How Much Does Bogotá Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Bogotá offers excellent value compared with Europe/US, but costs swing a lot between local 'corrientazo' lunches and Zona T fine dining. A realistic on-the-ground budget (excluding international flights) is about $82 / COP 304,010/day for budget travel, $188 / COP 694,880/day mid-range, and $388 / COP 1,433,190/day for luxury—mostly driven by accommodation choice and how many paid tours/day trips you add.
Is Bogotá expensive to visit?
Bogotá is good value—expect roughly $82–$388 / COP 304,010–COP 1,433,190 per day (excluding flights), depending mainly on accommodation and how many paid tours/day trips you add.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Bogotá
$81
per person /day
$188
per person /day
$386
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $244 | $565 | $1,158 |
| 5-Day Trip | $406 | $942 | $1,930 |
| 7-Day Trip | $568 | $1,318 | $2,702 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is wise to maintain a 15% budget buffer to account for the ~$6 / COP 22,149 ATM fees and the standard night/holiday taxi surcharges of ~$0.68 / COP 2,519. Additionally, a voluntary service charge (propina) of ~$2.35–$4.71 / COP 8,686–COP 17,372 is common in sit-down restaurants and should be factored into daily food costs.
How Does It Compare?
See how Bogotá stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Bogotá
Food & Drink (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Budget Lunch (Menu del Día) Local neighborhood spots offer soup, main, and juice for ~$4.94 / COP 18,241. | $4.94 COP 18,241 |
| Specialty Coffee (Juan Valdez/Local Cafe) Expect to pay ~$2.33 / COP 8,599 for high-quality Colombian beans. | $2.33 COP 8,599 |
| Domestic Beer at a Bar A Club Colombia or Águila costs ~$1.65 / COP 6,080 in standard bars. | $1.65 COP 6,080 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| TransMilenio / SITP Bus Fare Unified 2026 fare is around $0.97 / COP 3,561 per journey regardless of distance. | $0.97 COP 3,561 |
| TuLlave Rechargeable Transit Card Mandatory for TransMilenio use. Cost is about $2.17 / COP 7,991. | $2.17 COP 7,991 |
| Airport Taxi (El Dorado to La Candelaria) Use the official taxi booth for a printed fare slip (~$12 / COP 45,602). | $12 COP 45,558 |
| Uber/Cabify Ride (Short City Trip) Often safer and cleaner than street taxis for ~$4.12 / COP 15,201. | $4.12 COP 15,201 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Dorm Bed at Masaya Bogotá Colonial-style house in La Candelaria. High-quality social atmosphere for ~$12 / COP 42,996. | $12 COP 43,039 |
| 3-Star Hotel (Average Nightly Rate) Standard mid-range comfort. Expect to pay ~$41 / COP 152,005 per night. | $38 COP 139,758 |
| Luxury Hotel Room (Four Seasons Casa Medina) Historic luxury in Chapinero. Rates translate to ~$600 / COP 2,214,930 per night. | $548 COP 2,022,579 |
Activities (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Monserrate Cable Car (Round Trip Standard) Round trip around $9.42 / COP 34,744 Mon–Sat & holidays. Sundays are cheaper: around $5.89 / COP 21,715. | $9.47 COP 34,961 |
| Salt Cathedral Zipaquirá (Premium Passport) Premium international adult around $45 / COP 165,034. Standard is around $36 / COP 134,633 and Basic around $34 / COP 125,947. | $44 COP 163,905 |
| Gold Museum (Museo del Oro) Entry Around $1.35 / COP 4,994 Tue–Sat and public holidays. Entry is free for everyone on Sundays. | $1.35 COP 4,994 |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Claro Prepaid SIM (30GB / 30 Days) Comprehensive data package for tourists costing ~$9.05 / COP 33,398. | $9.05 COP 33,398 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
Dining in Bogotá is highly tiered; a 'Menu del Día' in a local neighborhood spot typically costs just $4.94 / COP 18,241 for a full three-course meal. In contrast, specialty coffees at local cafes or Juan Valdez average $2.33 / COP 8,599, while a domestic beer in a standard bar is around $1.65 / COP 6,080. For a reliable mid-range option, the popular chain Crepes & Waffles provides consistent quality and value in areas like Zona T and Chapinero.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
La Puerta Falsa
$4.12–$9.6 / COP 15,201–COP 35,439La Candelaria · Local chain
Legendary spot for tamales and chocolate santafereño (~$4.94 / COP 18,241).
Crepes & Waffles
$6.04–$12 / COP 22,280–COP 45,558Various (Zona T / Chapinero) · Local chain
High quality, socially responsible chain with great value mains (~$6.36 / COP 23,452).
Pastelería Florida
$3.3–$8.23 / COP 12,160–COP 30,358Carrera 7 · Bakery
Try the 'Chocolate Completo' with cheese and bread for ~$3.88 / COP 14,332.
Mercado de Paloquemao
$2.2–$5.48 / COP 8,121–COP 20,238Paloquemao · Street market
The best place for cheap, fresh exotic fruit and empanadas (~$2.12 / COP 7,817).
Gaira Café (Budget Lunch)
$6.86–$14 / COP 25,320–COP 50,639Chapinero · Local chain
owned by singer Carlos Vives; great lunch deals for ~$6.83 / COP 25,189.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
The TransMilenio/SITP system uses a unified 2026 fare of around $0.97 / COP 3,561 per ride and requires a TuLlave card (about $2.17 / COP 7,991). For safety and convenience, app-based rides (Uber/Cabify/DiDi/inDrive) are widely used for short trips; prices vary by traffic and time. Airport taxis are regulated—use the official booth for a printed fare.
