Denise & Trevor
Things To Do
Ciudad Amurallada
Located in the heart of Cartagena, this walled city, protected by a fortress, was once used to shelter the city from pirates and storms. Within this small sector, you will find an incredible array of bars, restaurants and shops.
Free Walking Tour Cartagena
The best way to see the Old City of Cartagena is on one of the free walking tours. With a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll spend a few hours meandering through the city streets while learning about its history.
Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas
This grand construction was started in 1639 but was not completed until 150 years later. However, since its completion, it has been the crowning landmark in the city, and visitors can now stroll through the battlements, weave their way through underground passages and admire the impressive architecture.
Islas del Rosario
A beautiful day trip while in Cartagena, the Islas del Rosario are 27 islands located in the crystal clear Caribbean waters just off the coast of the city. They’re filled with coral reefs that serve as a natural habitat for tons of aqualife, and you can spend a day here boating, swimming, or snorkeling. On land, they also have hotels, an aquarium, and a few hikes you can do. Take the public boat to the bigger islands or take a private tour boat to see some of the smaller ones.
Palace of the Inquisition Cartagena Historical Museum
This interesting museum is housed in one of the loveliest colonial buildings in Cartagena (we actually considered the museum as our wedding venue), but it covers a dark time in history. The Spanish Inquisition sent over representatives to punish heretics in the colonies for “crimes” such as witchcraft, magic, and blasphemy which were considered to be threats to the Catholic Church.
Museo del Oro Zenú
Almost every large Colombian city has a gold museum, and Cartagena is no exception. Although it is small, the Museo del Oro Zenú 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.
Mercado de Bazurto
It’s loud, busy and pretty overwhelming, but for those travelers looking to experience the real Cartagena, a visit to Mercado de Bazurto is a must. This food market sells everything from fresh fruit to cooked turtle (but please don't eat the turtle).
Carmen
Carmen serves up a mix of Colombian ingredients like plantains, yuca, lobster, and exquisite octopus with international twists and amazing technique.
Mar y Zielo Gastro Bar
Mar Y Zielo is a gastrobar that borrows influences from chef Mariano Cerno’s homeland of Peru, with seafood-forward dishes that utilize local Colombian ingredients.
Caffé Lunático
In the Getsemani neighborhood, which features Spanish fusion food at affordable prices. Caffe Lunatico has a fairly robust vegetarian menu, highlighted by a can’t-miss vegan ceviche that substitutes coconut, mango and edible flowers for fish.
Alquimico Bar
Housed in an old shoe store, this three-story restaurant and bar leaves visitors feeling like they’ve stepped into the Colombian version of The Great Gatsby, complete with velvet carpets, grand white columns and suspender-clad waitstaff.
Café Havana
Cafe Havana is the place to be if you like listening or dancing to salsa music. Even if you’ve never danced it in your life, it’s still worth heading to the city’s cultural and party center, Getsemani, to try out this Cuban-style bar.
Mistura Cartagena
Restaurante Mistura was born in Medellin and they now have a location in Cartagena. They offer Peruvian food with a mix with sushi and seafood. They also have live music at night.
La Mulata
Colombia’s menu del dia (menu of the day) is a set daily menu that gives diners limited options between appetizers, main courses and desserts at an affordable price.