Bogotá/Chapinero-Zona G

The 19th century neo-gothic Basilica of Lourdes located in the Plaza de Lourdes in Bogota's Chapinero Borough.

Chapinero is an affluent district in the north-east of Bogotá. It is home to the Zona G, an area of upscale restaurants.

Understand

The locality of Chapinero is one of the most expensive and elegant districts in the city. It combines high-rise residential buildings, republican, Neoclassical, Neo-gothic, and Neo-baroque mansions, extensive parks, extensive financial centers, and the largest Gastronomical district in Bogota. With restaurants from all Europe, Asia, the Americas, the Middle-East, and even Africa. Chapinero is also where the majority of foreign embassies and International NGO's are located. Famed neighborhood Quinta Camacho is also located in Chapinero. Built in the 1930s, as planned urbanization for wealthy Bogotanos, Quite Camacho combines both English and Parisian architecture. Today many of the former mansions have been converted in shops, cafes, and universities. Definitely visit this historic area if you can get a perfect Colombian coffee, while walking yourself through the streets of London or Paris. Chapinero is a vibrant set of neighbourhoods filled with university students, bohemian cafes, bars and restaurants. Just north of the traditional downtown area, it runs from Calle 39 in the south to Calle 100 in the north and is limited to the west by Avenida Caracas and to the east by the mountains.

Chapinero Alto, one of the alternative neighborhoods in the city, is located between Calle 45 and Calle 65. One of the most LGBT tolerant zones of the metropolis, also known as Chapigay or Gay Hills, it is home to the larger part of the LGBT population of Bogotá.

Zona G (G for Gourmet) is located between Calles 65 and 71 and Carreras 3 and 7. This area is home to the most prestigious restaurants of the city.

Get in

Carrera 7 is the main road going through the district, and there are endless busetas running along it, north towards Zona Rosa, Parque 93, and Usaquén and south towards the old downtown. Busetas are, of course, confusing animals, so the trial and error approach will be more successful when Cra 7 is written prominently on the sign. This isn't a huge part of the city, so walking is fine for getting around.

See

• 1 Our Lady of Lourdes Church (Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Lourdes), Cra 13 #63-27. A beautiful Gothic church—built in 1875, making it the first example of Gothic architecture in the country. Despite being the symbol of El Chapinero, has as of late 2012 been badly defaced by spray can-wielding vandals. 
• 2 Parque Hippies (Cra 7 at Calle 60). In front of La Salle University, this park usually smells a bit like weed on weekends, and has some fun bars, live music, and cheap eats around the square. 
• Visiting the famed Zona G. One of the best plans to do in Chapinero is simply walking around the chic neighborhood of Zona G. Which combines modernist skyscrapers with traditional mansions and houses. It makes of for a great sightseeing experience, and is home to some of Bogota's most famous fine-dining restaurants. It's an area surrounding by parks, financial centers, and many green spaces, as well as having many bicycle and walking paths, that make it a great walking experience. Definitely worth visiting! (updated Jan 2023)
• Walking through historic Quinta Camacho, Localidad de Chapinero. If you want to get away from the sea of skycrapers and avenues that surround Bogota, then the perfect plan for you is to take an evening stroll through historic Quinta Camacho in Chapinero, which combines English and Parisian style Gregorian, Tudor, and belle-epoque era mansions. Quinta Camacho was built as a suburb neighborhood in the 1940's, being located just outside of Bogota's urban area, and it quickly became one of the most expensive areas in the whole city, having been considered the creme de la creme of Bogota's elite during the 40's and 50's. Now Quinta Camacho has been incorporated into the city, and many of the former mansions have converted into shops, boutiques, and restaurants. Quinta Camacho is located in the heart of Bogota's financial district, conveniently close to World class restaurants, museums, shops, and art galleries, and just two blocks away from the Zona G. A must visit destination in Chapinero. (updated Jan 2023)

Do

As said before, its gay scene is huge. There are dozens of places for lgbtq community to go and have fun. Mild fun: Just taking a beer or have a cool dinner with your friends in any of their Restaurants, Bars or squares. Wild fun: Cruising the neighbourhood in one of their numerous bath houses, dark mazes and ABS.

• Theatron Calle 58 #10-32 phone: +57 1 2356879. It's a very large LGBT club with pyrotechnics and performers.

Eat

Zona G has some of the finest eateries in Bogotá within a few small blocks. If you want elegant or romantic, this is a good choice.

