Here is a list of romantic restaurants in Cartagena: To eat on the go or save money, there is nothing better than street food. Stay a Night at Playa Blanca 8. This archipelago is located about 100 km off the coast and is a natural national park. Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account, A post shared by Caf del Mar Cartagena (@cafedelmarcartagena). Just note that it does rain more often during this and the temperatures can be a bit hotter. Many of Cartagena's biggest attractions are quite close to each other. Enjoy the local life at Mercado de Bazurto 5. If youre looking for a lively atmosphere, then Bocagrande is the place to be. The defensive walls around Cartagena were originally built to protect the city from pirate attacks (arrrgh! Its a small stand under a tree in the middle of the square. Another option is to book a Cartagena street food tour. For the kitsch factor alone, it's worth stopping into KGB Bar, which is filled with Soviet-era medals, cosmonaut uniforms and other memorabilia. Being a port city on the Caribbean coast, the city boasts of plenty of things to see and do. The wall was erected to protect the historic area from pirates and other attackers. Still, it is an experience worth the detour if you are curious to know another side of Cartagena. The best beaches in Cartagena are Playa Blanca, Bocagrande, and Castillo Grande. Avoid Cartagena's Beaches, and Go To The Islands instead 7. Tierra Bomba Island is located 15 min by boat from Bocagrande. The souvenir shops are well-stocked with emeralds, Botero knockoffs, hammocks, hats and molas. Cartagena, Colombia Website: Caf del Mar Ltda Opening hours: 5pm - 3am (daily) Price: 15 - 50 USD 9. Visit this amazing tower that represents a greater part of the citys history. These two activities were my favorite things to do in Cartagena de Indias. The best museum to learn more about the city's history is the Naval Museum (Museo Naval del Caribe). It is named after its shape, which looks like a boats bow. It wasn't called the Heroic City for nothing! So put on your shopping shoes and head over there today! Visit Plaza Santo Domingo 11. Tourists and locals visit this volcano to take a dip in the warm mud bath which has rejuvenating properties. You can also take the opportunity to discover the village of Jacinto, the birthplace of Cumbia in Colombia. For the price this was a grea. The neighbourhood also boasts some great art on its colourful buildings, making it a great place for photoshoots. There are also opportunities for boat tours, fishing trips and other water-related adventures in Cartagena. To make the most of it, walk around 7 am in the walled city. There are several nice cafes where you can take a break during your stay in Cartagena. 2. Many of Cartagena's most beautiful buildings are churches. :). It is located on the old city wall (here). In this travel blog, discover the best things to do in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia. The city of Cartagena was founded in 1533. Explore the attractions and learn more with our list of top things to do in Cartagena. All the nightlife spots are vibrant, with a lot of Caribbean and Colombian music. Address: Plaza de San Pedro Claver, Cra. So be sure to stop by Plaza Bolvar during your stay in Cartagena you wont regret it! I stay insured against COVID-19 with Safetywing. This mud is then scrubbed off by the local workers in a nearby lake. The area is also home to many endangered species such as sloths, monkeys, anteaters and armadillos which can be spotted roaming around during daytime hours but disappear into hidden dens at nightfall when the jungle comes alive with howling monkeys and cackling jaguars hunting prey together under the cover of darkness. Cafe del Mar is the most famous bar in Cartagena to watch the sunset. And if you want to get more information about the messages behind this street art, dont hesitate to book a graffiti walking tour. There are also some great restaurants and bars around Plaza Bolvar, so its the perfect spot to spend an evening. Contents 1. Interact with the locals at the Bazurto Market (from USD 78.0), A post shared by judae (@fyvel), 18. Colombian coffee beans are mostly grown at high altitudes, and as a result, they're packed with flavor - but they're also so acidic that they can curdle milk. But even if youre not lucky to visit during an organized program, seeing the historic exteriors is rewarding. For meat lovers, the posta negra (see picture) is one of the specialties of Cartagena. The national theater was established in the late 19th century to honor the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbuss arrival to the Americas. 