Las Ferias: Where South Bogotá Shops Smart
In south Bogotá, where streets fill with movement and shop windows promise discounts too good to ignore, lies Las Ferias. A neighborhood that needs no introduction for those seeking quality at painless prices. Here, commerce isn't just an activity—it's the very pulse of the place. You come looking for one shirt and leave with three, because that's how this corner of the city works: generous to your wallet and abundant in options.
Location and Commercial History: The Evolution of a Merchant Neighborhood
Las Ferias is located in the Kennedy district, south of Bogotá, an area that since the 1970s began establishing itself as a commercial hub for the city's working families. What started as small family stores is now a complete shopping ecosystem where large shopping centers coexist with businesses that have been serving the same clientele for decades. This neighborhood knows that loyalty is built with fair prices and service that remembers your name.
Main Shopping Centers and Outlets: The Paradise of Deals
The Las Ferias Shopping Center is the heart of the neighborhood, with over 200 stores offering everything from sportswear to appliances. Brands like Nike, Adidas, and Puma have outlets here with discounts of 30% to 70% off list prices. A t-shirt that would cost 150,000 pesos in the north can be found here for 45,000 pesos.
Address: Carrera 78 #38-24 South, Bogotá
Hours: Monday to Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., Sundays: 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Google Maps: View location on Google Maps
The Outlet Factory Kennedy, just a few blocks away, specializes in work clothes and uniforms, but also has casual fashion sections where Levi's and Wrangler offer jeans starting at 80,000 pesos. Fridays usually have additional 20% promotions.
Address: Carrera 80 #38-45 South, Bogotá
Hours: Monday to Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Google Maps: View location on Google Maps
Plaza de las Américas Outlet focuses on sports and casual footwear. Brands like Converse, Vans, and Skechers have prices between 120,000 and 250,000 pesos, with discounts that can reach 50% during clearance seasons.
Address: Carrera 79 #38-30 South, Bogotá
Hours: Monday to Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Google Maps: View location on Google Maps
The Metrópolis Shopping Center, though smaller, has gems like the Mango outlet with previous season clothing at prices between 30,000 and 100,000 pesos. Perfect for those looking for design at factory prices.
Address: Carrera 77 #38-15 South, Bogotá
Hours: Monday to Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Google Maps: View location on Google Maps
Outlets del Sur on Carrera 80 is a gallery of independent stores where you can find everything from underwear to formal suits. Prices here are negotiable, especially if you buy multiple items.
Address: Carrera 80 #38-50 to 38-80 South, Bogotá
Hours: Monday to Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Google Maps: View location on Google Maps
Local Commerce: Traditional Shops and Family Businesses
Between the large shopping centers survive, and flourish, the lifelong businesses. Almacén La Economía, open since 1985, still sells fabric by the meter and makes alterations while you wait. Zapatería El Caminante has heavy-duty work footwear that lasts years, not months. And Bazar San José, where Doña María attends personally and remembers your size.
These places don't have websites or Instagram promotions, but they have something more valuable: customers who return generation after generation because they know that here, a word is worth more than any written guarantee.
Neighborhood Gastronomy: Flavors That Nourish the Soul
After hours of shopping, the body needs to recharge. Asadero Los Corrales on Carrera 78 has the best roast chicken in the area, served with salted potatoes and arepa, for 18,000 pesos.
Address: Carrera 78 #38-20 South, Bogotá
Hours: Every day: 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Google Maps: View location on Google Maps
La Cuchara de Palo, a family restaurant serving complete bandeja paisa meals for 25,000 pesos, with beans that taste like they were cooked over a wood fire.
Address: Carrera 79 #38-25 South, Bogotá
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Google Maps: View location on Google Maps
And for afternoon coffee, Panadería La Esperanza, where freshly baked bread costs 500 pesos and black coffee 1,500 pesos.
Address: Carrera 77 #38-18 South, Bogotá
Hours: Monday to Saturday: 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Google Maps: View location on Google Maps
In the surrounding streets, street vendors sell 2,000-peso empanadas and 4,000-peso natural juices. The food here isn't gourmet, it's honest.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
- Hours: Shopping centers open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sundays. Traditional shops usually open earlier, from 8:00 a.m.
- Transportation: The easiest way to get there is by TransMilenio, Las Ferias station on line F. Feeder buses also arrive from Portal Américas and Portal Tunal. If you come by private car, parking in shopping centers costs between 3,000 and 5,000 pesos per hour, but there are public parking lots in the area for 2,000 pesos per hour.
- Best days: Fridays and Saturdays have more activity and sometimes special promotions, but also more crowds. If you want peace to try on clothes calmly, come between Tuesday and Thursday.
- Recommended budget: Bring cash to negotiate in independent outlets, although most accept cards.
- Comfortable clothing: You'll walk a lot between stores, wear comfortable shoes and easy-to-try-on clothes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Las Ferias
What days have the best offers?
Fridays and Saturdays usually have special promotions, but also more crowds. For better prices with fewer crowds, visit between Tuesday and Thursday.
Can you negotiate in all stores?
In independent outlets and traditional businesses, negotiation is common, especially if you buy multiple items. In brand stores within shopping centers, prices are fixed.
Is the area safe?
As in any busy commercial area, it's recommended to be attentive to your belongings. During the day and in shopping centers it's safe, but avoid dark or low-traffic areas at night.
Are there economical dining options?
Absolutely! From street stalls with 2,000-peso empanadas to family restaurants with complete meals for 25,000 pesos.
Las Ferias isn't a tourist destination in conventional guides, but for those who understand that a city's true wealth lies in its markets, not its museums, this neighborhood is a masterclass in practical economics. Here you don't buy for the brand, you buy for value. And value, at Las Ferias, is always on offer.
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