Bogotá

Every weekend, the sweet little village of Usaquén on the city's edge hosts a flea market. So many beautiful things to decorate your house or to gift to friends back home: blankets, ponchos, pictures, jewellery, antique kitchen stuff, purses, personalised leather bags and famous Colombian mochilas — the list goes on and on. Cash is king. The flea market is a major attraction for tourists and locals. Numerous cafes and restaurants have sprung up in the area, serving traditional Colombian dishes as well as international cuisine.

The Paloquemao Fruit Market is a large local farmers' market with an indoor hall selling fresh fruits and vegetables, meat and fish, fragrant flowers and lush plants. Come here solo or as part of a guided tour and taste the exotic flavour of Colombia, surrounded by the atmosphere of authenticity.

Wilborada is one of the best places in town if you like books, bookshops or libraries. It is a house full of books — charming, simple and nothing pretentious. You can have a specialty coffee here and immediately dive into the book you just bought. There is a small shelf by the entrance dedicated to books in English.

The Andino shopping mall located in the upscale El Retiro neighbourhood of Bogotá. Apart from 205 stores, people flock here for multiplex cinema and a big food court with excellent restaurants.

TLB Records is a compact record store in Chapinero. Street art covers the walls, and some Saturdays you may find DJs playing themed sets for a small crowd of dancing patrons. Stop by to pick up new or used records by big names as well as smaller Afro-Colombian albums

Artesanías de Colombia is a chain of classy shops that sells higher-end artisanal craft items like decorative home accessories, bags, toys, hammocks and some clothing. A big portion of profits is guaranteed to be received by the artisans who live in village communities all over Colombia.

Pasaje Rivas is an energetic passageway with numerous stalls that sell homewares, clothing, artwork and all sorts of artisanal goods. You are certain to find something to take home with you, be that art or something for your kitchen.