10 Fun Things To See And Do In La Macarena, Bogotá

The Alonso Garces Galería was founded in 1977 as the Galería Garces Velazquez. Since its inception, the gallery has always promoted the creativity and development of Colombian and international artists. Artists working in several mediums and styles are featured, though contemporary art seems most common. You’ll find work by artists such as Carlos Rojas, Fanny Sanin, Natalia Granada and Luis Fernando Zapata, just to name a few. Along with their permanent artists featured, the gallery also hosts several temporary exhibitions throughout the year. A list of their upcoming events can be seen on their website.

Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 10:00am to 1:00pm & 2:00pm to 6:00pm & Sat: 10:00am to 2:00pm

Alonso Garces Galeria, Carrera 5a, No. 26-92, Bogotá, Colombia, +57 1 337 5827/32

The Jorge Eliécer Gaitán Theater is a public theater named after one of Colombia’s most important political figures and one of Bogotá’s most admired mayors. It was founded on the basis of providing something new, revolutionary and diverse to the people in Bogotá, as did its namesake, Jorge Eliécer Gaitán. The theater has hosted a variety of events from musical performances to plays, dance performances, and even unconventional circus performances. Their website is frequently updated with a schedule of events and performances. Whatever you see is sure to be spectacularly different.

Teatro Jorge Eliécer Gaitán, Carrera 7, No.22 – 47, Bogotá, Colombia, + 57 1 3795750

The National Museum is one of Colombia’s most extensive historical and cultural museums. The exhibits are well maintained, informative and fascinating pieces to a diverse and complex jigsaw puzzle of history. You’ll learn everything about the pre-Hispanic communities that first inhabited the country, the political figures that established independence from Spanish rule and even the way the current political system has helped to stabilize the economy and life in the country. The museum is beautifully ornamented with well-preserved archives and antiques from days long past but still remembered. Though Bogotá boasts a number of wonderful museums, this one should not be missed.

Opening Hours: Tues-Sat: 10:00am to 6:00pm & Sun: 10:00am to 5:00pm

Museo Nacional, Carrera 7 No. 28-66, Bogotá, Colombia, +57 1 3348366

La Macarena has become known throughout Bogotá as having some of the most eclectic restaurants throughout the city. The neighborhood’s bohemian and hippie reputation is probably most apparent at the bars, cafés, and restaurants that the locals frequent on a daily basis. You’ll find Italian, Spanish, Asian, Colombian, organic cafés and even Eastern European food throughout this neighborhood. The casual environments draw the most interesting people from all over the world. You’ll see expats and locals, musicians and artists, politicians and tourists exploring the wonderful eateries La Macarena has to offer.

Casa Quinta de Bolívar is a historic colonial home at the base of Mount Monserrate and the former home of Simón Bolívar. Simón Bolívar was one of Colombia’s founding fathers and played a major role in the independence from oppressive Spanish rule. The beautiful home contains some of his most treasured possessions and lots of information on the historical events that led up to Colombia’s independence and the time that followed after. The gardens surrounding the home are densely vegetated with native plants and flowers. You can’t help but feel transported through time when visiting this home.

Call for opening hours as it is often used for private state events

Casa Quinta de Bolívar, Calle 21, No. 4a-31, Bogotá, Colombia, +57 1 3366419

The flea market of San Alejo is one of the best in Bogotá, located on one of the city’s biggest streets, Carrera Séptima. Every Saturday and Sunday you’ll see vendors selling everything from beautiful handmade crafts to bootlegged movies and street food. If it exists on this earth, you’ll find it here. Locals and tourists descend upon the streets, looking for the best deals and treasures. Be prepared for big crowds, especially later in the morning and early afternoon. Take cash and go with an empty stomach for a chance to savor some of the best local street food. Don’t forget your camera to document all of the wonderful sights and sounds.

Mercado de Las Pulgas de San Alejo, Calle 17 # 9-21, Bogotá, Colombia, +57 1 2831073