The historical centre of Bogotá features colonial architecture dating back to 16th century and is a charming warren of pastel-coloured buildings, many of them of great historical importance. The main square, Plaza de Bolivar, is particularly impressive.

Built on the same site as Bogotá’s first church, this 19th-century neoclassical cathedral is one of the largest in Latin America. It contains a number of important frescoes, as well as the remains of the city’s founder, Jiménez de Quesada.

One of Colombia’s founding fathers, Antonio Nariño, lived here, in what is now the grand Presidential Palace. Don’t miss the changing of the guard (Wednesday, Friday and Sunday afternoon).

With more than 100 artworks by the likes of Picasso, Dalí and Monet, this collection donated by legendary Colombian artist Fernando Botero is unmissable.

Offering the best views of the sprawling metropolis that is Bogotá, this verdant peak is reached by funicular or cable car.

Through its thousands of gold and other artefacts, this important museum tells the story of pre-Hispanic cultures in Colombia and beyond.

Among the city’s oldest churches, this former convent is brimming with 17th- and 18th-century paintings and statues.

Near Cerro de Monserrate but higher still, Guadalupe is also less crowded with tourists and hosts the iconic statue of the Virgin by Gustavo Arcila Uribe.

Taking you from colonial times through to contemporary works, this huge collection has the full story of Colombian art from Alejandro Obregón to Fernando Botero.

One of the most jaw-dropping churches in the world can be found 50km from Bogotá – and 200m underground, in an old salt mine.

A good dozen excellent hotels have set up in postcolonial buildings in La Candelaria, including the prestigious five-star Hotel de la Opera right next door to the Teatro Colón. The rooms offer every comfort, and from the roof terrace, visitors have a fine view over the old town. The hotel holds occasional cultural events on a delightful patio and has two restaurants (El Mirador and La Scala), which serve local and international fare.

It’s a roughly ten-minute walk to the Emerald Museum founded in 2008 by entrepreneur and collector Alberto Sepulveda. Thousands of emeralds of different size, purity and color worth millions of dollars in total are exhibited here. The museum provides information about how the precious stones are formed, how they are mined in Muzo, Chivor, Coscuez and Gachalá, and also how they have been used since the pre-Columbian era. Some of the precious stones are cut at the museum (closed Sundays).

Head north on Carrera 7 and you will first pass by Parque de la Independencia park with the planetarium before reaching the Leo restaurant located close to the National Museum after roughly 20 minutes. The Leo is Colombia’s culinary hotspot and a must for all gastro-tourists. For her menu, Chef Leonor Espinosa takes her inspiration from the different cultures and traditions of Colombia, blending Spanish, African and indigenous elements. Be sure to make a reservation. The Leo is closed on Sundays.

Heading back south again, we pay a visit to the Museo Botero, a museum named for the world-renowned painter and sculptor Fernando Botero, who donated 123 of his own works and 85 of various international artists to its collection. The artist’s signature style makes his works easily recognizable: All of the people featured in his pictures have chubby cheeks and bodies. Highlights include “Pareja Bailando” (Dancing Couple ) and “Monalisa” (1978), a caricature of the famous Da Vinci painting.

According to legend, Bogotá was founded on the Chorro de Quevedo in 1538. Whether it’s true or not, this small square and the surrounding streets are certainly among the most attractive parts of the old town. The Chorro de Quevedo is a popular spot with students, artists and street entertainers, who sell souvenirs, perform tricks, drink beer and listen to music there. On narrow Calle del Embudo street, a number of bars serve chicha, the traditional, fermented maize beverage. For live music even in the afternoon, head for the Gato Gris bar.

A taxi as far as the small Parque de la 93 park, so called for its location between 93th and 96th street, is the best way to get to the elegant north of the city. This is where the young, hip crowd gets together in its dozens of pubs, music bars and restaurants. One of the top hotspots is the pub belonging to the Bogotá Beer Company, which was founded in 1997 and today runs several bars in Bogotá and other Colombian cities. The El Corral (Carrera 13B- Calle 93A, elcorral.com), an offshoot of the excellent Hamburg-based restaurant chain, is well worth a visit.

The original Andrés Carne de Res (which translates roughly as: Andrés’ beef restaurant) is situated some 23 kilometers (14 miles) north of Bogotá in Chía, on the highway to Zipaquira. To be frank, the location is not ideal for the Andrés, which really is something special, a blend of Disneyland and steak house. The more reserved diner may prefer a different setting given that guests and staff often end up dancing wildly through the restaurant as the evening progresses. These days, the city also has a second Andrés, the Andrés D.C. (to be found at the El Retiro shopping mall) which also serves excellent meat meals on three floors.

Based out of a 1930s mansion, Sasson’s legendary restaurant mixes Asian influences with Colombian flair.

For the best Peruvian food almost anywhere in Latin America, head to genius chef Rafael Osterling’s restaurant.

Inspired by Brooklyn and all things New York, Gordo offers a classy take on east coast cooking.

For a bit of a party alongside some of the most decadently huge meat dishes you can imagine, head to this local institution.

With fine grilled meats in a country setting, this is a classic Colombian dining experience.

Having revolutionised the city’s lager culture since opening as a microbrewery in 2002, this is the place to go for quality craft beer.

This hipster nightspot sees rooftop raves and all-night parties on the weekends.

Latin music, dance performances and theatre productions are hosted by this legendary venue.

For salsa, head to this two-floor disco with live bands and dancing until dawn.

This super-sexy club boasts excellent cocktails, electronica and rumba.