This gay travel guide is your passport to exploring Bogotá, Colombia through a queer lens, discovering its LGBTQ+ friendly spaces, best gay bars and nightlife, events, and experiences that will make your visit truly unforgettable. Explore Colombia’s LGBTQ+-friendly capital…
Bogotá is a bustling capital city where the queer community can feel comfortable being themselves. Here you’ll see couples holding hands, stumble upon beautiful cafés, fine dining, and the best nightlife in the city. Same-sex marriage has been legal here since 2016 and the former mayor of the city was openly lesbian – an example of how progressive this city is. There is also a yearly pride festival, lots of gay-friendly establishments, and overall many unique experiences to have in Bogotá for the gay traveler.
We’ve created the ultimate insider guide for you to discover the best of being queer in Bogotá and unlock the secrets of this LGBTQ+-friendly city.
Does Bogotá have a gay neighborhood?
Most of the gay culture can be found in the Chapinero neighborhood, sometimes referred to as “Chapigay”. In this neighborhood, you’ll find Bogotá’s creatives, young professionals, students, and a large LGTBQ+ community. The overall feel of the area is a bit more underground with hip eateries, coffee shops, and independent design boutiques to discover. Chapinero is a VERY BIG neighborhood with parts that are very nice to stay in and parts that are very loud and dirty so you need to choose the right part of Chapinero.
Where to stay
Chapinero has several smaller neighborhoods within the neighborhood. You want to focus on staying in Zona G, Quinta Camacho, and Chapinero Alto to be in the best parts. The following recommendations are in those areas to ensure you have the best experience in Bogotá.
Safety
Bogotá is safe for LGBTQ+ travelers, but there has been a rise in robberies linked to dating apps like Grindr—especially late at night. For your safety, be extra cautious when meeting people through these platforms and with your drinks.
Some attackers have been known to use drugs that leave victims unconscious and with no memory of what happened. Never accept drinks from strangers, especially if they insist. If you’re hosting someone, always keep your drink with you—even when you go to the bathroom. Hide your valuables, cash, and cards in a very secure place.
Avoid using dating apps late at night, as that’s when most incidents occur. If someone pressures you to drink or gives you a bad feeling, stay calm and excuse yourself—say you need to get a delivery downstairs—and take your phone with you to call local police (dial 123) if needed.
Going out in Bogotá
Bogotá offers the best gay-friendly nightlife in Colombia, with a vibrant mix of LGBTQ+ bars, clubs, and events happening every week. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed cocktail bar or an all-night dance party, this city has something for every queer traveler. I’ve included Instagram links for each venue so you can easily check out what’s happening during your visit.
Gay-Friendly Clubs
“One of the largest nightclubs in South America with 14 different areas and LGBT friendly. Best on Saturdays”
“Queer-friendly nightclub with house music”
“Warehouse vibes in Chapinero with a reggaeton area on the first floor and electronic music raves upstairs”
“Queer nightclub with fun drag shows”
“Huge house music nightclub that stays open until sunrise”
“The place where the alternative and edgy gays go to party”
Gay-Friendly Bars
“Queer gastrobar with board games and weekly events”
“Chill spot to start a night out with 2×1 drink specials”
“Great place to start the night with fun daily events”
Queer & Gay-Friendly Events
Saunas/Bath Houses in Bogotá
Things to do in Bogotá
Planning a trip to Bogotá? Explore these top LGBTQ+-friendly tours, guides, and experiences!
Experience Bogotá Pride
If you happen to be in Bogotá at the end of June/early July you have to experience the pride festivals. Bogotá Pride Fest is the event you can’t miss. It’s a trendy and well-organized queer music festival that takes place during pride weekend. Then on Sunday you can join the local for the annual pride parade.
Book a queer-friendly food tour
Get ready for an immersive tasting menu as you get to experience the real Bogotá – from the gritty to the most Insta-gramable, and everything in between. Your queer-friendly hosts, Joey & Giovanni will take you to the best spots in Bogotá and end with a mojito making class on their terrace. Visit THIS LINK to reserve your spot or send en email to hola@bogotivo.com for a special discount.
Stop by Petunia Café
If you’re around Chapinero Alto, be sure to visit Petunia, a colorful café that hires trans people in Bogotá to give them equal labor opportunities. It’s delicious spot to enjoy breakfast, coffee, and support the community. They also have an all you can eat brunch on Saturday/Sunday from 11am to 1pm.
Take a photo in front of the rainbow Bogotá sign
Parque de los Hippies is the heart of Bogotá’s gay district in Chapinero, known for its vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere. It’s also home to the iconic rainbow-colored “Bogotá” sign—perfect for a fun, Instagram-worthy photo. Visit THIS LINK to see the location on Google Maps.
Soak & sip in secret Andes hot springs
Join your queer-friendly hosts, Joey & Giovanni, for an unforgettable LGBTQ+ day trip to a private hot spring retreat just outside Bogotá! This exclusive experience at their scenic Airbnb property includes everything you need for a relaxing and rejuvenating getaway.
Your all-inclusive package features round-trip transportation from Bogotá, private access to natural hot springs, unlimited cocktails or mocktails, a fresh tropical fruit platter, delicious artisanal empanadas, drinking water, towels, and the chance to connect with like-minded travelers in a safe and welcoming space.
