Katie & Arturo
Things To Do
EAT
You can't go wrong with food in Cartagena! Here are some recommendations: Amalfi Cuzco Buena Vida La Cocina de Pepina Candé - Carribean food with live music and shows Carmen- Splurge on this tasting menu for an unforgettable experience! La Cevichería- Anthony Bourdain came here for ceviche! Come for lunch to beat the rush. El Boliche - Another ceviche spot if you cannot get enough. Demente - a tapas and pizza restaurant in the vibrant neighborhood of Getsemaní Crepes and Waffles - A Colombian chain featuring crepes with a variety of toppings and other options like pitas, salads, and more. Other options - Celele, Alma, Mistura, La Mulata, Casa Cruxada, Marisquería, Mar y Zielo, Baruco by Cuzco
DRINK
Take advantage of all the beautiful rooftop bars for a drink overlooking the sunset! Alquímico - Quite a wild adventure! This is a multi-level cocktail bar with Colombian themed drinks. Movich Rooftop - hotel roof top with sunset drinks and a view El Barón- inventive cocktails, cigars, and small bites on the plaza with a terrace for people watching Townhouse Rooftop - a relaxed and fun spot to watch the sunset The Arsenal Rum Box- Rum and chocolate tastings with a restaurant El Pasquin Gastro Bar
COFFEE
San Alberto Coffee - major coffee roaster in Colombia with tastings to learn more about different brewing methods. Abacus Books and Coffee - bookstore and cafe Epóca Espresso Bar - coffee, cocktails, and breakfast Juan Valdez - Colombia's biggest coffee chain (think the Colombian Starbucks)
SHOP
La Serrezuela: Old bull ring that has been converted to a shopping mall with shops and restaurants. Colombian fashion: Malva- Colombian designers Vélez- leather goods Maaji- swimwear Agua bendita- swim and resort wear
TO DO
Get lost in the colorful streets of the old city Free walking tour or venture on your own- Choose El Centro for history and Getsemaní for the street art Avoid the city beaches and opt for a trip to the Islas del Rosario (even better if you can stay for a night). National Aviary of Colombia Try a Cooking Class or Food tours Take a Salsa Class
TRY
Aguardiente - translates to "fiery water", an anise based national liquor Seafood - so fresh and so many options Fruit - try the breakfast fruits & fresh squeezed juices (sometimes offered in water or milk). Make sure water and ice are both filtered. Fried food: Patacones (a fried, crushed and then fried again plantain) with costeño cheese. Empanadas (Corn flour dough filled with meats or veggies) Arepa con huevo (fried round dough with an egg inside) Deditos (white or costeño cheese wrapped in fried dough) think Colombian mozzarella sticks Quibe- meat empanada SPF 50 - the sun is no joke!