Colombia : Safety by City
- Barranquilla
- Bogotá
- Bucaramanga
- Cali
- Cartagena
- Cucuta
- Leticia
- Manizales
- Medellin
- Popayan
- Santa Marta
Bogota is the vibrant and bustling capital of Colombia.
Centrally located within this Latin American country, Bogota is situated on a high Andean plateau, allowing it to have a cool climate year-round.
As the capital, Bogota is the center of Colombian finances, education, government, and culture.
There is much to appeal to travelers in Bogota.
In addition to world-class destinations like the Museo de Oro (Gold Museum), the Jose Celestino Mutis Botanical Garden, and Atlantis Plaza Mall, the city also offers historic landmarks such as Usaquen, where a flea market and brunch are a tradition on Sunday, and Mundo Aventura, an amusement park.
Just a short distance outside Bogota, swathes of green beckon, including Chapinero Waterfalls and Quebrada La Vieja, both places where lovers of hiking, nature, and fresh air will relish spending time.
Warnings & Dangers in Bogotá
OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
Medium risk, as it is much like any other large city. While occasional circumstances will increase the risk for foreigners, by following general safety rules, it's possible to visit without issue. Stay away from areas of protest, keep signs of wealth at home, wear bags in the front, travel during the daytime, and stay aware of the surroundings.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: HIGH
High risk based on the fact that travelers have been robbed and/or assaulted by taxi drivers. Taxis could also take advantage of tourists by overcharging them. Relying on a ride-share company, such as Uber — which is a plentiful option — is a safer bet, and the price for the ride is known upfront.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
High risk, especially in crowded areas such as bars and clubs, flea markets, and other places that are often popular with tourists. Keep valuables out of sight and always be aware of what is going on nearby. It's also a good idea to wear any bags or backpacks in the front rather than on the side or back.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
Low risk for natural disasters like volcanic activity, tornadoes, and hurricanes. There is a minor risk of earthquakes as they sometimes happen in Bogota. Also, due to the high altitude of the city, viruses carried by mosquitoes, such as malaria, yellow fever, and dengue, aren't typically a hazard.
MUGGING RISK: HIGH
High risk, like many other large cities that are popular with travelers. This is especially true in places that tend to draw crowds, like markets, bars, malls, and similar venues. In less crowded settings, muggings aren't a much of a problem because there is less of an opportunity for thieves to be successful.
TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
Medium risk because typically Bogota isn't a hotbed of terrorist activity. This, though, doesn't apply to protests, which should be given a wide berth. It's also important to be aware of the possibility of increased activity at the embassy during tense times. Foreigners could be targeted for illegal activity if there is unrest elsewhere in Colombia. It's important to also note that terrorist groups such as the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the National Liberation Army (ELN) are still active in Colombia, though the number of occurrences has fallen in recent years.
SCAMS RISK: HIGH
High risk since there are a variety of scams to be aware of, including fake and/or police officers who take money from travelers or plant drugs on them. The police then demand money before allowing the foreigner to leave. Counterfeit goods are another scam to watch out for. Here, if the price for a particular item seems to be too low, chances are it is fake.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Medium risk as long as the proper precautions are taken. Be sure to avoid wearing flashy jewelry and carrying a lot of money. Keep wallets, phones, and other valuables in a bag that is held to the front of the body. Avoid traveling alone at night and don't accept drinks or food from unknown people.
TAP WATER RISK: LOW
Low risk in Bogotá as the country's tap water is generally considered safe to drink. However, for those who are very young, very old, have a compromised immune system, or are prone to stomach issues, filtering or boiling the water before consuming it is a good idea. Bottled water is also an option for those who are concerned.
Safest Places to Visit in Bogotá
The must-see place to visit in Bogota is La Candelaria.
This historic area ties up all the best and most vibrant parts of the city into one stunning heart.
Travelers will find Plaza de Bolivar, the Gold Museum, and other cultural sites, as well as charming cobblestone streets, breathtaking street art, and stunning Spanish-inspired architecture.
