Shopping · Bogotá · Colombia
Shopping in Bogotá
Shopping streets, markets and souvenirs worth the suitcase space.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Msorel, Public domain
Quick answer
Bogotá is Colombia's main shopping city, with large malls in the north, design boutiques in Usaquén and Chapinero, and crafts and emeralds in the centre. Best souvenirs: Colombian coffee, Emeralds and Ruana.
Key facts
- Shopping areas
- 3
- Markets
- 3
- Top souvenir
- Colombian coffee
Where to shop
Zona Rosa malls
Andino, El Retiro and Atlantis malls cluster around Calle 82 with international and Colombian brands.
Usaquén
Design shops and boutiques around the old square, plus the Sunday flea market.
Emerald district
Dealers trade emeralds around Avenida Jiménez and Carrera 7 near the Museo del Oro; buy only from established jewellers with certificates.
Markets
Usaquén flea market
Sunday crafts, jewellery and street food around the colonial square.
Paloquemao
Fresh fruit, flowers and food at the city's largest market.
Pasaje Rivas
A traditional market near the centre selling baskets, hammocks, ceramics and household crafts.
What to buy
Colombian coffee
Beans from specialty roasters, often labelled by region and farm.
Emeralds
Colombia produces many of the world's emeralds; buy with a certificate from a reputable jeweller.
Ruana
A wool poncho from the Boyacá highlands, ideal for Bogotá's cold evenings.
Gold-replica jewellery
Replicas of pre-Hispanic designs from the Museo del Oro shop.
Wayuu mochilas
Colourful crocheted bags made by Wayuu women from La Guajira.
Streets and markets worth a wander
Market · Usaquén
Usaquén Sunday flea market
Every Sunday the streets around Usaquén's colonial square fill with stalls selling crafts, jewellery, leather, antiques and street food.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Shopping
- Food
- Free
- Kids
Market · Paloquemao
Plaza de Mercado de Paloquemao
Bogotá's largest fresh market sells dozens of tropical fruits, vegetables, meat, fish and herbs, with a flower section that is busiest early in the morning.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Food
- Photo spot
- Shopping
Market · La Macarena
Plaza de Mercado La Perseverancia
A small traditional market in a working-class neighbourhood next to La Macarena, known for its lunch counters run by cooks serving ajiaco, sancocho, tamales and other Colombian dishes at shared tables.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- Food
Food and drink to take home
Edible souvenirs travel best when they are dry or sealed: consider Chocolate santafereño, Almojábanas and pandebono, Aguapanela and Chicha. Historic cafés in La Candelaria and bakeries across the city, especially in the afternoon. Check your home country's rules on bringing food and drink back.
Shopping by neighbourhood
| Area | Price level | Character |
|---|---|---|
| La Candelaria | $ | Colonial old town of museums, churches, street art and hostels below the Eastern Hills |
| La Macarena | $$ | Bohemian hillside neighbourhood of galleries and small restaurants above the bullring |
| Chapinero | $$ | Large, mixed district of cafés, bars, universities and the city's LGBTQ+ scene |
| Zona G | $$$ | Compact 'gourmet zone' of restaurants on leafy streets around Calle 69 |
| Zona Rosa and Zona T | $$$ | Pedestrian streets of bars, clubs, malls and international hotels around Calle 82 |
| Parque 93 | $$$$ | Smart residential area around a manicured park with restaurant terraces |
| Usaquén | $$$ | Former colonial village in the north with a Sunday flea market and restaurants |
Paying and bargaining
Prices are in COP. Restaurants usually add a voluntary 10% service charge; pay it if you were happy with the service. Tip guides and porters, and round up taxi fares.
- Be patient in queues; locals queue carefully at banks, shops and bus stops.
When to shop
Shops and markets are quietest in January, May and September–November; the busiest months are the peak holidays.
- March: Festival Estéreo Picnic — music festival (usually March or April)
- April: FILBo — Bogotá International Book Fair (usually late April to early May)
- August: Festival de Verano — free events and concerts around Simón Bolívar Park (usually August)
- December: Christmas lights in parks and along main avenues (December)
Staying near the shops
$$$ · Best for first-timers, nightlife, shopping and luxury
Zona Rosa and Zona T
Pedestrian streets of bars, clubs, malls and international hotels around Calle 82
Questions travellers ask
+What should I buy in Bogotá?
Colombian coffee, Emeralds, Ruana and Gold-replica jewellery.
+Where is the best shopping in Bogotá?
Zona Rosa malls: Andino, El Retiro and Atlantis malls cluster around Calle 82 with international and Colombian brands.
+What are the best markets in Bogotá?
Usaquén flea market, Paloquemao and Pasaje Rivas.