Things to Do/Cartagena 101

La Serrezuela

Just a block away from the Sofitel Santa Clara. A converted bull fighting arena, La Serrezuela is now full of shops, restaurants, and more. Go enjoy the beautiful architechture and see all that it has to offer.

Castillo San Felipe

This is the most famous landmark in Cartagena, and it’s pretty hard to miss.Climb and explore the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas (San Felipe de Barajas Castle) in the early morning or late afternoon to explore the maze-like tunnels and watch the sun sink behind the rampart walls. This magnificent fortress built from 1656-1769, is proof that the pirates of the Caribbean did exist. Some 300 years ago, the city repelled attacks of French and English pirates from this castle's massive stone and coral walls.

Getsemani

For our Miami friends, this is the "Wynwood of Cartagena". This area of the city is filled with arts, murals, crumbling buildings, local homes, kids playing soccer, and an absolute ton of amazing street art here. Start at the Holy Trinity Square and walk around from there. Take a graffiti tour to learn all about the meaning behind the murals, the artists, and the political and social movements they represent.

Las Bovedas Market Place

Explore Las Bóvedas, which means "The Vaults" in Spanish. They were originally built for military purposes in the late 18th century to store munitions. They were later used as a dungeon during the civil wars of the independence era period, and it's said that at high tide, the prisoners would be up to their knees in sea water. Las Bóvedas has 47 arches and 23 domes and was constructed by engineer Antonio de Arevalo between 1792 and 1798. Today the vaults make for a charming shopping experience, as they are filled with Colombian handicrafts to bring home as souvenirs.

Day Trip to the Islands

Alma

.3mi Sofitel Santa Clara. Best for dinner. Mostly seafood but they have everything. Dress nicely. Probably our favorite restaurant in Cartagena. Beautiful upscale restaurant in the Old City.

Restaurante Celele by Proyecto Caribe Lab

.7mi Sofitel Santa Clara. Best for dinner. Adventurous Colombian cuisine. Named one of the 50 Best Restaurants in Latin America. Located in Getsemani, just outside the Walled City.

La Cevichería

Right next to Sofitel Santa Clara. Lunch/dinner. Ceviche/seafood. Casual. This is where Anthony Bourdain ate when he visited Cartagena for "No Reservations". Enough said.

Buena Vida Marisquería - Cartagena

.3mi Sofitel Santa Clara. Best for dinner. Seafood. They also have a rooftop bar.

Carmen Restaurant

.1mi Sofitel Santa Clara, 1 block away. Lunch and dinner but best for dinner. Colombian cuisine with a little bit of everything. Dress nicely.

Montesacro Resto Bar

.5mi Sofitel Santa Clara, close to the Clock Tower (Torre del Reloj). Lunch/dinner. A little of everything. Casual.

Andrés Cartagena

.2mi Sofitel Santa Clara, located in La Serrezuela. Best for dinner. Colombia cuisine with a little of everything.

Alquimico Bar

.4mi Sofitel Santa Clara. Bar and nightclub. Great spot to grabs drinks. Was ranked one of the World's Top 50 Bars. There are two sections at Alquimico: the cocktail bar on the ground floor, or the large roof terrace upstairs.

Movich Hotel Rooftop Bar

.5mi from Sofitel Santa Clara. Probably the best view in the city. Great place to go for a drink to watch the sunset or before dinner. Enter the Movich Hotel and take the elevator to the rooftop terrace bar.

La Jugada Club House - Bar

.4mi from Sofitel/Santa Clara. Nightclub with 3 different levels. including a rooftop. Each floor has a different style of music: reggaeton, pop, house, etc.

Café del Mar

.6mi Sofitel Santa Clara, 1 block away. Bar that sits atop the fortress walls. Can get a bit touristy, but worth a stop. Great place to watch the sunset. Get there early or book a table in advance because it gets crowded.

Townhouse Boutique Hotel & Rooftop

.2mi Sofitel Santa Clara. Casual rooftop bar in the heart of the Walled City. Enter the Townhouse Hotel and take the elevator up to the rooftop.

El Barón

.6mi Sofitel Santa Clara, near the Clock Tower. Light food/lunch and cocktails.

Mar y Zielo Gastro Bar

.4mi Sofitel Santa Clara, near the Clock Tower. Lunch/dinner. Colombian cuisine with a little bit of everything.

Mirador Gastro Bar

Rooftop bar right next to the Torre del Reloj

Mondo Exotica

.4mi Sofitel Santa Clara. Bar/nightclub.