Plaza de los Periodistas - a bench in a park
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Plaza de los Periodistas

4.3
·20k reviews·Bogotá, Colombia

A lively public square in Bogota, featuring a unique pagoda and a tribute to Gabriel García Márquez, buzzing with daily life.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Best for atmosphere & safety

CrowdMedium
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Plaza de los Periodistas - a bench in a park

Plaza de los Periodistas

Best Time

Daytime

Best for atmosphere & safety

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A lively public square in Bogota, featuring a unique pagoda and a tribute to Gabriel García Márquez, buzzing with daily life.

4.3
(20k reviews)

"It's a busy public square with a picturesque pagoda, surrounded by vibrant restaurant crowds."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Embrace the Bustle

It's a lively spot! Enjoy the energy of students, vendors, and locals.

📸 Photo Ops Galore

Capture the pagoda and street life. Great for candid shots.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Simón Bolívar Temple

Simón Bolívar Temple

Center of the plaza

A picturesque pagoda dedicated to the liberator, offering a unique architectural focal point.

People-Watching Paradise

People-Watching Paradise

Benches throughout the plaza

Observe the vibrant daily life, from students to street performers and local vendors.

Reddit
Gabriel García Márquez Tribute

Gabriel García Márquez Tribute

Near the plaza entrance

A nod to the Nobel laureate, reflecting the area's cultural significance.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for a Pleasant Visit

While Plaza de los Periodistas is accessible anytime, visiting during daylight hours offers the best experience. Be aware that evenings can feel less safe due to the homeless population and potential for graffiti, as noted by some visitors. Reddit

Embrace the Local Vibe

This plaza is a hub for daily life, from college students to vendors and dog walkers. Embrace the bustling atmosphere and enjoy people-watching. Reddit It's a great spot to meet friends or grab a quick snack from a local vendor. Reddit

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Best for atmosphere & safety
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends around lunch
Why
Lively, but can be busy
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Embrace the Bustle

It's a lively spot! Enjoy the energy of students, vendors, and locals. Reddit

📸 Photo Ops Galore

Capture the pagoda and street life. Great for candid shots. Reddit

⚠️ Be Aware of Surroundings

Some visitors note graffiti and a homeless presence, especially at night. Reddit

🍌 Grab a Snack

Plenty of vendors offer local treats. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Embrace the Bustle

It's a lively spot! Enjoy the energy of students, vendors, and locals. Reddit

📸 Photo Ops Galore

Capture the pagoda and street life. Great for candid shots. Reddit

⚠️ Be Aware of Surroundings

Some visitors note graffiti and a homeless presence, especially at night. Reddit

🍌 Grab a Snack

Plenty of vendors offer local treats. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(20k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Plaza de los Periodistas offers a vibrant slice of Bogota life, with its iconic pagoda and bustling atmosphere attracting visitors for people-watching and local snacks. While some appreciate its eclectic charm and historical nods, others note concerns about cleanliness and the presence of a homeless population, suggesting daytime visits are preferable.

"Sometimes i like to sit on a hospitable built environment and watch people go about their lives. I sink into sonder and sink my teeth into another banano. Someone is playing techno out of a portable speaker. College kids head home after evening classes. The glowing TransMileno rumbles past. Lovers stop to kiss. Some days feel longer than others."

Lucas Crampton

"Lots of vendors. Good place to meet up with friends. There were many dogs and pigeons in the park. Attached to the review I have included a picture of the mountain nearby taken from the park. It was relatively busy, but we went on a holiday and weekend right around lunch time."

nrgriffi6565

"The area is very interesting/eclectic, with lots of historical significance, but not very clean. The statue is pretty small, and there is graffiti/trash all around. Basically this is just a 2 minute stop on the way to Monserrate."

Natalie Williams

What People Like

Vibrant atmosphere
Pagoda architecture
People-watching

What People Dislike

Cleanliness issues
Graffiti
Homeless presence

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Plaza de los Periodistas is centrally located and easily accessible by public transport. The TransMilenio bus system is a popular and efficient way to reach the area. Several stations are within walking distance, making it convenient for exploring Bogota. Reddit

While street parking might be limited and challenging in this busy urban area, there are often paid parking lots nearby. It's generally recommended to use public transportation like the TransMilenio for easier access. Reddit

During the day, the plaza is generally safe and vibrant with local activity. However, some reviews mention that it can feel less safe in the evenings due to a homeless population and graffiti. Reddit It's advisable to be aware of your surroundings, especially after dark.

