Is Bogotá Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

While Bogotá is a city of rich culture and history, it does demand certain precautions for solo female travelers. Common issues faced are pickpocketing and scams in busy areas, so it's best you keep your belongings secure. As a solo female traveler, it's advised to avoid walking alone in deserted places or at night. Use registered taxi services or authorized ride-hailing services for transportation. Learning some basic Spanish would be helpful as not everyone speaks English. While, generally, people are friendly, it's best to stay alert and maintain a good level of vigilance.

Safety rating

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How safe is Bogotá for solo female travelers?

Travel safety index

3.9 /5

based on 20 experiences from female travelers

Nathalie

Nathalie

Switzerland

Solo travel

My experience as a solo female traveler in Bogotá I stayed in the Chapinero neighborhood and felt safe both during the day and in the evenings. For arriving in Bogotá, I really recommend choosing a comfortable hotel or a cozy hostel that feels like a retreat just for you. The weather can change quickly and rain is common, so I was very happy to have my own private room where I could rest and recharge. I spent many days walking more than six hours, exploring Chapinero, La Candelaria, and the...

Posted: January 10, 2026
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Family travel

Very cool experience. I stayed near the Gold Museum. There are many restaurants nearby and more museums. At night, it is not very safe to walk in the area and you should be careful with people who approach you to talk.

Posted: December 6, 2025
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Solo travel

- I was with locals so I was feeling safe. - The food is really good. - I took a cab or I was walking so I didn’t experienced the public’s transport. - People are nice. - At this time some museums were closed… - Really good for shopping I think.

Posted: March 11, 2025
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Charlot

Charlot

Belgium

Solo travel

I went to Bogotá and stayed at Spotty Hostel. I loved the hostel and would absolutely get back. At night I didn't always feel safe alone on the streets, but during the day I never felt like that. I've also noticed that it really helps if you speak Spanish! The people are really friendly and always eager to help. A must-visit is Monserrate!

Posted: July 16, 2024Experienced: June, 2023
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Julia

Julia

Netherlands

Solo travel

I spent a weekend in Bogota in March 2023. I stayed at “Hotel Retiro 84 by MIJ”, very safe area to walk during the night for solo female travelers. Favorite places to eat in the area: La Taqueria calle 82, Frites Artois, Azahar Café Nogal Favourite activities in Bogota: - Ride to Monserrate for the sunset (think of arranging taxi in advance from there, as it’s difficult to get Uber afterwards and area is not considered extremely for foreigners) - Museo de Arte Miguel Urrutia, with...

Posted: March 30, 2024Experienced: February, 2023
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Milena

Milena

North Macedonia

Group travel

I was in Bogota with a friend. Love the climate there, throughout the year max 20 degrees Celsius. All sorts of tropical fruits and fresh juices everywhere. It is a nice and clean city, and people are very friendly. Climbed on mount Monserrate on a rainy day - and even though it was cloudy the view from above and the experience was amazing. Not dangerous at all, would definitely return if I get a chance.

Posted: August 23, 2023Experienced: March, 2023
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Solo travel

I loved Bogotá. Although I only had time for Monseratte and La Candelaria, I could easily spend a few days sightseeing. I felt safe, even when I was exploring alone and taking pictures. I made sure to take a hotel taxi before it got dark.

Posted: May 1, 2023
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Solo travel

I felt very safe in Bogota and I loved the old parts of the city. It's really beautiful and clean, and there are a lot of policemen on the streets. I took a bus to Zipaquirá to see the salt cathedral, and it was amazing. The Gold Museum and the Botero Museum were also really great. The Gold Museum is one of the best historical museums I've ever been to.

Posted: May 1, 2023
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Solo travel

I stayed in the La Candelaria area and it was relaxing, both during the day and at night. I did several city tours based on tips (one was about food, the other about street art), I visited the Botero museum and the gold museum, took a funicular to Monserrate, and also did a day trip to the Salt Cathedral and Guatavita. I will definitely return there in the future to see more of this country.

Posted: April 29, 2023
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Solo travel

Bogota - Masaya Hostel (has private and shared rooms) in Candelaria - Hotel Bicentenario is also close by. I stayed and liked both. Monserrate... Avoid hiking (safety is the reason for me), but definitely go there!!! (Don't eat at the French restaurant there though, I was disappointed) A tour of the Paloquemao fruit market... book through AirBnb... AMAZING. I love the Gold Museum. A day trip to Guatevita or the Salt Cathedral. Both are great!! It's easy to take a walking tour around the city...

Posted: November 12, 2022
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Is Bogotá safe for women?

Women’s safety index

3 /5

Based on 47 reports

Crime index

3.3 /5

Based on 47 reports

It is quite safe and people are friendly, but you should be careful with your phone or other belongings at all times, especially if you take the TransMilenio. I would recommend avoiding areas like San Bernardo, Ciudad Bolívar, and El Tunal.

Posted: May 22, 2026
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Always be very alert day and night. Do not expose your cellphone in the street. If you go downtown, preferably carry your bag or backpack in front of you. Do not talk to strangers, nor respond to anyone on the street, do not let people get close or invade your personal space. Be careful with scopolamine. At parties where there are a lot of people, do not accept to dance with strangers and keep your phone very safe.

Posted: May 11, 2026
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Valentina

Valentina

Bogotá is a very beautiful city, but it can be unsafe in any area. You need to keep an eye on your belongings, your drinks, and your surroundings. Avoid being in very isolated places or out too late at night. Likewise, there are thieves at any time of day, so you should always stay alert.

Posted: May 2, 2026
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Bogotá has safe areas, while others are not so much. As a resident, you learn to know in which parts and at what times you can be safe. It is not very advisable late at night and it depends on the area.

Posted: April 29, 2026
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Carolina

Carolina

Like any big city, some areas are more dangerous than others. Cell phone and wallet theft is common on public transportation, as well as on the streets. The recommendation is to keep your cell phone and wallet out of your sight, carry your bag in front of you, or somewhere you can see it. Don't give out your place of origin and always share your location with a local. Traveling alone is not recommended. However, it's a great option if you're traveling with others or have friends in Bogotá.

Posted: March 14, 2026
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Bogotá is a very large city, where you find crime and homelessness in many areas, so you have to be alert and take care of your personal belongings. However, you can walk through all the streets without any problems. Regarding transportation, you can use public transit with caution and apps like Uber or Didi.

Posted: February 23, 2026
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Safety map

Based on reports from women living in Bogotá, we created a safety map highlighting areas where they feel unsafe during the day or at night.

Safety in Colombia

Hospitality Exchange in Bogotá

Andrea

Andrea

Bogotá

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Travel isn’t just a passion for me — it’s my lifestyle. I love connecting with people, learning from cultures, sharing stories and music, and exploring unique places. I can host, join trips, or find travel buddies abroad. 🌈 Life’s too short not to wander!

Speaking

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alice

alice

Bogotá

Can host for:

1 day

About me

Hi ! I'm Alice, 20yo and I'm currently living in Bogotá to study biology and ecology I love travelling around and meeting new people, for me it's a very cool way to discover a new place :) also I really love the idea of host and being hosted safely and for free to make new connections, so I wanna be a part of it

Speaking

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