Things To Do
Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
A massive 17th-century fortress offering incredible views of the city and the Caribbean Sea.
Islas del Rosario
A group of 27 beautiful small islands with crystal-clear waters, perfect for snorkeling, diving, or simply relaxing on the beach. *Thursday's beach day will take place on one of the islands.
Getsemani
A vibrant neighborhood filled with colorful street art, lively plazas, trendy cafes, and a lively nightlife scene.
Las Bóvedas
Former dungeons turned into a collection of artisan shops and galleries, perfect for shopping and browsing.
Las Murallas de Cartagena
The ancient fortified walls surrounding the old town, offering fantastic views and a great place for a walk.
Catedral de Santa Catalina de Alejandría
Cartagena's stunning cathedral with its beautiful architecture and fascinating history.
Palenque Village
Palenque is a historic village located about 50 kilometers southeast of Cartagena, Colombia. It holds great cultural significance as it is known as the first free African town in the Americas. Originally founded by escaped African slaves during the colonial period, Palenque served as a refuge and a symbol of resistance. Visiting Palenque allows you to immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture. You can explore the community, interact with the friendly Palenqueros, and learn about their history, music, dance, and traditional cuisine. The brightly colored houses, lively street art, and local crafts also add to the charm of the village. There are guided tours available from Cartagena that provide an insight into the unique heritage of this remarkable village.
Volcan de Lodo El Totumo
A mud volcano called "El Totumo" located near Cartagena, Colombia. El Totumo is a unique natural attraction where visitors can immerse themselves in therapeutic mud baths. It is situated about 45 minutes to one hour away from the city. The mud volcano is a small, cone-shaped formation filled with warm mud. Visitors can climb up a staircase built around the volcano and lower themselves into the thick, mineral-rich mud. The mud is believed to have therapeutic properties and is said to be beneficial for the skin.
Restaurante Candé
This trendy restaurant features a menu that showcases the flavors of the Colombian Caribbean, offering a modern twist on traditional dishes. *This one is one of our favorite restaurants in Cartagena *Reservations recommended
Calle Dragones Cartagena
Best for a trip to Cuba’s Golden Age If the streets of Cartagena remind you of Cuba, Calle Dragones bar and restaurant will transport you straight to 1950s Havana. A tribute to Cuba and it’s cultural influences. Calle Dragones resembles the street in Havana that bears it’s name and collides with Calle Zanja, dividing the Chinese neighborhood from the rest of Havana. Originally invented by Chinese migrants brought to Cuba as laborers in the 1850’s, Asian-Latin cuisine blended Chinese and Caribbean ingredients and cooking techniques. This charming joint is perched on top of the famous salsa club Cafe Havana in Cartagena’s buzzing night district, Gesemani. It was designed with an old cabaret in mind, evoking the golden age of Cuba. Everything about it exudes luxury and glamour; and you can enjoy food, drinks, and music in all of its three ambiances. *Another one of our favorites
Café Havana
This one is one of Getsemani's most famous night clubs. From the minute the doors open until the band plays their final tune at three in the morning Café Havana is jumping with near wall-to-wall energy. This place combines delicious cocktails (such as the Mojito de Maracuyá) with authentic salsa from the local house band and internationally renowned musicians. It almost feels as if one is in 1950's Havana!
Restaurante 1621
Located in the luxurious Hotel Sofitel Legend Santa Clara, this restaurant serves gourmet Colombian and international cuisine in a historic colonial ambiance. *Reservations recommended
Carmen Cartagena
This upscale restaurant offers a fusion of Colombian and international flavors with creative dishes in a stylish setting. *Reservations recommended
Restaurante Bar La Vitrola
A classic and popular restaurant in Cartagena, La Vitrola offers live music and a vibrant atmosphere along with traditional Caribbean cuisine. *Reservations recommended
La Cevichería
A popular spot for seafood lovers. Made famous after a visit by Anthony Bourdain in 2008, La Cevichería serves up fresh ceviche and other coastal dishes in a casual and laid-back atmosphere. Check out this video on Anthony Bourdain's visit to La Cevichería!
Juan Del Mar Restaurante
Juan Del Mar is known for its delectable seafood dishes and vibrant ambiance. It is celebrated for its wide range of seafood options, including fresh fish, shrimp, octopus, and lobster. *Reservations recommended
DOÑA LOLA Comida del Caribe
Restaurant and antique gallery in a colonial romantic ambiance that serves delicious traditional and Caribbean inspired dishes.
Restaurante Celele
Hidden away in an unassuming colonial house in Getsemani, the bohemian neighboring barrio to Cartagena’s walled city, lies Celele. Voted as one of the “50 Best Restaurants 2020” and winning multiple other awards for their innovative menu and concept, chefs Jaime Rodriguez and Sebastian Pinzón have really hit the nail on the head. Celele is more than just a restaurant; it is a study of gastronomical anthropology. The chefs have travelled Colombia, talking to indigenous peoples and rediscovering long-forgotten flavors and methods. The food is visually stunning, and each dish has a profound cultural significance behind it. Celele restaurant celebrates the rich biodiversity of Colombia, taking humble ingredients and giving them a high-class spin.
El Barón
For nearly a decade the team at El Barón have been offering up a combination of classics and inventive, progressive signature drinks. House creations make use of an array of modern techniques, resulting in cocktails such as the Rosarito, pairing mezcal with cilantro, pineapple extract and bitters. This rustic bar is cosy and compact, with a welcoming, convivial atmosphere and a charming terrace for an al fresco cocktail, or to enjoy the bar’s selection of Cuban and Colombian cigars, expertly paired with various spirits.