Plaza de Bolívar

Plaza de Bolívar is Bogotá's historic main square and the heart of Colombia's political life, surrounded by stunning colonial architecture including the Cathedral and the Capitol building. This massive plaza offers kids plenty of space to run around while parents soak in Colombian history, with thousands of pigeons that delight young children and impressive changing of the guard ceremonies to watch.

• ✓Feeding thousands of friendly pigeons that gather in the square
• ✓Watching the colorful changing of the guard ceremony
• ✓Admiring the massive Cathedral Primada and other colonial buildings surrounding the plaza
• ✓Seeing street performers and local artists, especially on weekends
• ✓Taking family photos with the stunning architecture as a backdrop

1. 1.Bring small bags of corn or seeds to feed the pigeons, which kids absolutely love (vendors sell them around the plaza for a few thousand pesos).
2. 2.Visit on a weekday morning to avoid the largest crowds and catch the changing of the guard at the Presidential Palace (Palacio de Nariño) nearby.
3. 3.The plaza sits at 2,640 meters (8,660 feet) elevation, so take it slow with kids as they adjust to the altitude. Bring water and sunscreen as the high-altitude sun is strong.
4. 4.Use the plaza as a starting point for exploring La Candelaria's colorful streets. The Museo Botero (free entry) is a short walk away and very kid-friendly.
5. 5.Keep a close eye on belongings and consider leaving valuables at your hotel, as pickpocketing can occur in busy tourist areas.

Visit mid-morning on weekdays (9am to 11am) when the plaza is lively but not overcrowded, and the lighting is perfect for photos. Avoid late afternoons when it can get quite busy with commuters. Sundays can be pleasant as the area has a more relaxed, family-oriented vibe.

Entry to the plaza is completely free and it's open 24 hours, though visiting during daylight is recommended for families. There are cafes and restaurants along the surrounding streets, and clean public restrooms are available in nearby museums and the cathedral (small fee may apply).

Bogotá has mild weather year-round, but the dry seasons (December to March and July to August) offer the best conditions for exploring the plaza. The rainy season (April to June, September to November) brings afternoon showers, so plan morning visits and bring rain jackets. Major Colombian holidays see special events and larger crowds.

Try La Puerta Falsa, a historic restaurant just off the plaza serving traditional Colombian hot chocolate with cheese and almojábanas (cheese bread) that kids enjoy. For a more substantial meal, Quinua y Amaranto offers healthy, kid-friendly Colombian fusion dishes in a casual setting a few blocks away.