• Antica Ristorante, Calle 70 A No. 4-45, ☏ +57 1 248-0254. Fancy dishes. 
• Bagatelle, Calle 70 A No. 4-99, ☏ +57 1 321-3475. Once a bakery, this restaurant has the feel of a Parisian cafe. It serves crepes, sandwiches, and salads, as well as breakfast and brunch. The Bagatelle is famous for its tartines, crepes, croquettes madams, and pan de chocolate. 
• Criterion, Calle 69A No. 5-75, ☏ +57 1 310-1377. French-influenced, gourmet dishes. The menu consists of a variety of starters and meats, and a tasting menu that changes weekly. 

Dining out in Zona G

• Restaurante El Cielo, Calle 70 #4-47, Cl. 70 #4 - 47, ☏ +57 320 9189074. Upscale restaurant with two menus and innovative Colombian dishes, with a fusion of other cuisines. El Cielo is one of the most expensive restaurants in Bogota: the first menu costs US$180 or 812,000 Colombian Pesos and the more sophisticated menu costs US$200s or 903,000 Colombian Pesos as of January 2023. Reservations should be done at least a week in advance. (updated Jan 2023)

• Philippe, Carrera 5 No. 69A-30, ☏ +57 1 3130601. elegant dining. 
• Harry Sasson Restaurante, Calle 83 No. 12-49, ☏ +57 1 616-4520. Chef Harry Sasson creates delectable, international dishes with Asian influences. This restaurant also has a wide variety of wines from all over the world, including Argentina, France, and California. 
• La Hamburgueseria, Calle 70 No. 4-69, ☏ +57 1 321-3350. La Hamburgueseria is not fast food restaurant, but does offers a great variety of hamburgers and sandwiches, made from the best ingredients. This restaurant has many other locations, so be sure to check out the website to find the one closest to you! 
• La Table de Michel, Calle 69A No. 4-15, ☏ +57 1 347-7939, +57 1 347-7939. La Table de Miguel offers excellent French dishes. They also have a wine list made up of mainly French wines, but also a few Chilean. The great thing about this restaurant is that the menu is translated into various languages for the convenience of the diner. 
• Nazca, Calle 74 No 5-28, ☏ +57 1 321-3459. This Peruvian restaurant serves up to 96 people, and has a 'launch area,' where those waiting for tables can snack. The principle dish of Nazca is ceviche. 
• SUNA, Camino Natural, Calle 71 No. 4-47, ☏ +57 1 212-3721. Organic Restaurant and Market. Suna serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This environmentally-friendly restaurant offers a menu consisting of organic, vegetarian, raw, and vegan dishes. 
• Tony Roma's, Carrera 6 No. 69 A-20, ☏ +57 1 249-5271. This American chain-restaurant serves traditional American bbq, including short ribs and seafood. 

Sleep

Bogota's renowned El Cielo restaurant by Michelin star chef Juan Manuel Barrientos opened it's doors in 2011 and has since been one of the most awarded restaurants in the country and the world alike. It has been included for the past 5 years in the 50 best restaurants in the world listing, and in 2024 it was listed as the 33rd best restaurant in the world.

Budget

• 12:12 Hostels, Calle 67 No. 4-16, ☏ +57 313 387 4231, info@1212hostels.com. Backpacker hostel with good facilities. Dorms from 29,000 COP; private room 90,000 COP. (updated Mar 2016)

Mid-range

• 1 Hotel Casona del Patio, Carrera 8 No. 69 - 24, ☏ +57 2128805, reservas@lacasonadelpatio.net. Located at the G Zone (or Gourmet Zone) in the north of Bogota, the neighborhood is known for its restaurants and the financial sector of the 72 street. COP$120,000. 
• 2 Hotel Emaus Bogota, Carrera 4 No. 69a - 46, ☏ +57 15442005. Boutique rooms, all equipped with 29-inch LCD TV with cable channels, Wi-Fi Internet access and Mini-bar. Facilities and services are Jardin de Emaus restaurant, 24-hour front desk, Laundry service and Ironing service. From USD 160.00. 

Splurge

• 3 Lugano Imperial Suites, Calle 70A 7-62, ☏ +557 1313 1113. It offers 36 suites apartment, fully furnished short and long term special stays for families and executives. It offers rooms equipped with home theater, kitchen and broadband Internet access. Some of its facilities and services are restaurant, bar, sauna, massage service, concierge and rooms service. Rates start at 462,000 COP.