Iglesia de Lourdes

Chapinero is an affluent district in the north-east of Bogotá. It is home to the Zona G, an area of upscale restaurants.

Understand

Chapinero is a vibrant set of neighbourhoods filled with university students, bohemian cafes, bars and restaurants. Just north of the traditional downtown area, it runs from Calle 39 in the south to Calle 100 in the north and is limited to the west by Avenida Caracas and to the east by the mountains. This article only deals with the southern half of chapinero, namely the area up to Calle 71. For the northern parts see Zona Rosa and Parque 93.

Chapinero Alto, one of the alternative neighborhoods in the city, is located between Calle 45 and Calle 65. One of the most LGBT tolerant zones of the metropolis, also known as Chapigay or Gay Hills, it is home to the larger part of the LGBT population of Bogotá.

Zona G (G for Gourmet) is located between Calles 65 and 71 and Carreras 3 and 7. This area is home to the most prestigious restaurants of the city.

Get in

Carrera 7 is the main road going through the district, and there are endless busetas running along it, north towards Zona Rosa, Parque 93, and Usaquén and south towards the old downtown. Busetas are, of course, confusing animals, so the trial and error approach will be more successful when Cra 7 is written prominently on the sign. This isn't a huge part of the city, so walking is fine for getting around.

See

• 1 Our Lady of Lourdes Church (Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Lourdes), Cra 13 #63-27. A beautiful Gothic church—built in 1875, making it the first example of Gothic architecture in the country. Despite being the symbol of El Chapinero, has as of late 2012 been badly defaced by spray can-wielding vandals. 
• 2 Parque Hippies (Cra 7 at Calle 60). In front of La Salle University, this park usually smells a bit like weed on weekends, and has some fun bars, live music, and cheap eats around the square. 

Do

As said before, its gay scene is huge. There are dozens of places for lgbtq community to go and have fun. Mild fun: Just taking a beer or have a cool dinner with your friends in any of their Restaurants, Bars or squares. Wild fun: Cruising the neighbourhood in one of their numerous bath houses, dark mazes and ABS.

Eat

Zona G has some of the finest eateries in Bogotá within a few small blocks. If you want elegant or romantic, this is a good choice.

• Bagatelle, Calle 70 A No. 4-99, ☏ +57 1 321-3475. Once a bakery, this restaurant has the feel of a Parisian cafe. It serves crepes, sandwiches, and salads, as well as breakfast and brunch. The Bagatelle is famous for its pan de chocolate. 
• Clowns Deli, Calle 70 A No. 4-45, ☏ +57 1 248-0254. Clowns Deli offers sandwiches and salads for a reasonable price. 

Dining out in Zona G

• Criterion, Calle 69A No. 5-75, ☏ +57 1 310-1377. This contemporary restaurants offers its patrons French-influenced, gourmet dishes. The menu consists of a variety of starters and meats, and also offers its guests a tasting menu that changes weekly. Criterion was awarded the Five Star Diamond Award in 2008; the only restaurant in Colombia to receive the recognition. 
• Gostinos 69, Carrera 5 No. 69A-30, ☏ +57 1 313-0612. Gostinos 69 offers its patrons seafood at reasonable prices. 
• Harry Sasson Restaurante, Calle 83 No. 12-49, ☏ +57 1 616-4520. Chef Harry Sasson creates delectable, international dishes with Asian influences. This restaurant also has a wide variety of wines from all over the world, including Argentina, France, and California. 
• La Hamburgueseria, Calle 70 No. 4-69, ☏ +57 1 321-3350. La Hamburgueseria is not fast food restaurant, but does offers a great variety of hamburgers and sandwiches, made from the best ingredients. This restaurant has many other locations, so be sure to check out the website to find the one closest to you! 
• La Table de Michel, Calle 69A No. 4-15, ☏ +57 1 347-7939, +57 1 347-7939. La Table de Miguel offers excellent French dishes. They also have a wine list made up of mainly French wines, but also a few Chilean. The great thing about this restaurant is that the menu is translated into various languages for the convenience of the diner. 
• Nazca, Calle 74 No 5-28, ☏ +57 1 321-3459. This Peruvian restaurant serves up to 96 people, and has a 'launch area,' where those waiting for tables can snack. The principle dish of Nazca is ceviche. 
• SUNA, Camino Natural, Calle 71 No. 4-47, ☏ +57 1 212-3721. Organic Restaurant and Market. Suna serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This environmentally-friendly restaurant offers a menu consisting of organic, vegetarian, raw, and vegan dishes. 
• Tony Roma's, Carrera 6 No. 69 A-20, ☏ +57 1 249-5271. This American chain-restaurant serves traditional American bbq, including short ribs and seafood. 

Sleep

Universidad de la Salle

Budget

• 12:12 Hostels, Calle 67 No. 4-16, ☏ +57 313 387 4231, info@1212hostels.com. Backpacker hostel with good facilities. Dorms from 29,000 COP; private room 90,000 COP. (updated Mar 2016)

Mid-range

• 1 Hotel Casona del Patio, Carrera 8 No. 69 - 24, ☏ +57 2128805, reservas@lacasonadelpatio.net. Located at the G Zone (or Gourmet Zone) in the north of Bogota, the neighborhood is known for its restaurants and the financial sector of the 72 street. COP$120,000. 
• 2 Hotel Emaus Bogota, Carrera 4 No. 69a - 46, ☏ +5715442005. Boutique rooms, all equipped with 29-inch LCD TV with cable channels, Wi-Fi Internet access and Mini-bar. Facilities and services are Jardin de Emaus restaurant, 24-hour front desk, Laundry service and Ironing service. From USD 160.00. 

Splurge

• 3 Lugano Imperial Suites, Calle 70A 7-62, ☏ +557 1313 1113. It offers 36 suites apartment, fully furnished short and long term special stays for families and executives. It offers rooms equipped with home theater, kitchen and broadband Internet access. Some of its facilities and services are restaurant, bar, sauna, massage service, concierge and rooms service. Rates start at 462,000 COP.