Bogotá, Colombia's capital city, gets a bad rap.
With chilly temperatures year-round, Bogotá earned the less-than-flattering nickname "la nevera" (the fridge). Business-orientated, polluted, and congested with traffic, it's one of those places that travelers pass through en route to sexier Colombian destinations like Medellín and Cartagena.
However — as the city's small but growing community of digital nomads might tell you — Bogotá deserves to be more than a stop-over. Stay awhile in this misunderstood metropolis, and you'll slowly uncover a pull of vibrant street art, hip cafes, world-class restaurants, and modern coworking spaces.
Why do digital nomads love Bogotá?
Bogotá offers superior remote-work infrastructure with speedy WiFi, plenty of laptop-friendly coffee shops, and a large network of coworking spaces. The city operates in a similar time zone as the US, aligning with Eastern Standard Time (EST) or Central Standard Time (CST) depending on the time of year — a major perk for nomads with North American clients.
When local nomads want a break from their screens, Bogotá doesn't disappoint. This is a city that knows how to party, with bars and clubs blasting house, salsa, vallenato, and Spanish rock to the wee hours of the morning. Foodwise, Bogotá has seen an explosion of culinary creativity in recent years, from charming hybrid ventures to modern, international eateries helmed by celebrity chefs. For adventure seekers, Bogotá entices with misty cloud forests, striking mountains, and over 300 miles of designated bike lanes.
It's also relatively easy to make Bogotá your temporary home. Colombia recently introduced a digital nomad visa that allows approved applicants to live and work in the country for up to two years.
Bogotá for digital nomads at a glance
- Climate: Chilly, spring-like climate with regular rainfall year-round. Average high temperatures range from 19°C to 20°C (66°F to 68°F) with lows around 7°C to 9°C (44.5°F to 48°F).
- Getting there: Fly into El Dorado International Airport (BOG), located about an hour outside of Bogotá's city center. From the airport, you can reach the city center via rideshare, taxi, private transfers, shuttle bus, or public bus.
- Living costs: Budget around $1,200 to 1,500 USD for monthly expenses, including a furnished apartment rental, food, and transportation.
- Language: English proficiency is limited, especially outside of tourist-centric areas. Basic Spanish is helpful for navigating the city and conducting basic interactions.
- Safety: Bogotá has made strides in improving safety, particularly in neighborhoods frequented by tourists. Areas such as Zona Rosa, Parque 93, La Candelaria (during daytime), and Usaquén are generally considered safe. Keep an eye out for petty theft, avoid displaying valuables, and take care when traveling at night.
- Visa: Colombia's Visa V Nómadas Digitales lets remote workers reside in the country for up to two years. Applicants must meet specific criteria, including a minimum monthly income and proof of health insurance. Learn how to apply for Colombia's digital nomad visa step-by-step.
Top digital nomad neighborhoods in Bogotá
Measuring more than 100 square miles, Bogotá can feel daunting for newbies. The sprawling urban jungle is divided into districts, which are in turn comprised of smaller barrios (neighborhoods). Of Bogotá's many barrios, three in particular stand out as ideally suited for remote workers. With ample nearby coworking spaces, trendy coffee shops, and eclectic restaurants, these lively areas are Bogotá's digital nomad hotspots:
Chapinero
Beloved by students, foodies, and digital nomads, Chapinero boasts some of the city's best specialty coffee shops and coworking spaces. It's also home to Zona G ("G" for "gourmet”), an eight-block area packed with eclectic eateries and acclaimed dining institutions. Nicknamed "‘Chapigay," Chapinero is a hub for the city's LGBTQ community. It's where you'll find Theatron, a five-floor gay nightclub that takes up almost an entire block.
Usaquén
Once a separate municipality, Usaquén has retained some of its small-village charm. In addition to Spanish-style architecture, narrow, cobbled streets, and a quaint plaza, the bohemian barrio attracts digital nomads with WiFi-equipped cafes and a few excellent coworking studio options. The Usaquén flea market, where vendors hawk new and vintage clothing, crafts, antiques, and local goodies, is a must for any nomad's Sunday afternoon.
Parque 93
One of Bogotá’s most stylish neighborhoods, Parque 93 is known for its upscale shopping, high-end dining, and ritzy nightlife. Its namesake park hosts regular art exhibitions, outdoor concerts, and food festivals. The barrio has plenty of hip, modern cafes and some solid coworking spaces, and is considered one of the city's safest neighborhoods.
Where to work in Bogotá
Best cafes in Bogotá for digital nomads
With Colombian coffee consumption on the rise, Bogotá is experiencing a coffee renaissance. Specialty coffee shops have cropped up all over the city, offering in house-roasted beans from local farms. Many are set up for remote workers with free, speedy WiFi, comfy seats, and plenty of outlets. Here are a few of Bogotá's best cafes for digital nomads:
- Casa Café Cultor (Cl. 70a #9 - 44, Casa). Located in Chapinero, this popular independent cafe draws laptop-wielding patrons with strong, reliable WiFi and expertly prepared coffee.
- Azahar Café Parque 93 (Cl 93b #13-91, Chapinero). The Parque 93 location of this cafe is another nomad hub with plenty of outlets, fast WiFi and a top-notch chemex pour over.
- Amor Perfecto (Cra. 4 #66-46, Chapinero Alto). A pioneer in Colombia’s specialty coffee scene, Amor Perfecto sources farm-fresh beans from around the country. The flagship Chapinero location features an onsite coffee lab and ample seating, though WiFi is on a voucher system and limited to two hours per purchase.
- Café del Eje (Cra. 15 #108-08, Usaquén). This trendy Usaquén cafe welcomes remote workers with some of the speediest WiFi in the city and a menu of specialty coffees, yummy breakfasts, and craft beer.
- Juan Valdez (Cra. 4 #16-03, Zona G). A well-loved Colombian chain, Juan Valdez cafes can be found across the city. The three-story location in the Zona G neighborhood of Chapinero is among the best for remote workers, with a spacious layout and roof terrace.
The Best coworking spaces in Bogotá for digital nomads
Business-orientated Bogotá shines when it comes to coworking, with stylish, modern options throughout the city. Many Bogotá coworking spaces offer affordable day passes and flexible membership options, along with amenities like unlimited coffee and on-site eateries. Here are some of Bogotá's best coworking spaces for digital nomads:
- Tierra Firme Coworking (Cl. 65 #16-09, Chapinero). This Chapinero establishment is located in a quaint old house with fast internet and a friendly vibe. For nomads who want to practice their Spanish, Tierra Firme serves daily family-style lunch and hosts regular activities.
- Counity - Coworking Bogotá (Kr 13 # 93-35, Chapinero, Bogotá). Counity hooks remote workers up with speedy WiFi and unlimited coffee. The centrally located coworking space is steps away from Parque 93 and has a rooftop terrace with mountain views.
- WeWork Bogotá (Multiple Locations). The legendary coworking chain has locations throughout Bogotá, each offering high-speed internet, private offices, and meeting rooms. Amenities include onsite baristas and full kitchens stocked with filtered water, coffee, sparkling water and tea.
- BDC Bogotá Downtown Coworking (Cra. 9 #10-37 Piso 2, La Candelaria). Located in the tourist neighborhood of La Candelaria, this popular coworking spot is bright, airy, and welcoming. WiFi is solid; tea and coffee are unlimited.