The colorful city of Cartagena is full of fun, delicious food, and gorgeous alleyways. On every single street there is something beautiful to look out whether it’s the vibrant buildings or the vine draped Colonial balconies above or the array of crazy door knockers this city is complete eye porn. I don’t think I put my camera down once that trip and neither will you. Now that the country is moving on from the scary drug lord phase and it’s safe for tourists more and more amazing places are popping up because of all of the people dying to see the beautiful country. Here’s what I recommend!
Things to see:
♦El Centro – One of the most historic neighborhoods in Cartagena
♦See the famous Palenqueras of Cartagena in Plaza Santo Domingo. These traditionally dressed women are all over selling fresh fruit. If they catch you taking a picture of them they will ask you to pay them, but sometimes an amazing picture is worth a dollar
♦Castilla San Felipe de Barajas – This fortress was built in 1656 and walls in the old town. Take a tour to learn more about the history of Cartagena
♦Plaza de San Pedro – beautiful plaza with the famous Cathedral de San Pedro Claver
♦Getsemaní Neighborhood – located right outside of the walls of Old Town, this neighborhood was once called the ‘hood’ of Cartagena. It’s now a new hip up-and-coming neighborhood filled with colorful buildings and impressive street art
♦All of the alleyways, colorful buildings, and their famous door knockers
What To Do:
♦Walk the walls that surround the Old Town
♦Take a romantic ride in a horse drawn carriage in the Old Town at night
♦Have sunset cocktails at the famous Café de Mar on the walls overlooking the ocean
♦Tour the Museo de Arte Moderno
♦Eat all of the amazing street food
♦Buy a famous Colombian Emerald as a souvenir (you won’t believe how cheap they are!)
♦Take a day trip to the famous Rosario Island for great snorkeling and beach cookouts
♦Cool down on a street cafe with a cold drink
♦Stay up late listening to amazing live salsa music
What To Eat/Drink:
♦Street Arepas de Queso – these traditional maize dough cheese stuffed babies are everywhere, and delicious
♦Fresh tropical fruit – every corner has a vendor and trust me, you want to eat what they’re selling
♦Limonada de coco – after a long hot day of walking this coconut water lemonade will cool you down
♦Paletas- Cartagena is known for these eye popping delicious popsicles
♦Ceviche – this seafood dish is made with fresh citrus juices and peppers and is SO good
♦Club Colombia Beer – Colombia’s native beer is actually really yummy and the perfect thing to cool you down
♦Pargo Rojo Frito – a Cartagenan favortie is a crispy friend whole snapper with plantains and coconut rice
Where To Eat/Drink:
♦Breakfast:
Cafe Mila (my favorite breakfast spot)
Caffe Lunatico (cute small place)
La Brioche (yummy pastries)
Sierva María (delicious fresh pressed juices)
♦Lunch:
STREET FOOD
El Barón (great lunch with craft cocktails in a cute square)
La Paletteria (not actually a lunch spot, but this place has the best Popsicles in town)
La Casa de Socorro – (located in the Getsemani neighborhood and serves traditional Colombian food)
♦Dinner:
Restaurante 1621 (fancy dinner spot located in the beautiful Sofitel Hotel)
Carmen Restaurant (named one of Cartagena’s best restaurant)
Restaurante Cuzco (I had THE best ceviche of my life. Beautiful outdoor restaurant)
El Burlador de Sevilla (the best paella outside of Spain)
Restaurante Alma (trendy dinner spot)
La Vitrola (a local favorite with Colonial style)
♦Drinks:
Bar El Coro (my FAVORITE bar that is located in the Sofitel Hotel, so if you have dinner at Restaurant 1621 this is a must. The best live Salsa music in town)
Bazurto Social Club (quirky fun bar)
Cafe Havana (Cartagena staple, great mojitos and live music)
Cafe de Mar (A must go in Cartagena. Have a sunset cocktail on the old walls overlooking the ocean)
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