Is Bogotá, Colombia Safe? A Safety Guide For Visitors

Bogotá is moderately safe for visitors with improving crime rates (12.92 homicides per 100,000 in 2022, less than half Colombia’s national rate). You’ll face risks like pickpocketing in tourist areas rather than violent crime. Stick to safer neighborhoods like Zona T, Usaquén and Chapinero. Use ride-sharing apps instead of street taxis, avoid flashing valuables, and stay alert in crowded areas. The right precautions will markedly enhance your experience in Colombia’s capital.

Key Points

• Bogotá has become significantly safer with a 2022 homicide rate of 12.92 per 100,000, less than half of Colombia’s national rate.
• Safest neighborhoods include Zona T/Rosa, Usaquén, and La Macarena, while areas to avoid include Santa Fé and Ciudad Bolivar.
• Pickpocketing and opportunistic theft are the main concerns, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.
• Use ride-sharing apps or licensed taxis instead of street cabs, and avoid public city buses for safety reasons.
• Remain vigilant about drink spiking (scopolamine), keep valuables concealed, and stay in well-lit, populated areas at night.

Current Safety Overview: Bogotá’s Crime Statistics

Three key statistics paint a promising picture of Bogotá’s safety landscape. The city reached a historic low homicide rate of 12.92 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2022, which is less than half of Colombia’s national rate of 27.48.

Bogotá also ranks as one of the safest large urban areas in South America, with violent crime rates lower than some U.S. cities like Indianapolis.

What’s more, Bogotá has lower crime rates compared to other major Colombian cities such as Medellín, Cartagena, and Barranquilla. The city has made remarkable progress in reducing homicides over recent decades and is approaching the World Health Organization’s target for homicide rates by 2030. This stands in contrast to the national trend which showed a significant increase of 13.37% in intentional homicides from 2020 to 2021.

While Bogotá still carries a high crime index globally, you’ll find it safer than many international cities.

Street Safety: Common Risks for Tourists

While Bogotá’s overall safety statistics show improvement, visitors should remain vigilant about specific street risks. Opportunistic theft and pickpocketing are common, especially in crowded transit stations and tourist areas. Keep valuables out of sight, avoid displaying wealth, and stay alert in busy locations.

Despite improved safety, remain alert in Bogotá—thieves target travelers in crowded areas. Conceal valuables and avoid flaunting wealth.

Be particularly cautious in nightlife settings where criminals may use scopolamine to drug unsuspecting victims. Never leave drinks unattended and be wary of overly friendly strangers offering assistance or food. The risk of drugging is especially high in upscale venues frequented by foreigners who may be perceived as wealthy targets.

Travel in groups whenever possible, especially at night, and use reputable transportation services. Research safe neighborhoods before exploring and consider hiring local guides who know secure routes.

Keep emergency contacts accessible and consider using safety apps that can track your location if needed.

Neighborhood Guide: Safe and Unsafe Areas

Bogotá’s diverse neighborhoods offer vastly different safety profiles for visitors. You’ll find the safest areas in the northern districts, particularly Zona T/Zona Rosa, Usaquén, and northern Chapinero (including Chico, Rosales, and Zona G). La Macarena also offers a relatively secure environment with trendy cultural attractions.

Avoid neighborhoods like Santa Fé, Los Mártires, and Ciudad Bolivar, which have consistently higher crime rates. Exercise caution in Bosa, Kennedy, and San Bernardo as well.

Even within safer districts like Chapinero, certain sections along Avenida Caracas can be problematic. Business districts maintain relatively safer environments for visitors conducting routine activities compared to other areas of the city.

For nightlife, stick to Zona T and Usaquén, where upscale establishments provide better security. Regardless of location, don’t travel alone after dark and always use official taxis or ride-sharing services rather than walking.

Transportation Safety: Getting Around Securely

Getting around Bogotá safely requires understanding both the city’s public transportation options and potential risks. The TransMilenio bus rapid transit system offers a safer alternative to private vehicles in the congested city where commuters lose an average of 94 hours annually in traffic.

Navigating Bogotá safely means mastering its transit system—TransMilenio provides refuge from the city’s notorious 94-hour annual traffic delays.

