La Candelaria Overview

By Richard McColl

Colonial in style with the occasional cobblestone street, eclectic bookstores, dance academies, museums and restaurants, La Candelaria is the beating heart of old Bogotá. One could spend several days wandering the streets of La Candelaria, from the Plaza de Bolivar overshadowed by the opulent Presidential Palace and Cathedral to the museums and points of interest on Ca. 10.

With a handful of universities in the district there is a considerable student presence that keeps the prices down, the level of bohemia high and the number of bars and cheap opportunities for dining at a premium. Most, if not all, affordable accommodation and some luxury options are located in La Candelaria, and, in terms of nightlife, there are a few decent options in Escobar y Rosas (Carrera 5 with 14) and Quiebracanto (Carrera 5 No. 17-76).