Catedral Primada de Colombia, a historic cathedral that was built during Spanish rule in 1823, is one of Bogota’s most iconic landmarks and can be found at Plaza de Bolivar.
Visitors to this area will also find plenty of local fare to fuel their activities.
Places to Avoid in Bogotá
In addition to avoiding most areas of Bogota after dark, if possible, travelers should also steer clear of Ciudad Bolivar.
Though it’s residential in nature, this district is known for its high rates of crime.
When visiting during the rainy season, flooding in the area makes it even more treacherous.
A popular tourist attraction is Cerro de Monserrate, as it offers stunning views of the city.
However, after dark, the surrounding streets can border on dangerous.
Walking up the hill with friends and taking transportation after visiting the spot can reduce the risk.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Bogotá
- Look Confident. Dress in simple and comfortable clothes while walking with a confident stride. It’s important not appear lost or unsure when walking. Instead, seek out a local for assistance with directions.
- Keep Valuables at Home. Avoid flashing money, jewelry, cameras, or phones while out in public. Keep passports at home and bring a copy instead. After using a cell phone, return it promptly to a bag carried in the front or a front pocket.
- Exercise Caution When Using ATMs. Bypass ATMs located on the street and opt for those inside malls, banks, or stores. Avoid using ATMs at night and try not to do so while alone.
- Be Cautious With Transportation. Rely on the hotel or concierge to hail a taxi or use a ride-sharing app via a cell phone. Know the price of the ride before entering the vehicle. Pay attention to the route to ensure the driver is driving in the right direction.
- Be Smart When Enjoying the Nightlife. When enjoying the vibrant nightlife in Bogota, always go out with friends. Avoid accepting food, gum, and especially drinks from unknown individuals. Keep close watch on any food or drink purchased to be sure it isn’t spiked.
- Know About Political Violence. Though political violence is less of an issue now than in the past, it’s still important to be smart about it. Be sure to stay updated about any travel advisories that come in. Stay away from areas deemed to be high risk. Walk away if any political events or demonstrations appear.
- Be Aware of Street Crime. Street crime in crowded areas and those popular with tourists continues to be an issue. A key way to avoid being the victim of a pickpocket or mugging is to always be aware of one’s surroundings. This is especially true in crowded areas where jostling is to be expected. However, this can make it easier for valuables to be stolen.
- Stay in Safe Accommodations. Opt for hotels, rented apartments, or hostels with security such as staffed entrances or those that can only be accessed using a code. Security that is available 24 hours a day means there is a Bogota expert on duty at all times.
- Use Extra Caution at Night. Some Bogota attractions are just better at night, but this means extra caution must be exercised. Always travel with a group of people. Stay in well-lit areas that are populated with others. Some areas of the city, such as tourist attractions like Monserrate, are best enjoyed only during daylight hours.
- Avoid Wandering Around. Bogota simply isn’t a city where it is safe to wander around aimlessly. A good example of this is La Candelaria. While this popular area is generally safe during daylight hours, that can change in the streets and neighborhoods just outside the region. Similarly, it’s a much safer area once the sun sets.
So... How Safe Is Bogotá Really?
While Colombia in general — and Bogota in particular — has a reputation for being an unsafe place to visit, overall the city can be considered generally safe.
The tourism numbers reflect this belief as well, with 1.2 million people visiting Bogota from January through August 2025.
This signals an increase of 4.7 percent compared to 2024.
Additionally, 15.6 percent of those visitors were from the United States, which was second in numbers only to Venezuela.
To be sure, Bogota has some challenges when it comes to safety.
However, these mirror those that can be found in any other major city across the globe.
Popular tourist attractions, as well as areas where many people congregate, must be enjoyed with caution to help ensure pickpocketing incidents and muggings are reduced.
Staying vigilant of the surroundings, keeping valuables at home or hidden away, and wearing bags on the front are a common-sense approach to enjoying Bogota.