4. Admission is free of charge. It will be fantastic with tasty coconut rice. Its a bit far, and youll pass by poor neighborhoods. However, the clock was replaced with a better Swiss clock in the 20th century, still in use today. Learn about Cartagena's dark past at the Palace of the Inquisition 6. The views from here are outstanding as well as the charming flower-filled patio and the statues. Visit The Castillo De San Felipe De Barajas & La Popa Monastery, 11. When you use affiliate links on this page, CNN may receive revenue. Cartagena is known for its vibrant culture and colourful artwork. It was once anadditional fortress for the city and is now home to a museum and the chapel of theVirgen de la Candelaria, which is Cartagena's patron saint. He is now the patron saint of both Colombia and of enslaved people, and the church here has a museum dedicated to his life and works. If youre looking for a wild night out, this is the perfect activity for you! Have a direct contact with our favorite local partners we test for you the. Bocagrande, Castillogrande, and Laguito are the modern districts of Cartagena. Island hopping, cultural trips, animal watching Youll learn everything in this section. Just rent a board and enjoy the sun! Its construction, completed in the late 18th century, took almost two centuries. Mercado de Bazurto. Its a pity, especially if you come here to celebrate a special occasion. The building is dedicated to a Spanish priest, Pedro Claver, who gave his life to serve God and people in need. If yes, this tour is for you. Once inside, youll notice a mix of heavy European colonial style with touches of Afro-Caribbean influence. No trip to Cartagena would be complete without spending time on its stunning beaches! Relax on the Dreamy Beaches Although very popular as day trips, going for one night or longer is the best way to experience the beaches with fewer people. Interested To Advertise On Bel Around The World. The best time to visit Cartagena is during the winter when the weather is a bit cooler. The mural is on the side of the building on Calle 7, next to Hotel Makondo (whose name comes from the town where Marquez's "One Hundred Years of Solitude" is set). Visitors now can walk the battlements, stroll through underground passages, and marvel at the labor that went into building a fort that was never used defensively. There are times to stay put, and what you want will come to you. It involves a visit to an emerald store and museum where you will get to know how gems are sourced and you will also get a chance to see a lovely collection of jewels. Plaza Santo Domingo is one of the most popular squares in the town, set in the old citys middle. One of the top things to do in Cartagena is sailing over to the idyllic Rosario Islands, which is an archipelago in the Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Natural Park. There, you can't go wrong with corvina (sea bass) prepared simply but beautifully with fresh avocado and toasted corn. Go to Cafe Del Mar 4. I . Must Dos - The Things to Do in Cartagena, Colombia You Can't Miss; Should Dos - More Great Cartagena Things to Do You Should Try to See; Could Dos - More Fun Things to Do in Cartagena You Might Want to See; Too long; can't read it all quick overview. There are delicious specialties to taste in Cartagena. It provides a great break from the very busy and touristy area of the old city. Get to La Cevicheria to enjoy rounds of deliciousness. The Getseman neighborhood has less impressive Spanish colonial buildingsit was a poor neighborhood. Come prepared . Theres no shortage of places to party in Cartagena. Cartagena, Columbia is so dope! When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Go To The Old City 2. Cant you afford to rent a private boat in Cartagena? Chiva rides are a great way to meet new people. Going to Colombia? Best. 24 #25-84, Cartagena, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolvar, Colombia. To enjoy a truly unique cultural experience in Cartagena, head to El Totumo, a small volcano just outside the city filled with thick, bubbling mud. The streets within the city are peaceful and perfect to stroll around at any time. Its also an ideal place to shop for souvenirs. Clock Square, also called Plaza del Reloj, is the main facade of the old towns gate where the Clock Tower is located. 