Things To Do

Interactive Map of Our Recommendations

Bars

Alquímico- multilevel cocktail bar with Colombian themed drinks. Andrés Cartagena- dinner and drinks, dancing and DJ starts at 7pm to 3am. El Barón- inventive cocktails, cigars, and small bites on the plaza with a terrace for people watching. Townhouse Rooftop- a chill and fun spot to watch the sunset. The Arsenal Rum Box- Rum and chocolate tastings with a restaurant. Movich Rooftop- hotel roof top with sunset drinks and a view. Café del Mar- super popular outdoor bar right on the wall with a great view for sunset. El Baluarte- tapas bar on the wall with a view. San Mateo- cool drinks and a restaurant. Lobo De Mar- Tapas and cocktail bar with live music/DJ.

Coffee

San Alberto Coffee - a big coffee roaster in Colombia with tastings and classes to learn more about the coffee craft/different brewing methods. El Deposito - small, specialty coffee roaster that offers private tastings. Abaco Books and Coffee - bookstore and cafe. Epóca Espresso Bar - coffee, cocktails, and breakfast. Juan Valdez- Colombia's biggest coffee chain, think the Colombian Starbucks. La Esquina del Pandebono- small coffee shop with traditional baked goods.

RESTAURANTS

Candé- Carribean food with live music and performances. Quero Arepa- A casual, cheap arepa (savory corn pancakes stuffed with meat, vegatables, and/or cheese) shop. La Cevichería- Anthony Bourdain came here for ceviche and you should too! Come at an off- lunch hour to beat the rush. Demente- a tapas and pizza restaurant in the vibrant neighborhood of Getsemaní. Cuzco Cocina Peruana- Peruvian Fusion Crepes and Waffles- A Colombian chain featuring crepes with a variety of toppings and other options like pitas, salads, and more. Other options- Baruco by Cuzco, Mistura, La Mulata, La Cocina de Pepina, Casa Cruxada, Cancha Restuarante Ceviches Sushi, Colombitalia Arepa.

ACTIVITIES

Get lost in the colorful streets of the old city (watch your step and look both ways for the taxis, horse carriages and boom box guys) Free walking tour or venture on your own- Choose El Centro for history and Getsemaní for the street art. We will be arranging a guided tour of the walled city for Friday. Go to the beach. The city beaches are lovely but please keep in mind there are lots vendors selling on the public beaches (food, drinks, trinkets, massages, you name it). For a more relaxing beach trip, opt for a trip to one of the Islands (ex. Rosario Islands). Day trips to the Islands all leave from La Bodeguita around 8am (same spot as our sunset cruise) and you can purchase an excursion either online or upon arrival at the many ticket windows. Authorized excursion vendors are posted out front wearing red polos/vest with the City logo. Sunset walks along the city walls Try a cooking class or food tour Take a salsa class and practice those dance moves for the wedding!

THINGS TO TRY

Aguardiente- translates to "fiery water", an anise based national liquor Seafood- so fresh and so many options All the fruit- try the fresh squeezed juices (sometimes offered in water or milk) and all the breakfast fruit Fried food: Patacones (a fried, crushed and then fried again plantain) with costeño cheese. Empanadas (Corn flour dough filled with meats or cheese) Arepas (fried or cooked on a griddle with a variety of fillings) Deditos (white or costeño cheese wrapped in fried dough, think Colombian mozzarella sticks)

SHOPPING

La Serrezuela: Originally built in the 1800s as a bullring it has now been converted to a shopping mall with shops and restaurants. Colombian fashion: Vélez- leather goods Maaji- swimwear Agua bendita- swim and resort wear Totto: luggage, backpacks, and travel accessories Las Bóvedas- wander to the site of the old colonial prison cells for some souvenirs and trinkets