.
The Simon Bolivar park is also an excellent place to enjoy picnics. You can bring your own food and drinks with you. The park can easily be reached by taxi. For lovers of public transport, there are also numerous bus connections. The following SITP routes run near the Parque Simón Bolívar: 291, C705, E44, F404, G503, K303 and K904.
Parque de los Periodistas Gabriel García Márquez
Carrera 3 # 17-2
Opening hours: 24 hours
Entry: Free
Highlights: The Templete del Libertador is a monument dedicated to Simón Bolívar, inspired by the Temple of Vesta in Rome.
If you want to immerse yourself in Colombian history and culture, the Parque de los Periodistas is a must-see. A Chilean tourist described it as: “One of the most traditional postcard locations in Bogotá. It’s at the beginning (or end) of the route to the historic center and is well worth a visit.”
Founded in 1883, the park owes its name to the fact that it was a meeting place for journalists in the 1960s. Since 2014 it has been named after the Nobel Prize winner for literature and chronicler Gabriel García Márquez.
Visiting the square brings you closer to the whole culture of the historical center of Bogotá. You can visit places like the Gold Museum (only 5 minutes away), Plaza de Bolívar (15 minutes on foot) or restaurants such as La Bruja (10 minutes on foot).
The Parque de los Periodistas is very easy to get to. You can use the public transport Transmilenio and get off at the station “Las Aguas”. The park is right next to it.
Parque El Virrey
Calle 87 between Carrera 7 and Autopista Norte
Opening hours: 24 hours
Entry: Free
Highlights: Various events are also held in the park, including the Alimentarte gastronomic festival a gastronomic festival that supports a charitable cause, or the Christmas lights, that decorate and illuminate the park during December.
If you want a quiet day, El Virrey Park is a very good option. A Mexican tourist described the park as: “A good place to go for a walk, very nice, families can have fun on weekends and do rollerblade, bike and picnic.”
The park, with an approximate length of 1.7 kilometers, is located in the Chapinero district, just a 10-minute walk from the Andino shopping center. It is considered to be the lung in the north of Bogotá. There is a large green area where you can rest, relax and spend time with your family or travel companions.
El Virrey Park was founded in 1998 with the aim of preserving as many trees and green spaces as possible. Currently, thanks to its large size, it is used in the afternoons and at night for jogging or simply for walking.
In addition, there are various cozy restaurants on the edge, such as Vapiano or La Toscana. Even the famous Parque de la 93 is only a 10-minute walk away.
The park can best be reached by Transmilenio and is only 5 minutes away from the “Virrey” station.
Parque de la 93
Calle 93 # 12-41
Opening hours: 24 hours
Entry: Free
Highlights: You can attend cultural and recreational events that take place in the park, such as concerts, festivals, exhibitions and fairs. The park is a meeting point for locals and foreigners who want to have fun and relax in a safe and exclusive area.
One of the most beautiful parts of Bogotá is Parque de la 93. A Costa Rican tourist writes that this place is “A peaceful, cozy place with lots of trees, surrounded by seating where you can read, have a drink, enjoy a coffee, or you can also get a beer and delicious food and at a good price”.
Parque de la 93 is located in the Chapinero neighborhood, in the financial sector of the city, a 20-minute walk from the Andino shopping center and can accommodate 5,000 people. The park is also used for various cultural events and concerts of several kinds.
Open to the public since 1995, the park is perfect for a bit of yoga or relaxation. There is also a large children’s playground in the park, which makes it extremely attractive for families with small children.
Renowned restaurants such as Plaka or Salto del Ángel; and bars such as Bogotá Beer Company or El Mono Bandido can be found in the vicinity.
The park can also be easily reached by public transport. The following SITP routes run near Parque de la 93: 19-3, 19-8, 193B, A410/F410, P500, T25 and Transmilenio M86. From the center I take the TM to Virrey station and then walk for 15 minutes.
Parque de los Novios
Calle 63 # 45-10
Opening hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Entry: Free
Highlights: The lake is the main attraction of the park and the home of different species of birds and fish.
Founded in 1975, Parque de los Novios is an ideal place to break out of the routine or pursue a romantic plan. According to a tourist from Honduras, this is a great place to: “Spend a day with the family and feed the ducks, geese and other birds that live in the park. The landscape is beautiful and there are several well-kept lagoons.”
