Cartagena Travel Guide
/
Cartagena is color, Color, COLOR. It’s a picturesque port city with heavy tropical, Caribbean, and colonial influences. The people were happy and energetic. The walls of the buildings were vibrant, electric, and often covered in art and bougainvillea. Every corner you turn has your eyes darting from one shade to the next. The brightly painted walls with plants and greens and palms scattered along the outlines of the buildings had me demanding to stop for pictures at practically every corner. From triangle banners to umbrellas, there were often things strung across the smaller streets and alleyways swaying in the thankfully often found breeze. And it’s hot as hell.
Stay
There are two areas where you should stay. The old, walled city and Getsemani. The old, walled city is the main tourist area. It’s safe, it’s loud, it’s packed with people, and it’s where 98% of the street vendors are. Getsemani was described to me as the “hipster” neighborhood and a bit more rough, but I found it to a be much more charming area than what I was expecting. There is far more street art and brightly colored buildings here than the walled city which adds to the visual allure. I never found myself feeling unsafe and Carrera 10 is a VERY lively strip at night. It’s quieter (away from Carrera 10) and there are barely any street vendors. Another area which you’ll see in your searches and can’t miss once you’re there is Bocagrande. I did not enter this area but it was described as catering heavily towards tourists and includes many hotels and malls. From the look of all of the glass high-rises and what I say online, it reminded me of Miami without the personality. After staying in and experiencing both areas, I prefer to stay in Getsemani as you can easily walk to the old city.
Eat/Drink
Maria - trendy, hip aesthetic, group for groups if you can get the resy, shareable plates.
Carmen - pre fixe or a la carte, inventive dishes and drinks, love the cocktail menu, the ceviche was delicious. There is one in Medellin as well and I like the aesthetics of that one better.
Alma - Upscale, big courtyard, connected to Casa San Augstin, huge goblets of gin drinks, live music.
Demente - Tapas bar with a big courtyard.
Maria Bonita Taqueria Cantina - Small taco spot with tons of mexican inspired art.
Alquimico - 3 story inventive cocktail bar. 1st floor is mainly cocktails created by the bartenders. 2nd floor is more traditional drinks with a pool table and overlooks the 1st floor bar. Rooftop is tropical inspired cocktails and aesthetics. Service was much more attentive downstairs than the rooftop but the drinks were good everywhere.
La Cevicheria - Big portions of many different types of ceviche. There will be a wait so go early or go late.
Colombitalia Arepas - This place is always packed. Delicious and cheap arepas.
Malanga Cafe and Bar - Good local food with a cute rooftop.
Cafe Stepping Stone - No frills spot with great breakfast.
Cafe Havana - touristy spot for dancing.
Di Silvio Trattoria - Italian in Colombia? Italian in Colombia.
Cafe del Mural - homey coffee shop
La Mulata - large plates of seafood with fish soup to start
Townhouse - hip hotel with a sceney rooftop
El Coro Lounge and Bar - upscale bar and lounge connected to the Sofitel
La Vitrola - Cuban inspired with Colombia food, supposedly one of the best restaurants in Cartagena, try to get a reservation through your concierge.
Santa Isabel FT - An open area with about 10 food trucks and a good place to watch the sun set
Do
Street art - It’s everywhere in Getsemani and you can’t miss it, but take an organized tour to learn the stories behind the pieces.
Gold museum - History of the pre-Colombian people, their art, and gold. It’s small, free, and air-conditioned.
Candy stands - Under the roof across from Plaza del Reloj there are a bunch of stands with candy and sweets. Try a bunch.
Walk the walls - The perimeter of the old city is enclosed by large stone walls that you can walk along. You can get off and on the wall from many spots. It’s the best about an hour before the sun sets and you can grab some beers beforehand or buy them from vendors, sit and watch the sun go down.
Beach day trip - Tierra Bomba, Isla del Rosario, Playa Blanca...there are so many spots to go for day trips. I highly recommend Isla del Rosario as it’s far from the city and the water is truly clear. The other spots are pretty busy and aren’t the Caribbean blue waters you are expecting.
Bazurto Market - a high energy, bustling food market. It’s advised to go with a guide here.
Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas - a large fort that saw many invasions to the port city.
Volcano de Lodo El Totumo - a volcano you can climb into and take mud baths. It’s a day trip.
Shop
Casa Chiqui - A well traveled Colombian socialite stocks this boutique with her best finds. Fabulous luxe and extra.
Emeralds - 70-90% of the world’s emeralds come from Colombia!
Gold - There’s a museum dedicated to it and a lot of the gold jewelry is inspired by pre-Colombian designs.
St. Dom - Boutique and concept store
Loto del Sur - Colombian beauty brand with fab smelling scents
Mochila Bags - Super colorful, strappy boho-style bags perfect for the beach. Originally made by the Indigenous Wayuu people of Colombia, but they’re all over the streets.
Straw hats and bags - They’re everywhere. Look around and find a style you like and haggle like hell for it.
Abaco Bookshop and Cafe - A beautiful book shop.
The Look
Tropical. Boho. Flowy. Crop Tops. Sandals. Bright Colors and Prints. Dresses. Breathable.
Shop the look below:
