For your next trip to Colombia, you want to know which are the most dangerous and safest areas of Bogota to stay in.
Indeed, Bogotá faces a persistent problem of violence and crime, despite a decrease in the homicide rate in recent years.
Here is a study carried out on the most dangerous neighborhoods of Bogota in 2025 and on the safety of tourists staying in the Colombian capital.
To help you find your way, you will also have a Google Map of the main areas of Bogota and my advice on where to stay safely.
Is it dangerous to go to Bogota?
Because of its reputation as a dangerous city, tourists traveling to Colombia are hesitant to stay and visit Bogota. Indeed, Western government recommendation sites warn travelers:
“Colombia is facing a sharp increase in crime, especially in large urban centers, such as Bogota, Cali, Medellin, Bucaramanga, Santa Marta, Barranquilla and Cartagena. In Bogota and Medellin, an increase in the number of scopolamine attacks (a drug put in a drink, transmitted by touch, or even blown in the face) has also been noted. » Read the full article on France Diplomacy
If, despite everything, you wish to visit the magnificent city of Bogota, you will need to take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety. By being informed of the dangerous neighborhoods to avoid (list below), by following the safety advice and by accompanying yourself with a guide, you will be able to enjoy visiting this city. Remember to regularly check the security information on France Diplomatie or on embassy websites for the latest updates.
Personally, I have been fortunate enough to visit Colombia in 2018 and when I visited Bogota, I did it accompanied by a guide and everything went very well!
Bogota dangerous city
Bogota is one of the 40 most dangerous cities in the world. Indeed, in 2025 on the Numbeo.com ranking, Bogota is the 36th most crime-ridden city out of 335 cities ranked by crime index.
More criminal Chicago ou Marseille, with its crime index of 66.52, Bogota remains less dangerous than other cities in South America such as Rio, Fortaleza, Sao Paulo or even Lima.
What is the insecurity in Bogota?
Statistics gathered over five years reveal significant insecurity in the Colombian capital, highlighting the challenges posed by drug traffickers, organized crime, and armed robbery. The lack of appropriate convictions further exacerbates the country's judicial crisis. According to a recent report published by El Espectador, only one in five homicides committed in Bogotá results in a conviction. This alarming reality underscores the urgent need to take measures to guarantee the safety of the capital's residents.
One of the keys to staying safe in Bogota is to stay informed about dangerous neighborhoods to avoid (see list below). The city has several neighborhoods that are known for their high crime rates, and it is important to know these areas in order to avoid them. By staying informed, you can make informed decisions about where you want to go and where you should avoid.
To better identify the most dangerous neighborhoods of Bogota which we will discuss below, you can click here to locate them geographically: Main neighborhoods map
Most dangerous neighborhoods in Bogota
Data from the last five years reveals that the neighborhoods of Los Martires, Ciudad Bolivar, Kennedy and Santa Fe recorded the highest homicide rates in the capital.
These neighborhoods are the most affected by deadly violence, requiring concerted efforts to restore security and tranquility in these areas.
Here is a detailed list of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Bogotá, based on the number of homicides reported over the last 5 years:
- The Martyrs
- District Santa Fe : the Las Cruces and Santa Fe neighborhoods.
- Kennedy District in particular the María Paz and Patio Bonito neighborhoods
- District Ciudad Bolívar (Quiba district)
- La Favorita
- El Paraiso
- Tunjuelito District
- Aranda Bridge
- Barrio Arbolizadora Alta
La Candelaria district of Bogota to avoid?
La Candelaria is the historic district of Bogota and a mecca for artists (graffiti and street art). It is the most touristy district of Bogota.
But while this pretty neighborhood is a must-see tourist attraction because of its charming cobblestone streets and colonial architecture, it's also known for its crime. It is therefore advisable to avoid walking alone at night in this area and to remain vigilant.
Zona Rosa red light district of Bogota
Every major city in South America has a Zona Rosa renowned for its lively and often poorly attended nightlife. In Bogota, the Zona Rosa, very popular with tourists, is not one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Bogota. In fact, the police are very present there to secure the premises.
Best area to stay in Bogota
When I stayed in the Colombian capital, I wanted to stay in a fairly central area, not too far from the sites to visit but above all in a safe area. Here is the one I chose:
Chapinero safe neighborhood to stay in Bogota
This District is part of the zona rosa above but is located in the very south. This is the most charming part of Bogota for a tourist stay. There are good restaurants, nightclubs, numerous shops, the Andino shopping center and more.
Foreigners particularly appreciate this area where I myself chose my hotel there: Hôtel Saint Simon
How to visit Bogota safely?
To avoid getting lost in a bad area of Bogota, I recommend visiting the city with a guide. For this, you can book a guided tour of Bogota