Gabriel García Márquez Cultural Center

The basics

Though the center doesn’t have a dedicated website, it’s an easy addition to any wander around Bogota’s charming Old Town of La Candelaria, and there’s usually a temporary exhibition in the gallery space. The center’s bookstore features more than 50,000 books, and its rooftop offers sweeping views of the city.

You can visit the Gabriel García Márquez Cultural Center as part of a La Candelaria and Monserrate walking tour, which typically stops at Plaza de Bolívar and Chorro de Quevedo, and includes a trip to the summit of Mt. Monserrate (Cerro de Monserrate) via the funicular.

Things to know before you go

• There’s a restaurant at the center serving local Colombian specialties.

• The center is a joint effort between both Mexico and Colombia—you can take photos beside the giant Mexican sign.

• If you’re planning on climbing to the roof, make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes to tackle the stairs.

• Admission to the center is free.

How to get there

The center has a convenient location in the historic neighborhood of La Candelaria in downtown Bogota, on Calle 11, No 5­60. Bus numbers C80 and K307 stop nearby.

When to get there

The Gabriel García Márquez Cultural Center is open daily from morning until early evening. On Sundays, it opens later and closes earlier than on other days of the week.

The cultural delights of La Candelaria

La Candelaria, Bogota’s historic center, is full of attractions. Top picks include the Botero Museum, for international art; the grand Plaza de Bolívar; and the 17th-century Museo Santa Clara, a church with a glimmering gold interior.