Yes — it holds one of the largest collections of pre-Columbian gold artifacts in the world, spanning cultures that worked gold in the region long before Spanish colonization.
Discover Local Bogotá: What to Do Around Mercure Bogotá BH Retiro
At Mercure, we believe you shouldn't need a guidebook to feel like you belong somewhere. That's the idea behind Discover Local: since 1973, every Mercure hotel has been built around its neighbourhood, not just dropped into it — from the décor on the walls to the flavours on the menu. Step into any Mercure and our teams are on hand with the kind of tips you won't find in a guidebook: the market stall locals queue for, the bar where nobody speaks English, the walk that skips the crowds. They live here. They know. Discover Local isn't a generic city guide — it's a short, honest list of the restaurants, markets and neighbourhoods our own hotel teams actually recommend to guests, updated as the city changes around us. Below, you'll find our picks for Bogotá, an interactive map to help you find your way, and answers to the questions travellers ask us most. So — where will Discover Local take you?
Bogotá in 5 picks
Museo del Oro (Gold Museum)
Home to one of the world's largest collections of pre-Columbian gold work, with thousands of pieces made by cultures that predate the Spanish arrival by centuries. The darkened final room, filled floor to ceiling with gold, is worth the visit alone.
La Candelaria
Bogotá's colonial old town, all narrow cobbled streets and buildings painted in reds, yellows and blues. Wander without a fixed route — the street art and balconies are half the point.
Monserrate
A mountain-top church overlooking the whole city, reached by cable car or funicular. Go for sunset if you can — the whole Bogotá valley spreads out below as the lights come on.
Zona T rooftop bars
Bogotá's nightlife hub, a pedestrian zone shaped like a T lined with restaurants and rooftop bars. It's an easy walk from Chapinero and gets going properly after dark.
Paloquemao Market
A working produce market piled high with exotic fruit you won't find at home — lulo, pitaya, guanábana — plus flower stalls supplying much of the city. Go hungry and try a fresh juice blend from one of the stands.
FAQ
By cable car or funicular from the base station, both departing regularly. Sunset is a popular time to go, when the city lights start coming on below.
Bogotá sits above 2,600 metres, so it's common to feel short of breath on hills or stairs for the first day or two. Pace yourself, especially around Monserrate, and stay hydrated.
Where to sleep
See Mercure hotels in Bogotá, all within reach of these picks.