Accommodation Overview
Value seekers will find high-quality social hostels like Masaya Bogotá in La Candelaria for approximately $12 / COP 43,039 per night. Mid-range 3-star hotels average $38 / COP 139,758, providing a balance of comfort and security. For absolute luxury, historic icons like the Four Seasons Casa Medina in Chapinero reach rates of $548 / COP 2,022,579 per night.
Accommodation Budget in Bogotá
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Visit the Gold Museum (Museo del Oro) on Sundays when the usual ~$1.35 / COP 4,994 entry fee is waived for everyone.
- 2 Plan your ascent to Monserrate for a Sunday to take advantage of the discounted round-trip fare of ~$5.68 / COP 20,977 instead of the standard ~$9.47 / COP 34,961.
- 3 Eat your main meal at lunch to take advantage of the 'Menu del Día' for $4.94 / COP 18,241, which is significantly cheaper than a la carte dinners.
- 4 Walk the 'Septimazo' on Friday evenings or Sundays, a pedestrianized stretch of Carrera 7 filled with free street performances and markets.
- 5 Use the TransMilenio for long distances during off-peak hours (09:00–16:00) to avoid the intense crowds and ensure a faster $0.98 / COP 3,605 trip.
- 6 Buy a local Claro SIM card for $9.05 / COP 33,398 to avoid expensive international roaming fees while using navigation apps.
- 7 Shop for fresh fruit and snacks at Mercado de Paloquemao instead of tourist-focused supermarkets in the north.
- 8 Drink the local 'tinto' (small black coffee) from street vendors for a fraction of the $2.33 / COP 8,599 charged at specialty cafes.
- 9 Avoid withdrawing small amounts of cash frequently; most ATMs charge a flat fee of ~$6 / COP 22,149, so it is better to take out the maximum allowed.
- 10 Refill your water bottle at the hostel or hotel; while tap water in Bogotá is generally considered safe in the city, many travelers prefer filtered water to save on buying plastic bottles.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Dec, Jan
+25-35%
May, Oct, Nov
-15-25%
Feb, Jul, Aug
Peak prices occur during the sunny 'verano' (Dec–Jan). Best value is found in July–August when weather is dry but hotel demand is moderate.
Events to Watch
- ● Semana Santa (Easter): +40% hotel prices
- ● Feria del Libro (April/May): +20% Chapinero hotels
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Museo Botero: View a massive collection of Fernando Botero's signature 'rotund' art and works by Picasso and Monet for $0.
- 2 Museo de Arte Miguel Urrutia (MAMU): Explore contemporary Colombian and international art exhibitions for free.
- 3 Ciclovía: Join thousands of locals on Sundays and holidays from 07:00–14:00 when over 120km of city streets are closed to cars for cyclists and runners.
- 4 Plaza de Bolívar: Witness the heart of Colombian politics, surrounded by the Palace of Justice and the Primary Cathedral of Bogotá.
- 5 Chorro de Quevedo: Relax in the historic square where the city was founded, popular for its bohemian atmosphere and street storytellers.
- 6 Casa de Moneda: Visit the colonial mint to see how Colombian currency has evolved through history for $0.
- 7 Santuario de Nuestra Señora del Carmen: Admire the striking red-and-white striped Gothic architecture of this landmark church in La Candelaria.
- 8 Parque Metropolitano Simón Bolívar: Explore one of the largest urban parks in the world, featuring lakes, trails, and open green spaces.
- 9 Centro Cultural García Márquez: Walk through this architectural gem designed by Rogelio Salmona, which hosts free cultural exhibits.
- 10 Usaquén Flea Market (Window Shopping): While items cost money, the atmosphere, live music, and people-watching at the Sunday market are free.
- 11 Gold Museum (Sundays Only): Access one of the most significant gold collections in the world for $0 every Sunday.
- 12 Luis Ángel Arango Library: Visit the various art and coin exhibitions within this massive cultural complex for free.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Leo Tasting Menu (Chef Leonor Espinosa)
Consistently ranked as one of the best restaurants in the world. A deep dive into Colombian biodiversity for ~$178 / COP 655,793.
Private Emerald Workshop
Learn to identify and cut Colombian emeralds with an expert for ~$97 / COP 356,126.
Helicopter City Tour
Stunning views of the Andes and the sprawling metropolis for ~$330 / COP 1,216,040.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Bogotá
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Bogotá and what they cost
Lake Guatavita (Laguna de Guatavita)
$8.23 / COP 30,358 by bus
$10 / COP 38,479
$27 / COP 101,279
Villa de Leyva
$19 / COP 70,878 by bus
$5.48 / COP 20,238
$49 / COP 182,276
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
Colombian Peso (COP)
1 $ ≈ 3,690 $
Yes
Widely accepted in malls, hotels, and upscale restaurants; cash is essential for street food and public markets.
Add the 10% 'propina' in restaurants. For taxis, round up to the nearest $0.29–$0.59 / COP 1,086–COP 2,172.
Use ATMs inside malls or banks for safety. BBVA often allows higher withdrawal limits (~$541 / COP 1,997,780).
Common in craft markets like Usaquén or street vendors in Candelaria. Not done in malls or fixed-price restaurants.
Connectivity
eSIM: $9.42–$14 for 10GB (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $9.06 / COP 33,441 for 30GB (Claro 30-day package)
WiFi: Excellent in cafes and hotels, especially in Chapinero and Zona T.
Buy a local Claro SIM card for the best coverage and price (~$9.42 / COP 34,744 for 30GB).
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Bogotá.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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