When using public transit, choose routes with higher bus stop density, which correlates with fewer pedestrian deaths. Be cautious as a pedestrian—despite improvements, traffic-related pedestrian mortality remains around 7 per 100,000 population. Bogotá maintains a comprehensive data bank on road safety incidents that helps authorities identify and address dangerous areas in the transportation network.

Avoid hailing street taxis; use ride-hailing apps instead for added security. If driving, strictly follow local regulations on speeding and distracted driving, as Colombia has high road fatality rates.

The city’s Vision Zero strategy has improved safety, but remain vigilant, especially in high-traffic areas.

Nightlife Safety: Enjoying Bogotá After Dark

Although Bogotá comes alive after dark with vibrant entertainment options, you’ll need to balance enjoyment with caution when exploring the city’s nightlife. Stick to northern neighborhoods like Zona T, Parque 93, and Usaquén, which are generally safer and well-patrolled.

Never drink alone and watch your beverages being opened to avoid drink spiking. Use the buddy system, limit alcohol consumption, and maintain awareness of your surroundings. Don’t flash valuables or carry excessive cash.

For transportation, use Uber or pre-arranged taxis rather than hailing from the street. Avoid walking between venues late at night, especially in less populated areas. Popular nightlife areas like La Candelaria require heightened awareness despite their cultural appeal.

Despite increased perception of insecurity, most crimes are opportunistic thefts rather than violent incidents if you follow basic precautions.

Theft Prevention: Protecting Your Belongings

While exploring Colombia’s vibrant capital, you’ll need to stay vigilant about your belongings, as theft remains one of the most common crimes affecting travelers in Bogotá. Keep valuables in front pockets or hidden money belts, especially at transportation hubs and popular attractions where pickpocketing is rampant.

Don’t flash expensive phones, cameras, or jewelry in public spaces. At restaurants and bars, keep bags on your lap, not hanging on chairs. Avoid using phones near open windows of taxis or buses, as drive-by snatching occurs. Despite recent decreases in robbery reports, travelers should maintain caution as underreporting is common for theft-related crimes.

Be particularly cautious at El Dorado Airport, transit stations, and ATMs.

Never leave drinks unattended in nightlife spots to prevent scopolamine drugging. Use hotel safes for passports and extra cash, carrying only what you’ll need for the day.

Safety Comparison: Bogotá vs. Other Latin American Cities

When comparing Bogotá to other major Latin American capitals, you’ll find significant differences in safety profiles that can inform your travel plans.

While Bogotá has its challenges, it stands as moderately safe within the regional context.

1. Bogotá vs. Santiago/Lima – Santiago is generally safer overall with lower crime rates, while Lima has fewer petty crimes than Bogotá but different security concerns.
2. Bogotá vs. Mexico City/Rio – You’re typically safer from violent crime in Bogotá compared to Mexico City and Rio de Janeiro, which face more significant organized crime issues.
3. Bogotá vs. Buenos Aires – Buenos Aires experiences more economic crimes, while Bogotá has higher rates of street crime like pickpocketing and robberies. Bogotá’s overall crime rates have shown improvement with crime decreased by 10.9% from 2022 to 2023.

Understanding these differences helps you adjust your safety precautions appropriately for each destination.

Safety Tips: Essential Precautions for Visitors

Despite Bogotá’s improving safety profile, visitors must adopt specific precautions to guarantee a secure and enjoyable stay in Colombia’s capital. Always remain aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas where pickpockets operate. Carry bags in front of you and never accept food or drinks from strangers.

For transportation, avoid city buses and only use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps. Don’t hail cabs on streets—instead, book through your hotel or use authorized airport taxis. It’s advisable to spread your cash and valuables rather than keeping them in one place, and consider using money belts for added security.

When traveling, inform someone of your plans and stick to safer neighborhoods like Zona T, Usaquén, and Chapinero during daylight hours.

Consider traveling in groups when possible, particularly at night, and stay updated on local conditions through travel advisories and news reports.

The Sum Up

Bogotá, like any major city, requires street smarts and caution. You’ll generally be safe if you stick to recommended areas, use official transportation, and stay vigilant about your belongings. While the city has rough edges, millions of visitors navigate it successfully each year. With these precautions under your belt, you’re well-equipped to experience the opulent cultural tapestry Bogotá has to offer.