Shopping · Medellín · Colombia
Shopping in Medellín
Shopping streets, markets and souvenirs worth the suitcase space.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: ALONSOZAR, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Medellín is a fashion and textile centre, with good-value clothing, leather goods and Colombian design. Malls dominate, but downtown's markets and El Poblado boutiques are interesting too. Best souvenirs: Colombian coffee, Carriel bags and Colombian fashion.
Key facts
- Shopping areas
- 3
- Markets
- 2
- Top souvenir
- Colombian coffee
Where to shop
El Tesoro and Santafé malls
Large malls with Colombian and international brands, restaurants and cinemas.
Provenza boutiques
Independent Colombian designers, jewellery and homewares on the leafy streets of Provenza.
El Hueco
A chaotic downtown wholesale district with very low prices on clothing and goods; keep valuables close.
Markets
Mercado del Río
A food hall in a former warehouse near the MAMM, with dozens of stalls.
Mercado de San Alejo
A craft market in Parque Bolívar, traditionally held on the first Saturday of the month.
What to buy
Colombian coffee
Single-origin beans from Antioquia, sold in specialty cafés and supermarkets.
Carriel bags
The traditional leather shoulder bag of the Antioquian muleteers.
Colombian fashion
Swimwear, jeans and activewear from local brands at good prices.
Silleta miniatures
Small replicas of the flower frames carried in the Feria de las Flores.
Aguardiente antioqueño
A bottle of the regional anise-flavoured cane spirit, sold in supermarkets and liquor shops.
Food and drink to take home
Edible souvenirs travel best when they are dry or sealed: consider Arepa paisa, Arepa de chócolo, Buñuelos and Mazamorra. Every bakery, breakfast counter and restaurant. Check your home country's rules on bringing food and drink back.
Shopping by neighbourhood
| Area | Price level | Character |
|---|---|---|
| El Poblado | $$$ | Upscale, leafy hillside district of hotels, malls and the Parque Lleras nightlife |
| Provenza | $$$ | Small grid of tree-lined streets in El Poblado packed with restaurants, cafés and cocktail bars |
| Laureles–Estadio | $$ | Flat, residential district of circular streets, local restaurants and the football stadium |
| Envigado | $$ | Neighbouring town to the south with a traditional main square and paisa restaurants |
| Centro | $ | Downtown streets, markets and museums around Plaza Botero and Parque Berrío |
| Sabaneta | $ | Small municipality at the south of the valley known for its traditional square and fondas |
Paying and bargaining
Prices are in COP. Restaurants usually add a voluntary 10% service charge, which it is customary to pay. Tip tour guides, especially community guides in Comuna 13, and round up taxi fares.
- Use the Metro and a Cívica card rather than taxis for longer trips across the city.
When to shop
Shops and markets are quietest in May and September–October; the busiest months are August and December.
- January: Christmas lights (alumbrados) continue into early January
- July: Colombiamoda fashion fair (usually July)
- July: Festival Internacional de Poesía de Medellín (usually July)
- August: Feria de las Flores — flower festival with the Desfile de Silleteros parade (usually late July to early August)
- November: Christmas lights (alumbrados navideños) switched on (usually late November or early December)
- December: Alumbrados navideños — Christmas light displays along the river and in parks (December)
Staying near the shops
$$$ · Best for food lovers, nightlife, couples and shopping
Provenza
Small grid of tree-lined streets in El Poblado packed with restaurants, cafés and cocktail bars
Questions travellers ask
+What should I buy in Medellín?
Colombian coffee, Carriel bags, Colombian fashion and Silleta miniatures.
+Where is the best shopping in Medellín?
El Tesoro and Santafé malls: Large malls with Colombian and international brands, restaurants and cinemas.
+What are the best markets in Medellín?
Mercado del Río and Mercado de San Alejo.