Love Shopping, Explore These Places In Cartagena

After long days on the beach and longer nights in the club, visitors to Cartagena might require some retail therapy just for a change of pace. Luckily, Cartagena is a shopper’s paradise.

Not only are there fashion boutiques everywhere, but Cartagena is also a great place to pick up some of Colombia’s famed crafts and products. Here are the top 5 places to get your shopping fix in the city known as the Queen of the Caribbean.

* La Serrezuela

A historic bullfighting ring lovingly restored and transformed into a mall, La Serrezuela is one of the architectural marvels of Cartagena’s historic walled Old City, where visitors spend most of their time. Five floors of boutique shops surround the ancient wooden ring, which now serves as a performance space, while an upscale food court and a series of terraces with views over the city are located on the top floor. Grab a coffee at Café Quindío before stopping by Artensenias de Colombia on the third floor, where they showcase high-quality woven products fro

* Plaza de Las Bóvedas

Stock up on T-shirts, hats and shoulder bags at this series of small shops located on the eastern side of the Old City. Built as storage vaults in the 18th century, these dungeon-like spaces were also used to house prisoners during several different battles in that era. Sitting under the shade of an ancient portico, it’s an iconic place to do some shopping. Most of the 23 different shops sell the same Cartagena-oriented souvenirs, but about halfway down the line, you will find Tienda Escuelas Taller, where handmade artisan items including wall hangings and sculptures from local artists are on display.

* Mercado Bazurto

Chaotic, grimy and bursting with life, the Bazurto Market is not for the faint of heart. But for those looking for deals, nothing can beat it. Located outside of the Old City, this massive local market has both a food section, where fresh fish is brought in by fishermen in the morning and produce is stacked up to the ceiling, and a large clothing and home products area. Find swimming trunks, flip flops, bikinis and everything else you will ever need for a Cartagena vacation all in one place. And all for dirt cheap too – especially if your bargaining skills are top notch.

* Abaco Libros y Cafe

From full-color coffee table books brimming with the vibrant sights of Cartagena to English language novels – Albaco is your one-stop shop for books in Cartagena. The hip bookstore also has an onsite café, so you can sip, browse and hang out for a while. Buy that Gabriel Garcia Márquez novel you always meant to read or check out a full guidebook to Colombia; Cartagena is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to one of the most biodiverse countries on earth.

* Tienda Beatriz Camacho

Cartagena is the kind of place that makes people want to dress to impress. To check out a selection of some stylish tropical dresses and other women’s fashion, stop by the boutique of Beatriz Camacho. One of Colombia’s top designers, Camacho specializes in the kind of bright, light and flowing styles that match so perfectly with Cartagena’s chic charm.