From Grandma's Closet to the Sustainable Runway: The Rise of Conscious Consumption in Cali
A few years ago, if someone told you they bought used clothes in Cali, you'd probably picture a sack of clothes at a market stall. But in 2026, things have changed. Today, circular fashion and slow fashion are trends among millennials and Gen Z looking for unique pieces, far from fast fashion. And Cali, with its mix of tradition and rebellion, has become a paradise for vintage treasure hunters.
In every corner of the city, from the colonial houses of San Antonio to the stalls of Alameda Market, there are stories waiting to be discovered. A 70s dress that danced salsa at Joe's Bar, a mahogany piece of furniture that belonged to an old Cali aristocratic family, or a salsa vinyl that sounds like it was recorded yesterday. The Cali barter system and second-hand shopping are not just a way to save money: they are a statement of principles. And in this guide, I'll take you on the ultimate route so you can become an expert in the art of finding what no one else has.
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San Antonio Neighborhood: Hidden Gems in Colonial Houses
Climbing the slope of San Antonio is like traveling back in time. The cobblestone streets, colorful facades, and the smell of freshly brewed coffee envelop you. But if you stray from the touristy restaurants and walk with a collector's eye, you'll find true treasures. Here, antique shops are not cold stores: they are family homes where every object tells a story.
Antique Furniture Stores That Look Like Museums
On Carrera 4 with Calle 5 there is a place that looks like a portal to the 19th century: Antigüedades Don Carlos. Don Carlos, an 80-year-old man who inherited the trade from his father, welcomes you with a coffee and shows you his pieces: from a mahogany desk with mother-of-pearl inlays to a 1920 Underwood typewriter. Prices range from $80,000 COP for a table lamp to $2,500,000 COP for a complete piece of furniture. However, everything is negotiable if you know how to ask (I'll give you tips below).
Another must-stop is El Rincón de la Abuela, at Calle 5 # 4-23. It specializes in porcelain dinnerware and antique glassware. If you're looking for a 1950s tea set or a blown glass cup, you'll find it here. Prices are more affordable: from $15,000 COP for an individual cup.
Vintage Clothing: From Cali's Bohemia to Your Closet
San Antonio is also home to vintage fashion. On Calle 4 with Carrera 3, Vintage Cali is a store that looks like the closet of a 70s star. Here you'll find floral dresses, leather jackets, silk shirts, and even platform shoes. The owner, Marcela, personally selects each piece from trips to Bogotá and Medellín. Prices: from $40,000 COP for a blouse to $200,000 COP for a long dress. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 7pm.
A fun fact: on the same block, there is a sewing workshop that can fix any garment you buy in the neighborhood. Ask for Doña Lucía at Calle 4 # 3-45. For $10,000 COP, she can adjust pants or shorten a dress within 24 hours.
Alameda Market: The Paradise of Thrift Shopping with a Local Flavor
If San Antonio is elegance, Alameda Market is the jungle. This market, located in downtown Cali (Carrera 8 with Calle 11), is the heart of thrift shopping in Cali. Here there are no display windows or LED lights: there are canvas stalls, cardboard boxes, and the noise of vendors shouting, "Look, look, this is quality!"
The Used Clothing Fair: A Labyrinth of Fabrics
On weekends, the market transforms. The used clothing stalls multiply, and the smell of coffee and fried food mixes with that of old fabric. The key is to arrive early: between 7am and 9am, prices are lower and there is more variety. Look for the stalls in the American clothing section, where containers arrive from the United States with Levi's jeans, rock band t-shirts, and leather jackets. A good pair of jeans can cost between $15,000 and $30,000 COP.
But the best part is the local clothing stalls. There you'll find 80s party dresses, silk shirts that look designer, and even old school uniforms that have become collector's items. Ask for Doña Rosa's stall, in row 3. She has a clinical eye for fashion and can tell you the story of each garment.
Salsa Vinyls: The Sound of an Era
Alameda Market is also a paradise for vinyl collectors. In the music section, there are at least five stalls selling salsa, bolero, and Spanish rock records. Prices vary: a Fania All-Stars vinyl in good condition can cost $20,000 COP, while an original Celia Cruz edition can reach $80,000 COP. If you're looking for something rare, ask for Don Jairo, a man with tortoiseshell glasses who has a mental catalog of over 5,000 records.
