Paula & Kevin
Explore
La Cevichería
This place has the best ceviche in Cartagena. Don't believe us? Even the late, great Anthony Bourdain made sure to check it out when he visited the city for his show No Reservations. This place doesn't mess around.
Cuzco Cocina Peruana
Peruvian. Amazing.
Crepes & Waffles
A Colombian staple. Get the weirdest fruit juice in season. Not to miss!
Bohemia Restaurante
Go for the food, then stay for the food. Make sure to ask about to be well located in the dining area, as well as the wine room. You'll be happy you did. This incredible restaurant is located in the El Marqués Hotel, a boutique hotel in the old city.
Restaurante Bar La Vitrola
A 1950's era restaurant with an eclectic menu and live salsa music. Giddy up. Just be aware, there is a dress code, and you'll need a reservation in advance. Pants are unfortunately required. A few, select other restaurants may also require slacks, fellers.
Restaurante La Casa de Socorro
Typical Caribbean Colombian flavors
Café Havana
Put your salsa zapatos on, and arrive early! This is our favorite salsa spot in Cartagena. Kev may or may not have a standing offer to dance professionally here.
Di Silvio Trattoria
Need a break from all the seafood? Head out of the walled city and into Getsemani, the neighborhood where locals go to party. Just off the Plaza de Trinidad, this Italian gem is located in an old soap factory. There's only half a roof, which just adds to the ambiance, with fairy lights illuminating a live band. The restaurant serves up traditional Italian pasta dishes and has the thinnest, crispiest pizzas in the city.
Maria
To up the ante, there's Maria, Colombian chef Alejandro Ramirez's swanky, modern take on traditional food. The interior is striking, with big tiger print murals on each of its four walls and a chandelier of pineapples in the center. The menu is a fusion of global cuisine, from Asian-accented ceviche to a traditional take on British fish and chips. The drinks list is equally inventive with cocktails such as a Cactus Margarita or a Mango Mojito to name a few. The bold flavored drinks make a good aperitivo.
Alquimico Bar
A charming bar in a converted old shoe store, to drink and dance the night away. Conveniently located a few doors down from Maria restaurant.
Alma
Set in an old colonial mansion that's now the Casa San Augustin Hotel, Alma has an elegant bar and poolside dining in candlelight. Chef Heberto Eljach's wide-ranging menu includes typical Colombian ceviche to more common international dishes such as a New York strip steak and spaghetti with seafood. Favorites include the grilled lobster tail with lobster puree as well the fisherman's rice, a Colombian take on a Spanish paella that's rich, intense and creamy. While Alma's menu has a seafood focus, there are also meat and bird options for landlubbers.
Carmen
Hidden behind a simple exterior, Carmen wraps around a tree-filled patio with fairy lights that transports diners to the middle of a magical jungle. Husband and wife owners Rob Pevitts and Carmen Angel use traditional Colombian ingredients like yucca, plantain and seafood, but their cooking is influenced by Asian, French and Caribbean cuisines. Only got one night in Cartagena? Eat here.
Harry's Sasson Restaurant
Inside the beautiful Santa Teresa hotel. Steak, seafood and great ambiance in the middle patio.
El Barón
Rated best bar of Cartagena, El Barón Coffee & Liquor bar is sure to impress.
Museo del Oro Zenú
Great history (and escape from the burning midday sun). This museum focuses on pre-Columbian relics, with 600+ gold, silver & ceramic pieces on display.
Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas
The Castillo San Felipe de Barajas is a fortress in the middle of the city. The castle is located on the Hill of San Lázaro in a strategic location, dominating approaches to the city by land or sea. It was built by the Spanish during the colonial era
Convent of Santa Cruz de la Popa
A convent, cloister and chapel of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria de la Popa, located at the top of Mount Popa with amazing views of the city. If you're planning to do this let us know, and we'll help you arrange a car to take you there.
Portal de los Dulces
Kick off your walk in old town with a sugary kick! An area representative of our tradition and culture, Portal de Los Dulces is also a perfect place to sample the sweet flavors of Cartagena and north coast of Colombia.
Plaza Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo Church, which stands on the square of the same name, is home to 'Gertrudis,' a big sculpture of Fernando Botero, our famed Colombian artist. Come here in the afternoon or at night for food and drinks, and then take a walk to the ramparts and enjoy the sunset.
Free Walking Tours
Cartagena is an incredible walking city. For those who want a bit more structure to their stroll, there are a number of free walking tours available. These tours are an amazing and quick way to learn more about the city during your short stay. Feel free to 'Google' to learn about other available walking tours. For our bibliophiles or simple fans of magical realism, there are also Gabriel Garcia Marquez-specific walking tours. GGM lived in Cartagena as a young man and the city inspired some of his most famous works, including Love in the Time of Cholera and Of Love and Other Demons.