8 Best Free Tours in Bogotá to Learn Colombian Culture

Exploring Bogotá on a budget? You’re in luck. The Colombian capital is packed with free tours that let you experience its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning street art—all without spending a dime.

Having walked these streets, I can confidently say that these tours offer some of the best insights into La Candelaria, local cuisine, and even the city's political past.

One of the most popular free walking tours in Bogotá takes you through the historic La Candelaria district, where you’ll marvel at colorful colonial architecture, visit hidden plazas, and hear fascinating stories about the city’s transformation. Art lovers can’t miss the Bogotá graffiti tour, showcasing the powerful street art that has made the city a global hotspot for urban expression. And for those curious about Colombian flavors, the free food tour introduces you to exotic fruits, local snacks, and the iconic ajiaco soup.

Of course, these tours operate on a pay-what-you-want basis, so tipping your guide is encouraged. Whether you're a history buff, foodie, or art enthusiast, Bogotá’s best free tours ensure an unforgettable adventure without breaking the bank. Keep reading to discover the top-rated options, insider tips, and how to book your spot.

How much to tip?

Free tours are actually NOT free tours, but you will have to leave a tip at the end. But how much? This depends on you, it is usually around €10-€15 per person , but it is a personal decision and you should not feel obliged to give more than you think is deserved.

Best Free & Fun Tours in Bogotá, Colombia

1. Essential free tour of Bogotá

Best Free Tours Bogota — Grand Goldman — essential walking city

A 3-hour tour that will take you to discover the most emblematic and touristic places in the historic center of Bogotá . Some of the key stops are the Gold Museum (from outside, where the guide will tell the story of this precious mineral and the legends that arose thanks to it), the Plaza de Bolívar or the Chorro Quevedo square. This free tour is perfect for a first contact with the city.

2. Free graffiti tour

Best Free Tours Bogota — Grand Goldman — graffiti

Bogotá is a colorful city, full of art… and its walls have often been used as giant canvases. With this tour, one of our favorites without a doubt, you will take a tour of the best urban art in Bogotá and, together with a local guide, you will learn more about the artistic side of the city and its dreamy creators. The tour ends after about 2 and a half hours with a tasting of coca leaf tea.

3. Free tour of contrasts in Bogotá

Best Free Tours Bogota — Grand Goldman — social contrasts

We missed a tour on this topic during our visit, and they are usually the most interesting. It is undoubtedly one of the best ways to learn more about Colombian society , its traditions and its different social strata.

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4. Free food tour

Best Free Tours Bogota — Grand Goldman — colombian food & cuisine

With this free tour you will get to know a fundamental part of the country: Colombian gastronomy.

On the walking tour through the La Candelaria neighborhood, there are several stops to taste the most typical dishes of Colombian cuisine and obviously, you will learn more about its traditional flavors and ingredients . And to top it off, there is nothing better than having a tintito, a Colombian coffee in a cafeteria. As you can imagine, you will have to pay for the food separately (about 7-10€ in total).

5. Free bike tour

Best Free Tours Bogota — Grand Goldman — bike

Exploring the centre of Bogotá by bike is something you may not have imagined… but it must be cool.

Over the course of 3 and a half hours you will pass by tourist spots in the historic centre and the Candelaria neighbourhood… by pedalling. It is not in vain that Colombia is a true factory of great cyclists. The idea is to show a healthy and environmentally friendly form of transport , and one of the breaks is dedicated to planting a tree ;). Oh, the bike is included, and also some fruit juices and tasty panela water.

6. Free tour of Candelaria

Best Free Tours Bogota — Grand Goldman — Candelaria

It is clear that La Candelaria is one of the jewels of Bogotá , it is a lively, colorful and animated neighborhood where it is a pleasure to walk around. If you want to get to know it up close, learn more about its history and discover legends and curiosities of the city and of Colombia… don't hesitate to sign up.

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7. Free tour of Colombian emeralds

Best Free Tours Bogota — Grand Goldman — Colombian Emeralds

We've already mentioned gold, but did you know that Colombia is one of the world's largest exporters of emeralds ? Thanks to this tour you'll be able to tell the difference between a real emerald and a fake one, and avoid being tricked.

A local guide will teach you the tricks to identify the quality of emeralds, tell you more about how these precious stones are extracted, you'll visit a workshop, a jewelry store and... an informal market where you can get your hands on an emerald. Without a doubt, this tour is an original and different plan.

8. Free tour of Monserrate hill

Best Free Tours Bogota — Grand Goldman — Monserrate hill

Monserrate Hill is much more than the best panoramic point in Bogotá and if you want to discover everything that is hidden behind this legendary place, taking this free tour will be a success: you will immerse yourself in its history, visit the Basilica Sanctuary of the Fallen Lord of Monserrate , perform a ritual that (hopefully) brings you good luck, taste chocolate, cheese and patacón with hogao and, of course, enjoy the best views of the city.

In addition to the tip, you will have to pay the cost of the Monserrate cable car ticket ($21,000, about €5).

Other essential tours to try in Bogotá

In addition to signing up for one of these free tours, there are other essential activities in Bogotá that you can't miss on your first trip. These are:

Food tour in Bogotá
Excursion to Guatavita + Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral (Popular)
Excursion to Villa de Leyva

Here are our suggestions for the best free tours in Bogotá . The truth is that these free guided tours allow you to get to know the cities you visit well and have a more global and real vision, thanks to the prepared local guides.

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