Las Bóvedas
Historic 18th-century dungeons transformed into a vibrant market filled with unique Colombian crafts and souvenirs.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the midday heat
Las Bóvedas
Best Time
Beat the midday heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic 18th-century dungeons transformed into a vibrant market filled with unique Colombian crafts and souvenirs.
"Discover unique, handmade Colombian crafts in historic dungeons; haggle for treasures and enjoy city views."
Negotiate Prices! 💰
Don't hesitate to haggle for souvenirs. A friendly approach can lead to better deals on unique crafts.
Stay Hydrated & Protected ☀️
It gets hot! Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat or umbrella to stay comfortable while exploring.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Artisan Shops
Within the vaults
Discover unique, handmade Colombian crafts and souvenirs. Each piece tells a story and is crafted with care.
Historic Vaults
The dungeons themselves
Walk through the 18th-century dungeons, imagining their past as storage vaults and civil war prisons.
Rooftop Views
Accessible via a side street
Ascend to the rooftop for expansive, breathtaking views of the walled city and surrounding areas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Heat & Haggle
History Meets Souvenirs
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Negotiate Prices! 💰
Don't hesitate to haggle for souvenirs. A friendly approach can lead to better deals on unique crafts.
Stay Hydrated & Protected ☀️
It gets hot! Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat or umbrella to stay comfortable while exploring.
Start Your City Walk Here 🚶♀️
Las Bóvedas is a great starting point to explore the walled city and its surrounding fortifications.
Unique Handmade Finds ✨
Look for truly unique, handcrafted Colombian merchandise. No two items are exactly alike.
Tips
from all over the internet
Negotiate Prices! 💰
Don't hesitate to haggle for souvenirs. A friendly approach can lead to better deals on unique crafts.
Stay Hydrated & Protected ☀️
It gets hot! Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat or umbrella to stay comfortable while exploring.
Start Your City Walk Here 🚶♀️
Las Bóvedas is a great starting point to explore the walled city and its surrounding fortifications.
Unique Handmade Finds ✨
Look for truly unique, handcrafted Colombian merchandise. No two items are exactly alike.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Las Bóvedas for its vibrant selection of unique, handmade Colombian souvenirs and its historical significance as former dungeons. The opportunity to haggle for prices is a highlight, though some note that prices can be on the higher side for the quality. The intense heat is a common drawback, making preparation essential.
"Great spot to find any kind of souvenir for anyone. I’d say in general, good prices. The people we met were all friendly.
It is a great place also to start your walk around the walled area, fort towers around the city"
Angel Suarez
"I loved my experience here. To be able to walk around freely absorbing the history of this area. There are many local restaurants, bars, shops to visit. The people are pretty friendly. Lots of tour activities available for you to enjoy"
Kimberli “Kims” Skyers
"We next went to Las Bovedas Artisan Center.
Today, Las Bóvedas is a popular tourist attraction because of its traditional Colombian shops selling Columbian merchandise and an array of souvenirs. Originally, they were built as storage vaults, and attached to the city walls, but were used as dungeons during the civil wars. They were finished in 1795. The porticos were finished in 1798. A side street will take one up to the roof top area, where there is an expansive view."
Celeste Ruppelt
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Las Bóvedas is located within the historic Walled City of Cartagena. You can easily walk there if you're staying within the old town. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available to drop you off nearby. Many walking tours of Cartagena include Las Bóvedas as a key stop.
While there isn't direct public bus access right to the vaults, they are centrally located within the Walled City, which is easily navigable on foot. If you're coming from outside the Walled City, a taxi or bus to the perimeter followed by a walk is your best bet.
Driving directly to Las Bóvedas is not recommended as the Walled City has very narrow streets and limited parking. It's best to park outside the walls or take a taxi/ride-share.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Las Bóvedas itself and browsing the shops is free. You only pay for any souvenirs or crafts you decide to purchase.
The shops within Las Bóvedas typically open around 9 AM and close around 6 PM or 7 PM, though hours can vary slightly. It's best to visit during daylight hours to fully enjoy the experience.
There is no entrance fee to explore the areas where the shops are located. The historical significance of the former dungeons is part of the free experience.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
Las Bóvedas is famous for its wide array of Colombian handicrafts, including colorful textiles, leather goods, jewelry, ceramics, and local art. You can find unique, handmade pieces that make great gifts.
Yes, haggling is common and expected at Las Bóvedas. Be polite and friendly when negotiating, and you can often get a better price for your desired items.
Look for shops that clearly display handmade items and talk to the vendors about their craft. Many vendors are proud to share the story behind their creations, indicating authenticity.
Many visitors find Las Bóvedas to be a great spot for souvenirs due to the variety and the opportunity to find unique, handmade items. While prices might not be the absolute cheapest, the quality and artistry often justify the cost.
🎫 ☀️ Onsite Experience
Take your time to wander through the different vaults, admire the architecture, and chat with the local artisans. Consider visiting the rooftop for panoramic views of the city.
Absolutely! Las Bóvedas is strategically located within the Walled City and serves as an excellent starting point for a historical walk, connecting you to the city walls and nearby attractions.
Light, breathable clothing is recommended due to the heat. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, and don't forget sun protection like a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Restroom facilities are generally available, though they might be basic. It's always a good idea to use facilities at your hotel or a restaurant before heading out if you have specific needs.
Las Bóvedas can get quite crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons and midday. Visiting earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon can help you avoid the largest crowds.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the historical dungeons might be a bit spooky for very young children, the vibrant market atmosphere is generally engaging. The open spaces allow for some freedom of movement, but always keep a close eye on children, especially in crowded areas. Consider it a fun stop during a broader exploration of the Walled City.
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Golden hour, either early morning or late afternoon, can offer beautiful lighting for your shots. Be mindful of the crowds, especially during peak times, which might require patience to get unobstructed photos. The textures of the stone and the intricate details of the artisan goods also make for compelling close-up shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
The architecture itself is a testament to the era's engineering prowess, with thick stone walls designed to withstand cannon fire and the tropical climate. Walking through the arched passageways, you can almost feel the echoes of history, from bustling trade to somber confinement. The porticos were completed shortly after the vaults, adding to the impressive defensive structure.
Today, Las Bóvedas has been transformed into a vibrant artisan market. While the historical context remains, the atmosphere is now one of lively commerce and cultural exchange. It's a unique opportunity to connect with Cartagena's past while supporting its present-day artisans.
The Artisan Experience
Interacting with the artisans is a significant part of the experience. Many vendors are happy to share the stories behind their creations, explaining the techniques and cultural significance of their work. This personal connection adds immense value to the items you purchase, turning a simple souvenir into a meaningful memento of your trip.
Remember that negotiation is part of the culture here. While prices are generally reasonable for the quality, a friendly haggle can often result in a better deal. Approach it with a smile and respect, and you'll likely find yourself walking away with a beautiful piece of Colombian artistry at a fair price.
Navigating the Heat and Views
Despite the heat, the location offers fantastic opportunities for panoramic views. A side street leads up to the rooftop area above the vaults. From here, you can enjoy expansive vistas of the historic Walled City, the Caribbean Sea, and the surrounding fortifications. It's a perfect spot for photography and to appreciate the scale of Cartagena's defenses.
To make the most of your visit, consider going early in the morning to avoid the peak heat and crowds, or late in the afternoon as the day begins to cool down. This allows for a more comfortable exploration of both the shops and the scenic viewpoints.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit