Things To Do

Restaurante Celele by Proyecto Caribe Lab

Reservations needed?: Yes Contemporary cuisine based on the gastronomic culture and biodiversity of the Colombian Caribbean. Celele is considered one of the best restaurants in Latin America, being awarded for years with several recognitions by the famous list “The Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants”, currently occupying the No. 19 of the same. We LOVED this restaurant! The appetizers were amazing! ¿Reservaciones necesarias?: Si Celele es un restaurante de cocina caribeña contemporánea basada en la cultura gastronómica y biodiversidad del territorio del caribe Colombiano. Llevamos 6 años investigando y mostrando al mundo la importancia de la cocina y la despensa de esta región, trabajamos de la mano de pequeños productores, pescadores y artesanos, consolidando toda nuestra investigación de la mano del jardín botánico de Cartagena, biólogos e instituciones educativas.

CARMEN RESTAURANTE

Centro Histórico, Barrio San Diego Reservations needed?: Yes The restaurant is situated in an intimate and elegant colonial house downtown, and the menu is a celebration of local flavors, many of which are unique to Colombia. At their Cartagena restaurant, they also serve freshly caught lobster, octopus, and crab, presented in unique and creative ways. ¿Reservaciones necesarias?: Si El restaurante está ubicado en una casa colonial íntima y elegante en el centro, y el menú es una celebración de los sabores locales, muchos de los cuales son exclusivos de Colombia. En su restaurante de Cartagena, también sirven langosta, pulpo y cangrejo recién capturados, presentados de formas únicas y creativas.

Castle San Felipe de Barajas

Head here early to beat the crowds and visit this enormous castle from 1639.The Castillo San Felipe de Barajas (San Felipe de Barajas Castle) is a fortress in the city of Cartagena, Colombia. The castle was built in 1536 and is located on the Hill of San Lázaro in a strategic location, dominating approaches to the city by land or sea.

Beach Clubs

You’ll find the best beach clubs on the island of Tierra Bomba (10 – 20 minutes away by boat) and a little further out in the Rosario Islands (45 minutes away by boat). As a rule of thumb, as soon as your view of the city disappears, you’re out of the bay, and it’s these beach clubs that have the clear blue water you’re probably searching for. But not all beach clubs are alike! Before you go, decide how much time and money you want to spend, and most importantly, what kind of beach vibe you’re looking for. Here are a few options of Beach Clubs you can look into: - Makani Beach Club (located on Tierra Bomba island, only 15-20 minutes away from Cartagena) - Blue Apple Beach Club -Gente de Mar (located in Rosario Islands, about a 50-60 min boat ride. Very clear waters!) -Pao Pao We recommend you get more information through their websites and coordinate travel through your hotel or a reputable company.

Mar y Zielo

In the heart of the Historic Center of Cartagena is La Escribana, the historic house that houses Mar and Zielo. We are signature cuisine. A gastronomic project that exalts the true protagonists: the Colombian territory, its people, culture, products and tradition. En el corazón del Centro Histórico de Cartagena se encuentra La Escribana, la casa histórica que acoge a Mar y Zielo. Somos cocina de autor. Un proyecto gastronómico que exalta a los verdaderos protagonistas: el territorio colombiano, sugente, cultura, productos y tradición.

Discover Getsemani

Getsemani has a little more local soul and is frequently described as the ‘edgier’ part of town. Located outside of the walled city, this neighborhood is filled with incredible street art, colorful buildings, great bars, and good local eats. You will also find live music and dancing to enjoy! We've stayed in this area and enjoyed it so much! Getsemaní tiene un alma un poco más local y con frecuencia se describe como la parte "más atrevida" de la ciudad. Ubicado fuera de la ciudad amurallada, este vecindario está lleno de arte callejero increíble, edificios coloridos, excelentes bares y buenos restaurantes locales. ¡También encontrarás música en vivo y baile para disfrutar! ¡Nos hemos alojado en esta área y lo disfrutamos mucho!

