Monica & Behnoud
Things To Do
Explore the Old City
You’ll find tons of colorful colonial architecture, flowers, artists, and plenty of street vendors (the best street vendors you will find are around the Cartagena Cathedral — Catedral de Santa Catalina de Alejandría de Cartagena de Indias — on Calle 34.) 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, the leafy green Plaza Bolivar that’s frequently filled with dancers and performers, and Plaza de los Coches where you’re sure to experience an authentic night in Cartagena. While you’re out exploring, make sure to check out The Gold Museum, and the Church of Santo Toribo.
Climb The San Felipe Castle
This is the most famous landmark in Cartagena, and it’s pretty hard to miss. 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. Wait until later in the day to head up here and explore the maze-like tunnels and enjoy the views of the city off to the side.
Buy Fruit from the Palenqueras
Take a walk around Cartagena, and one of the first things you’ll notice is the groups of women dressed in vibrant colors balancing bowls of fruits on their heads. Known as the palenqueras, these fruit vendors are very much a fixture of the city and an important part of its history. They originally came from San Bassilo de Palenque, which is a small town just south of Cartagena. This little village was actually one of the first places in the Americas to be freed from slavery.
Museo del Oro Zenú
Almost every large Colombia city has a gold museum, and Cartagena is no exception. Although it is small, the Museo de Oro hosts a fantastic collection of the gold and pottery of the Zenú (also known as Sinú) people, who inhabited the departments of Bolívar, Córdoba, Sucre and northern Antioquia before the Spanish Conquest. Look out for special exhibitions and the guided tours, offered in both English and Spanish.
Aviario Nacional de Colombia
Juan Del Mar Restaurante
Amazing seafood and great ambiance with live music. Across the street from the Sofitel santa Clara.
La Cevichería
Regarded as one of the best ceviche and fish restaurants in the whole city, head to La Cevichería for a break from all the Fritos (fried food) you’ve been eating and experience some incredible Peruvian-Colombian fusion food. Expect fresh fish, exciting flavors, lots of lime and some seriously good cocktails. The place is eternally busy and you’ll have to wait for a table.