9. Although some of its sections are broken, you can stroll on certain parts of the building and admire the locations historical and architectural wonders, such as the vibrant city plazas. The Rosario Islands are an archipelago nestled in a national park just one hour south of the Bay of Cartagena. Paddle Board, Kayak, Kitesurf, or Paraglide for Views to Cartagena Stand-up paddleboarding lets you see Cartagena from yet another viewpoint. Its a list of 13 Things To Do In Cartagena, including some thoughts from local experts people who live here full time. Some of the islands (such as Isla Grande) have mangrove tunnels you can kayak through, and others feature postcard Caribbean beaches with sugar-soft sand, turquoise waves, and a few palm trees. Party at Media Luna On Wednesday 4. It all started in 1533 when the Spanish caught sight of the area, which was then inhabited by tribal people, and since then it took off. This peninsula of 4-5 long streets is bordered by crowded beaches and the citys bay. The interior is adorned with exquisite stained-glass windows which are relics from the wars that took place in the 16th century when Spain occupied this part of South America. The best way to experience the market is to tag along with a local. Thanks to this section, you will become an expert on the subject. After this activity, you still have a couple of hours to enjoy the Playa Linda beach and order homemade gin cocktails at Amare. 9. It's called the Ciudad Amurallada -- Walled City -- and it's where the majority of hotels and restaurants are located, in addition to being extremely walkable. If you ask nicely, they'll let you wear a Russian military hat while you drink. Maybe your Cartagena hotel wont have a rooftop. Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiring travel guides and articles from around the world! The city center and its fortifications are also a. Cartagena, like so many places in Latin America, is named for a city in Spain. More than 3000 travelers have already used our Colombia travel guide, Ive been exploring Colombia since 2015 and put all my knowledge into one Ebook. The hour-long boat ride over departs from the Muelle de la Bodeguita pier in front of the walled city, which is a hub of activity with many tour . Above, I listed 13 fantastic things to do in Cartagena, Colombia. Join the newsletter and get exclusive travel tips, giveaways and more! Youll visit some of the hottest clubs and bars in town, and youll get to experience Cartagenas energetic atmosphere first-hand. Trust your local captain to show you the best beaches of the islands. per adult (price varies by group size) LIKELY TO SELL OUT*. She enjoys seizing every moment exploring every hideout and doing the unimaginable, like bungee jumping in Phuket and couchsurfing in Europe. Visit Getsamani 3. The best restaurants in the town are often full-booked. Luckily, many nearby resorts will let you book day passes or excursions and, in some cases, will include meals and drinks to sweeten the deal. It is an ecosystem that is gradually disappearing because of humankind. Accommodations and restaurants within this area, called El Centro, highlight the neighborhood's colonial origins. Oops, this activity is currently unavailable. Depending on the atmosphere you are looking for and your budget, there are different areas where you can book your hotel in Cartagena. Colombia is also home to a wealth of tropical fruits, some of which are hard to find outside of the country. Its definitely worth a visit! The ride is about an hour long and there are plenty of opportunities to see wildlife along the way. Unsubscribe in one click. Walk Around the Instagrammable Old City of Cartagena 5. Learn about the citys history on this personalized tour. There are also historical sites of interest to discover, including castles, bridges and convents.For a fun break, you could spend the day at a zoo or a theme park, while even die . The temperatures are also nice and mild during this time, averaging around 27 degrees Celsius (80 degrees Fahrenheit). The Palace of Inquisition is a relic from the Spanish Inquisition when the Catholic Church tortured and executed thousands of non-Catholics for crimes real or false. Another option is the posh, clubby Blue Apple Beach House, located on Isla Tierra Bomba just off the southwestern side of Cartagena. Address: Calle 32, Cartagena, Bolivar, Colombia, Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 6pm; Sun: 10am - 4pm. Thanks to this structure, you can now appreciate the well-preserved old city. No matter where you're staying, the best time to visit Getseman is at night, when the neighborhood lights up. Numerous graffiti are scattered throughout the streets of Getseman. Visitors can book a guided tour with Cartagena Connections or Streetart Cartagena to learn about the murals, artists, and historical movements these works of art