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

Meet new people

Get the Travel Ladies app to meet new people, find travel buddies, share solo travel experiences and stay with locals through couch surfing.
Download from App StoreDownload from Google Play
Get the Travel Ladies App

Safety index

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.

Tap water:Moderate

Tap water in Bogotá is generally safe for locals, but as a foreign traveler, you might be unaccustomed to the local microbes. This could cause mild stomach upset. It is advisable to drink bottled water, especially in the starting days of your trip.

Is Bogotá safe to travel?

3.9 /5

Based on 13 experiences

Milena

Milena (33)

North Macedonia

Group travel experience

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Solo travel experience

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Solo travel experience

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
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Solo travel experience

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 and see the graffiti too. And YES to Pancakes & Waffles!! I've been there many times.

Posted: November 12, 2022
favorite_border 70
mode_comment 0

Solo travel experience

I recommend staying either in the Chapinero area or in Zona T/Calle 85. Remember that Bogota is not a safe city, so do not use taxis stopped on the street. Download an app called Cabify and order a taxi or car (but keep in mind that using ride services is illegal in Colombia, so you have to sit in the front if you get stopped by the police). As for data, go to any Éxito or Carulla store and buy a prepaid SIM plan. It's very simple, and this way you can have constant access to this app. However, do not use your phone on the street. So, Cerro de Monserrate, Candelaria, Chorro se Quevedo, Plaza de Bolivar and basically all historic centers are a must, but remember...it's dangerous. I also recommend the de la sabana train ride to the Salt Cathedral in Zipaquira and a visit to Andres Carne de Res (a very original restaurant that turns into a club at night). The original restaurant is in Chia (outside Bogota), but there is also one in Zona T. As a local who no longer lives there and has lived in other cities/countries, I can tell you that Bogota has THE BEST party scene, bars and really good restaurants, so make sure that you at least take advantage of the restaurants and bars in Zona T, Zona G and Usaquen (if you don't feel like partying). Usaquen is also a very nice part of the city, worth going to on a Sunday afternoon. It used to be a separate city, so it has its charm. Also, be careful with Colombian men, they are charming, but complete "perros" (womanizers).

Posted: October 31, 2022
favorite_border 56
mode_comment 0

Is Bogotá safe to live in?

You need to be careful with your cellphone on the streets. Always check the prices before paying or purchase something. Take a cab via app in that way you could guarantee a fair rate and a safety cab

Posted: March 4, 2024
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Is Bogotá safe right now?

Before your visit to Bogotá, it's essential to check travel advisories for Colombia, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.
🇺🇸

United States Travel AdvisoryReconsider your need to travel

The United States Government advises reconsidering travel due to crime and terrorism. It suggests exercising increased caution due to civil unrest and kidnapping. Certain areas possess a higher risk. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: January 2, 2024
🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Canadian Government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Colombia due to high levels of crime. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: March 25, 2024
🇦🇺

Australia's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Australian Government advises to exercise a high degree of caution in Colombia overall due to the threats of violent crime and terrorism. Check the full travel advisory.
Last updated: February 29, 2024

Is Bogotá worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.5 /5

based on 13 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

3.9/5

Food

4.7/5

Budget-friendly

3.4/5

Solo travel experience

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
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Solo travel experience

A few of my favorite places in Bogota: Gold Museum, Botero Museum, Bolivar Square, Monserrate, La Candelaria neighborhood, if you are there on Sunday - ciclovia, if you have transport arranged - a day trip to the Salt Cathedral and visit Andres Carne de Res in Cundinamarca on the way back to Bogota. Colombia is beautiful!!!

Posted: November 8, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Meet locals in Bogotá

Meet local women in Bogotá who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.
Solimar

Solimar

About Me

Hi, My name is Solimar and I'm interested in animals, art, camping, culture, cinema, dancing, fashion, food & cuisine, history, photography, solo travel, swimming and writing

Speaking

mode_comment 0
Alejandra

Alejandra

About Me

Holaaa! Aqui Alejandra! Interesada en conocer amigas para viajar seguro, amo viajar sola, entonces crear un ambiente seguro me parece importante. Festivals, solo-travels, foodie

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Stay with locals in Bogotá

Stay with local women in Bogotá who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Couch surfing is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.
Solimar

Solimar

Bogotá

Can host for:

7 days

About me

Hi, My name is Solimar and I'm interested in animals, art, camping, culture, cinema, dancing, fashion, food & cuisine, history, photography, solo travel, swimming and writing

Speaking

mode_comment 0
Karen-Eliana

Karen-Eliana

Bogotá

Can host for:

1 day

About me

Hello, My name is Karen-Eliana and I'm interested in animals, cinema, photography, writing, languages and food & cuisine

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Safety in Colombia