Dubbed as ‘The City of Parks,’ Bucaramanga is a perfect place for a few days rest and relaxation. You can enjoy one of the many parks or green spaces or delve deep into the unique traditions and culture of this beautiful capital. Of course, there are also good spots to let your hair down and dance the night away in a nightclub. Located on a plateau in the Oriental mountain ranges, you’ll find some absolutely breathtaking sights which will leave your Instagram fans green with envy. The population is welcoming and there are 10 universities, so the feel of the capital is bright and lively. It is also a good base for exploring other local areas such as Floridablanca and Lebrija and the tobacco and coffee plantains dotted around the area. Did we also mention that it is not overrun with fellow tourists? So, you can get a glimpse into the day-to-day lives of the locals. Sounds great to us, so let’s get started and explore our definitive guide to the best things to do in Bucaramanga, Colombia.
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1. Soothe your soul at the Cathedral of the Holy Family
This stunning church will surely make you feel calm and peaceful as soon as you step over the threshold. Regardless of whether you identify as being religious or not, the Holy Family Church is a joy to visit. There are popular services throughout the week and you can enjoy a virtual tour online. Guests are welcome to join the services.
Cathedral of the Holy Family
Address: 123 Nelson Road, Saskatoon, SK S7S 1H1, Canada
Website: Cathedral of the Holy Family
Opening hours: Dependent on service times
2. Enjoy the view of the Bicentennial Bridge at night
Known locally as the Puente del Bicentenario or the 9th Race Viaduct, this bridge may seem like any other standard bridge during the day but at night it is lit up with beautiful multi-colored lights. This bridge is a bit of a drive from the center but we’re sure that you won’t want to miss it. It’s the perfect photo opportunity to spice up your Instagram feed.
Bicentennial Bridge
Address: Cra. 9 #45, Bucaramanga, Santander, Colombia
3. Watch a musical performance at La Casa del Libro Total
Casa del Libro Total is a beautiful colonial house that has been lovingly restored as a cultural and technological center. There is a free digital library inside with over 60,000 titles that span literature, music, and art. There are daily events and performances many of which are for free. It’s a great way to learn more about the local art and entertainment scene.
La Casa del Libro Total
Address: Street 35 n 9 -81, Bucaramanga, Santander
Website: La Casa del Libro Total
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 9pm; Sat: 8am - 6pm (closed on Sun)
4. Attend an event at the Cultural Center of the East - Cineteca Public
This unique building surrounds a spacious courtyard which often hosts events, showcases and educational workshops. Events take place both night and day so be sure to check to see what is happening during your stay. The main three areas of focus for events are tourism, cultural and social awareness. The center is officially a national treasure and is a maze of underground chambers and arches which were constructed between 1899 and 1912.
Cultural Center of the East - Cineteca Public
Address: 3165 Cra. 19, Bucaramanga, Santander 680006
Website: Cultural Center of the East - Cineteca Public
Opening hours: Tue: 9:30am - 1pm; Wed: 9:30am - 1pm, 3:30pm - 6:30pm; Thu: 9:30am - 1pm, 3pm - 8pm; Fri: 10:30 - 12:30pm, 3:30pm - 8pm; Sat: 10:30am - 12pm, 4pm - 7:30pm (closed on Sun)
5. Spend a day in Chicamocha National Park
Described by many as the best national park ever, there are lots of exciting activities that you can enjoy in the park. It is also known as Panachi. Alongside the beautiful sites and unique nature walks, you can also enjoy other more adventurous activities such as paragliding, spelunking, bushwalking, camping, fishing, kayaking, rafting, and climbing. The park itself is huge so you’ll feel grateful for the 6.3 km (3.9 miles) worth of cable cars on which you can explore different areas easily.
Chicamocha National Park
Address: Km 54 Via Bucaramanga-Bogota Canon Del Chicamocha | Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia
Website: Chicamocha National Park
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 6pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 7pm
6. Watch a game of football at the Alfonso Lopez Stadium
If you are interested in football, the Alfonso Lopez Stadium will be fairly high on your list. Interestingly, it was also the first synthetic field pitch in the area. It can comfortably host up to 25,000 people so you are sure to enjoy chanting along with the locals. You can find out about the local football matches held here by visiting their Facebook page.
Alfonso Lopez Stadium
Address: Carrera 30 # 14, Bucaramanga, Santander
Website: Alfonso Lopez Stadium
7. Have some fun in Parque Nacional de Chicamocha's waterpark
Chicamocha is different from many other national parks in that there is a theme park inside. It is set atop the mountain and it has two great canyons on either side. You are guaranteed spectacular views as you play all day long. There is even a gondola ride that will take you down one side of the canyon and up the other side. Such a unique experience should not be missed! The water park has plenty of rides to keep you laughing all day long.
Parque Nacional de Chicamocha Water Park
Address: Km. 54 Via Bucaramanga - San Gil, Aratoca, Bucaramanga, Santander, Colombia
Website: Water Park
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 6pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 7pm
Price: 7.83 USD
8. Gorge on delicious cheeseburgers at El Corral
After all the excitement so far, we’re sure that you’ll need to recharge your energy and there is no better food stop than the cheeseburgers at El Corral. If you’re super hungry, it will be hard to beat the Double Double Coral or for something a bit more unique, try the Street Corral. You’ll find that the fries are actually inside the burger. It’s also open 24 hours so you can go whenever you get a craving.
El Corral
Address: C.C. La Quinta, Bucaramanga, Colombia
Website: El Corral
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
9. Go shopping at Cacique Shopping Center
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Cacique El Centro Comercial on Friday, April 16, 2021
If you want to pack your bags full of shopping, we’d recommend hitting the shops at Cacique Shopping Center, also known as Cacique el Centro Commercial. There are plenty of shops to enjoy and you can expect to find your favorite stores and many independent ones. Once you’ve filled your bags, be sure to head to the top floor and enjoy a great view across Bucaramanga. There are also regular events from performances to talks, so check online before your visit.