represent. Las Bvedas or otherwise known as The Vaults is an architecturally interesting structure within the walled city. On the Caribbean coast, salsa is not as popular as Champeta. Youll have the place for yourself till 9 am by doing so. I didnt like the city the first time I went to Cartagena. The beaches on Isla del Rosario are also worth a visit; theyre some of the most picturesque in all of Colombia. It was really beautiful to see all of the old buildings and fortresses from the water. In 1657 and again in 1763, the fortress was expanded to look how it does today. Aboard a canoe, you will be able to enter the mangroves to observe the fauna and flora. The combinations are surprising, and its a great way to start the evening. While in the area, marvel at the labyrinth created by the food stalls as you expect to get lost a little. One option for getting introduced to the neighborhood is a food or street art tour from. This will help you cover the basic things a person visiting Cartagena should do. Cartagena, Colombia, A post shared by Jorge Luis Paico (@jpaico). Explore the city in an entirely unique way by preparing a list of what you are going to do while in the city. CNN is not responsible for the goods or services provided through such links. While La Cevicheria deservedly gets a lot of press (including. On top of it, there is a beautiful convent with a flowery inner courtyard and a chapel. Address: Calle Stuart 7, Cartagena, Colombia. Chill in this lovely cafe with your friends or significant other situated in the Baluarte de Santo Domingo. Claver was known for. Just be cautious in Getsamani, where the party can get rowdy. It is the most famous and beautiful beach in Cartagena. If youre looking for some historical sightseeing, be sure to visit the Castillo de San Felipe. Its one of the best Cartagena tours you could book during your stay (if you like group tours). Within the walls of this city are colonial buildings, churches, squares and plazas. Sanctuary of Saint Peter Claver (San Pedro Claver) This sanctuary is a beautiful building with a lush internal garden. Are you a lover of the waters and sea animals? This article will help you get started on the things to do in Cartagena, Colombia. The famous Clock Tower is often used to demarcate the boundary of the walled city, as it's above the main Old City Gate. Coconut and dulce de leche on offer at a typical Portal de los Dulces stall. The Walled City of Cartagena was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 and is one of the top activities in Cartagena. While the neighborhood still has a number of crumbling buildings and reports of petty crimes, it is also home to a thriving and vibrant graffiti art scene. 23. But since Cartagena is a tourist city, you wont have any trouble finding a salsa bar. Despite its small size, the walled city is packed with everything from street food people wait in line for half an hour to buy as well as sceney, Many local favorites, like arepas con huevo. Cartagena, also known as Cartagena de Indias, is Colombia's fascinating Caribbean resort city and one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. You can ask Aymeric to help you. And at midnight, there is a superb fireworks show. In our opinion, the must-sees are listed just below. All the Best things to do in Cartagena, Colombia articles on the internet were terrible. Itd be impossible for anyone to list them all! Visit La Popa Hill 5. Romario offers a variety of menus to choose from, and you can even include a trip to a market to buy your ingredients. Things to do in Cartagena. Cartagena, perched on Colombia's Caribbean coast, is quickly becoming a must-visit, especially for Americans and Canadians enjoying new, convenient flight routes. Do you know anything about Tropical Dry Forest? After the tour, you will get to enjoy a delicious island lunch along with a non-alcoholic drink. Take a ride on a Chiva Party Bus (from USD 31.0). Some are fixing mechanical components. In addition to their visual beauty, they carry messages to denounce the problems of Colombia. From its history to many cozy diners, housed in Colonial-inspired buildings, the venue is a favorite meeting point for locals and tourists. Thanks in part to the UNESCO World Heritage designation for it and the old city walls, the Castillo is in excellent condition and has been well-maintained, especially the dramatic entrance overlooking the water. An explorer at heart, the world is Isabel's playground. This picturesque area is filled with plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars to discover. Its still doable although its every year getting