Alejandra & Jared
Things To do
A Brief History Of This Amazing City
Cartagena is a colonial city on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. The historic walled city remains alongside the ultramodern skyscraper-filled Bocagrande. Cartagena is famous for its culture, history, and colorful buildings. The city was founded in 1533, by Spanish Commander Pedro de Heredia. The Spanish poured huge amounts of money into the city’s defenses, including the famed wall. At that time, the port was the largest in the Americas. In 1741 the Queen of England ordered invasions of every Spanish port in the Caribbean. After the invasion, the city fortified further, and rebuilt its defenses to become the most protected port in South America. Cartagena played a significant role in Colombia gaining its independence - in 1811 it was the first city to declare independence from Spain. Today, Cartagena has rapidly expanded and is now home to over 1 million people. Despite all these changes the Walled City remains unchanged, with its colonial architecture and historic buildings preserved.
Explore the Old City
You’ll find tons of colorful colonial architecture, flowers, artists, and plenty of street vendors (the best street vendors you will find are around the Cartagena Cathedral — Catedral de Santa Catalina de Alejandría de Cartagena de Indias — on Calle 34.) Be sure to check out the Torre del Reloj, the historically important and monument-filled Plaza Aduana, the vibrant Plaza Santo Domingo with its Botero statue, the leafy green Plaza Bolivar that’s frequently filled with dancers and performers, and Plaza de los Coches where you’re sure to experience an authentic night in Cartagena. While you’re out exploring, make sure to check out The Palace of Inquisition, The Gold Museum, and the Church of Santo Toribo. If you are interested in a walking tour, there are many listed through Trip Advisor or you can ask your hotel to set one up!
Walk Along the Entire Wall of the Old City
It's hard to miss. In fact, you have to drive through it to even get to the hotel. This wall is considered the most extensive fortification in all of South America. The wall stretches 4 Kilometers around the city and provides breathtaking views of the ocean and old city buildings. Becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, the City and its walls have a lengthy and rich history. Due to the city’s strategic location, this eminent example of the military architecture of the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries was also one of the most important ports of the Caribbean. The port of Cartagena – together with Havana, Cuba and San Juan, Puerto Rico – was an essential link in the route of the West Indies and thus an important chapter in the history of world exploration and the great commercial maritime routes. On the narrow streets of the colonial walled city can be found civil, religious and residential monuments of beauty and consequence.
Take a Boat to Playa Blanca
Playa Blanca is undoubtedly one of Colombia’s most beautiful beaches. Located on Baru island, it is 45 minutes by boat from Cartagena port, or around a two-hour car journey from the main city. Crystal-clear waters lap the perfectly white sand and visitors have the option to spend a day relaxing on this incredible beach or, should that not be enough, you can also stay over night. Go for the day and make the most of some delicious fresh fish served alongside coconut rice. Or even stay the night and appreciate the beach in complete stillness and silence once all the day trippers leave. Either way, a visit to this beach is a must for anyone spending more than a day in Cartagena.
Grab a Drink at Alquímico
Anyone remotely hip ultimately gravitates to this Old Town bar with a pharmaceutical theme. Occupying a gorgeous colonial building, the bar is spread over three floors: the ground floor is a sleek, low-lit lounge perfect for an aperitif, while upstairs there's a kitchen and pool table. One more floor up is the always packed roof-terrace bar, serving imaginative aguardiente cocktails.
Savor Delicious Ceviche at La Mulata
La Mulata is a very authentic restaurant serving quintessential Cartagenian food. Food varies throughout the country, and although many of you may know about empanadas and bandeja paisa, you should definitely try the Cartagena local fare, which is quite a bit different. Try the lobster rolls and ceviche for the best seafood in town. It's a small and cozy place with large portions and local beer. Cash only, so don't forget to stop by the ATM. But don't take out too much, a full plate of lobster, rice, plantains, and a beer should only run you about 7-8 bucks!
Taste all the Flavors at La Paletteria
If you’re looking for a refreshing treat, head on over to La Paletteria, where a glass case contains dozens of paletas — agua (water), crema (cream) or yogurt ice pops — in flavors like tamarind, coconut, Milo (a locally beloved chocolate-malt drink), and tastes of tropical ingredients like maracuya, lulada, and mango.
Buy Traditional Linen Clothes at St. Dom
St. Dom is a boutique offering luxury fashion and art & design products. The store sells original clothing, accessories, handbags and jewelry from more than 100 Colombian designers.