Colombia’s capital, Bogotá, is brimming with hotspots that draw more and more visitors each year. Usaquén — though not the newest renaissance neighborhood — is by far one of the city’s most vibrant ones, packed with antique stores, modern cafés, award-winning eateries, and a popular Sunday market.
The historic center was its own city before being incorporated in the 1950s, but that small-town vibe remains as locals and visitors trade and commune daily along the cobblestoned streets that shoot off from the charming square.
Lace up your walking shoes and head straight to these spots in Usaquén on your next visit to Bogotá. As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
What to See
You can spend hours people watching on the town square, which is anchored by the 18th-century Iglesia de Santa Bárbara. On weekends and holidays, you’ll find storytellers and peddlers eager to regale you with tales of yesteryear.
Walk along the streets that lead out from the plaza to discover antique shops, art galleries, and independent boutiques. Take a steam-powered train through Bogotá’s scenic savannah to the historic town of Zipaquirá, known for its underground cathedral in a salt mine. Trains depart on weekends from the Usaquén station around 9 a.m.
Get to know the neighborhood with an expert by booking a guided walking tour via Marriott Bonvoy Tours & Activities.
What to Do
Join families, lovebirds, and students for a stroll through Parque de Usaquén, a square where storytellers, artisans and artists converge on weekends. The neighborhood’s Sunday market is legendary and has recently grown to include a secondary section, called the Mercado Buendía Usaquén, where a new wave of artisans sell jewelry, repurposed home goods, and hand-woven textiles.
At Cinema Paraíso, the only dine-in theatre around, you can catch special movie screenings while noshing on snacks and artisan brews. The 1840s Hacienda Santa Bárbara , where early settlers held court, has been transformed into a mall, with the original architecture preserved and local designers housed within.
Where to Eat
You won’t find a better breakfast than Abasto’s healthy update on homestyle cooking. The locavore restaurant has multiple locations in Bogota, including one in Usaquén. Julia is a favorite for its wood-fired pizzas, crisp salads, and artisan ice creams. For traditional Colombian dishes like arepas, ajiaco (chicken and corn soup), and sobrebarriga (flank steak), try Arrieros.
The city’s top chefs have outposts in Usaquén: Try the seafood-centric 80 Sillas by the Takami group and La Plaza de Andrés — a miniature version of the meat wonderland in Chia.
Where to Drink
Hops hero Bogota Beer Company has brews inspired by different neighborhoods, which you can sample at the cozy locale right off the square.
To learn about Colombia’s coffee culture while getting your caffeine fix, walk a couple blocks away from the main center to Catación Pública, where staff offer tastings and barista courses.
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