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.
Try the best coffe ever!
Café San Alberto
Visit the Castillo de San Felipe
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.
Visit the Catedral
Work on Cartagena’s cathedral began in 1575, but in 1586, while still under construction, it was partly destroyed by the cannons of Francis Drake. Notable inside are the huge stations of the cross carved in stone.
Eats & Drinks
You can't go wrong with any of the amazing restaurants found in Cartagena! Be sure to check out the many rooftop bars across the city to catch a breathtaking sunset over the skyline.