Bogotá: The Heartbeat of Colombia

• HelloHola
  [oh-la]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [no]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryDisculpe/Perdón
  [dee-skool-peh/pehr-dohn]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [ko-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byen. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [no ehn-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah behr ehl meh-noo, por fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [no koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gahr, por fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es muy caro
  [eh-soh ehs moo-ee kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [pweh-dehs bah-har ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Las diez y media
  [lahs dee-ehs ee meh-dee-ah]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [sace]
• 7Siete
  [see-eh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dee-ehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está un/el...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah oon/ehl]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (bus)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksih-moh (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (para ....)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (pah-rah)]

Bogotá, originally called Bacatá by the indigenous Muisca people, was founded on August 6, 1538, by the Spanish conquistador Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada. The city was established on the site of the indigenous settlement, and it quickly became an important administrative center for the Spanish colonial government.

During the colonial period, Bogotá grew significantly as the capital of the New Kingdom of Granada. It became a hub for political, economic, and cultural activities. The city’s architecture from this period includes notable examples of Spanish colonial style, such as the San Francisco Church and the Cathedral Primada.

Bogotá played a crucial role in the movement for independence from Spanish rule. On July 20, 1810, a revolt against Spanish authorities began in the city, leading to the eventual independence of Colombia. This date is now celebrated as Colombia’s Independence Day, and the event is commemorated at the Casa del Florero, where the revolt started.

In the 19th century, Bogotá continued to grow and modernize. The city saw the establishment of important institutions such as the National University of Colombia in 1867 and the National Library in 1777. Additionally, the construction of new infrastructure, including railways and telegraph lines, helped to connect Bogotá with other regions of the country.

The period known as 'La Violencia' (The Violence) from the late 1940s to the late 1950s was marked by intense civil conflict in Colombia. Bogotá experienced significant unrest during this time, including the assassination of popular political leader Jorge Eliécer Gaitán in 1948. His death triggered violent riots known as the Bogotazo, which caused widespread destruction in the city.

In the latter half of the 20th century, Bogotá underwent significant modernization. The city expanded rapidly, with the development of new neighborhoods and commercial areas. Important projects included the construction of the El Dorado International Airport and the TransMilenio bus rapid transit system, which has become a model for urban transportation.

Bogotá has experienced a cultural renaissance in recent years. The city is home to numerous museums, such as the Gold Museum, which houses an extensive collection of pre-Columbian gold artifacts, and the Botero Museum, which showcases works by the famous Colombian artist Fernando Botero. Bogotá’s vibrant cultural scene also includes theaters, galleries, and music festivals.

In 2012, Bogotá was designated a UNESCO City of Music, recognizing its rich musical heritage and vibrant contemporary music scene. The city hosts a variety of music festivals, including Rock al Parque, one of the largest free rock festivals in Latin America, and the Ibero-American Theater Festival, which is one of the most significant cultural events in the region.

Bogotá is served by El Dorado International Airport (BOG), which is approximately 15 kilometers from the city center. The airport is a major hub for international and domestic flights. From the airport, you can use licensed taxis, ride-sharing services, or airport shuttles to reach your accommodation. Direct flights to Bogotá are available from major cities in North America, Europe, and other parts of Latin America.

Bogotá has an extensive public transportation system, including the TransMilenio bus rapid transit system, regular buses, and a growing network of bicycle lanes. Taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber and Cabify are widely available. For short distances, walking is often a good option, especially in well-known areas like La Candelaria and Chapinero. Renting a car is possible but not recommended due to heavy traffic and limited parking.

The official currency in Colombia is the Colombian Peso (COP). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and street vendors. ATMs are widely available throughout the city, but always use machines in well-lit, busy areas for safety.

While Bogotá has made significant strides in improving safety, certain areas still have higher crime rates, particularly for crimes targeting tourists. Avoid neighborhoods such as El Bronx, certain parts of Ciudad Bolívar, and San Cristóbal. Stick to well-known tourist areas like La Candelaria, Chapinero, and Zona T. Always be cautious of your belongings, especially in crowded places.

In case of an emergency, dial 123 for immediate assistance, which connects you to police, medical, and fire services. Major hospitals in Bogotá include Fundación Santa Fe and Clínica del Country, both of which offer high-quality medical care. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are readily available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress in layers, as Bogotá's weather can change quickly. Avoid flashy clothing and accessories that attract attention. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites. Public Transport: Do use the TransMilenio system but be mindful of your belongings. Avoid public transport late at night. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and say 'Buenos días' (Good morning) or 'Buenas tardes' (Good afternoon). Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't drink tap water; always opt for bottled water.

To experience Bogotá like a local, visit the Paloquemao Market for fresh produce and local cuisine. Explore the Usaquén flea market on Sundays for unique crafts and antiques. Use the Ciclovía, where major roads are closed to cars every Sunday and public holiday for cyclists and pedestrians. Engage with locals, as they are generally friendly and willing to share insights about the city and its culture.