Colombia is beautiful and becoming a hot travel destination for people all around the world to visit. Bogotá, the capital of Colombia is a city that never sleeps with a population of 10.9 Million and growing. Push the stereotypes aside, the culture is amazing, the people are welcoming and the views are breathtaking. You'll find hip restaurants, coffee bars and shops selling some of the dopest threads.

If you lover of history, great food, culture, street art and a vibrant nightlife, Bogotá can offer you that and more! Here are some things to remember when you are visiting Colombia.

1. Eat Breakfast in La Candelaria

I started each morning by visiting local coffee shops and eateries in La Candelaria a historic district of Bogotá. The average cost of breakfast is 6,000 - 15,000 pesos which would be $2-$5 USD. Many of the breakfast joints in Bogotá serve eggs, cheese, and bread as a common menu item. La Candelaria, Bogota's historic district is where you'll find the historic museums, local shops, and government buildings. This area of the town is always full of tourist and locals and is the epicenter of the city. And nothing is better than a hot cup of authentic Colombian coffee!

Eggs, cheese and coffee are common items served for breakfast in Colombia.

Plaza Bolivar is the heart of Bogotá with many historic buildings. The 19th century Catedral Primada sits as a backdrop while locals rally in the square. — Plaza Bolivar is the heart of Bogotá with many historic buildings. The 19th century Catedral Primada sits as a backdrop while locals rally in the square.

2. Hike or catch the train to the top of Monserrate

You can be anywhere in the city of Bogotá and see Monserrate, a 10,000 foot mountain with a historic church that's devoted to El Senor Cadio. From the top of the mountain, you can see Bogotá and the mountains to the East and West of the city. You won't be disappointed by these views! Be sure to bring a jacket or layer up because the weather can be unpredictable here. After the long trek be sure to dine at Casa Santa Clara a restaurant near Monserrate.

Casa Santa Clara sits in the middle of a lush forest near Monserrate.

The views from this area are the best in Bogota.

3. Stay In A Hostel or AirBNB in Sopo

Staying in a hostel or an AirBNB is a norm for a lot of travelers arriving into Colombia. I always seem to find the best places for my type of lifestyle. I traveled to Sopo for a few days to get a feel for Colombia. Whenever you travel, be sure to talk to the locals because they know where the hidden gems are located. Hostel Agrreste was a perfect choice for a for $10 USD a night. Sopo has some killer views of the mountains, surrounded by farm life with and a quaint downtown made this place feel like home.

Taking a break from life on the deck at the hostel in Sopo.

The deck sits behind the hostel and has a full bar, wood fire oven and a garden.

4. Paraglide in Sopo with views of El Dorado "The City of Gold"

El Parapente Andamos is the launch site situated at the top of a mountain in Sopo. I was motivated to paraglide in Colombia, after seeing my friend C.J. who's a hang gliding pilot post his gliding experiences. C.J. was a fan of my blog and even though we live an hour from each other in the states, we finally met up randomly in Bogota after realizing we booked the same trip. Take a taxi from the city of Sopo to the top of El Parapente. The taxi ride should only cost around 6,000 pesos. Paragliding was an adrenaline rush! This was one of the best experiences in life. Carlos the pilot, made me feel at ease as we soared 3000km over the city of Sopo and El Dorado.

Soaring high above the city of Sopo and paragliding with Carlos.

5. Bogota Graffiti Tour

Bogota Graffiti Tour is operated by local artists that are involved in the urban art scene. You'll see amazing graffiti painted on the walls as you turn every corner. All tours are in English and the guides suggest that you bring a camera. Tours operate from 10am to 12:30pm and 2pm to 4:30pm. After you return from the tour, stop inside the shop and pick up some swag are a cool art piece for your home.

Hanging with the owner and curator of Bogotá Graffiti Tour inside his shop.

Watch Me Explore Colombia

How To Save Money

Hail an Uber - If you can't get a taxi, be sure to have Uber installed on your phone. The most I paid for a ride in Bogotá was 18,000 pesos - about $6 USD.

Buy From Street Vendors - You can always negotiate your price with the locals if you are into buying souvinors or items you'd like to bring home with you.

Rent A Car For Excursions - Prices to get out of the city by taxis can get expensive. To visit the countryside of Colombia having a car is the best options. Also, remember that Bogota has a law about what times you can drive based on the last digit of your license plate number.