Things To Do
Explore the Old City
Cartagena is packed with history. The walled city is made up of pastel colonial buildings lined with flowers, cobblestone streets, horse carriages, and plenty of restaurants and boutiques. You can walk the city walls, explore the fortress that’s been protecting the city for hundreds of years, and try all of the area’s Caribbean cuisine, from fresh fish to exotic fruits. 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, and the leafy green Plaza Bolivar that’s frequently filled with dancers and performers.
Visit Castillo 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 was commissioned in 1630, and construction began in 1657. It was truly impregnable and was never taken despite numerous attempts to storm it. Some of the original tunnels are lit and are open to visitors – an eerie walk not to be missed. The fortress is a short walk over the bridge from Getsemaní.
Centro Comercial La Serrezuela
This is a historical landmark and chic shopping mall wrapped up all in one. There are also plenty of restaurants to choose from inside (including a delicious ice cream kiosk!), and you will see the beautiful architecture of the former bullfighting ring.
Las Bóvedas
Las Bóvedas is a structure in the Old City of Cartagena in Colombia, attached to the walls. The Caribbean Sea is visible from the top of the structure. They were built as dungeons and are located between the forts of Santa Clara and Santa Catalina. Today they are filled with local and artisanal vendors. Perfect place to shop for souvenirs and cute things to take home to remember your time in Cartagena.