Things To Do
To Eat: Candé
This restaurant was recommended to us by our friend who was born and raised in Cartagena and it did not disappoint, it is a MUST! It offers a 100% local Cartagena cuisine experience, and is located in a beautiful colonial house. Besides it's delicious and authentic menu it also features live music and entertainers. We loved their ceviche and grilled fresh seasonal fish served over black coconut rice. Note: Don't leave Cartagena without trying some local, traditional coconut rise!!
To Eat: Lobo de Mar
One of our favorites! An amazing seafood restaurant that focuses on using fresh, seasonal ingredients to create exquisite plates with Mediterranean influences. It also offers a great list of avant-garde botanical cocktails that you'll love! We highly recommend the Tataki de Atum, Lobster Roll, and the Lobster Bao.
To eat: Don Juan
An upscale dinning experience curated by renown Colombian Chef, Juan Felipe Camacho. The menu includes fresh fish and seafood, as well as classic Colombian cuts of meats; must try plates include the grilled octopus and lobster risotto.
To Eat: Mistura
Mistura fuses Colombian and Peruvian classics, plus some extra Asian flair, for a menu you’d never expect! You can’t miss out on the fish & crispy taco appetizer and 4 leches dessert.
To Eat: Alma
Located in Casa San Agustin, Alma has an elegant, indoor space and offers a poolside candlelight dinning experience. The restaurant is well known for its ceviche and 'Cazuela de Mariscos' (a seafood caserole).
To Eat: Mila
A bakery and coffee shop perfect for breakfast!
To Eat: Epoca
Another great spot for breakfast offering some of the best coffee all around!
To Drink: El Baron
Rustic and cozy, this renowned cocktail bar offers classic and inventive signature drinks, as well as a selection of Cuban and Colombian cigars.
To Drink: Townhouse Rooftop & Members Only
Located in a boutique hotel, the Townhouse Rooftop is a colorful and vibrant spot that counts with fun, unique cocktails, and terrific views of the city. Also within the Townhouse Boutique Hotel is their version of a piano speakeasy, Members Only, which offers great martinis and live music!
To Drink: El Coro
Famous for it's renowned mojitos, El Coro Lounger Bar is located in the exclusive Sofitel Legend Santa Clara hotel. It is considered one of the best places in town to enjoy live music and an extensive list of amazing cocktails that use fresh ingredients!
To Drink: Baruco by Cuzco
Restaurant bar inspired by nights with friends, great drinks, and food. This is another place that offers great live music and a lively crowd!
To Party: Alquimico
Alquimico brings some serious style to Cartagena's nightlife scene! It is an acclaimed multi-floor bar, each floor offering a unique experience, that has been named in the past as the best bar in South America. Expect music, dancing, and a highly creative menu (per floor) with the coolest cocktail experiences.
To Party: Café Havana
If you'd like to experience the salsa scene you can't miss Café Havana! This vivacious bar, in the heart of Getsemani, has a live salsa band and cheap drinks (including tasty mojitos & cuban rum drinks).
To Party: La Movida or La Jugada
If you're looking for the club experience, either La Movida or La Jugada will provide you with the best party vibes!
To Do: Explore the Old Town
Take a stroll through the Old Town's narrow streets (there are walking tours available) past the bougainvillea-covered colonial houses, charming squares and plazas, and iconic churches. Also take the time to stop by some of the many shops along the way such as Evoke, which makes chocolates infused with Amazonian fruits, Casa Chiqui a boutique that offers handcrafted designs by artisans, and Silvia Tcherassi's flagship store featuring the collections of this well known Colombian designer, to name a few.
To Do: Trip to the islands
For a breezy break from the city’s stifling heat, head to one of the nearby islands to experience a Caribbean oasis with turquoise waters and white beaches. The most well known include Islas del Rosario & Isla Baru. I love Coralina Island (a private island) in the Islas del Rosario, and have heard great things about Isla Rosa!
To Do: Visit Getsemani
Neighboring Getsemani is an artsy, semi-residential neighborhood that is famous for its street art! Within Getsemani there are Callejón Ancho and Callejón Angosto, two narrow alleyways shaded by colorful umbrellas and flags that, come evening, are filled with people enjoying a drink.
To Do: Nohra Haime Galeria
Check out the local talent at the Cartagena branch of the well known Nohra Haime Gallery in New York. The gallery features Colombian & international contemporary art from renowned and emerging artists.
To Do: Watch the sunset from the wall
Enjoy the breathtaking sunset on the famous walls, or Las Murallas, that surround the Old Town! You can watch from Café del Mar, a restaurant beside the wall (although it can be a long queue), or bring provisions and find a spot on the wall's stones.
