Usaquén is that place where time seems to have stopped, but only so we can enjoy it better. A neighborhood that was an independent town until 1954, when Bogotá embraced it forever. Today, its cobblestone streets and colonial houses tell stories of centuries past, while its cafes, galleries, and restaurants write the pages of the present.
History and Characteristics of Usaquén Neighborhood
Walking through Usaquén is like opening a living history book. The Santa Barbara Church, built in 1665, remains the spiritual heart of the neighborhood. Its adobe walls have witnessed entire generations, from the Muisca people who inhabited these lands to contemporary Bogotanos seeking refuge from urban bustle. The republican houses with their wooden balconies and tile roofs seem to whisper secrets of bygone eras, while century-old trees provide shade for those strolling leisurely.
Sunday Flea Market and Handicrafts
On Sundays, Usaquén transforms. From early morning, the main square fills with colors, textures, and aromas. The flea market isn't just a place to shop—it's a complete sensory experience. Artisans from all over Colombia arrive with their creations: Wayúu bags woven with infinite patience, Ráquira ceramics that retain the warmth of traditional kilns, filigree jewelry that seems made with silver threads.
But the market is more than handicrafts. It's live guitar music filtering through the stalls, the smell of freshly roasted coffee mixing with the aroma of corn arepas, the smile of an artisan explaining how their grandmother taught them the craft. Every Sunday, between 9 AM and 5 PM, this square becomes Bogotá's living room.
Featured Restaurants and Cafés
The gastronomy in Usaquén is a journey through the flavors of Colombia and the world. Here are five places you can't miss:
- Abasto - A market-restaurant where local products are the stars. Their "farm to table" concept comes alive in every dish, especially in their Sunday brunches that have won over even the most skeptical.
- Harry Sasson - In a restored colonial mansion, this restaurant offers high cuisine in an atmosphere that blends elegance with Bogotá warmth. Its interior patio is perfect for memorable dinners.
- Salvo Patria - Leonor Espinosa's proposal becomes more intimate here. Colombian cuisine reinterpreted with avant-garde techniques, where every bite tells a story.
- Orígenes Café - More than a coffee shop, it's a temple for Colombian coffee lovers. Their barista doesn't just prepare your cup—they explain the coffee's origin, roasting process, and the best way to enjoy it.
- La Puerta Falsa - A classic that seems frozen in time. Their tamales and santafereño hot chocolate are a tradition kept alive generation after generation.
Cultural Activities and Events
Usaquén beats culturally all year round. The Usaquén Cultural House constantly programs exhibitions by local artists, pottery and photography workshops, and independent film cycles. Cultural Fridays fill the streets with live music, from jazz to traditional bambucos.
Events like the Summer Festival in Usaquén transform the neighborhood into a large open-air stage, with theater performances, dance, and performances that use the charm of its streets as a backdrop. During December, Christmas lights turn Usaquén into a magical town, with living nativity scenes and choral concerts that fill the church with traditional melodies.
How to Get There and Best Times to Visit
Getting to Usaquén is simple. On TransMilenio, the Calle 127 station leaves you just a few blocks from the heart of the neighborhood. If you prefer traditional transport, numerous bus routes reach carrera 7 with calle 119. On Sundays, when the flea market is at its peak, it's better to arrive early to avoid crowds and enjoy the atmosphere calmly.
The best days to visit are Friday nights, when restaurants have a special atmosphere, and Sunday mornings for the market. Weekdays offer a more tranquil experience, perfect for getting lost among its art galleries and antique bookstores.
Frequently Asked Questions About Usaquén
- What's the best day to visit Usaquén? Sundays are ideal for the flea market, while Friday nights offer the best atmosphere in restaurants and bars.
- How do I get to Usaquén by public transport? The TransMilenio Calle 127 station is the closest, or you can take buses that reach carrera 7 with calle 119.
- What can I buy at the flea market? Colombian handicrafts like Wayúu bags, Ráquira ceramics, filigree jewelry, and local products.
- Is parking available? Yes, there are public parking lots in the area, but they can be full on Sundays.
- Is it safe to walk around Usaquén? Yes, it's one of Bogotá's safest neighborhoods, especially during the day and in tourist areas.
Usaquén isn't just another Bogotá neighborhood. It's a refuge, a haven of peace where the city breathes differently. Where clocks seem to mark another time—slower, more human. Where every corner holds a surprise and every local has a story to tell. Visiting Usaquén is discovering that Bogotá also knows how to be kind, also knows how to be a town, also knows how to embrace.