Like most of Colombia, Medellín is a shopper's city. It's one of the largest textile producers in the country, and a fine place to go clothes shopping -- in the city center, you will find inexpensive clothing and shoes. Although Medellín isn't particularly known for handicrafts, there are a couple of decent stores around Plaza de Bolívar and on Avenida Junín. For extremely cheap (and possibly contraband) electronics, clothing, and home goods, head to El Hueco, Glorieta de San Juan and Avenida del Ferrocarril (tel. 4/512-7273), but be sure to keep your guard up. For more traditional shopping, head to Centro Comercial Vizcaya, Calle 9 no. 30-382 (tel. 4/276-5194); Centro Comercial Oviedo, Carrera 43A no. 6 Sur 15, off Avenida el Poblado (tel. 4/321-6116); or the ultra-upscale Parque Comercial El Tesoro, Carrera 25A 1ASur-45 (tel. 4/321-1010). Your taxi driver will be familiar with any of these malls.
