Coloured ponchos, blankets, scarves, bags, jewellery and alpaca sweaters are the typical Bolivian souvenirs. And just like in the rest of Bolivia, you will find countless shops and stalls in La Paz that offer these in large quantities. La Paz is also famous for its witch market with offerings in the form of llama fetuses, frogs, sweets, herbs and coca leaves. There are also black markets where you can literally buy everything. But if you look a bit better, you will discover all kind of concept stores, with lots of cool items and stylish clothes with a Bolivian twist. The best thing to do is to just walk around the busy city center, observe daily life and in the meantime look for items. This is a list with tips for shopping in La Paz Bolivia.
One of the best places to go shopping in La Paz Bolivia is the Calle Sagarnaga, the street left of the San Francisco cathedral, with numerous stalls and shops. You will find traditional souvenirs, shops with quality clothing made from alpaca wool and nameless shops with nice designs. This area is a great start for a tour around the city center, where you will pass cool street art along the way.
Calle Linares is home to the Mercado de las Brujas, the witch market, a unique mix of stalls that sell souvenirs but at the same time attract countless locals, because of its offerings. Bolivians value the Andean faith, in which mother nature, the pachamama, plays an important role. There are offerings to be found, which provide prosperity, love, health, money or a new house. For every wish there is a specially composed offering sheet, consisting of toys, candy, fake money, frogs, coca leaves and llama fetuses. You won’t believe your eyes here. Photos are not always appreciated. It is therefore important to always ask permission. And otherwise put your camera away and take in the atmosphere.
Do you want to read more about what to do in La Paz Bolivia? In my La Paz Travel guide you’ll find all my tips for things to do in La Paz Bolivia.
Mixtura is one of the best places to go shopping in La Paz Bolivia and is on the list of the 50 best concept stores in the world. It is the place where I always find something special to buy. My last purchase was a super nice denim jacket with La Diablada on the back, a mask of one of the most important Bolivian carnival dances.
The black market in La Paz Bolivia is an experience in itself. Vendors, people, carts, smells, different type of products; there is nothing better than getting lost in the chaos of these markets. I always wonder how you shop here? Do you wander around until you find what you need? Or is there a system to the market and after a while you know exactly where to go? The Mercado Negro is located around Calle Max Peredes, Graneros, Tumusla, Isaac Tamayo and Eloy Salmon. There are tools, clothing, household items, food, electronics and much more. Don’t bring any valuables, so that you can get lost in the maze of alleys and streets without worrying.
If you are looking for cool and fun items, you should definitely go to Munay, where they sell t-shirts, caps and jackets with prints and Bolivian colors.
I have been fascinated by earrings for as long as I can remember. I have a couple of hundreds for sure. In La Paz, you have the cutest earring variations in the shape of coca leaves, traditional hats, cholitas (Bolivian women and men), llamas and stones. The side streets of Calle Sagarnaga in La Paz are one of the best places to shop for earrings. You can find earrings here in all shapes and sizes.
If you like music and want to know more about the typical Andean instruments, it is recommended to walk into one of the many instrument stores. The owners are happy to explain you more about the culture and tradition and will let you play before you even realize.
Do you want to discover La Paz in Bolivia in an unique way? Discover La Paz by cable-car in the next article.
On the Calle Linares at calle Tarija and Rodriquez, there are a few interesting antique shops. Have a look inside and look for some Bolivian antiques.
Just north of the Plaza San Francisco in La Paz there is the Mercado Lanza, a local food and flower market. It is always crowded here and a nice place to observe daily life in La Paz.
Do you need a break after shopping in La Paz Bolivia? Café del Mundo is located at the end of Calle Sagarnaga. It is the perfect place to relax when you finish your shopping in La Paz. The name explains it all, the entire cafe is about traveling. The walls are decorated with inspiring travel pictures and quotes. It looks tiny from the outside but it has several floors with comfortable seating areas to work, go through your traveling pictures or just think over your experiences of the day. The menu consists of salads, sandwiches, coffee and lots of delicious cakes.
In La Paz Bolivia you can enjoy yourself for days, discover neighborhoods, visit sights and viewpoints, take adventurous day trips and eat in fantastic restaurants. Curious? In the next article you will find all my tips for discovering La Paz in Bolivia.
Looking for tours and things to do in La Paz Bolivia? This is an overview.
Are you looking for a nice hotel in La Paz Bolivia? Then you want to stay at Hotel Mitru Sur, located in the Zona Sur district in La Paz. Not only will you spend the night here in a comfortable way, you will also have the best restaurants within walking distance and you will find yourself anywhere in the city in no time with the cable car.
Do you want to stay in Hotel Mitru Sur in La Paz Bolivia? You will find the latest prices and availiability here.
Did you enjoy reading this article with tips for shopping in La Paz Bolivia? Let me take you on a journey along the most beautiful destinations and places to visit in Bolivia. In the next articles you will find my Bolivia travel guides with lots of inspiration and tips.
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