Bogota’s nightlife can be an enjoyable scene, but caution should be exercised here as well.
Always travel with someone when going out, be aware of the safety of the area after dark, and don’t accept food, drinks, or other items from strangers.
In the event of political events or demonstrations, it’s wise for travelers to give the area a wide berth.
Even those events that look or begin as peaceful ones can quickly and unexpectedly become chaotic.
How Does Bogotá Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Bogotá |
55 |
| Cali |
52 |
| Cartagena |
82 |
| Medellin |
60 |
| Cucuta |
32 |
| Leticia |
70 |
| Manizales |
47 |
 Seville | 75 |
 Pigeon Forge | 78 |
| Frisco | 84 |
 Eindhoven | 85 |
 Townsville | 77 |
| Kingman | 86 |
Useful Information
Visas
Travelers from the United States who enter Bogota with the intent of being tourists don't need a visa as long as their stay doesn't exceed 90 days or 180 days for cumulative visits. Prior to the expiration of the 90 days, visitors can request an extension that last 90 days from Migracion Colombia.
Currency
The Colombian peso is the official currency within the country. It's best to exchange United States money for Colombian pesos at authorized exchange areas, banks, or other specialized places.
Weather
Bogota is part of the Andean Mountains, so its elevation is higher compared to other areas of the country. For this reason, the climate tends to be cooler as well. Due to Colombia's location on the equator, Bogota doesn't experience seasons like much of the United States. However, the city tends to experience two rainy seasons per year.
Airports
Bogota is home to El Dorado International Airport, which offers numerous international arrivals and departures each day. It is the country's busiest airport in both cargo and passenger traffic, as well as the second busiest airport in Latin America, behind only São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport in Brazil.
Travel Insurance
Although travel insurance isn't required when traveling to Bogota, it's always a good idea to invest in a plan. By opting for travel insurance when traveling to Colombia, visitors can be better prepared in the event that something eventful occurs.
Bogotá Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C |
19 | 19 | 19 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 19 |
| Low °C |
5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 |
| High °F |
66 | 66 | 66 | 64 | 64 | 64 | 64 | 64 | 64 | 64 | 64 | 66 |
| Low °F |
41 | 43 | 45 | 46 | 46 | 45 | 43 | 43 | 43 | 45 | 45 | 43 |
Colombia - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Barranquilla | 47 |
| Bogotá | 55 |
| Bucaramanga | 32 |
| Cali | 52 |
| Cartagena | 82 |
| Cucuta | 32 |
| Leticia | 70 |
| Manizales | 47 |
| Medellin | 60 |
| Popayan | 31 |
| Santa Marta | 33 |
No terrorism
About this review: all very honest but drug terrorism. We don’t see that since 80s and now they target specific people because of activism but never tourists. Even being like this, there hasn’t been any terrorism case since the 2000s in Bogotá
Definitely dont go out really after 5pm !! Sounds crazy..last night my son, single traveller decided to venture out at night was subsequent dragged of the street into a bar by a group of people, helped by the bouncer of the bar! Taken to the toilets where he had all his belongings taken ..they managed in get 900$ of his card and wreck up a 90 dollar bar bill.. he had to be rescued from a Columbian friend he was staying with ..
Also expierance 2 robberies in public buses within a space of 10 minutes..he says only safe travel is an UBER.. tke a normal taxi and your in trouble .. everyone seems lovely but the truth is they are just out to get as much money out of every way possible
I loved it
Bogota is awesome!
Beautiful and the locals are friendly to tourists.
Great city for parties and enjoying nature around the city. highly recommended.
Beautiful BIG City
I have gone to Bogotá twice. Both times I enjoyed my stay. Is it the safest place to travel to? No, but what major city in the world is? There is always a downside. If you are experienced with travel and you know how to protect yourself and your items, there is nothing to worry about. I will be going back in the future.
It is NOT the same everywhere
“No, but what major city in the world is?”
