Things To Do
Restaurants
Menu selections, food quality, and service at the very finest restaurants, are "world class." Prices for fine dining, however, tend to be as little as one half or even a quarter of comparable costs in the United States or Europe. - El Arsenal: The Rum Box *Sam and I's personal favorite* - pairs dishes with rum and chocolate - Celele - Alma - Restaurante Carmen - emphasis on Colombian flavors - Mistura - Juan del Mar: steak and seafood, reservation recommended - Niku: reservation recommended - Restaurante Donjuan - La Vitrola (Old Town) - reservation recommended, seafood, high-end - La Cevicheria - traditional colombian and peruvian ceviche made famous by Anthony Bourdain, will be busy and does not take reservations - Restaurante Cande - reservations recommended - Jardin Santa Clara - Restaurante Fuerte del Pastelillo Club de Pesca - reservations recommended, high-end luxury culinary experience - Demente - tapas bar
Cocktails
Rooftop Bars: - Mirador Gastrobar - 51 Sky Bar (~$15 USD Cover) - Alquimico (2024 8th best bar in the world) - Mar y Zielo (reservation required) - 7 Cielos - Movich Hotel Other: - El Baluarte (great for sunset) - Cafe del Mar (great for sunset) - El Baron - "most creative and delicious cocktails in the city" - Members Only - New York/ almost speakeasy vibes, favorite of the locals (only open Friday and Saturdays) - Townhouse - Top 10 hotel bars in the Americas, plunge pool, sunset happy hours, also a brunch spot
Neighborhoods to explore
The best way to discover Cartagena is walking. Immerse yourself in the city's rich history by strolling leisurely through picturesque streets and plazas, shopping, or maybe just drinking a good cup of Colombian coffee in one of the plazas observing the lively life of the locals. - Getsemaní: trendy area with beautiful streets. Great for young travelers who want to enjoy Cartagena’s nightlife, restaurants, and bars without breaking the bank. Safe when people are around and walking but avoid alleyways. Recommendations: Calle Tripita y Media, Calle Angosto, Plaza de la Trinidad, Callejon Ancho, and Plaza del Pozo. - Bocagrande: modern area of the city with seaside skyscrapers. Great for beach access, but avoid the beach at night due to no lighting. - El Centro: touristy part of the city. You’ll find cute shops, nightclubs, luxury hotels, and rooftops. There is a strong police presence, day and night, therefore very safe. Beware of pickpockets, though.
Walking Tours
Book one of these to get oriented with the city and see all the major attractions, with/without food tastings.
Cafes
- Epoca Cafe: all day cafe bar with breakfast, lunch, and dinner - La Manchuria: traditional colombian coffee with pastries - La Garza: bohemian vibes with lebanese inspired coffee and pastries, marketed as a coffee "experience," also have a speakeasy type bar behind the bookcase inside - San Alberto: great coffee, the baristas are knowledgeable about all things coffee and how it's made - Cafe de la Mañana: breakfast spot
Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas
Sam and I toured the fort when we were in Cartagena last. It has great history, and even better views of the city. You can buy tickets there or ahead of time on their website. Price is 33,000 pesos or $7.50 USD.
La Serrezuela Mall
Shopping mall in the historic walled city with some familiar and some new places to shop, if you're looking for something inside to do!
Dancing
- Cafe Havana - live salsa band, great mojitos, ~$12 USD entry - La Jugada Club House - rooftop with spectacular views, reservations required - La Movida
Transportation and Tours Company
This website has a ton of tour options, including rum and chocolate tasting, walking tours, sunset catamarans, etc. Feel free to book for yourselves! Of note, you will need WhatsApp to contact them to arrange and get pricing.
Museums
- Museo Naval del Caribe (Naval Museum) – great for historical aspects of Cartagena and it's attacks over the years. - Palacio de la Inquisición and Historical Museum - to learn about city's history and Spanish Inquisition - The Gold Museum - learn about Colombia's indigenous tribes and their talents with gold craftsmanship
