Bazurto Market

While seasoned travellers may venture into Cartagena's gritty Bazurto Market on their own, those not yet toughened by locals-only markets of the region may prefer to explore as part of a guided tour. This sprawling market, where trade starts before the crack of dawn, features incredibly fresh produce and seafood from Cartagena and beyond; much of it makes its way to the tables of local fine dining establishments within the space of the same day. There is plenty to look at and taste, including local street food and multiple succulent varieties of tropical fruit you're unlikely to have encountered before.

• Address:

  Avenida Pedro De Heredia, Cartagena

• Opening hours:

  Daily 4am–9pm

Casa Chiqui

The brainchild of one well-traveled Colombian socialite, Casa Chiqui is an experience as much as it is a store. The indoor space and plant-deluged courtyard pack a punch with an extensive collection of items handpicked by the owner on her many travels; wares range from Moroccan tajines to oriental rugs and pillow cases, all in impeccable taste.

• Web:

  casachiqui.com

• Address:

  Carrera 6 #36-127, Cartagena

• Phone:

  +57 5 668 54 29

Centenario Park

The Centenario Park is not only a lush urban park that is home to countless rescue animals — monkeys, iguanas and even sloths! On the eastern side you'll find a row of stalls selling souvenirs, books, crafts and practical items like Panama hats and sunglasses.

• Address:

  Parque Centenario, Media, Cartagena

La Serrezuela

La Serrezuela inside the Walled City is a lovingly restored bullfighting ring that now functions as a shopping mall. Stores and cafes are arranged along the five storey wooden ring. The top floor hosts an upscale food court with fantastic views of Cartagena.

• Web:

  www.plazalaserrezuela.com

• Address:

  Carrera 11 ##39-21, Cartagena

• Phone:

  +57 5 642 17 95

Plaza de Las Bóvedas

Las Bóvedas (The Vaults) are a structure in the Old City of Cartagena in Colombia, attached to the walls. The Caribbean Sea is visible from the top of the structure. They were built as dungeons. They are located between the forts of Santa Clara and Santa Catalina. Structure The cells in the dungeon now house shops, boutiques and other businesses along the stout walls protecting the old city of Cartagena, Colombia.[1] The arcades deep in the walls were designed as storage vaults but were used as prison cells during the civil wars in the 19th century; at high tide, the unfortunate internees were up to their knees in seawater. The 23 bombproof vaults were built between 1789 and 1795, based on Antonio de Arebalo's design. The 47 porticos were completed in 1798. The vaults were used by the Spanish Crown as a garrison, the same purpose used by patriot and republican forces.[2] Today, Las Bóvedas is a popular tourist attraction because of its traditional Colombian merchandise and vast array of souvenirs. Stock up on T-shirts, hats and shoulder bags at this series of small shops located on the eastern side of the Old City. Built as storage vaults in the 18th century, these dungeon-like spaces were also used to house prisoners during several different battles in that era. Sitting under the shade of an ancient portico, it’s an iconic place to do some shopping. Most of the 23 different shops sell the same Cartagena-oriented souvenirs, but about halfway down the line, you will find Tienda Escuelas Taller, where handmade artisan items including wall hangings and sculptures from local artists are on display.

Portal de los Dulces

Portal de los Dulces is, indeed, something of a portal to the world of Colombian sweets. Vendors here specialise in and peddle all manner of dessert, with table displays set up all along this particular stretch of arcade in Plaza de Los Coches. Many of the wares feature coconut in some form ('cocada', available in multiple flavours, and the colourful 'cubanito' rolls are among the most popular). If in doubt, try one of the pre-assembled "tasting sets".

• Address:

  Plaza de Los Coches, Ciudad Amurallada, Cartagena