KENDALL & DAVID
Things To Do
LA CEVICHERÍA
This place has the best ceviche (and hot sauce) in Cartagena. Don't believe us? Even the late, great Anthony Bourdain made sure to check it out when he visited the city for his show No Reservations. This place doesn't mess around. It is also conveniently located across from the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Hotel. La Cevicheria does not take reservations and there is usually a decent wait for a table, so remember to put your name in early.
ALQUÍMICO BAR
This multi-level charming bar in a converted old shoe store, is a great place to drink and dance the night away.
CAFÉ DEL MAR
For drinks with a view, look no further than Cafe del Mar. Sitting right on top of the historic city wall, this bar is the best place to enjoy a Caribbean sunset with a tropical drink in hand.
RESTAURANTE DONJUÁN CARTAGENA
A checkered floor, large basket-woven lamps and tall white shelves make up the welcoming design scheme in this restaurant, passionately led by Juan Felipe Camacho. Its sophisticated cuisine with Mediterranean hints and Colombian ingredients has never intended to be pretentious, but rather honest with great respect for the product. Although it is always busy with clients who come to enjoy the flavor, the service is impeccable. Make reservations in advance.
MARÍA
Bogotá-born chef Alejandro Ramirez spent years under the tutelage of culinary kings—Daniel Boulud and Gordon Ramsay among them—before returning to his home country and opening María in 2013. The swanky restaurant is known for its expertly crafted cocktails and inventive seafood dishes, like cured salmon with a jalapeño infusion and sea bass with grilled bacon succotash. What’s more, María’s flamboyant dining room is filled with design eye candy: An oversize chandelier consisting of mini white pineapples is suspended from the ceiling, a psychedelic mural of a tiger covers an entire wall, and succulents accent each table.
NOVO KEBAB GRILL
For a quick cheap bite just a short walking distance from the Hotel Santa Clara, we suggest checking out Novo Kebab Grill. Novo is a made to order Mediterranean grill specializing in bold flavor and fresh ingredients. There is a small area to sit inside, but you can also take to go and have a picnic on the wall or in one of the squares in the historical center.
FREE WALKING TOURS
Cartagena is an incredible walking city. For those who want a bit more structure to their stroll, there are a number of free walking tours available. These tours are an amazing and quick way to learn more about the city during your short stay. Feel free to 'Google' to learn about other available walking tours.
CASTILLO DE SAN FELIPE DE BARAJAS
The greatest fortress ever built by the Spaniards in any of their colonies, the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas still dominates an entire section of Cartagena's cityscape. It should definitely be the first fortress you visit. It was built way back in 1657 to protect against pirates looking to make off with the silver and gold that was bound for Europe.
CAFE HAVANA
Learn to salsa at this world famous salsa club. Live performances start at 11 pm every night. Usually a US$10 cover.
SALSA DONDE FIDEL
For cold, tasty beer and great salsa beats, the place to be is Donde Fidel.
TOP 20 THINGS TO DO
Here is a detailed list of some top activities recommended by our planner.