A quiet pocket of Colombia’s bustling capital
Quinta Camacho neighbourhood in central Bogotá feels like a buzzy European village
As far as Bogotá neighbourhoods go, Quinta Camacho is small — about six square blocks. But a wave of new establishments in recent years has made this quiet pocket in the sprawling and hectic metropolis worth exploring. The centrally located enclave is known for its brick, Tudor-style houses built in the 1940s and ‘50s.
While the exteriors of these charming structures with shingled roofs have been protected from alterations by the city, their interiors are being transformed into restaurants, bars, boutiques and even a stylish hotel.
Travellers often overlook the tiny area, but they shouldn’t. As you walk around, it feels like a buzzy European village — different from anything else you’ll find in Colombia’s capital. 1. Casa Legado This bright, year-old boutique property feels more like home than a hotel. Its seven rooms are individually decorated based on personalities of the family members of its owner, local interior designer Helena Dávila; take the Luisa, a cheery room with tropical print wallpaper named for her young niece. The hotel’s cosy living room has puzzles and games, breakfast is served at a communal farmhouse-style table, and the kitchen fridge is stocked with snacks and drinks that guests can take as they please. Carrera 8, 69-60; casalegadobogota.com 2. Wilborada 1047 Bookstore Since opening in 2014, this homey bookstore with floor-to-ceiling shelves has become a beloved neighbourhood meeting spot.
Set inside a three-story building with a creaky wooden staircase, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to linger. The bookstore has a full schedule of author readings, lectures and other literary events — and there’s a small outpost of the local, fair and direct trade coffee shop Café Cultor.
Calle 71, 10-47; wilborada1047.com
3. Las Heroínas This impeccably curated design boutique is owned by four sisters — one of whom also runs the attached La Manola ceramic studio.
The shop, which opened up in 2015, carries high-quality, made-in-Colombia products including geometric vases, pendant lamps and dishware, plus furnishings like colourful embroidered chairs.
Carrera 12, 70-29; lasheroinas.com
4. Nueve Set inside an old house, this romantic restaurant opened in 2009 and serves a variety of small plates that put innovative twists on local ingredients — all listed on a cloth menu that doubles as a napkin.
Many of the dishes are inspired by the chef’s travels abroad. There are two dining areas — a bamboo-walled wine alcove with high-top tables and a lounge area with couches — but both provide views of the open kitchen.
There is also a speakeasy-style bar, Ocho y Cuarto, perfect for a pre- or postdinner cocktail.
Calle 70a, 10a-18; nueve.in