Bogotá is Columbia's sprawling capital

The Colombian capital is a heaving metropolis that bursts with energy.

The focal point for travelers is La Candelaria, the oldest part of the city. About 15 years ago you took your life in your hands by walking through this neighbourhood, but revitalization has done wonders to improve the place. It's now home to trendy little cafés, pleasant guesthouses and a clutch of beautiful museums and art galleries.

La Candelaria is right on the edge of the Plaza de Bolívar, the unmissable central square home to striking colonial architecture and enormous flocks of pigeons hell bent on terrorizing passers-by.

By night, head to northern Bogotá's flashy Zona Rosa, an enclave of upscale restaurants and enormous discothèques where you can salsa 'til the wee hours.