Hot bricks beneath your feet, the sudden flutter of a pigeon’s wing, and a cup of chocolate con queso at La Puerta Falsa. These are the elements of a day at La Candelaria that fill your soul with culture.
The colors of La Candelaria are what bring the heart of Bogotá to life. No matter where you wander, you’ll find beautiful local art painted on every corner. For the sparkle hunters, beautifully green emeralds – mined mainly in Colombia – can be bought at one of the various curbside retailers for a very reasonable price.
Inspired artists can also be found sitting in the shade, sketching the details of La Candelaria’s colonial architecture. If you’re on a tight budget, simply walking around to view the architecture is an experience on its own and a reason to visit. It’s one of the most beautiful elements of this historic city and makes it easy to photograph.
For food adventurers, La Puerta Falsa is a lesser-known gem, but absolutely my favorite small shop in La Candelaria. Just one block from the Plaza de Bolivar, this establishment is the essence of Colombian cuisine and the oldest restaurant in La Candelaria. It’s been around for 200 years! You wouldn’t know it from its modest storefront, but La Puerta Falsa serves the best tamales in town. Looking for a sweeter delicacy? Chocolate con queso is for you! You’ll take the block of cheese, rip it into pieces and put it in your hot chocolate. The result is a gooey, cheesy delight.
All-in-all, a visit to La Candelaria is for everyone. Whether you’re interested in food, architecture, history, museums (check out the Museo de Oro if you want to see some incredible gold!), or just a day in the city, you’ll find a great adventure here.
