Neighborhoods to Explore

🏰 Walled City (Centro Histórico): The heart of Cartagena, where colonial history meets vibrant Caribbean culture. This picturesque district is home to the city’s best restaurants, boutique hotels, and landmarks.

🎨 Getsemaní: The city's most lively and artistic neighborhood, filled with street art, music, and a bohemian vibe. By night, it transforms into a vibrant scene with live music and salsa spilling onto the streets.

🌊 Bocagrande: Cartagena’s modern beachfront district, lined with high-rises, upscale restaurants, and shopping malls. Its long stretch of beach offers great ocean views and Miami-esque vibes.

Must-See Spots in the Walled City

⏳ Torre del Reloj (Clock Tower): The main entrance to the Old City and one of Cartagena’s most iconic landmarks.

🏛️ Plaza de la Aduana: One of the city’s oldest and most historically significant plazas, once a hub for trade and commerce.

🎶 Plaza Santo Domingo: A lively square filled with restaurants and street musicians, home to Fernando Botero’s Gertrudis statue (give her a rub for good luck!).

🌳 Plaza Bolívar: A shady, green oasis perfect for escaping the heat, often animated by dancers and street performers.

🌅 The City Walls: Walk along the historic fortifications for stunning ocean views, especially at sunset.

No matter where you go, the Walled City is full of surprises. Grab a fresh fruit juice from a street vendor, pop into hidden courtyards, and let yourself get lost.

Bars & Nightlife

🕺 Donde Fidel: A legendary salsa bar—grab a cheap beer and watch (or join!) some of the best salsa dancers in town.

🧪 Alquímico: One of Cartagena’s top cocktail bars, housed in a three-story colonial mansion.

🍷 El Barón: A cozy cocktail bar in Plaza San Pedro, known for expertly crafted drinks.

🌴 Townhouse Rooftop: A tropical rooftop bar with great vibes, solid cocktails, and a fun crowd.

🌇 El Baluarte San Francisco Javier: The best spot to catch the sunset with a drink in hand, perched on the city walls.

Restaurants & Foodie Finds

🦐 La Cevichería: A must-visit for fresh ceviche and Caribbean seafood. Anthony Bourdain-approved.

🍛 Espíritu Santo: A casual, affordable local spot serving classic Colombian dishes.

🍹 Buena Vida: A lively restaurant with a fun atmosphere, creative cocktails, and delicious seafood.

🥘 Restaurante Conroncoro: A hidden gem serving authentic Colombian flavors.

🌿 Celele: One of Latin America’s top restaurants, focusing on Caribbean flavors and locally sourced ingredients.

🍣 Hamachi Cartagena: A sleek sushi spot in Bocagrande, perfect for fresh seafood lovers.

🍷 Carmen: Upscale Colombian fusion cuisine with tasting menus and innovative dishes.

🌟 Mar y Zielo: A beautifully designed restaurant with creative dishes and an intimate vibe.

Cultural & Historical Attractions

🪙 Museo del Oro Zenú: A fascinating (and free!) gold museum showcasing indigenous craftsmanship.

🏰 Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas: An impressive fortress with panoramic views and hidden tunnels to explore.

⚖️ Palace of the Inquisition: A deep dive into Cartagena’s colonial past, featuring relics from the Spanish Inquisition.

🛍️ Las Bóvedas: Historic dungeons turned into colorful artisan shops—perfect for souvenirs.

🎨 Getsemaní Street Art Tour: Walk through vibrant murals that tell the city’s story.

🔥 Plaza de Trinidad: The heart of Getsemaní’s nightlife, buzzing with live performances and local food vendors.

Beaches & Island Escapes

☀️ Bocagrande Beaches – If you're looking for a beach day without leaving the city, Bocagrande offers sandy shores just minutes from the historic center. Expect a lively atmosphere with vendors selling drinks, snacks, and souvenirs—just remember, "No, gracias" if you're not interested. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available to rent. For a more serene experience, consider taking a day trip to one of the nearby islands!

🍹 Blue Apple Beach: A laid-back beach club located on Tierra Bomba Island, just a short boat ride from Cartagena. Enjoy delicious food, refreshing drinks, and a relaxing vibe while soaking up the sun. It's a perfect spot for a chill day away from the crowds.

🏖️ Playa Blanca: A stunning white-sand beach about 45 minutes away (best visited on weekdays to avoid crowds).

🌊 Rosario Islands: A tropical paradise with crystal-clear waters—great for a day trip or overnight stay. Speedboats leave daily from Cartagena’s harbor.

Unique Experiences & Tours

🔍 Booking Tips: We recommend booking excursions and tours via reputable companies such as TripAdvisor or GetYourGuide for peace of mind and reliable experiences.

⛵ Sunset Catamaran Cruise: Sail along Cartagena’s coast with cocktails in hand as the sun dips below the horizon.

🛒 Bazurto Market Tour: A vibrant local market full of exotic fruits and fresh seafood (best explored with a guide).

🚌 Chiva Party Bus: Experience a quintessential Colombian night out on a colorful, open-air Chiva bus. These traditional buses transform into mobile parties with live music, rum, and dancing while touring you around the city's highlights. It's a festive, uniquely Colombian experience!

🛁 Mud Volcano (El Totumo): Float weightlessly in a warm, mineral-rich mud bath!

☕ Coffee Tasting Experience: Learn about Colombia’s world-famous coffee from bean to cup.

💃 Salsa Dancing Lessons: Cartagena lives and breathes salsa—why not pick up a few moves?