Staying in Modelia Bogotá: Why It Was the Perfect Base for Our Trip
Staying in Modelia Bogotá: Why It Was the Perfect Base for Our Trip
When most visitors research where to stay in Bogotá, neighborhoods like La Candelaria, Chapinero, and Zona Rosa usually dominate the conversation.
Those areas certainly have their advantages, but for our recent trip to Bogotá, we chose something different.
We stayed in Modelia.
At first glance, Modelia may not seem like an obvious choice for tourists. It doesn’t have the nightlife of Zona Rosa or the historic charm of La Candelaria. However, after spending several days there, I came away thinking it was one of the smartest decisions we made during our trip.
For travelers who value convenience, airport access, and avoiding some of Bogotá’s infamous traffic, Modelia deserves serious consideration.
Why We Chose Modelia
The main purpose of our trip was not tourism.
My wife had appointments related to her US tourist visa application, including a CAS appointment and an embassy interview.
Because of that, location mattered more than sightseeing.
We specifically wanted somewhere that would make it easier to move around Bogotá without spending hours sitting in traffic.
Anyone who has spent time in Bogotá knows that traffic can be one of the city’s biggest challenges.
Coming from Los Angeles, I thought I understood bad traffic.
Bogotá may actually be worse.
Choosing the right neighborhood can make a significant difference.
Close to El Dorado International Airport
One of Modelia’s biggest advantages is its proximity to Bogotá’s main airport.
After arriving late in the evening, it was comforting to know we only had a short ride to our Airbnb.
Likewise, when it came time to leave Bogotá, getting back to the airport was simple and stress-free.
For travelers with:
- Early flights
- Late arrivals
- Short stays
- Business trips
this convenience alone makes Modelia worth considering.
Easy Access to Connecta 26
Another reason we liked the area was its proximity to the Connecta district.
During our stay, we spent time around Connecta 26 and were pleasantly surprised.
The area felt modern, organized, and active without feeling overwhelming.
We found:
- Restaurants
- Coffee shops
- Coworking spaces
- Office buildings
- Students
- Professionals
The atmosphere felt very different from the historic center of Bogotá.
It had a modern, business-oriented energy that we enjoyed.
A Residential Feel
One thing I appreciated about Modelia was that it felt like a neighborhood where people actually live.
Instead of being surrounded entirely by tourists, we were able to experience a more local side of Bogotá.
Walking around the area, we saw:
- Families
- Local restaurants
- Small businesses
- Neighborhood parks
- Daily life unfolding naturally
For me, those experiences are often just as interesting as major tourist attractions.
Our Airbnb Experience
One of the reasons the neighborhood left such a positive impression was the Airbnb itself.
The apartment was comfortable, well located, and included breakfast.
That may sound like a small detail, but having a good breakfast before dealing with appointments and navigating a city the size of Bogotá made a noticeable difference.
It also gave us a chance to start each day without feeling rushed.
Restaurants and Food Options
One thing that surprised me about Modelia was the number of dining options within walking distance of where we were staying.
The neighborhood had a lively restaurant and bar area that became one of our favorite places to spend an evening after a day of appointments and sightseeing. The atmosphere was relaxed, with a mix of local residents, families, and visitors enjoying the restaurants and outdoor seating areas.
During our stay, we enjoyed several meals there. One of the highlights was a seafood restaurant called La Ceviche, where I had an excellent fish dish that stood out as one of my favorite meals of the trip. We also discovered another restaurant serving some surprisingly good chicken wings, proving that you don’t need to venture into Bogotá’s more famous dining districts to find quality food.
What I appreciated most was the convenience. After spending the day navigating Bogotá, it was nice to leave the Airbnb and have multiple restaurants, bars, and cafés just a short walk away.
For travelers staying in Modelia, this dining area adds another reason to consider the neighborhood as a base. It offers enough variety to keep meals interesting without needing to jump in an Uber every time you’re hungry.
Safety and Comfort
Safety is always a topic travelers ask about when visiting Bogotá.
As with any major city, common sense is important.
During our time in Modelia, however, we felt comfortable walking around during the day and evening.
The neighborhood felt residential, active, and generally well maintained.
Of course, every traveler’s experience may differ, but Modelia gave us a positive first impression.
Is Modelia a Good Choice for First-Time Visitors?
The answer depends on your goals.
If your primary focus is:
- Museums
- Historic attractions
- Nightlife
- Walking tours
you may prefer La Candelaria or Chapinero.
However, if you value:
- Airport convenience
- Less travel time
- Residential atmosphere
- Modern services
- Practicality
Modelia becomes a very attractive option.
For our trip, it was exactly what we needed.
What I Liked Most About Modelia
More than anything else, I appreciated the convenience. I also want to give a shout out to my Airbnb unit and their hospitality. I’ll definitely consider that location on a return visit. Breakfast was included. Yes….Airbnb.
Bogotá is enormous.
Anything that reduces travel time is valuable.
By staying in Modelia, we were able to focus on our appointments, enjoy the neighborhood, and still access other parts of the city when we wanted to explore.
The location simply worked.
Final Thoughts on Staying in Modelia Bogotá
Modelia may never become Bogotá’s most famous tourist neighborhood, and that’s perfectly fine.
In many ways, that’s part of its appeal.
For travelers looking for a practical, comfortable, and convenient base near the airport and Connecta district, Modelia offers a great balance between local life and accessibility.
Our stay there made navigating Bogotá much easier, and if I found myself returning for a similar trip, I would seriously consider staying there again.
Sometimes the best neighborhood isn’t the one everyone talks about.
Sometimes it’s simply the one that fits your needs.
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