How Does Sunday & Holiday Hours Work in Colombia?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Americas
1The Quick Answer
Most shops open on Sundays; Sunday markets are often the best day to visit, and Bogotá's famous Ciclovía closes major roads to cars every Sunday morning.
2What You Need to Know
Colombia observes many national public holidays (around 18 per year), during which banks, government offices, and some businesses close. Restaurants and tourist attractions generally remain open on holidays. Sunday is an active, social day — markets, parks, and cultural sites tend to be busiest. Bogotá's Ciclovía every Sunday morning closes major roads to cars from 7am–2pm, creating a massive open-air recreation corridor used by hundreds of thousands of residents.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Check Colombia's public holiday calendar before planning banking or administrative tasks — there are many holidays and banks close completely.
- 2Don't miss Bogotá's Sunday Ciclovía — rent a bike or just walk the 120km of car-free roads; it's one of the best free urban experiences in South America.
- 3Sunday markets like Usaquén flea market in Bogotá are excellent for artisan crafts, antiques, and local food — far more authentic than touristy shops.
How does this compare?
Sunday & Holiday Hours rules in nearby and similar countries:
OXXO and 7-Eleven convenience stores are open 24/7 every day; government offices and banks close on public holidays.
Shopping malls open seven days a week, banks are closed on weekends, and Carnival (February or March) shuts down most of the country for approximately five days.
Most retail is open 7 days a week, but statutory holidays cause significant closures — Boxing Day (December 26) is a major shopping event.
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