The Classic Culture of Colombia: A Unique Blend of Architecture and Food
As an urban resident of Colombia’s capital city, Bogotá, you might not think much about the nation’s classic culture in comparison to its contemporary culture—but that’s your loss! The classic culture of Colombia can be found in every nook and cranny of the country, even if it’s not always obvious at first glance. From the architecture and artwork to the traditional recipes and customs, this long-standing culture has shaped Colombia into what it is today: a must-see destination with plenty of cultural activities to keep you busy!
Colombian Cuisine

Traditional Colombian food is often served with arepas (cornbread), rice, beans, and plantains. Popular dishes include the national dish of bandeja paisa, which is a platter of meat, rice, beans, avocado, and plantain; sancocho, a soup made with chicken or beef; and arroz con pollo, a chicken and rice dish.
Because Colombian culture is so closely tied to its people’s identity, many cultural festivals are also food-related. All over Colombia, you can find more ways to experience its classic culture firsthand. Wander through an art museum or stop for dinner at a local restaurant that serves typical dishes like ceviche or bandeja paisa.
The Colombian food culture is rich in color and flavor as well as language. It offers colorful murals painted on buildings, restaurants serving traditional foods such as ceviche and bandeja paisa, music being played in different languages all around the country, dance styles including salsa, merengue, and bachata originating from this nation.
Supper in Colombia

Colombia is home to a unique blend of architecture and food. The country’s rich history is reflected in its buildings, which range from colonial to modern. And its cuisine is a delicious mix of indigenous, Spanish, and African influences. One classic dish worth sampling is Bandeja Paisa, a plate that includes rice, beans, fried plantains, beef steak and fried egg. Other Colombian favorites include chicken soup with avocado slices; grilled meats; seafood stew with yuca or plantain; and patacones (fried green plantains).
Celebrations in Colombia

From the moment you arrive in Colombia, it’s clear that this is a country with a rich and vibrant culture. The streets are lined with colorful paintings, and the people are always celebrating something. Whether it’s a national holiday or just a local festival, there’s always something to enjoy in Colombia. And of course, no discussion of Colombian culture would be complete without mentioning the food. From arepas to empanadas to platanos fritos, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So if you’re looking for a truly unique cultural experience, be sure to add Colombia to your list of must-visit destinations.
Just about every part of life in Colombia is a celebration. You can enjoy live music at any time, from classical performances to salsa dancing in popular clubs. No party would be complete without plenty of guacamole, queso frito (fried cheese) or pan de bono (literally bread with cheese, but it’s a cross between a croissant and an arepa). When you visit Barranquilla, be sure to try one of these local favorites. And no matter where you are in the country, there’s always some type of festival going on that celebrates local culture or history.
From national holidays like Independence Day, celebrated every July 20th, to local festivals in every town, there’s always an excuse to enjoy a party. Be sure to check out some local festivals when you’re traveling throughout Colombia. There are plenty of opportunities for visitors who want to enjoy authentic culture in each region. And if you can’t make it to any celebrations, never fear! There are plenty of stores and restaurants that sell specialty foods from each region. If you want to be immersed in Colombian culture while you’re on vacation, look no further than your plate!
Coffee culture in Colombia

In Colombia, coffee isn’t just a drink–it’s a way of life. The country is famous for its rich, flavorful coffee, and its citizens take great pride in their coffee-making traditions. If you’re lucky enough to visit Colombia, you’ll quickly see that coffee culture is an important part of the country’s identity. From the way the coffee is grown and harvested to the way it’s prepared and served, everything about Colombian coffee culture is unique. And of course, no visit to Colombia would be complete without trying some of the country’s delicious coffee for yourself!
Since coffee has always been such an important part of daily life in Colombia, it’s no surprise that there are many different ways to drink it. Some people drink their coffee black, but many more like to add flavors to their coffee. One popular way to make coffee is to add a syrup made from evaporated milk; another is by adding cinnamon and clove for an unusual taste that’s sure to wake you up! Another popular coffee variety in Colombia is known as Moka or Gusto Crema, which can be prepared several different ways. The usual preparation involves pouring Colombian ground beans into a special device called a moka (named after its creator), which resembles a giant teapot with two chambers separated by a thin metal membrane.
The arts in Colombia

From the 16th to the 19th centuries, Spanish Colonial architecture was prominent in what is now Colombia. After independence, a variety of architectural styles began to paintings the country’s cities. In recent years, traditional Colombian food has become more popular with tourists. The classic dishes are often a blend of indigenous, Spanish, and African influences.
Colombia’s vibrant capital city, Bogotá, is home to a wide range of museums. One well-known museum is El Museo de Oro (or The Gold Museum). Founded in 1826, it features more than 45,000 pieces from Latin America’s pre-Hispanic period. Another place not to miss is Casa Nariño. Dating back to 1740, it once belonged to a prominent general in the War of Independence (1810–1830) who fought alongside Simón Bolívar. In addition to beautiful décor and breathtaking views over Bogotá’s streets, it also holds colonial artefacts like colonial furniture and religious paintings as well as personal possessions that belonged to Simón Bolívar himself. What makes this house truly special, however, is its secret annex: a hidden room where Simón Bolívar lived during his stay in Bogotá and which he used for storing his most precious belongings.