There are lots of super safe big cities in Europe, pal. It is NOT the same everywhere. Stop it already! Violent crime once in a blue moon is not the same as violent crime five times a day. No?
Affordable and cheap
The locals are actually friendly but be wary of the taxi drivers who want to trick you just because you are a foreigner. Not to generalize all of them, but we encountered a couple when we there, make sure the meter is turned on and be aware of the prices. Price wise, Bogota is affordable and cheap. You don’t need to break bank to enjoy what Bogota has to offer.
I had a lot of fun in Bogota
Bogota is not as unsafe as some make it out to be. We were perfectly safe here on our trip. Of course you need to pay attention to your surroundings and your belongings but that’s the case for any place. Experimental theater is one of the best attractions here and locals are friendly towards tourists.
Colombia in and of itself is not safe. No matter what city. I am not sure what you are on about. I have been all over for work and I have had a number of issues myself. I have seen women being harassed and even hit in public. Sure, the cities have beautiful places but unless you are here often enough, you will not see the bad side.
It can be a nice experience but you need to know a few things
As a tourist and keeping to the tourist path things can be nice and safe in Bogota. But if you stay here long enough and start venturing out of the regular, tourists routes then you will inevitably start to see the bad part of this city. Pickpockets are just the start. You need to protect your purse and phone at all times as these are the easiest things they will try to steal.
Muggings happen here, in some areas that you should avoid anyway and especially during the night. During the night, the city is very dangerous in non-tourist areas but I would avoid doing things alone during night time no matter the area. You might be fine if you do but bad things do tend to happen at night so why not be smart about it?
There is also counterfeit money running around and sometimes it’s hard to spot it. Taxi drivers (not all) can be aggressive in their language and even physically and will try to overcharge for most fares. Also be careful about credit card skimming as it happens here a lot. Not trying to scare you off but it’s better to know what you may encounter if you come to Bogota.
This is a beautiful place, with a lot to see but some people in it are bad and only want to steal from you. Paying close attention to your surroundings, going in groups of at least 3-4 and never with just women in the group – all of this will make things a lot safer here.
One of the first things I like to do when I get to a new place is to take a free walking tour with a guide. This lets me see the city and learn more about it from my guide. I will often ask about the good, the bad and the ugly and learn a lot and this is true for Bogota as well. This is invaluable if you ask me.
Do this in every city you visit and you will gain a wealth of knowledge about that place.
Be Very Careful in Bogots 2022
You MUST watch out in Bogota, even in “nice” residential areas. Street crime is ever-present and increasing. Robbery with knives is rampant, even during the day. If you see 2 men on a motorcycle (or even 2 motorcycles with 2 men on each like happened to us), you’re about to get robbed.
Carry a dummy wallet. Don’t wear jewelry. If you show your cellphone, you’re a target. Walk on the sidewalk facing on-coming traffic so you don’t get surprised from behind. Be vigilant. NOWHERE is safe. Walking at night is NOT recommended.
Call for taxi’s or use Uber. I’ve been coming to Bogota since 2013. The city has definitely devolved since then.
Attention Fox
As a colombian, I must warn everyone of the dangers of Colombia. As a tourist you will always stand out, do not try to camouflage among locals, you look like a fly in milk. It is a very messy country and everyone looks out for themselves. So you must be cautious and cunning. The police are useless, and outside the hotel you are on your own. It’s real: millionaire ride in a taxi or uber, pills in the drink, robbery with scopolamine, pickpocketing with a dagger is a national sport. It is real. Attention to those who are looking for other types of “experiences” because it can be quite expensive, I mean those who asks for hallucinogenic drugs, they always are cheated with some kind of oregano grass or a drug soup that contains even caffeine, without saying that can lose (even the kidney). If you go in your plan and stick to it and go to tourist places, you will surely meet friendly and cordial people.
wow, what real ambassador Jorge. Yes, there are a lot of issues, nobody can deny it, but not every visitor will experience that level of hostility. I have traveled the world myself, I have seen a lot, I had spent years in Colombia too and definitively, I still have my two kidneys 🙂
Proceed with Caution
As a female expat who has lived here for the past two years, I would say that this is one of the more honest reviews of what Bogotá is like.
