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

3.9 /5

Based on 16 experiences from female travelers

3.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

2.9 /5

Based on 36 experiences from local women

Bogotá is currently ranked #3 safest place in Colombia for solo female travellers, with an overall safety rating of 3.9 out of 5. . Check the full ranking.

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How safe is Bogotá?

Safety at night:Unsafe

Bogotá has seen improvements in safety over the years but is still considered risky for solo female travelers at night. While many areas are relatively safe and busy during the day, at night, it is advisable to avoid walking alone especially in deserted or less populated areas. It's best to use licensed taxis or trusted ride-share services for transportation. Remain vigilant and avoid displaying valuable items in public places to prevent possibilities of theft or mugging.

Public transportation:Moderate

Public transportation in Bogotá, like the TransMilenio system, tends to be relatively safe during the daytime but caution should be taken at night. Crowding can be common, so pay attention to your belongings to prevent pickpocketing. Additionally, while incidents are decreasing, taxis hailed off the streets have been linked to 'millionaire rides,' where the passenger is kidnapped and forced to withdraw large amounts of money from ATMs. Recommendations suggest using trusted taxi booking services or ride-hailing apps instead.

Street harassment:Moderate

Bogota, Colombia can possess moderate levels of street harassment. Catcalling or non-aggressive verbal remarks can be a quite common encounter, especially in crowded and touristic areas. However, remember that these instances vary from person to person and depends on the area and the time of the day. Highly recommended to keep an attentive eye on your surroundings and prioritize safety. Still, Colombians are known to be hospitable and welcoming, so negative interactions should not overshadow the overall cultural experience.

Petty crimes:High

Bogotá has a noticeable level of petty crime like pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft. It is always recommended to stay alert in crowded areas like public transportation, parks, and local markets as these are the favored places for thieves to target tourists. However, by taking preventive measures like keeping valuableshidden and not showing off expensive items, you can decrease your chances of being targeted. Remember, most locals are friendly and helpful, so don't let this deter you from enjoying beautiful Bogotá.

Is Bogotá worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.5 /5

based on 16 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.5/5

Safety

3.9/5

Food

4.5/5

Budget-friendly

3.6/5

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

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

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 Botero art (free to visit) Great lunch spot: Quinua Y Amaranto It’s considered safe to walk in La Candelaria before 5 pm, not sure what happens after as I didn’t try to stay after the sunset. I typically walked or got a taxi / Uber

Posted: March 30, 2024Experienced: February, 2023

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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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Is Bogotá safe for women?

Safety index

2.9 /5

Based on 36 local experiences

Crime index

3.4 /5

Based on 36 local experiences

Paula

There are some safety areas but it’s mostly insecure, you shouldn’t leave you’re things alone, walk at night or have your phone out in the streets, it’s better to be with someone who knows the area and how to move around

Posted: August 18, 2025

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