Depending on your starting point, Plaza de los Periodistas can be within walking distance of other central Bogota attractions. It's often considered a brief stop on the way to major sites like Monserrate. Reddit

Using a navigation app on your phone is highly recommended. For public transport, look for TransMilenio stations closest to the plaza. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Plaza de los Periodistas is a public square and is free to enter. You can wander through and enjoy the atmosphere without any admission fee. Reddit

As a public park, Plaza de los Periodistas is generally accessible 24/7. However, for safety and the best experience, visiting during daylight hours is recommended. Reddit

There are no specific entry restrictions for the plaza itself. However, it's a public space, so general rules of public conduct apply. Be mindful of the local environment and any ongoing events. Reddit

Many visitors have noted seeing dogs in the park, suggesting that pets are generally welcome. However, it's always a good idea to keep them on a leash and clean up after them. Reddit

The Simón Bolívar Temple, which is a pagoda within the plaza, is also part of the public space and does not have an entrance fee. You can admire its architecture freely. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The Simón Bolívar Temple pagoda is a prime spot for photography, offering a unique architectural element. Capture the lively street scenes, vendors, and people interacting. Reddit The view of the nearby mountain can also be a picturesque backdrop. Reddit

Generally, yes. During the day, it's a busy public space where photography is common. However, as with any urban environment, be mindful of your surroundings and avoid displaying expensive equipment ostentatiously, especially in quieter or less populated areas. Reddit

Street photography thrives here, capturing the daily life, diverse characters, and the blend of urban elements with the pagoda. Candid shots of people enjoying the space are also popular. Reddit

Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, can offer beautiful lighting for the pagoda and surrounding buildings. However, the midday sun can also create strong contrasts for street photography. Reddit

Drone usage in urban public spaces can be subject to strict regulations and may require permits. It's best to check local aviation laws and park rules before attempting to fly a drone. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the area surrounding Plaza de los Periodistas is known for being eclectic and vibrant, with many restaurants and eateries nearby. You can find a variety of cuisines to suit different tastes. Reddit

You'll find a mix of local Colombian cuisine, international options, and casual dining spots. Many visitors enjoy the convenience of grabbing a quick bite from street vendors. Reddit

Absolutely! The plaza is often bustling with vendors selling various snacks and treats. It's a great place to experience local flavors and grab a quick, affordable bite. Reddit

Both are great options! For an authentic local experience, try the street vendors. If you prefer a sit-down meal, explore the diverse restaurants in the surrounding eclectic area. Reddit

Look out for local favorites like 'banano' (banana), empanadas, and other Colombian street snacks. Reddit Many vendors offer quick and tasty options. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Plaza de los Periodistas can be a decent stop for families, especially during the day. The open space allows kids to move around, and the presence of dogs and pigeons can be entertaining. Reddit The Simón Bolívar Temple pagoda offers a visually interesting element for children. However, be mindful of the plaza's cleanliness and the presence of a homeless population, which might be a concern for some parents. Reddit It's best viewed as a brief stop rather than an extended play area.

🚶 Budget Travelers

This plaza is a fantastic free attraction for budget travelers. Entry is free, and it offers a great opportunity to soak in the local atmosphere and people-watch. Reddit You can find affordable snacks from the numerous street vendors, making it an economical spot for a quick bite. Reddit It's also a good point to access public transport like the TransMilenio, which is an economical way to get around Bogota. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Plaza de los Periodistas offers a unique blend of urban life and distinct architecture. The Simón Bolívar Temple pagoda is a standout subject, especially during golden hour. Reddit Capture candid street scenes, the diverse local characters, and the dynamic energy of the plaza. Reddit Be aware of the lighting conditions and the potential for graffiti, which can add an edgy element to your shots. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Historical and Cultural Significance

Plaza de los Periodistas, or Journalists' Square, holds a special place in Bogota's urban landscape. It's named in honor of journalists, reflecting the importance of media and free press in Colombia. The plaza also features a tribute to the renowned Nobel laureate Gabriel García Márquez, a celebrated figure in literature and journalism. This connection imbues the space with a sense of intellectual and cultural heritage. Reddit

The most striking feature is the Simón Bolívar Temple, a picturesque pagoda that adds a unique architectural element to the plaza. This structure, dedicated to the liberator Simón Bolívar, stands as a landmark and a popular spot for photos. The blend of historical tributes and distinct architecture makes Plaza de los Periodistas more than just a public square; it's a space that tells stories of national heroes and cultural icons. Reddit

Navigating the Plaza's Atmosphere

The atmosphere at Plaza de los Periodistas is often described as vibrant and eclectic. It's a place where daily life unfolds, with college students heading home after classes, locals meeting friends, and vendors offering their goods. Reddit The presence of numerous dogs and pigeons adds to the lively, urban park feel. Visitors often enjoy simply sitting on a bench and observing the flow of people, experiencing what's known as 'sonder' – the realization that each passerby has a life as complex and vivid as your own. Reddit

However, it's important to note that the plaza's condition has been a point of discussion. Some reviews mention that the area can be less clean, with graffiti and a noticeable homeless population, particularly in the evenings. Reddit While this adds to the raw, urban character for some, others find it intimidating. Visiting during daylight hours is generally recommended for a more comfortable and visually appealing experience. Reddit

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