Historical Introduction
The La Soledad neighborhood, located in the heart of Bogotá, has been the epicenter of the city's textile and garment industry for decades. Since the 1960s, when the first fabric stores began to establish themselves near the historic center, this area became the mandatory pilgrimage site for tailors, dressmakers, and craft enthusiasts.
What makes La Soledad special is not just the variety, but the tradition. Many of these businesses are family-run, passed down from generation to generation, preserving techniques and knowledge that have been lost in other parts of the city. Here you can still find fabrics that you will hardly find in shopping malls, from English wools to Japanese silks, all with that Bogotano touch that makes them unique.
📌 Transparency
This article contains sponsored/affiliate links. We may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
What to do in La Soledad
A tour through La Soledad is a sensory experience. The smell of new fabric, the feel of the materials, and the hustle and bustle of expert shoppers feeling each texture before deciding create a unique atmosphere.
The Must-Sees
- La Merced Fabric Store (Carrera 15 #18-75): Founded in 1968, it is one of the oldest and with the widest variety of fabrics for formal wear.
- Mercería La Soledad (Calle 19 #15-20): Specializing in high-quality threads, buttons, and accessories. They have mother-of-pearl buttons that are hard to find elsewhere.
- Telas y Lanas Don Pedro (Carrera 14 #20-15): The best place for wools and knits, with materials imported directly from Peru and Ecuador.
Special Events
Every November, the Feria de las Telas (Fabric Fair) is held, where stores offer their best products with special discounts and demonstrations of traditional sewing techniques.
Where to Eat or Drink
After a morning of shopping, these are the local favorites:
For a Quick Lunch
- La Puerta Falsa (Calle 11 #6-50): A classic to try tamales and Santafereño chocolate. Prices start from $15,000 COP (April 2026).
- Arepas Doña Ceci (Carrera 14 #19-30): The best corn arepas in the area, ideal for recharging your energy.
For a Coffee Break
- Café Pasaje (Carrera 15 #19-10): A tranquil oasis amidst the hustle and bustle, with specialty coffees from different regions of Colombia.
How to Get There and Transportation
La Soledad is located between Carrera 13 and 15, and streets 18 to 21. The best ways to get there are:
- TransMilenio: Museo del Oro Station (Line G) or Las Aguas Station (Line D). From there, walk 5-10 minutes.
- SITP: Routes that pass through Carrera 15 (C15, C18, T13).
- By car: There are public parking lots on Carrera 14 with Calle 19 and on Carrera 15 with Calle 20, with hourly rates starting from $4,000 COP.
Tip: Wednesdays are less crowded, and you can move more easily between the stores.
Local Tips
- Most stores close between 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM for lunch. Plan your visit outside of these hours.
- If you buy large quantities of fabric (more than 5 meters), ask about volume discounts. Many stores offer them but they are not advertised.
- Bring cash. Although some places accept cards, many smaller businesses only accept cash, and you might get better prices by paying with it.
- If you can't find something, ask. The owners know the area like the back of their hand and can recommend other places.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best days to visit La Soledad?
Tuesdays and Thursdays are ideal because new fabric inventories arrive, but there are fewer crowds than on weekends. Avoid Mondays, when many stores are receiving merchandise and may be more disorganized.
Do they accept dollars or only Colombian pesos?
The vast majority of businesses only accept Colombian pesos. There are several ATMs on Carrera 15 where you can withdraw cash. Some larger stores near Carrera 15 may accept international credit cards, but it's always best to confirm beforehand.
Can I order suits or garments at the fabric stores?
Some stores have associated tailors or can recommend nearby tailoring workshops. In particular, Almacén de Telas La Merced works with several traditional tailors who can make custom suits. Prices vary depending on the fabric and complexity of the design, but a basic suit can start from $300,000 COP (April 2026).
Are there sewing workshops or classes in the area?
Yes, several stores offer occasional workshops, especially Mercería La Soledad, which has classes on Saturday mornings. There are also nearby academies like Academia de Corte y Confección Santa Bárbara (Calle 20 #14-25) that offer more extensive courses.