11 Best Shopping in The Caribbean Coast, Colombia

Abaco Libros y Cafe

Centro

Sometimes all you need is a cup of coffee and a good book—picked from shelves and shelves full of books. Abaco delivers this and more, all with friendly service and a great ambience and a background of soft jazz. Quality coffee or an icy coco lemonade will help you beat the heat, and an excellent, well-curated selection of primarily Spanish-language books (as befits a classy little independent bookstore) stimulates in other ways. Nevertheless, this store offers a great opportunity to learn more about the city or take home a copy of one of "Gabo's" masterpieces.

Agua Bendita

Centro

Beautifully crafted bikinis and beachwear for men and women from local designers with international acclaim—including Catalina Alvarez and Mariana Hinestroza—are sold in this cool boutique. It's a perfect destination if you are looking to take home a touch of Caribbean color or to kit yourself out for a trip to the islands.

Café San Alberto

Centro

If you're in Colombia, why not bring back coffee? Family-owned San Alberto is a premium brand, and the whole beans and ground coffee sold at this café makes a handsome gift. For a fee, you can even get a coffee "baptism," an informative introduction to coffee and how to assess it that also includes a tasting; reserve in advance.

Recommended Fodor's Video

Casa Chiqui

Centro

For those who can't resist bringing a little treasure home from their holiday, Casa Chiqui is a must-visit. Owner Chiqui de Echavarria has gathered an eclectic and tempting collection of exotica and decor items from all over the world: Vietnam to Afghanistan to Mexico and many places in-between. Although the list of local products isn't the most extensive, they are all top-quality. Look out for colorful Barranquilla carnival masks, dark polished ceramics, and stunning Werregue woven baskets.

Centro Artesanal Cultural

An informal bazaar with dozens of stalls selling a range of local crafts.

Joyería Caribe

Bocagrande

Colombia is famous for its emeralds, and this jewelry store, factory, and museum in Bocagrande lets you learn and shop in one visit. Behind its unprepossessing gates, Caribe has an informative free small museum covering the geology and history of emeralds. The shop displays jewelry in gold and silver at many prices, including some spectacular treasures; you can also order custom pieces. With an advance reservation, you can take a hands-on jewelry-making class ($90).

Joyería Ginna

Some of the finest filigree work can be found in this little shop with a good reputation.

Onda del Mar

Centro

A luxury Colombian swimwear brand, renowned for its style, originality, and quality is located in the historic center and with an additional boutique in the Sofitel Santa Clara and the mall in Bocagrande. The beautiful bags and accessories make an easy and impressive gift to take back home.

Silvia Tcherassi

Centro

Miami-based, Colombian-born designer Silvia Tcherassi is a powerful force in Latin American fashion with her bold designs for women. Her store in the walled city is a good place to get a look at her latest creations.

St. Dom

Centro

White walls and a white floor set off the exquisitely stylish fashions at this well-curated boutique showcasing locally designed men's, women's, and children's clothing, along with jewelry, shoes, and some home items. St. Dom is visually stunning, and prices are high, but so is the quality.

Taller y Joyería Orvilla Hermanos

A long-established craftsman in Mompox, Juan Carlos Ortiz Villanueva produces some of the highest quality items in both silver and gold.

The Caribbean Coast

Recommended Fodor's Video

Follow Us

Thank you for your interest!