October 18, 2018

We connected with some locals to create the ultimate Bogota museum checklist. Learn which are the ones you should see and the ones you can skip.

Going to Bogota? Here’s what you need to know about the museums

Bogota is home to over 40 museums, so it can be hard to narrow down which ones to see and which to skip. To make matters even more complicated, most museums in Bogota are closed on Mondays (but not all).

The Gold Museum is an absolute must

Your Colombia itinerary isn’t complete without a trip to the Gold Museum. Bogota’s Museo del Oro is a one of a kind exhibit with more gold than you could ever dream of—over 55,000 pieces, to be exact! With the largest collection of pre-Columbian artifacts anywhere in the world, the Gold Museum is a Bogota highlight you can’t miss.

Closed Monday | 9 AM–6 PM Tuesday–Saturday | 10 AM–4 PM Sunday

Check out the Banco de la Republica complex for one-of-a-kind museums you won’t find anywhere else

Move out of the way, mainstream museums—the Banco de la Republica is taking the spotlight! This group of museums is a hit with locals and travelers alike because it’s packed with cool art galleries and collections that you won’t find anywhere else. From Botero sculpture to colonial painting, the Banco de la Republica is loaded with treasures. Located in the La Candelaria neighborhood right in the heart of Bogota, all the museums are within walking distance of each other. Plus, admission is cheap—and at some places, free—so it’s a great place to go if you want to do Bogota on a budget.

9 AM–5 PM Tuesday–Thursday | 10 AM–4 PM Saturday–Sunday | Closed Monday

Bring the kids to the Children’s Museum for a fun-filled family day

Looking for something to do in Colombia with the youngsters? Well, look no further than the Museo de Los Niños! It’s fun, interactive, and full of chocolate and bubbles—what’s not to love? Local tip: the museum is pretty far from the city center, so you’re best off taking an Uber to get there.

9 AM–3:30 PM Wednesday–Sunday | Closed Monday–Tuesday

Far from hidden gems: here’re the museums you can skip

• The National Museum: The Museo Nacional might have some cool exhibits, but if you don’t speak fluent Spanish, you should probably pass on this one. To make the most of your trip to Colombia, you’ll want to hit up some points of interest that are more traveler-friendly.

10 AM–6 PM Tuesday–Saturday | 10 AM–5 PM Sunday | Closed Monday

• MAMBO: Who doesn’t love a good art museum? Some travel sites will tell you that Bogota’s Museo de Arte Moderno is a must-go, but we recommend you skip the tourist trap and check out some of the city's hidden gems instead.

 10 AM–6 PM Tuesday–Saturday | 12 PM–5 PM Sunday | Closed Monday