La Esquina del Pandebono

A delicious, freshly baked breads of all sorts, pastries, chocolate cakes, coffee, cappuccinos, and more! You must make this a stop for breakfast, but really you can come at any time of the day. It's all served straight out of the oven to you! ¡Del Horno a la Boca! ¡Un delicioso pan recién horneado de todo tipo, pasteles, pasteles de chocolate, café, capuchinos y más! Debes hacer de esto una parada para desayunar, pero realmente puedes venir a cualquier hora del día.

Restaurante Candé

Reservations needed?: Yes. Make sure to request a table where you can see the show. If Cartagena were a restaurant, she would be Candé. Music, dance, and traditional dress are all things that Candé incorporates into its dining experience to ensure that its diners are fully immersed in the Cartagenero experience. Enjoy the live musical show at both lunchtime and dinner time, and watch professionals dance the Mapalé and Cumbia, traditional Colombian dances. ¿Es necesario reservar?: Sí. Asegúrate de pedir una mesa donde puedas ver el espectáculo. Si Cartagena fuera un restaurante, sería Candé. La música, la danza y la vestimenta tradicional son cosas que Candé incorpora a su experiencia gastronómica para garantizar que sus comensales se sumerjan por completo en la experiencia cartagenera. Disfrute del espectáculo musical en vivo tanto a la hora del almuerzo como de la cena, y vea a los profesionales bailar el mapalé y la cumbia, bailes tradicionales colombianos.

La Cevichería

Reservations needed?: No reservations accepted, get there early and queue! Its blue and white color scheme and outdoor dining tables give off a Mediterranean vibe, with a Caribbean twist. The food is also fresh, healthy, and Mediterranean-inspired with a distinctly Colombian flavor. The use of coconut gives a strong nod to the Caribbean, and its homemade hot sauce is unbeatable. So grab a seat, and enjoy the spectacle in the plaza put on by the famous Cartagena street performers. Su combinación de colores azul y blanco y las mesas de comedor al aire libre emiten un ambiente mediterráneo, con un toque caribeño. La comida también es fresca, saludable y de inspiración mediterránea con un sabor claramente colombiano. El uso del coco le da un fuerte guiño al Caribe, y su salsa picante casera es inmejorable. Así que tome asiento y disfrute del espectáculo en la plaza organizado por los famosos artistas callejeros de Cartagena.

El Burlador Gastrobar

El Burlador Gastrobar is recommended for the Spanish cuisine. You'll find cooked fillet steaks, seared tuna and Spanish tapas. Enjoy good brownies, dessert crepes and crème brûlée that are offered at this place. Don't miss the opportunity to drink delicious white sangria, Spanish wine or gin. You can listen to live music in the evening. El Burlador Gastrobar es recomendado para la cocina española. Encontraras filetes cocidos, atún sellado y tapas españolas. Disfruta de los buenos brownies, los postres crepes y el crème brûlée que se ofrecen en este lugar. No pierdas la oportunidad de tomar una deliciosa sangría blanca, vino español o ginebra. Puedes escuchar música en vivo por la noche.

Juan Valdez Café

Juan Valdez, an icon of Colombian coffee , was created in 1958 by the founder of DDB, William Bernbach, to advertise coffee in the States. If you’re looking for the world’s best coffee, Juan Valdez should be at the top of your list. They only use the highest quality Arabica beans, which are handpicked and processed in small batches. The coffee is then blended with other special ingredients to create a unique flavor profile. The beans are roasted slowly to ensure that they’re evenly brewed and not too strong or acidic. They also have a delicious sweets!

Museum of Cartagena de Indias

La Fantastica Cartagena - Pirate Ship Tour, Sunset Tour & Rosario Island Tour

There are many day tours you can take in and around Cartagena. Make sure to book all your tours through your hotel or online before your arrival date. Have so much fun!