The city of Bogotá is divided into 20 distinct localities, or Districts, and every visit to this city should include touring at least three or four of them, depending on the purpose and extent of one's travel. The must-see Districts are:

La Candelaria: The colonial district is officialy in the Santa Fé district. Colombia's capital city was founded here in 1538 by Spanish conquistador Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada y Rivera in a spot known today as El Chorro de Quevedo. The next year, authorities re-founded the city a few blocks away at what is now known as the Plaza de Bolívar. Bogotá then grew up around the neighborhood. Because the city expanded west and north, La Candelaria retained much of its colonial atmosphere. The neighborhood is full of cobblestone streets and centuries-old houses. It is now a tourism and university district, as well as the site of Colombia's government. Here you'll find most of the public buildings, both from the City and the Country's government. Historical squares, 400 year old churches, picturesque narrow streets are all here, mixing along modern development of financial business hightowers.

Chapinero : North of La Candelaria, it comprises the new downtown areas of the city, combining office space, residential areas and hundreds of alternatives for shopping, dining and sightseeing. In a city famous for its wild traffic, you'll really enjoy the walks that can be had around El Nogal, La Cabrera and Chicó Reservado. Begin at Carrera 7a around streets 79 or 80, and zig-zag your way down and north until you find the Parque 93. Along the way, you will find tree-lined narrow streets, personality-ridden shops and boutiques, and eccentric dining alternatives. Don't hesitate in stopping for a world famous coffee in any location, and zip your way through all the bars and clubs surrounding the Zona Rosa. Make it through to the beautiful green park of Virrey and walk down its creek for a breath of fresh air. By the time you reach the 93 you'll be glad to take the opportunity to sit down, rest, and people-watch in one of its many terraces.

Teusaquillo makes for a unique sightseeing experience with its ample offerings in public venues for Sports and Outdoor activities. Here sports fans will find the Football (Soccer) Stadium, the Olympic Water Complex (biggest and most modern of South America), and the city's league venues for all sorts of disciplines like tennis, track and field, basketball, volleyball and bowling all within walking distance of each other. Outdoor fans will find the city's biggest Public Park (Simón Bolívar), home to the most crowded open-air concerts and festivals year-round, and favorite destination for all sorts of activities such as jogging, biking, kite-flying, pedal-boating, etc. Culture fans will be at home with the district's offerings of Museums, including a Botanical Garden displaying the most amazing floral showcase of the continent.

La Macarena : A bohemian neighborhood around the bullfight ring full of artsy cafes, art galleries and great restaurants.

Parque de la 93: A trendy section of Bogotá with nightclubs and cafes frequently visited by Bogota's "jet set".

San Victorino : Located in the center of the city just in front of TransMilenio's station, Av. Jimenez. There you will find a plaza surrounded by all kinds of cheap stores selling different types of goods, from clothes to food and pets. If you do go, do not take anything with you; gringos are not well received there and may get robbed.

Usaquén : The northernmost district, home to many sightseeing locations, modern business squares, and traditional architecture examples. The main square is the meeting point of the area where you can find pretty nice restaurants and bars. But walk around and find more great places to eat and drink. It serves as a hub to connect with outer destinations north from the city, which include many attractions within nearby towns.

Not for tourists but with some appeal for the hardcore traveler, other districts include: Antonio Nariño, Bosa, Ciudad Bolívar, Engativá, Fontibón, Kennedy, Los Mártires, Puente Aranda, Rafael Uribe Uribe, Suba, Sumapaz, Barrios Unidos and Tunjuelito.