The park is located in the Barrios Unidos district, just 15 minutes from the Virgilio Barco Library and Simón Bolívar Park. It has a large expanse of green spaces (23 hectares of nature). There is also a lake where various activities such as sailing, rubber rafting, water bikes or kayaking are offered.
Another attraction is the wide variety of animals. You can find fish and ducks to feed, and there are also a wide variety of exotic birds such as the African goose.
During a stay in the park, you can visit typical restaurants like La Chorizeria, Berana Parrilla or Saffron. The whole sector is full of green spaces and sports fields. There are also bowling alleys nearby, as well as the El Campín Stadium and the Movistar Arena.
The Parque de los Novios can be reached with the following buses: TM H72 and L25 or SITP routes: A708, 14, H605, H608, P500, T11, T163. However, the easiest way is to take a taxi.
Parque Nacional Enrique Olaya Herrera
Calle 35 # 3-50
Opening hours: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Entry: Free
Highlights: You can enjoy the monuments that adorn the park, such as the Monument to Rafael Uribe Uribe, the Monument to the Heroes of Independence, and the Monument to Enrique Grau.
This park, inaugurated in 1934, is the second oldest park in Bogotá (only Parque de la Independencia is older). It is located in the Santa Fe district, near several universities such as Javeriana, Distrital or Católica. A Romanian tourist who visited this park said: “It is a very pleasant park with lots of green areas to relax in.”
During a stay, you can practice various sports such as roller hockey and inline skating. There are also tennis, basketball and futsal courts (a variant of indoor soccer). All of this on an area of more than 280 hectares, which is made up of historic buildings and green spaces.
You can reach the park with the Transmilenio via the station “Av 39”, which is only 10 minutes away from the park. The TM lines 6, 8, B13, B74, C17, D21, D24, H13, H17, H21, H73, J24, J74, A61 and F61 stop at this station.
Parque El Country
Calle 127C con Carrera 11D
Opening hours: 5.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.
Entry: Free
Highlights: The park was formerly the polo field of the Country Club of Bogotá, and it was opened to the public in 2007. The park is planned to become a center of cultural, recreational and sports activities for the locality
Open to the public since 2007, El Country Park has a large number of green spaces. A Panamanian tourist mentioned: “Super big and well-kept. There are also public toilets.”
The park is located in the Usaquén district, just two blocks from the Unicentro shopping center. It is ideal for sports such as soccer or ultimate. The park is also used for various events, for example, the Jazz al Parque festival.
You can easily reach the park using the following SITP lines: 8-11, 191, 192, 344, 489, B918/F918 and B303. However, we recommend you get a taxi.
Parque Virgilio Barco
Avenida Carrera 60 # 57 – 60
Opening hours: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Entry: Free
Highlights: You can admire the architecture and landscape designed by Rogelio Salmona, who created a virtual map of the highlands of Cundinamarca and Boyacá with water mirrors, slopes, paths and gardens.
The park is located in the Teusaquillo district, just a 5-minute walk from Simón Bolívar Park, and has been open to the public since 2002. It bears the name of former President Virgilio Barco.
The park also houses one of the most beautiful buildings in the country: the Virgilio Barco Library, which usually organizes various events such as lectures and different types of courses.
The park is perfect for walking. The various attractions can be reached in this way. These include, for example, the paved brick paths or the five bodies of water. The park also offers bike paths.
It is possible to reach this place by public transport. You can easily reach the park using the following SITP lines: A213/D213, 674, C41 and B906/D906.
El Parque-Museo del Chicó
Carrera 7 # 93 – 01
Opening hours: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Entry: General public $7,000 / Students and Children $5,000 / Seniors $5,000.
Highlights: The park was donated by Mercedes Sierra de Pérez, a philanthropist who wanted to preserve the cultural and natural heritage of the city.
Another park where visitors can find rest and relaxation is Parque del Chicó. For a Panamanian tourist, this place had “an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. You can also enjoy a picnic on the manicured lawn.”
The El Chicó Museum is also located in the park. This was originally a 17th-century hacienda. It was founded in 1964 in honor of its last owner, Doña Mercedes Sierra de Pérez. Various historical objects, including goldsmithing and porcelain, are exhibited in the museum.
The park is located in the Chapinero district, just 15 minutes from Parque de la 93. It is ideal for children, for a visit with family or friends.
