The Best Malls in Medellín

Writer’s note: This is the eighth story in a monthly series on the “best of” Medellín and the surrounding area. To read the seventh story, click here.

Something impossible to miss in Medellín is the shopping malls. There are some nice ones.

I’m not much of a shopper nor have I ever been but this post isn’t for me, it’s for all of you reading this blog, to give you a guide. Frankly, the best thing about malls, I think, is this parody in the show “How I Met Your Mother.”

So, in the words of Robin Sparkles, “Let’s go to the mall!”

1. El Tesoro

It’s in one of the city’s wealthiest areas and it fits right in.

El Tesoro has everything you could want: great restaurants such as Mis Carnes; great stores such as Adidas; and a great view from its northern terrace.

You can see a movie if you’d like too.

Just remember to bring enough money if you plan to shop. It’s not cheap.

2. Oviedo

Centro Comercial Oviedo is like El Tesoro, a place with great stores and restaurants, and a movie theater too.

But instead of a view, it has a large tree in the middle.

I’m guessing there are people who like this mall better because of the location as well. It’s right off Avenida Poblado, on the Milla de Oro, the Golden Mile, a business district that generates a lot of Medellín’s wealth.

There is another shopping option nearby, which I’ll get to later, but this is the best one in the area.

3. Los Molinos

I used to live two blocks from Centro Comercial Los Molinos and visited a handful of times. It’s where I would go to the movies.

Sometimes, I would go grocery shopping at the Exito, in the south section of the mall. Other times, I’d get ice cream from Crepes & Waffles.

Once, I bought a shirt from Arturo Calle, possibly my favorite clothing store in Colombia. In fact, it’s the only mall store from which I’ve ever bought an article of clothing.

4. Santa Fé

Just south of Centro Comercial Oviedo and across Avenida Poblado, you’ll find Centro Comercial Santa Fé.

I laugh every time I pass the Dunkin’ Donuts here. I once lived in Rhode Island for a summer, and Dunkin’ Donuts is everywhere, so this reminds me of those three months in 2001.

A lot of people go here to eat at Sushi Light, especially on Tuesdays, 2-for-1 sushi night. Get there early if you want a seat, by 6 p.m.

Another good reason to go is the currency exchange office on the third floor. It’s always better to exchange or withdraw money in malls so why not here?

5. Mayorca

Mayorca might be the most economical of the malls.

The first time I went, I tagged along with my British friend John, who was looking for slacks. I don’t remember the exact cost, but it was a good price.

While I was there, I also bought a little stuffed tiger from Pepe Ganga, a gift for my friend Neto, whose wife had just had a baby boy, Cristobal.

Perhaps the best thing about this Sabaneta mall, though, is the location: right next to the Itagüí metro station. It’s hard enough to get me to go to the mall, but convenience helps.