Bogota Shopping Trip

Atlantis Plaza, a popular mall in Bogota,Colombia

I love to travel—who doesn’t?—and this year, I made it my mission to visit places I’ve never been to, which led to my first trip to South America a few weeks ago. I'd always been curious about Colombia, but since beaches really aren't my thing, Cartagena, where most tourists go, didn't have much appeal. So I settled on a long weekend in Bogota.

Turns out that the country's capital city is incredibly cosmopolitan and bustling with things to do. You can hang with the locals in the busy historical center of Plaza de Bolivar, discover the city’s exciting, burgeoning contemporary art scene in the gallery-friendly La Macarena neighborhood or take on a scenic birds-eye-view of town from the city’s famed mountain, Monserrate.

But if you’re like me, you live by the mantra that to live like a local is to shop like a local. And in fact, this South American metropolis has quite the varied money-spending landscape. From its endless supply of malls to bustling flea markets, we give you the lowdown on where to drop your pesos in Bogota.

(left: El Retiro Mall)

Malls

There are roughly 10 malls within city limits, including the country’s two largest. Like malls everywhere, Bogota’s shopping centers are packed with locals and boast a wide selection of international high street brands in addition to national companies. Hit up Colombian brand Bosi for men’s and women’s shoes and accessories, or design shop Inkanta for your pick of slick pens, water bottles, laptop cases and vases from all over the world. A trip to one of the city’s higher-end complexes like Andino or Retiro in the Zona Rosa nabe will lead you to Max Mara’s Weekend boutique (there isn’t one in the U.S.) and popular Colombian swimwear label Onda da Mer's flagships.

Santa Ana Mall

Emerald

Colombia is one of the world’s premier emerald exporters, and no one there plans to let you forget it. While there are plenty of jewelry shops in the malls, if you're looking for an heirloom piece, find your way to the International Emerald Foundation Museum.  In addition to its stunning collection of emeralds on display, the museum also sells some of the pieces it has curated. And if you have a specific style in mind that isn’t available in the building, the museum can use its vast network of emerald distributors to find or make it for you.  

Images of emeralds from the Emerald Museum

Leather

Colombia is known for its leathers, so it’s no surprise that most of the capital city's commercial spots are littered with cowhide retail outposts. But if its a truly intense leather-shopping experience you’re after, head to Siete de Agosto neighborhood of the Barrios Unidos district, where you’ll be spoiled for choice, as the streets here are lined with storefront after storefront packed to the gills with leather jackets, luggage, briefcases and vests. Don't be afraid to haggle on price, and consider having custom-made pieces whipped up by the local artisans (most shops at Siete de Agosto will take orders). 

Leather shops in the Siete de Agosto neighborhood

Flea Markets

On Sundays, Bogotanos ride their bikes on temporarily auto-free Seventh Avenue on their way to an outdoor aerobics class at Parque National and then head to the massive flea market in Usaquén. This affluent northern neighborhood is famed for its colonial-style housing and chi-chi restaurant and bars, but on Sundays, the outdoor flea market is the toast of town for locals and travelers alike. In both large, open expanses and small side streets, vendors sell silk-screened neckties, antique plates and Peruvian wool sweaters, vintage plastic-framed reading glasses, traditional hand-knit crossbody satchels, botanical candles, replicas of famed Colombian artist Fernando Botero’s work and even decades-old photographs of the city. Usaquén’s outdoor shopping gallery is as great a spot for picking up one-of-a-kind tchotkes as it is for people watching: keep an eye out for guitar-wielding buskers, well-heeled fashionistas, gabbing post-mass revelers and enthusiastic street performers.

The Usaquén flea market

If you can’t jet to Bogota for a South American spending spree, check out these eBay listings for an authentic Colombian shopping experience that won’t require a passport.

Roll over items for details

Authentic Colombian Bag

Colombian Handmade Bag

Anthropologie Ondademar Bit of Sun Bikini

(buy it now price, $59)

Top Colombian Green Emerald

(starting bid, $79.99)

Fernando Botero Hand Bronze Sculpture

(buy it now price, $374.25)