During my 4 nights and 5 days in Bogota, I will have to say that Bogota, Colombia is pretty safe during the day. At night, Bogota can be a whole different animal depending on which neighborhood you’re in. The middle and upper class neighborhoods Chapinero (including Zona Rosa, Zona G) and Usaquen are safe during all times of the day and at night.
Introduction to Bogota
American Airlines LAX Flagship Lounge
American Airlines LAX-MIA 757-200 First Class
Miami International Airport Oneworld Premium Lounge
American Airlines MIA-BOG 757-200 Business Class
Hilton Bogota Hotel Review Part 1
Hilton Bogota Hotel Review Part 2
Sheraton Bogota Hotel Review
Aloft Bogota Airport Hotel Review
The Sights and Sounds of La Candelaria in Bogota
The Sights and Sounds of Avenida Carerra 7 in Bogota
The Sights and Sounds of Chapinero in Bogota
The Sights and Sounds of Zona Rosa in Bogota
The Sights and Sounds of Zona G in Bogota
The Sights and Sounds of Avenida Carerra 15 in Bogota
The Sights and Sounds of Cerro de Monserrate in Bogota
The Sights and Sounds of La Macarena in Bogota
The Sights and Sounds of Santa Fe in Bogota
The Sights and Sounds of Usaquen in Bogota
The Sights and Sounds of El Salitre in Bogota
The Sights and Sounds of Barrio Engativa in Bogota
Is Bogota Colombia Safe for Tourists?
Scam City: Bogota Colombia Edition
The Various Restaurant Eats in Bogota Colombia
The Various Street Foods in Bogota Colombia
Bogota Airport LAN VIP Temporal Lounge
American Airlines BOG-MIA 757-200 Business Class
American Airlines LAX Flagship Arrivals Lounge
I would highly advise you to not go out during the night in Ciudad Salitre, Engativa, La Candelaria, and Santa Fe.
During the day, the neighborhood of Santa Fe is dangerous. Barrio Santa Fe is part of the tolerance zone where prostitution and brothels are legal.
During the day, the northern part of La Candelaria can be unsafe. Just avoid alleys and places where graffiti is rampant. Always be aware of your surroundings in case of muggings and purse snatches. Men should always put their wallet in front of their pockets and backpacks need to be faced forward.
Avoid hanging out at Transmilenio bus stations late at night and especially avoid Calle 22 (Santa Fe) if you can.
Always walk on sidewalks near major highways where cars can be seen.
The majority of Colombians are friendly and absolutely love foreigners. Colombians love to socialize and it really helps if you speak a little bit of Spanish. I sincerely believe Bogota is one of the most underrated cities in South America. It’s seriously a hidden gem and most people think it’s ridden with crime and drugs. It really isn’t and I felt safe most of the time just like in any major metropolitan city around the world.
We felt safe the entire three days we were there. Granted, we took ordinary precautions one takes traveling internationally, many of which you describe. One taxi driver we had was very proud of Bogota’s safety: military patrolling the streets, police on the streets, most businesses have their own private security forces, and mall have explosives sniffing dogs working the parking ramp entrances!