Bogota Shopping Tour (Self Guided), Bogota

The Pasaje Rivas is the oldest marketplace in Bogota, with more than 120 years of history. Not actually a centre, it is rather a labyrinth of narrow passageways and crooked corridors, where you can find loads of crafts, handmade furniture, dishes, hammocks, ruanas, leather clothes and pieces made of bamboo, all at really low prices. Pasaje Rivas is not considered very touristy, but it is very authentic to Bogota, where bargaining is acceptable. The Passage is located in the middle of the block, at the intersection of Carrera 10 and Calle 10.

Colombia is one of the biggest producers of emeralds and there is an entire district in the very heart of Bogota where the trade of emeralds is mostly active, from the finest luxury store to sometimes illegal street merchants. The Emerald district is located along Avenida Jimenez, between Carrera 5 and 7. The district is very crowded and has many resellers, trading the green gems cheaply and buying from the street; this might be tricky and unsafe, as it is possible to buy a fake. At least, make sure you have an emerald expert with you. Their informal trading point is at the intersection of Avenida Jimenez and Carrera 7. But it's always safer to buy in the nearby stores, where they provide you with a certificate of authentication. There is an Emerald Trade Center located at the intersection of Avenida Jimenez and Carrera 5, where emerald "brokers" gather for everyday deals, and where several certificated emerald boutiques are located.

La Casona del Museo is the most famous treasure shop in Bogota. Located in front of the Gold Museum, it is situated in an old, two-storey colonial building, recently renovated, which is now part of a cultural and architectural heritage. On the first floor of this mini-mall you can buy gold, silver and emerald items, golden replicas of pre-Columbian golden artifacts exposed in a nearby museum, jewelry and other precious souvenirs. On the second floor there are more paintings, pottery, ceramics, leather clothing and wood artwork. The house has a very pleasant patio that houses le Café de la Fuente, with a very friendly atmosphere and always fresh, delicious coffee and chocolate. It is open Monday through Sunday from 9 am to 7 pm.

The Galeria Artesanal de Colombia is the best shopping gallery in Bogota, with more than 80 shops, all dedicated to Colombian souvenirs and handicrafts. Located right across the Gold Museum, this red-wall gallery has very attractive shop windows. Everything here bears an authentic and recognizable design. You might find traditional Colombian clothes and accessories, original pottery from souvenirs to ready-to-use in the kitchen, various home decorations, leather items and even some local delicacies such as coffee, honey and cane sugar products and various Colombian sweets.

Operation hours: Monday - Saturday: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm; Sunday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

The Santander Plaza is more of a flea market in the centre of the business city. There are street stalls selling traditional souvenirs, pottery, art crafts, coffee bags, chivas, models of patios of typical Colombian houses, ponchos and even some replicas of "gold" artifacts. The prices aren't high and you can buy almost anything for under $5. As it is surrounded by midsize highrises and various colonial buildings, the park itself is always very crowded and busy with tourists and office workers. The Santander Plaza is located right across the Gold Museum and is middled by the statue of Francisco de Paula Santander, a Colombian political leader during the War of Independence.

Centro Colombiano de Artesanias is a shopping gallery dedicated to Colombian souvenirs and crafts. Located right across the imposing Beaux-Arts Jorge Eliécer Gaitán Theater, this is one of the most popular souvenir spots that offers dozens of little boutiques virtually packed with national garments, hats, bags, jewelery, baskets, musical instruments, CDs with national music and many more. Centro Colombiano de Artesanias is a must visit in the San Diego neighbourhood.

Galeria Artesanal Colombia Linda is an another shopping gallery located in the San Diego neighbourhood. Housed on the first floor of a historic building, practically next door to the famous Terazza Pasteur, the shop-spot will surprise with a good selection of Colombian souvenirs and local specialties, like coffee and local sweets. You can discover very good accessories such as bags, hats, belts and a good deal of Colombian craftwork and paintings.

Operation hours: Monday - Sunday: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm.

The San Anjelo Flea Market is the biggest in Bogota flea marketplace, held every Sunday in the parking lot next to the Modern Art Museum of Bogota and Torre Colpatria. The market is always crowded and usually starts at 7 am and is over around 2 pm. It has many surprises to offer, so be prepared to browse through stalls of antiques, vintage home decorations, bronze crafts, toys, vintage fashions, pottery, collectibles, miniatures, bikes, plates, furniture, uncountable accessories for all possible occasions and even coca leaf products. The prices are good and the bargains enticing, which make it an exceptional "hunting" experience.