A tip: before buying, check the vinyl in natural light to see if it has scratches. And if the seller tells you it's "original," ask them to play it on a turntable. Most have one at their stall to test.
Restoration Workshops: Where Pieces Come to Life Again
Buying vintage is not just about finding: it's also about restoring. In Cali, there are workshops that specialize in giving a second chance to furniture, clothing, and objects. If you're the type who prefers to repair rather than throw away, these places are your paradise.
Restoration of Colonial Furniture
In the Granada neighborhood, on Calle 14 with Carrera 5, is Muebles Restaurados Cali. Here, master Arturo has been bringing mahogany, cedar, and pine furniture back to life for 30 years. If you buy a dresser in San Antonio that is scratched or missing a leg, he can make it look like new. Prices depend on the damage: from $50,000 COP for basic sanding and varnishing, to $400,000 COP for a complete restoration of a wardrobe.
The best part is that Arturo teaches you how to maintain the wood. He recommends using beeswax instead of chemical products, and never placing furniture near a window with direct sunlight (the wood cracks).
Sewing Workshops for Vintage Clothing
In San Antonio, Costuras Vintage (Calle 3 # 2-15) is a workshop that specializes in adapting second-hand clothing. The seamstress, Andrea, can turn a 70s dress into a modern top, or shorten high-waisted pants to make them look new. The price for a simple transformation (like shortening sleeves) is $15,000 COP, and a complete modification can reach $80,000 COP.
A fun fact: Andrea also does bartering. If you bring a garment you no longer use, she will exchange it for a repair. It's a way to keep the circular fashion cycle going without spending money.
Tips for Negotiating Like a Cali Expert
Negotiating in Cali is not like in other cities. Here, haggling is an art based on trust and respect. If you arrive with a bad attitude, the seller will shut down. But if you know how to do it, you'll take home the best pieces at bargain prices. These are the tips I've learned after years of touring markets:
- Greet the seller and ask how they are. In Cali, the personal relationship is key. A "good morning, how are you?" opens doors. Never start with "how much is it?" without greeting first.
- Ask for a discount for buying multiple pieces. If you like two or three things, say something like: "I'll take this and this, can you give me a price?" Sellers prefer to sell several pieces rather than one, and they usually lower the price by 10% to 20%.
- Don't be intimidated by the initial price. At Alameda Market, prices always have room for negotiation. If a dress is $40,000, offer $25,000. Most likely, they'll settle at $30,000.
- Pay in cash. Many sellers prefer cash because it avoids card machine fees. If you pay with bills, they sometimes give you an additional 5% discount.
- Know the real value of the pieces. Before buying a vinyl or a piece of furniture, research online how much it's worth. If you know a 70s salsa record costs $30,000 elsewhere, don't pay $80,000.
- Return to the same stalls. If they see you often, sellers start giving you better prices. Loyalty is rewarded.
How to Get There and Transportation
To get around between San Antonio and Alameda Market, the best options are public transport or walking. Downtown Cali is walkable, but if you don't want to sweat under the sun, here are the options:
- MIO (bus): The closest station to San Antonio is San Antonio (line P21). From there, you walk 5 minutes to Carrera 4. To go to Alameda Market, get off at the Centro station (lines P21, P24, P40). The fare is $2,900 COP.
- Taxi: A trip between San Antonio and Alameda Market costs between $8,000 and $12,000 COP, depending on traffic. Use apps like Uber or DiDi to avoid overpricing.
- Walking: San Antonio is a 15-minute walk from Alameda Market. The route is along Carrera 4 north, then turn onto Calle 11. It's safe during the day, but avoid walking alone after 7pm.
- Bicycle: Cali has bike lanes downtown. You can rent a bicycle at the Public Bicycles station (near the San Antonio Church) for $2,000 COP per hour.
Local Tips to Make Your Experience Unforgettable
Before you set off on your hunt, keep these recommendations in mind that only a local would give you:
- Bring cash. Many stalls at Alameda Market don't have card machines. Withdraw money from an ATM before you go. The nearest ATMs are on Carrera 8 with Calle 12 (Banco de Bogotá).
- Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes. You'll be walking, bending down, and going through boxes. Flip-flops are not a good idea.