It is frustrating to read other reviews that seem to gloss over the very present dangers here. I am from the UK and have lived abroad (mostly in Asia) for the past ten years and moving here regarding being “street-smart” was a real eye-opener for me. You DO and MUST be aware here of the dangers; these can happen in the daytime (especially around Trans Milenio stations and La Candelaria) and most definitely at night and you must not walk anywhere as a female here after sundown. Sadly mugging with guns has become more of an issue and I know at least 5 people, including women coming out of the gym in the north who have been mugged this way.
The most common type of theft on the street seems to be of mobile phones and bikes. Regarding handbags you must wear a cross-body bag and you should conceal cards and larger notes – theft from restaurants is common (again this happened to me while I was living in Cedritos in the north). If you are renting an apartment here you must be aware of scams from landlords withholding substantial money for normal “wear and tear” (my landlord for example insisted on the entire apartment being repainted after I’d stayed just 6 months – also she withheld my deposit and charged for the months that I didn’t stay up to the one year). Be aware also of problems with glass shower doors – the difference in temp between the hot air created by the shower and the cold of outside can cause these doors to smash – this happened to me and I had 15 stitches, luckily in my lower leg rather than an artery – the doctor said I was the 5th person she’d treated with the same injuries or worse – and if this happens you are liable for the damage not the landlord.
I also had a burglary of my home in “upscale and safe” neighborhood of Chico and when I tried to get it investigated by the police and wanted my building to check the cctv – I found they only had one camera in the whole building above the front door which was already manned by a guard and so nothing to prevent or protect you from any crimes from within the building. My landlord had also not provided any safe for my 6 month air bnb stay. Regarding Candelaria for women planning to stay here alone – avoid it. The costs are lower for a reason. I booked a 3 week stay just around the corner to Parque los Periodistas and yes there’s lots of nice cafes in the day but likewise a huge amount of extremely shifty individuals- and after dark the roads here are dangerous.
Compared to the north where I lived there is a definite lower amount of police and drugs are consumed in the open even during the day and I have never seen a policeman intervene with them. The effects of this on people can be quite shocking if you haven’t seen this before. Regarding open areas in La Candelaria, if I was alone or with another western-looking woman I wouldn’t feel safe walking around and I order taxis from Uber/cabify directly from my building door. In cabs also when you get in be careful to check the doors are locked – I had a drug addict physically shake the doors of the taxi I was in trying to steal my handbag.
Also be aware while traveling in taxis of scams involving motorcycles “crashing” into your car – this can be a way to get rich-looking taxi clients to get out to help only to be robbed – this also happened to me with my boyfriend and luckily our driver screamed for us to get back in the car as he had experienced this just the week before. My advice is to always look confident, never take your phone out on the street, avoid if you can bad areas or go with a Colombian and never wear anything that appears flashy or makes you stand out.
If you live here it’s important not to mention where you live online and not to mention valuables that you might own – get a safe and cameras installed if you can. All this is such a shame because Bogotá is such an amazing and interesting place and the people generally are wonderful but it is important that visitors are aware of massive social inequalities here and need, remain vigilant and aware at all times. sadly, with a lack of proper information for travellers, a lot of visitors here put themselves unknowingly at great risk and the dangers here are very real and should not be tested.
I was mugged
I was on vacation with my wife when 2 men came and held a knife ordering us to hand over our phones and wallets, seriously, this place needs better police.
It’s fascinating to think about how much history is packed into La Candelaria, especially when you consider all the independence events that unfolded right there; I remember feeling a sense of connection walking through the Plaza de Bolivar, like the echoes of the past were still lingering in the air.
Did you feel the energy of the city when you visited? There’s something about the mix of culture and nature that just pulls you in.