Boris & Danielle
Things To Do
SEE
Cartagena’s historic Walled City is made up of El Centro and San Diego, with grittier, but rapidly changing Getsemaní right next door. Take in the action in the verdant plazas, cool off in historic churches (including La Cátedral, Iglesia de Santo Domingo, and Iglesia de San Pedro Claver), and explore the city’s museums (the Palace of the Inquisition, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Museum of Gold). You can walk along the colonial walls as well, a good route taking you from the western side near the Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa to the northeast. Beyond the Walled City is Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, the grandest fort in the Americas, and Convento de la Popa, a convent sitting atop the highest hill in Cartagena.
EAT
Start your day with an arepa de choclo, pandebono, or buñuelo at any one of the bakeries scattered throughout the city. Grab lunch at La Mulata (typical set-menu lunch), Pastelería Mila (refined takes on classics, plus some of Cartagena's best desserts), or Crepes y Waffles (an unexpected and delicious Colombia chain). Check out Maria, Cusco, or La Vitrola for dinner, and if you want ceviche, try La Cevichería or El Boliche. Wherever you go, don’t miss out on fresh juices from fruits you can’t find in the States.
DRINK
Enjoy the chill vibe at El Barón or an expertly crafted cocktail at Alquímico. If views are on the itinerary, catch sundown on top of the wall at Café del Mar or Baluarte San Francisco Javier. Looking to dance? Try La Jugada, Café Havana, La Movida, Fragma, or Mister Babilla.
Beach
The prettiest beach near Cartagena is Playa Blanca, which is mainly accessible by boat. The most straightforward route is to catch a boat at the Muelle Turístico. Tours include a quick stop at Islas del Rosario and a traditional fish lunch once you get to the beach. The other option is to go to the Mercado Bazurto where you can catch a ride on a boat taking cargo out to the Playa Blanca food shacks. Haggling is required here, but you can expect to pay between 25,000 and 45,000 COP. You will have to find a separate boat to take you back at a slightly lower cost. Either option will be a full-day trip. A quicker boat trip (10 min) is to Punta Arena on the island of Tierra Bomba. Trips are around 15-20,000 COP each way and leave from near the hospital in the Castillogrande neighborhood. If want to pop out to the beach for a few hours, you can go to the beach in Bocagrande, Cartagena’s mini-Miami near El Centro. Chairs and umbrellas are available for rent, drinks available for purchase.