Plaza Botero
📍 Address: Cl. 52 #52-43, La Candelaria, Medellín, La Candelaria, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
Located in Medellín’s city center (El Centro), ‘Plaza Botero’ is a highlight of Medellín tourism, an open-air square featuring 23 colossal bronze sculptures donated by Fernando Botero, Colombia’s renowned international artist. The plump, charming ‘fat’ sculptures are constantly surrounded by tourists and locals capturing photos.
Here, travelers should pay attention to the numerous street vendors and stalls roaming the square. Miniature replica sculptures mimicking genuine Botero works, magnets, and keychains are crammed together, perfect for finding bulk souvenirs. Many also sell colorful Colombian friendship bracelets and ‘sombreros’ (hats). If approached, don’t miss the chance to haggle over prices (negotiating a bit in Spanish is the local way) – it’s part of the fun. For high-quality official merchandise, a visit to the gift shop inside the ‘Museo de Antioquia,’ facing the square, is recommended.
However, a common pitfall for travelers is ‘safety.’ The El Centro district is particularly prone to pickpocketing and muggings in Medellín. It’s dangerous to walk with your smartphone in your pocket or a valuable camera dangling unguarded around your neck. Don’t get too absorbed in shopping; always keep your belongings clasped in front of your body, and we strongly recommend limiting your visit to daylight hours when the atmosphere is brighter.
Comuna 13 Tour
📍 Address: 34cc Carrera 110, Cl 34CC #58 2 a, La Independencia, Medellín, San Javier, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
‘Comuna 13,’ once known as the world’s most dangerous slum, has undergone a dramatic regeneration thanks to the installation of massive outdoor escalators and the power of youth art, transforming it into Medellín’s most vibrant tourist destination. The brick houses densely packed on the mountainside, adorned with colorful murals across every wall, are simply breathtaking. The panoramic view from the top is stunningly beautiful.
For travelers, this is an excellent spot to buy unique ‘street culture’-infused local souvenirs that can’t be found elsewhere. As you ascend the escalators, you’ll find galleries and small souvenir shops lined up, selling graphic T-shirts designed by local artists, neon art, handmade accessories, and more. Frankly, similar items tend to appear in shops the further you go up, but shopping here directly supports the community’s economic independence.
For a deeper, often overlooked experience, we recommend joining a free tour (where you tip at the end) rather than walking alone. Hearing about the prayers for peace embedded in the murals and the raw historical background from a local guide will transform a mere ‘stylish T-shirt’ into a ‘special souvenir with meaning.’ Along the way, enjoy street food like the famous lemon mango ice cream and immerse yourself in the energetic hip-hop dance performances.
Colombian Souvenirs
📍 Address: Dentro de la ESTACION PARQUE BERRIO NORTE, La Candelaria, Medellín, La Candelaria, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
‘Colombian Souvenirs’ is a conveniently located souvenir specialty shop adjacent to/near ‘Parque Berrío’ Metro Station, a major transport hub in downtown Medellín. It’s also just a short walk from the aforementioned Plaza Botero, making it very accessible along a downtown sightseeing route.
For short-term travelers with limited time, the biggest advantage is being able to gather all the classic Colombian souvenirs in one go, without having to visit scattered markets and boutiques around the city. Inside the store and at surrounding stalls, you can find high-quality Colombian coffee beans, ‘Mochila Wayuu’ (Wayuu bags) with beautiful geometric patterns woven by indigenous people, ponchos unique to the Andes region, and ‘Arequipe’ (caramel paste), a popular national sweet for those with a sweet tooth – all practical local items.
A note on shopping: The area around Parque Berrío station is an extremely crowded zone, bustling with people all day long. The moment you exit the station turnstiles, you’re enveloped in an intense local buzz of vendors calling out and street musicians playing. When choosing products, always stay aware of your surroundings, and quickly handle cash and wallet transactions in a safe spot within the store after purchase.
Local Tips for Smart Souvenir Shopping in Colombia
Here are some practical insights travelers should know when purchasing souvenirs in Medellín. First, ‘Wayuu bags (Mochila Wayuu),’ a quintessential Colombian souvenir, can range from a few thousand yen (or equivalent local currency) for cheaper ones, but prices vary greatly depending on the fineness of the weave and the complexity of the design. Street stalls often quote tourist prices (set higher), so it’s recommended to check prices at multiple shops to get a feel for the market before buying.
Also, nowadays, you might occasionally see shops selling T-shirts and merchandise featuring the face of the former drug lord ‘Pablo Escobar.’ However, purchasing and wearing these requires considerable discretion. For many local residents of Medellín, his era is associated with memories of tragic violence, and he is certainly not viewed as a hero. To maintain good relations with the local people, it’s wise to refrain from buying these items, or at least avoid wearing them openly in public.
Finally, payment is primarily in Colombian Pesos cash. While credit cards can be used in large shopping malls and established stores, most street stalls in Plaza Botero and small vendors in Comuna 13 will only accept cash. Carrying plenty of small denominations (10,000 or 20,000 Peso notes) can help avoid issues with change and ensure a smooth shopping experience.
