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) form part of Cartagena’s Old City walls, positioned between Santa Clara and Santa Catalina forts. Originally built as dungeons in the late 1700s, with bombproof chambers and 47 porticos, these thick-walled spaces served successively as Spanish military storage, 19th-century prison cells (where seawater flooded inmates at high tide), and later as republican garrisons. Today, the vaults house 23 shops selling Colombian crafts and souvenirs. While most stalls offer similar Cartagena-themed items, you also find handmade artisan works like wall hangings and sculptures by local artists. The arched passageways, now shaded by ancient porticos, make for a distinctive shopping experience with Caribbean Sea views from the upper levels.

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