The Memory, Peace & Reconciliation Center stands as a rare cultural institution conceived during ongoing conflict rather than after. Its stark concrete facade, punctuated by asymmetrical windows representing fallen tears, dominates a quiet corner of Bogotá — a physical reckoning with Colombia’s six million victims of violence. Inside, rotating exhibitions blend contemporary art with archival documents, avoiding sensationalism while honouring personal narratives. Sculptures crafted from reclaimed weapons share space with grassroots reconciliation projects, their modest scale underscoring the centre’s focus on human stories over grand gestures. Large multipurpose halls host community dialogues, acknowledging that healing remains a work in progress.

You can find free walking tours in most major cities, and Bogotá is not an exception. Most guides will take you through the historic centre of La Candelaria — the creative hotspot of the city set in the winding cobbled streets. You will learn about colonial houses and baroque churches, Colombia's colonial and indigenous past, striking graffiti and the impact of the Colombian drug trade. The most popular free tour is organised by Gran Colombia Tours, but check the link below to find a tour that fits your interests best.

The narrow alleyways of the Jewish quarter contain homes of many ancient Hebrew families. Here, while tourists take pictures, Jewish teenagers head to their Yeshivas, schools for Torah studies. Near the Cardo you will find the Hurva Synagogue: recently restored, it offers beautiful views over the roofs of the quarter. Built by Ashkenazi Jews in the 16th century, the synagogue has been destroyed and banned several times; for Jewish people it's a symbol of their tormented history.