Daily costs per person in US dollars. Bogota is one of South America's most affordable capitals — your money goes far with street food, free museums, and excellent public transport.
Daily cost breakdown
Currency: COP (Colombian Peso) (Cards accepted in malls and restaurants)
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Splurge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $8–20 | $30–70 | $100+ | Hostels → boutique hotels → luxury hotels |
| Food | $8–15 | $15–35 | $50+ | Menu del dia → restaurants → fine dining |
| Transport | $2–5 | $5–15 | $25+ | Transmilenio → Uber → private car |
| Activities | $0–10 | $10–30 | $50+ | Free museums → group tours → private guides |
| Entry Fees | $0–5 | $5–15 | $15–30 | Many museums free on Sundays |
| Daily Total | $30–65 | $75–175 | $250+ | Budget backpacker → comfortable mid → luxury |
Money-saving tips
Use Transmilenio & SITP buses
Bogota's bus rapid transit system costs under 3,000 COP per ride and covers the entire city. Buy a rechargeable TuLlave card at any station. Taxis and Ubers are cheap too but buses save serious money over a multi-day stay.
Eat menu del dia lunches
Nearly every local restaurant offers a menu del dia (set lunch) for 12,000-18,000 COP ($3-5) that includes soup, main course, drink, and dessert. This is the biggest meal of the day for most Colombians and the best-value eating you'll find.
Free museums on Sundays
Most major museums in Bogota are free on Sundays including the Gold Museum, Botero Museum, and National Museum. Plan your cultural day accordingly to save on entrance fees.
Stay in La Candelaria or Chapinero
La Candelaria has the cheapest hostels ($8-15 dorms) and is walkable to major sights. Chapinero is trendier with better nightlife and mid-range options. Both are well-connected by bus.
Join free walking tours
Multiple companies run daily tip-based walking tours through La Candelaria, covering history, street art, and food. The Bogota Graffiti Tour is particularly excellent. Budget 20,000-30,000 COP as a fair tip.
Drink tinto, not espresso
Street vendors sell tinto (sweet black coffee) for 500-1,000 COP everywhere. Specialty coffee shops charge 8,000-15,000 COP for a pour-over. Enjoy both, but know that the street tinto is part of daily Colombian culture and costs almost nothing.