- Bring a reusable bag. The pieces you buy may be fragile (like a dinner set) or large (like a small piece of furniture). A cloth bag or a market cart will save you.
- Check everything before buying. At Alameda Market, there are no returns. Open zippers, check seams, smell the clothes (sometimes they smell musty), and test the vinyls if you can.
- Ask about the story. Older sellers love to tell you where they got the pieces. A piece of furniture might come from a demolished house downtown, and a dress might have belonged to a beauty queen from the 60s. That story is worth as much as the piece itself.
- Don't buy at the first stall. Walk through the entire market before deciding. Sometimes, the same object is at another stall for half the price.
- Respect the hours. Alameda Market closes at 5pm on Saturdays and 3pm on Sundays. San Antonio has stores open until 8pm, but antique shops close at 6pm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Safe to Go to Alameda Market Alone?
Yes, it is safe during the day, especially on weekends when there are more people. However, watch your belongings: don't wear visible jewelry or hold your phone in your hand. Keep your wallet in a zippered pocket. If you go alone, stay in the main areas (near Carrera 8) and avoid the side alleys.
Can I Find Brand-Name Clothing at the Second-Hand Stalls?
Yes, but you have to search patiently. At Alameda Market, the American clothing stalls often have brands like Levi's, Nike, or Tommy Hilfiger, but sometimes they are imitations. For luxury brands like Chanel or Gucci, it's better to go to the antique shops in San Antonio or specialized stores like Vintage Cali. Always check the labels and the quality of the seams.
How Much Money Should I Bring for a Day of Vintage Shopping?
It depends on what you're looking for. For a half-day outing, I recommend bringing between $100,000 and $200,000 COP in cash. With that, you can buy a couple of clothing items, a vinyl, and a small decorative object. If you're looking for furniture, bring more, but remember that many antique shops accept bank transfers.
Ready to hunt for unique pieces with history? Follow this route before it goes viral. Cali awaits you with open arms and closets full of secrets.
Historical or Contextual Introduction
Cali has come a long way in its relationship with fashion and responsible consumption. Traditionally, buying second-hand items was seen as a marginal option, but in the last decade, this perception has changed significantly. With an increase in environmental awareness and the desire to find unique pieces, second-hand stores and antique shops have gained popularity among locals, especially among younger generations looking for sustainable alternatives with history.
The influence of vintage culture has led many people to immerse themselves in the search for garments with character and personality. These stores not only offer clothing, but also a window into the past, where each item tells a story. As the circular economy becomes a central theme, Cali positions itself as a vibrant hub for those seeking something beyond the conventional.
In this context, it is important to highlight that the local community plays a crucial role in revitalizing these practices. Clothing swap events, independent design fairs, and flea markets are emerging, creating spaces where fashion meets creativity and sustainability. It's not just about buying, but about participating in a culture that values the old and the new equally.
What to Do
La 14
This is a classic in Cali for those looking for stylish second-hand clothing. La 14 has a curated selection that includes everything from 80s clothing to contemporary pieces. Additionally, you can find unique accessories that complement any outfit.
Insider Tip: Visit La 14 on weekends, when they usually have special discounts and clothing swap events. Don't forget to ask about items on promotion; sometimes, the owners have hidden treasures that are not on display.
San Alejo Market
This market is a meeting point for vintage lovers. You will not only find clothing, but also furniture, art, and decorative objects from past eras. The atmosphere is vibrant and there is always live music, making the shopping experience even more enjoyable.
Insider Tip: Go early in the morning to have a better chance of finding the best pieces before they sell out. Also, don't hesitate to negotiate prices; sellers are usually open to offers.
Where to Eat or Drink
La Fábrica
Located in the San Antonio neighborhood, La Fábrica is not only a place to enjoy a good coffee, but also offers a unique atmosphere full of art and local culture. This café stands out for its focus on sustainability and the use of local products.
Insider Tip: Don't miss their carrot cake, which is a classic among visitors. Also, ask about the art exhibitions they usually have; you might find an incredible piece to take home.
El Mercado
This is a gastronomic space that brings together several local chefs, offering a variety of dishes that reflect the culinary diversity of Cali. From arepas to sushi, you can find flavors from everywhere.
Insider Tip: Visit El Mercado in the afternoon to enjoy happy hour promotions and try different tapas at an affordable price. It's a good place to socialize and meet other food lovers.