Cacique Shopping Center
Address: Transversal 93 # 34-99, Bucaramanga 680003, Colombia
Website: Cacique Shopping Center
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 9pm; Sat - Sun: 8am - 12am
10. Walk around the Industrial University of Santander
With many events that take place at the University of Santander, you’ll have a great time. There is an impressive library, a resting area, and an auditorium which is one the best in the area. If you prefer to be outside, you can sit in the large garden area and relax. It is also a good place to meet many locals who study at the university. It is home to more than 90,000 students in Central America and an additional 30,000 studying under the banner of the University of Santander which is spread across a further 180 countries. As such, it is one of the global leaders in research and has some of the best facilities for students.
Industrial University of Santander
Address: University City, Calle 9 ##27, Bucaramanga, Santander, Colombia
Website: Industrial University of Santander
11. Make the most of the nightlife at Vintrash Bar
Editor’s note: Establishment is permanently closed.
After a busy day exploring, you’ll want to let your hair down and unwind, dance or maybe even just enjoy a nice refreshing drink. However, if you like to relax, our recommendation would be to head to the ultra-cool Vintrash Bar. This local hotspot is known for its unique upcycling design and focuses mainly on Latin, indie and electronic music. Since its doors opened four years ago, it has continued to grow in popularity. There are many popular DJ’s on the rota so be sure to get there early on the weekend. It is worth noting that the price may vary depending on your gender and group size.
Vintrash Bar
Address: Carrera 35 # 8A-39 | Barrio El Poblado, Medellin 050021, Colombia
Website: Vintrash Bar
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 6pm - 3am; Fri - Sat: 6pm - 3am (closed on Thu & Fri)
Price: Dependent on group size
12. Attend an event at Neomundo Convention Center
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
“La vida no es esperar a que pase la tormenta, es aprender a bailar bajo la lluvia.”Vivian Greene . . . #neomundo #centrodeconvenciones #bucaramanga #arquitectura #photography #rain #lluvia
Posted by Neomundo on Wednesday, September 2, 2020
If you are passionate about the arts and education, then Neomundo Convention Center should be one of your first stops. There are always incredible events happening in one of the many rooms. Due to a recent refurbishment, there is now an astonishing 3000 rooms in the center. Many of the large-scale events last for a few days, so you’ll have plenty of time to see everything. It is in an excellent location and has recently undergone a large scale development, so there are more rooms and high-tech equipment.
Neomundo Convention Center
Address: Calle 89 Transversal Oriental Metropolitana-69, Barrio, Cl. 100, Bucaramanga, Santander, Colombia
Website: Neomundo Convention Center
Opening hours: Dependent on event
Price: Dependent on event
13. Have a picnic at Saint Pío Park
Saint Pio Park is actually named after one of the areas Mayors, Guillermo Sorzano González. There is a bookstore, a church and a playground for the children. The park is located in the center of the town and is a good meeting and relaxing point. You’ll see many people enjoying the surroundings during the weekday at lunchtime. In addition, head there on a Saturday morning and you’ll discover the delights of a local market.
Saint Pío Park
Address: Cra. 33 #45, Bucaramanga, Santander, Colombia
Website: Saint Pío Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
14. Admire contemporary paintings at the Museum of Modern Art
This small museum is the perfect way to spend an hour or two. The Museum of Modern Art of Bucaramanga was founded in 1989 with the purpose of hosting local and national events. There is a collection of over 200 pieces and there are also two exhibition halls which regularly feature unique works of art. Be sure to discover the ‘Recuerdos de Machu Picchu’, by Eduardo Ramírez Villamizar; and 'Custodia mayor N ° 2’, by Ricardo Gómez Vanegas which are two of the most famous pieces onsite. There is also a terrace area for workshops to take place.
Museum of Modern Art
Address: Cl. 37 #26-16, Bucaramanga, Santander, Colombia
Website: Museum of Modern Art
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 9:30am - 12pm, 2:30 - 7pm; Sat: 10am - 6pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: dependent on event
15. Catch a play at the historic Teatro Coliseo Peralta
This theatre has such a unique history, it’s definitely on our list not only for the fantastic performances you can watch but also because of its story. After a difficult past, the Teatre Coliseo Peralta was officially declared a National Monument, in 1975. The property had to undergo extensive restoration which was completed in 1985. Be sure to call the theatre to secure a ticket and see a local show. It’s very popular in the evenings and is a great way to meet some new friends during your trip.
Teatro Coliseo Peralta
Address: Cra. 12 #41-70, Bucaramanga, Santander, Colombia
Website: Teatro Coliseo Peralta
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 12pm, 3pm - 6pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Price: Show dependent
16. Get a workout at Los Leones Park
This relaxing park is very popular during the day with both locals and tourists alike enjoying the features or working out. There are a number of outdoor exercise machines and a few tennis courts. Whatever time of day, there will always be people working out so don’t feel nervous, just dive right in. The layout of the machinery is designed so that you can do a complete circuit, entirely for free.
Los Leones Park
Address: Calle 41, Bucaramanga, Colombia
Website: Los Leones Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
A fun and welcoming atmosphere
We’re sure that you have found something to enjoy during your time in Bucaramanga. Whether you’re there for a short holiday, business trip or an extensive amount of time you’ll love the fun and welcoming atmosphere. So, what are you waiting for, book your trip today and let’s start exploring Bucaramanga together? Remember to tag us in your Instagram photos.
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