Bogota - Post Report Question and Answers
Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Yes! All of the above. Calle de Anticuarios is the fancy street here with a lot of Colombian women’s designer brands. Local malls also have a lot of options, along with ferias (festivals) certain times of year. Corferias Expoartesanias is hosted in December each year and is the most remarkable exhibition of local crafts (furniture, jewelry, clothing, etc.). There were not great Colombian men’s designers, but we did find a great tailor that made gorgeous custom suits, blazers, pants, and a tux for my husband. Open San Felipe is an open house for the art district hosted several times a year that’s also worth visiting. For local crafts and souvenirs, Mercado de las Pulgas in Usaquen on holidays and weekends and markets in La Candelaria (including a covered market right across the street from the Museo del Oro) are excellent options. Cachivaches is like Colombian Pier 1 and also has beautiful homewares (we have pillows, table runners, hand oven ornaments, napkin ring holders, etc. we love from there). - May 2024
It's known for emeralds, excellent quality coffee beans, some artisanal artwork, unique interior design pieces. - Aug 2023
I have not found anything amazing here yet. Usaquen Sunday market is pretty cool for handicrafts. - Feb 2021
Woven handbags are a standout. - Jul 2020
In November/December there is a huge craft show at the convention center with artisans from all over the country and some other countries too. It's not to be missed. Hand made baskets, natural fiber rugs, pottery.... - Feb 2020
Not really, although there's an annual artisan fair in December that has a lot of great products, and many people get furniture made here. - Nov 2018
You can find many handicrafts and artwork around Bogotá. There's a great art expo in December. - Sep 2018
You can get beautiful handmade things here, e.g., furniture, leather goods (shoes/bags, etc), handmade woven bags or things for the home, etc. Lots of local artists: the market in Usaquen is a good place to find things. - Aug 2018
Yes, lots of artwork, furniture and handicrafts are available. - May 2018
Emeralds, mochillas, leather products. Custom made furniture, shoes, and jackets. - Apr 2016
You can find good arts and crafts that are uniquely Colombian. - Aug 2015
Emeralds. Purses. There is an artisan fair every December at Corferias which is amazing. - Jun 2014
Flowers, leather goods, glassware, grilled meats, pottery, furniture, and custom-made boots! - May 2013
Cow hides and leather - Oct 2012
We haven't bought much. Our biggest splurges here have been on in-country travel. - Jul 2012
Lots of personal services. - Apr 2012
I've found a few unique little things, but nothing to write home about. - Dec 2011
Artwork, furniture (rustic), molas, mochillas and more! - Jul 2011
Emeralds (if youhave money) and cofee. - Nov 2010
NOTHING. IT'S ALL CRAP. - Aug 2010
Great handicrafts, textiles, etc. - especially at the yearly craft fair at Corferias in December. Also trips around Colombia; air tickets are expensive within the country. - Aug 2010
Local handicrafts. - Aug 2010
Emeralds, coffee, flowers and furniture. - Jun 2010
Good crafts - though not as diverse as in Peru thanks to the armed conflict. Very nice picture frames of good wood, sold in the market in Usaquen. Furniture. - Jan 2010
Art from Ecuador and Peru (or the border region). - Dec 2008
Emeralds, leather goods, art, coffee. - Nov 2008
Leather, emeralds. - Nov 2008
HA! For a person who has never lived overseas, especially in Asia, maybe they'd go nuts buying wood items, bedroom suites etc but if you've been anywhere else in the world, nothing here you have to have. - May 2008
Wooden furniture, Coffee and leather boots. Colombia is famous for its beautiful emeralds but they are very expensive. - Apr 2008
