Usaquén
A colonial-era old town district in northern Bogotá, with a Sunday handicraft flea market and lots of restaurants, and a relaxed, safe atmosphere.
Usaquén was once an independent small town on Bogotá's northern outskirts and was merged into the capital in 1954, but its old center still keeps the layout of a small town. The central square has the Iglesia de Santa Bárbara, and around it are colonial single-story houses with white walls and red roofs, now converted into cafés, restaurants and boutiques. On Sundays (about 8:00–17:00), the streets around the square turn into a large handicraft flea market (Mercado de las Pulgas de Usaquén), with stalls selling coffee, handwoven Wayuu bags, silver jewelry, leather goods, paintings and second-hand items, plus street music and juggling performances. Nearby, the old Usaquén railway station preserves a section of old track. Usaquén is also one of Bogotá's best-known food districts, offering everything from traditional Colombian dishes and Spanish snacks to new-style cafés, and its nighttime atmosphere is pleasant. The whole district feels safe, so it is good for a half-day of slow browsing. It lies near Carrera 7 and Calle 119, about 12 km from the old city. A taxi takes around 30–50 minutes depending on traffic, or you can take TransMilenio to Calle 116 station and walk.
Opening hours
Open all day (Sunday flea market approx. 08:00–17:00)
Nearby sights
- Parque de la 93
- Zona Rosa / Zona T
- Simón Bolívar Park
- Bogotá Botanical Garden
- National Museum of Colombia
- Maloka
- Central Cemetery of Bogotá
- Monserrate