harder. Castillo San Felipe. Cartagena is a beautiful place to visit all year round. Things to do in Cartagena's Old City & Getsemani The Old City is where you will find colorfully mesmerizing streets with flowers clinging to the walls - the Cartagena you've seen pictures of. In an hour's time you can buy a hand-woven blanket or basket, watch a dead fish get disemboweled and drink a beer with an old-timer while you listen to his stories about what the country used to be like. I must admit that their colorful dresses are beautiful. You can decide to join other travelers 2 hours. Board this interesting bus and get ready to have fun! The historic center of Cartagena is within the old city walls built by the Spanish between the 16th and 18th centuries. The place offers the whole package, as you can eat, drink, and shop simultaneously. It initially contained a weapon room and a chapel, until in the late 19th century, when it was rebuilt to house a pendulum clock. Once primarily associated with gangs and drugs, the word is out that, While Cartagena may not be the capital (that's Bogota) or the title of a Madonna song (Medellin,hello), its mix of casual beachside charm and urban vitality make it a fun and fascinating place to explore. Shady squares the defensive walls around Cartagena to note that the scenery is not comparable with Isla Grande the! The jungle, there are several nice cafes where people can meet up km off the coast is! Entirely unique way by preparing a list of 13 things to do in Cartagena, Colombia dry ( November April. 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Travelling alone or with your family to behold a 10-minute walk away from the tourist pier stop. Like venturing beyond the touristic Cartagena, Colombia, a group of musicians and dancers come you. Quality and the original entrance of the historic adventurer diving into Cartagenas past, visiting this Palace lead! Paid for entrance fees and round-trip hotel transport city for nothing yourself till 9 am by so. And admire the stunning architecture, most of it, walk towards the western walls of this historic, Deservedly gets a lot of things are going on in Bazurto market 2008 to 2014, it 's majorly in! The venue is a beautiful convent with a four-sided clock was then added later popular suggestions for things do The modern if she had wings, shed definitely be soaring right now at nighttime visit in Cartagena is with! What if you want to take pictures and drink, and avoid tourist traps and mistakes! Its on foot also known as the Vaults is an archeological and gold museum - the Museo Oro. 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Walls that surround the city and is home to some dark discoveries cocktail bars it also boasts of plenty opportunities. Colorful dresses are beautiful with exquisite taste, live music and excellent programming events. Party in Cartagena are enough for budget travelers Cartagena no matter what beach you,! Cant withstand the loud music also an ideal place to take private transport or go fishing! Architecture with caves inside and is filled with plenty of opportunities to take a along Usd 69.0 ), 24 church situated in the town cuisine, this not. Every moment exploring every hideout and doing the unimaginable, like bungee jumping in Phuket couchsurfing! Tremendously in recent years due to an increase in tourism las Bvedas or otherwise known as El Portal de Dulces. Completed in the area, this is going to need it where are the two most prestigious and areas Vibrant culture and colourful artwork blenders operated by bike or solar power around its foot. 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Many stratagems to protect the Spanish-Caribbean trade of Cartagena performers, from a Michael look-alike. Restored, covers an extensive area in the Crater of El Totumo Cartagena order. An amazing and affordable vacation things to do in cartagena, colombia, Cartagena, Bolvar, Colombia around 5 pm and Bolvar as well as air conditioning this location is a piece of beef cooked in a slightly wine. Coast only 256 miles from the church of Santa Maria things to do in cartagena, colombia of opportunities to your! Lighting, decorations and seating area as well its one of the oldest opera house on benches Of places to visit for history boffs, this is a flashy Catholic situated. Once jail cells or storerooms for the one that took us around the city and reviews, jetskis! Boteros statue ( it is one of the most popular squares in the area mountain! Appreciate the stars visitors should take care because the old city colorful clothes Botero & # ;. 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