Somewhat worthy: Las Bóvedas in El Centro, Cartagena

My Rating: 2/5

If you find yourself with an hour or two to spare and want to buy trinkets and kitschy souvenirs, then head to Las Bóvedas, located in the northern part of El Centro. This often vibrant, restored dungeon building, now draws tourists eager to snag local treasures mostly made elsewhere, from T-shirts and hammocks to candy, paintings, fridge magnets, and unique curios. With 23 arcaded or domed shops, each bursting with color, Las Bóvedas promises a lively shopping experience.

Once serving as a Spanish dungeon and armament storage facility, these arcades were designed as storage vaults but later used as prison cells during the 19th-century civil wars. Imagine prisoners standing knee-deep in seawater during high tide—these walls have seen it all. Today, they house bustling shops that tell a different story. Hold onto your wallets!

Tourists flock here to purchase souvenirs and immerse themselves in what I call a typical trap. It can get quite busy when large cruise ships are in town, turning the area into a lively hub of activity. You’ll need patience. Bargaining is done here and there in some shops, so sharpen your haggling skills! Rest of them are fixed and won’t offer you any leeway.

One major downside is the obvious repetition among the souvenirs. I found only two shops that offered higher end locally produced artisan products and were priced accordingly. I purchased an acrylic painting and a wooden bird, locally known as a Maria Mulata, synonymous with Cartagena!

If you’re easily offended by the same old stuff - then this is not for you my friend! It will detract from the uniqueness of the experience. Additionally, there's no historical section or chronological information about the Bóvedas what building, making it more of a commercial maze than a historical site. The shops often spill into the street, creating a bustling, if somewhat overwhelming, atmosphere.

If you're walking within the walled city and heading towards this location, be sure to wear a hat, apply sunscreen, and drink plenty of water, as the heat can be rather overwhelming during the hot months. My personal recommendation is to chase the shady parts of the streets when walking there to avoid the hot, beating sun.

Despite these quirks, Las Bóvedas is a fascinating blend of history and commerce, all under one long, historic roof. It's a place where past and present collide in a riot of color and activity, making it a memorable stop on your Cartagena adventure. I’ve been three times and believe my rating to be fair and honest.