Discover La Candelaria, Bogotá: History and Culture

When people think about tourism in Bogotá, places like Monserrate, the Gold Museum, or Plaza de Bolívar usually come to mind. But beyond these iconic landmarks, La Candelaria Bogotá holds hidden gems, off-the-beaten-path experiences, and a rich history that goes far deeper than what's written in the books. If you're looking for things to do in Bogotá beyond the typical tourist spots, this neighborhood offers unique and immersive ways to explore the city’s alternative side.

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Beyond Monserrate : Unique Experiences in the Heart of Bogotá

If you enjoy hiking and nature, La Candelaria Bogotá offers scenic trails that will make you forget you're right in the middle of the city.

• San Francisco Trail – Vicachá: One of the oldest paths in Bogotá, this trail follows the San Francisco River and starts at Avenida Circunvalar and Calle 19. It winds up into the eastern hills, rewarding hikers with breathtaking views of the city. Once used by the Muisca people and later by the Spanish as a trade route, today it’s a great choice for those looking for things to do in Bogotá that blend nature, history and adventure.

Guadalupe – Aguanoso Trail: If you head up to Cerro de Guadalupe, don’t miss this incredible route. Just north of the main entrance, you'll find a marked pedestrian path that leads you through the trail, where you can admire the local fauna and flora that thrive in the hills of Bogotá. It’s a challenging hike, but the panoramic views of the city make every step worth it—especially if you're looking for unique Bogotá tourism attractions off the typical path.

Remember that if you want to visit these trails you must register on the website of Camino de los Cerros Orientales, portal of the aqueduct of Bogota, who manage and protect these roads. This is an important step for anyone planning to explore nature-focused Bogotá tourism attractions.

Secret Bookstores and Unmissable Cultural Spaces

Beyond the big libraries, La Candelaria Bogotá is home to some unique bookstores full of charm.

• Bookstore Merlin: Located at Carrera 8 and 15th Street, this place is a paradise for book lovers. Its shelves are packed with old copies, rare editions, and second-hand books, making it a fascinating spot to get lost among the pages.
• Librería Torre de Babel: You’ll find this bookstore on 16th Street and Carrera 8, inside a beautiful four-story republican house. For over 30 years, Torre de Babel has been buying and selling used books, giving them a second chance to find the perfect reader. Exploring its rooms, you’ll discover many unique and unusual books.
• Casa de Poesía Silva: Located on Calle 12c and Carrera 3, this was once the home of Bogotá’s famous writer and poet José Asunción Silva, author of Nocturno and De Sobremesa. Today, the house serves as a cultural center with guided tours, workshops, and a library focused on universal poetry.

If you are planning a visit to La Candelaria Bogotá, don’t miss these spots—they offer a deep dive into the city’s rich literary culture and are perfect additions to any Bogotá tourism attractions.

Hidden Corners: The Alternative Side of Downtown Bogotá

In the heart of Bogotá, there are historic passages that have been transformed into vibrant spaces full of art, culture, and local shops.

• Pasaje Hernández: Located between Carrera 8 and Carrera 9 with Calle 12, this passage features beautiful republican architecture and is one of the best-kept secrets in La Candelaria Bogotá. Here, you’ll find vinyl shops, art galleries, and cozy cafes with a bohemian vibe. It’s the perfect spot for those seeking things to do in La Candelaria Bogotá beyond the usual tourist trails.
• Pasaje Rivas: Founded in the late 19th century, this is Bogotá’s oldest craft market. You can find authentic Colombian handicrafts here, from Wayuu backpacks to rolled hats. If you want to bring a piece of Colombia back home, visiting this market is a must on your what to visit in Bogotá.
• Pasaje Mercedes - Gómez: This unique space combines two passages inside one, built starting in 1936. Today, it is well-known both for its striking architecture and as a lively shopping area. It’s a great spot to explore the city’s style and charm, especially if you’re interested in Bogotá tourism attractions.

These hidden corners add a rich, alternative flavor to your visit in La Candelaria Bogotá, showing a side of downtown Bogotá that many miss on typical tours.

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Stories and Legends that Didn’t Tell You About La Candelaria

The historic heart of the city is full of stories and legends that add color and mystery to every street. La Candelaria Bogotá is especially the perfect place to discover these mysterious tales you can’t miss when doing tourism in Bogotá. Exploring this area gives you a deeper connection to the city’s past and its hidden secrets.

Whether you join a Bogotá La Candelaria walking tour or wander the streets on your own, these stories bring the neighborhood to life in a way that no guidebook can fully capture.

Each street in La Candelaria Bogotá holds secrets and stories about characters like these:

Russi the lawyer: It is said that during his life, he defended the less privileged. Sadly, his work ended in tragedy. Today, legends say you can still hear his footsteps on some streets of La Candelaria Bogotá.

Filomena the laundress: She wasn’t fond of washing clothes and always found excuses to avoid the task. When she finally fell ill and couldn’t work, the disease eventually took her life. After a while, other laundresses noticed that clothes mysteriously appeared washed — many believed it was Filomena’s spirit helping them.

Rodrigo the Guajiro: He worked as a bartender in the area and would head home to the Egypt neighborhood after work. One night, a terrible accident happened, but the person responsible didn’t realize it at first. For many days after, he was haunted by Rodrigo’s presence.

These stories are part of the soul of La Candelaria Bogotá, adding mystery and depth to your visit. When exploring the area, keep an ear out — you never know when you might feel a connection to its past.

These are just some of the characters who roam La Candelaria Bogotá. If you want to learn more about their stories, don’t miss the many activities in Bogotá that offer a different perspective on the city.

If you’re looking for alternative tourism in Bogotá, La Candelaria is the perfect place to start. With hidden trails, magical bookstores, secret passages, and ghost stories, this neighborhood offers unique experiences that go beyond traditional tours.