Capital city in Bogotá Capital District, Colombia
Is Bogotá safe?
Bogotá has real street crime; most visits go fine in Chapinero, Usaquén and Chicó, but muggings and phone theft happen.
Is Bogotá safe?
Bogotá has real street crime; most visits go fine in Chapinero, Usaquén and Chicó, but muggings and phone theft happen. Stay alert and avoid some districts entirely.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 3/5, take real precautions.
- Homicide rate in Colombia: 24.9 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Colombia: 15.4 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 123 · Ambulance 123 · Fire 119 · All emergencies 123.
Safety in Bogotá at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Crime | Phone snatching, bag theft on TransMilenio, 'paseo millonario' taxi robberies and drugging via dating apps or bars. |
| At night | Zona T and Usaquén are lively; walking elsewhere at night is risky. Use Uber or DiDi door to door rather than hailing street taxis. |
| Solo women | Many solo women visit. Catcalling is common; in Zona T watch drinks and use ride apps after dark. |
| Other risks | Altitude sickness for the first 1–2 days; Cold rain and sudden changes in weather; Reckless buses and cyclists in traffic |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Fake police asking to check cash or ID
- Street taxis taking passengers to cash machines
- Dating-app dates ending in drugging and robbery
- Distraction thefts at traffic lights and bus stops
Take care
- Centro and La Candelaria after dark
- South Bogotá outside tourist spots
- Around Calle 26 and Terminal after dark
- Transmilenio stations at rush hour
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Carry your passport or a copy; police checks are common.
- Buying drugs is illegal, and street deals are a common setup for robbery.
How Bogotá compares in Colombia
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Salento | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Guatapé | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| San Andrés | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Minca | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Palomino | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Villa de Leyva | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| San Gil | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Jardín | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Leticia | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Medellín | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Cartagena | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Bogotá | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Santa Marta | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Cali | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Barranquilla | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Pereira | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Bogotá safe for solo female travelers?
Many solo women visit. Catcalling is common; in Zona T watch drinks and use ride apps after dark.
Is Bogotá safe at night?
Zona T and Usaquén are lively; walking elsewhere at night is risky. Use Uber or DiDi door to door rather than hailing street taxis.
What is the crime rate in Bogotá?
Phone snatching, bag theft on TransMilenio, 'paseo millonario' taxi robberies and drugging via dating apps or bars. Nationally, Colombia records 24.9 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in Bogotá?
Police 123 · Ambulance 123 · Fire 119 · All emergencies 123.
More about Bogotá
Going to Bogotá solo?
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Sources
- TransMilenio
- Aeropuerto El Dorado
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.