Perfect for solo travelers, couples, or small groups looking for a unique and stress-free escape from the city. Visit THIS LINK to reserve your spot or send en email to hola@bogotivo.com for a special discount.
Enjoy a couples photoshoot
The hardest part about traveling with a partner is getting good photos together! Spend the day with local photographer Nicolás as he captures you and your partner in the most iconic spots of Bogotá. Visit THIS LINK to reserve your spot.
Go to a Ru Paul viewing party or enjoy Drag Bingo
Nearly every Friday you can enjoy a Ru Paul viewing party organized by Oh My Drag! The event takes place in different parts of the city and it’s extremely important to make a reservation as it fills up quickly. During the commercial breaks they put on live drag shows and competitions for a fun night. They have also recently launched DRAG BINGO on Saturdays 1-2 times a month that you can’t miss. Visit THIS LINK to reserve your spot at the next event.
Explore La Candelaria
Juanita and Aleja are queer-friendly guides and passionate entrepreneurs who believe in the power of tourism to create a positive impact on the destination and its people. Explore the hidden gems of the La Candelaria neighborhood as they share with you the history, culture, current social, political situation, and their own personal anecdotes. This is the perfect introduction to Bogota! Visit THIS LINK to reserve your spot.
Visit the LGBTI Museum
The LGBTI Museum in Bogotá shows the rich history, struggles, and triumphs of the LGBTI community in Colombia’s capital. Nestled within the city center, it offers an immersive journey through time, showcasing the resilience, activism, and cultural contributions of LGBTI individuals. Through art installations, multimedia displays, and interactive experiences, the museum fosters dialogue and reflection on issues of gender identity, sexual orientation, and human rights.
Cruise the gay district with a local
Colombia stands out as one of the most progressive countries in Latin America regarding legal protections and equal rights for the Queer community. With around 30 places awaiting exploration, your queer-friendly guide Juan will provide insider tips and recommendations on where to go, what to do, or which spots to avoid. So, buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable adventure through Bogotá’s vibrant LGBTQ scene! Visit THIS LINK to reserve your spot.
Enjoy a weekend brunch
Brunch is obviously the best meal of the day and there are some incredible spots to get your brunch on in Bogotá. Some spots offer unlimited mimosas, all-you-can-eat buffets, or turn brunch into an all-out DAY PARTY. But where should you go? Visit THIS LINK to find the best brunch spots in Bogotá.
Have a picnic on a helipad
Join your queer-friendly guide Jonathan on a tour of Bogotá with the most unique views. Head up to one of the tallest buildings in Bogotá for a picnic. This will offer panoramic views, the best photo opportunities, and you will get to sample the most unique Colombian fruits. Visit THIS LINK to reserve your spot.
Shop at boutiques from local designers
Bogotá is an incredibly hip and edgy city where you’ll that the locals like to express themselves with what they are wearing. And where are they getting all of these cool clothes? Possibly from an emerging scene of their own local independent designers. In Bogotá, you can find one of a kind items to bring back home and I find that the prices are very reasonable for the quality you are getting. Check out THIS ARTICLE to see where some of the best designer stores are located. Or if you’re looking for queer-style apparel, the Lourdes Center in Chapinero has around 15 small boutiques with swimwear, tank tops, underwear, and costumes.
Hike an urban nature trail
Escape the urban hustle without ever leaving the city – Embark on a journey through a hidden nature trail nestled right within Bogotá, followed by a delightful brunch experience with queer-friendly guides, Joey & Giovanni. This adventure kicks off with an exploration of one of the city’s urban parks. While ascending the park’s stairs, you’ll take it slow to acclimate to Bogotá’s high altitude. The trail is impeccably maintained, making it accessible for all, regardless of hiking experience. As you traverse, you’ll follow a natural river meandering through the urban landscape down to the Zona G neighborhood for a well-deserved lunch. Visit THIS LINK to reserve your spot or send en email to hola@bogotivo.com for a special discount.
Visit the flea market in Usaquen
On Saturday and Sunday you have to spend the day in the Usaquén neighborhood. This is an artistic neighborhood with historical Spanish colonial architecture filled with trendy shops, restaurants, and bars. Every Saturday and Sunday, artisans from around the city set up booths for the weekly flea market and it’s entertaining to walk around viewing handcrafts and trying delicious homemade foods.
Make an emerald ring
Emeralds are the most important precious stones from Colombia and one of the most unique things you can bring back home is a ring that you designed. During the Emerald Ring Workshop, you’ll decide the shape, the stone, and the design of your silver ring, learning the several steps in the production of a ring at your guide’s advisory. Visit THIS LINK for complete details.
Go horseback riding in the Andes Mountains
Embark on a day of adventure with horseback riding in the Andes Mountains with your guide Daniel Santiago. You’ll be welcomed to his family farm for a scenic horseback ride through the Andes. Enjoy authentic Colombian cuisine, including wood stove-cooked dishes and a game of Tejo. Then, return to Bogotá, refreshed and connected to nature. Click THIS LINK to reserve your spot.
Experience Bogotá
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