Museums in downtown Bogotá: art, history and culture from Hotel Virrey Central
The museums in downtown Bogotá are much more than just places to visit: they are gateways to the history, art, and essence of the city. In a capital where art and history intersect at every turn, choosing where to begin becomes an invitation to let yourself be carried away. Among its murals, cobblestone streets, and the aroma of coffee, Bogotá's historic center transforms into a cultural map where every space has a story to tell.
Hotel Virrey Central Bogotá puts you right in the heart of that experience. From its location, you can walk out and discover some of the country's most iconic landmarks without worrying about distance. This is a way to experience the capital at your own pace.
Must-see museums in Bogotá: a journey through the country's history
From this hotel in downtown Bogotá, you can walk to some of the country's most iconic museums and discover how art, history, and Colombian identity come together in one place.
And if you're wondering how many museums there are in Bogotá, the answer is surprising: the capital has more than 60 cultural spaces, including museums and art centers, and each one reflects the memory and stories that define Colombian identity.
- Gold Museum (approx. 8 min.)
The Gold Museum is a national treasure and a must-see. Its collection of over 30,000 pre-Columbian artifacts tells the stories of the indigenous peoples and their spiritual connection to gold. The warm lighting, immersive soundscape, and pieces suspended in black glass cases create an almost mystical experience.
It is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 9:00 to 18:00 and on Sundays with free admission until 16:00, an excellent option if you are looking for free museums in Bogotá that combine history and beauty in each room.
- Art Museum of the Bank of the Republic (approx. 11 min.)
One of the epicenters of contemporary art in Colombia. Its galleries exhibit works by national and international artists, from the 1950s to the present. Admission is free every day, and it is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., making it one of the most visited museums in downtown Bogotá for those who enjoy modern art and authentic cultural experiences.
- National Museum of Colombia (approx. 20 min. by car)
This museum houses over 20,000 artifacts that tell the story of the country from pre-Columbian times to the present. Its imposing architecture and solemn atmosphere invite visitors to explore it at a leisurely pace.
It is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and each visit leaves the feeling of having traveled through the centuries that shaped Colombia.
- Botero Museum (approx. 12 min.)
Housed in a colonial mansion in Bogotá's La Candelaria neighborhood, the Botero Museum blends art, humor, and volume. More than 120 works by the master Fernando Botero are displayed alongside pieces by Picasso, Monet, Dalí, and Miró.
The space invites you to explore it at your leisure, allowing yourself to be enveloped by the light of its courtyards and the tranquility of its galleries. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with free admission every day.
Visiting the museums in the city center is not just a cultural activity, but a way to understand the essence of Bogotá.
And the Hotel Virrey Central offers assistance with local tours, where each stop brings you closer to the essence of the city and leaves a mark on those who experience it with their eyes open.
You might be interested in: Discover 5 tourist destinations from Virrey Central
Helpful tips for your trip
Want to make the most of your cultural day downtown? Bogotá has over 60 museums and galleries open to the public, so planning your visit well is key.
- Combine culture and flavor and, at the end of the tour, have a coffee or try the chocolate with cheese in a traditional cafe in La Candelaria Bogotá.
- Avoid Mondays, as most museums are closed that day.
- Stay in a hotel near the Gold Museum and various cultural sites.
- Check out the free museums in Bogotá depending on the day: several offer free admission on Sundays or Wednesdays.
- Start early and dedicate at least an hour to each museum to explore it calmly.
After the tour, returning to Hotel Virrey Central feels like coming back to a familiar place: quiet, welcoming, and with the warm service for which it is known.
La Candelaria Bogotá: art, history and life on every street
Walking through La Candelaria in Bogotá is like stepping into an open-air gallery. Its colonial facades, balconies adorned with flowers, and colorful murals tell the story of a city that never stops reinventing itself.
During your walk you can visit Bolívar Square, the Primatial Cathedral and the Colón Theater, three places where history and art converge.
From the Hotel Virrey Central Bogotá, one of the hotels near La Candelaria Bogotá, getting to this area is as easy as going outside and letting yourself be carried away by the energy of the center.
And if you want to end the day with an unforgettable view, head up to Monserrate, just a 15-minute drive away. From there, Bogotá unfolds below you: a blend of lights, mountains, and sky that makes it clear why this city captivates everyone who visits.
Experience culture from the heart of the city
From its strategic location, the Hotel Virrey Central Bogotá allows you to discover the museums in the center of Bogotá and enjoy a comfortable, safe stay with the authentic charm of the city.
Its rooms are designed for relaxation, and it features an events hall, laundry facilities, and coworking spaces for those who combine work and tourism, and a team always ready to make your experience easier.
Book your stay and discover how each day at the Hotel Virrey Central brings you a little closer to the cultural soul of Bogotá.