It is possible to reach this place by public transport. You can easily reach the park using the following SITP lines: 18-3, 801A, P500, T12, T13 and T25.
Parque de la Independencia
Calle 26 Carrera 5 hasta 7
Opening hours: 24 hours
Entry: Free
Highlights: You can find various monuments and kiosks that reflect different architectural styles and historical periods, such as the Quiosco de la Luz, the Pabellón Industrial, and the Monumento a los Héroes de la Independencia.
In Parque de la Independencia you can disconnect from the environment. In addition to its beauty, this park in the Santa Fe district has historical origins. It was founded in 1910 to commemorate the first century of Colombia’s independence.
A visit gives you the opportunity to explore other nearby attractions as well. For example, the MAMBO (Museum of Modern Art of Bogotá), the planetarium and the Santamaría bullring are all less than 10 minutes’ walk from Parque de la Independencia.
Due to the large number of other sights in the immediate vicinity, you should visit particularly with your family, partner, or travel companion.
You can easily reach the park using the following SITP lines: 18-3, 192, 359, 7, A501, C27, C41. The Transmilenio station “National Museum” is a 15-minute walk away.
Parque El Tunal
Calle 48B Sur # 21-13
Opening hours: 5.30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Entry: Free
Highlights: You can enjoy the artificial lakes that cover three hectares of land, where you can rent boats or watch the water fountains. The park is also a venue for cultural and recreational events, such as festivals, concerts, and exhibitions.
“I am glad to be among you, men and women of Bogotá.” With these words, Pope John Paul II delivered his speech in 1986 in Parque El Tunal.
The park was created in the early 1970s and is located in the Tunjuelito district, just 10 minutes from the Ciudad Tunal shopping center. It has various sports fields. There is a soccer field, micro soccer, basketball, inline skating lanes, and even a coliseum.
The park is ideal for athletes. You can also visit the El Tunal Library within the park. It offers various services and activities of a cultural and artistic nature.
You can easily reach the park by Transmilenio via the “Portal del Tunal” station, which is only a 15-minute walk from the park.
Parque Ciudad Montes
Calle 10 sur – Carrera 38A Bis
Opening hours: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Entry: Free
Highlights: The park is a cultural and social space for the community, where events such as festivals and tournaments take place.
The park in the Puente Aranda district, around 20 minutes by car from the historic center of Bogotá, is known for its beauty. A Mexican tourist described it as: “A very nice park to spend time with the family or to clear your mind.”
There are various sports facilities in the park. There is also a baseball stadium. Clearly, the park is suitable for athletes. In the park, you can see decorative giraffes that are in and on the water’s edge.
Thanks to its beautiful green spaces, the park is also ideal for picnics and relaxation. The park also houses a house of historical importance. Antonio Nariño lived here. The house is now a museum and shows objects from bygone times.
The closest TM station is Sena and is around a 20-minute walk from the park. You can also easily reach the park using the following SITP lines: 135A, 143, C15, and SE6.
Parque Metropolitano Zona Franca
Calle 13 C con Carrera 106
Opening hours: 24 hours
Entry: Free
Highlights: You can find a lake surrounded by flora and fauna, where you can observe exotic birds.
The recently renovated Parque Metropolitano Zona Franca is a popular destination for the residents of Fontibón. The park is located on the western edge of Bogotá, very close to the Bogotá River and the free trade zone, about 25 minutes by car from the airport.
With an area of 243,000 square meters, the park is very large. One can perfectly rest and relax there. In addition, some exotic birds can also be observed. There are football, volleyball and tennis courts in the park. There are also games like chess and table tennis.
You can easily reach the park using the following SITP lines: 16-8, K303, and P39.
Recommendations
When attending events in the parks, you should arrive early. Bogota is a huge city and the crowds can be enormous. Think about sun protection for both yourself and your fellow travelers. The city is over 2,600 meters above sea level and the solar radiation is extremely strong.
Make sure you choose the correct bus routes. The city is huge and any loss of time due to a wrong route can be huge. If possible, order taxis through an application or by phone. If you have no travel experience in Colombia, always ask about the fare in advance. Did you like our content? We invite you to share and spread the message that Colombia is one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
If you are looking for a place to stay in Bogota, check out our guide to the best hotels in the city. I also invite you to learn more about the city in our Bogotá Travel Guide.
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