Valentina & Mark
Explore | Explora Cartagena
To Eat: Restaurante Candé
It offers a 100% local Cartagena cuisine experience, and is located in a beautiful colonial house. Besides it's delicious and authentic menu it also features live music and entertainers. We loved their ceviche and grilled fresh seasonal fish served over black coconut rice. Español: Ofrece una experiencia 100 % local de la cocina cartagenera y está ubicado en una hermosa casa colonial. Además de su menú delicioso y auténtico, también cuenta con música en vivo y espectáculos. Nos encantó su ceviche y el pescado fresco de temporada a la parrilla, servido sobre arroz negro con coco.
To Eat: Restaurante Alma
Located in Casa San Agustin, Alma has an elegant, indoor space and offers a poolside candlelight dinning experience. The restaurant is well known for its ceviche and 'Cazuela de Mariscos' (a seafood caserole). Español: Ubicada en Casa San Agustín. Alma tiene un espacio interior elegante y ofrece una experiencia de cena a la luz de las velas junto a la piscina. El restaurante es muy conocido por su ceviche y su cazuela de mariscos.
To Eat: Restaurante Mar y Zielo
Mar y Zielo is a stylish gastro bar. By day or night, its rooftop offers lush, tropical vibes and sweeping views of the Old Town skyline. The food celebrates Colombian coastal cuisine with a creative twist highlighting fresh seafood, inventive ceviches, seafood stews, and Peruvian-inspired dishes. A live DJ keeps the atmosphere lively. Español: Mar y Zielo es un gastro-bar elegante de varios niveles ubicado en la histórica Casa La Escribana. Su rooftop, envuelto en vegetación y con vistas panorámicas, ofrece una experiencia única tanto de día como de noche. La propuesta gastronómica fusiona la cocina costera colombiana con técnicas modernas: ceviches ingeniosos, cazuelas de mariscos, platos con influencias peruanas y sabores del Caribe. Con un DJ en vivo los fines de semana
Other great options | Otras recomendaciones
-La Cevichería: Iconic for its traditional Colombian and Peruvian ceviche. Famous after Anthony Bourdain’s visit. No reservations accepted. -Carmen: Contemporary cuisine with a strong emphasis on Colombian ingredients and flavors. La Vitrola: An elegant spot best known for its seafood. Advance reservations are a must. -Donjuan: Fine-dining choice in the city, blending local flavors with a modern twist. -Fuerte del Pastelillo: Dining experience by the water. Reservations highly recommended. -Juan del Mar: Quality steaks and fresh seafood. Booking ahead is advised. -Jardín Santa Clara: A charming courtyard restaurant within the Sofitel Santa Clara, great for a romantic setting. -Niku: Stylish dining with a varied menu. Reserve in advance. -Demente: A laid-back tapas bar in Getsemaní, perfect for casual evenings. -Mistura: A well-loved spot in Cartagena offering a blend of local and international flavors.
Cocktails | Cocteles
Rooftop Bars -Casa Pura: Stylish and vibrant, perfect for cocktails with sweeping views of the Caribbean. -OSH: Rooftop lounge blending music, mixology -Alquímico: Ranked the 8th best bar in the world (2024), a must-visit for cocktails and atmosphere. -Movich Hotel: Famous for its rooftop overlooking the cathedral. Classic Cartagena sunset spot. - 7 Cielos: A trendy choice for drinks with a view. -Mirador Gastrobar: Great rooftop ambience for both dining and cocktails. Other great spots -Café del Mar: Iconic outdoor terrace bar along the old city walls, perfect for catching the sunset. -El Baluarte: Another sunset favorite, with lively music and casual energy. -El Barón: Beloved for having some of the most creative and flavorful cocktails in Cartagena. -Townhouse: Ranked among the Top 10 hotel bars in the Americas. Rooftop plunge pool, happy hours, and even a brunch scene. - Members Only: A hidden gem with NYC-style speakeasy vibes, open only on Fridays and Saturdays. Locals love it
Dancing | Para bailar
- Cafe Havana - live salsa band, great mojitos, ~$12 USD entry - La Jugada Club House - rooftop with spectacular views, reservations required - La Movida
Coffee Shops | Cafes
-Época Café: An all-day café-bar offering breakfast, lunch, dinner, and great coffee in a modern setting. -San Alberto: A must for true coffee lovers & expert baristas guide you through Colombia’s world class beans and brewing methods. -La Manchuria: Traditional Colombian coffee paired with fresh pastries, cozy and authentic. -La Garza: Bohemian space with Lebanese-inspired coffee and pastries, marketed as a full “coffee experience.” Hidden inside, you’ll also find a speakeasy-style bar behind a bookcase. -Café de la Mañana: Popular breakfast café, perfect for starting your day in the old city. -La Casona Café: A charming café with a colonial vibe, serving specialty coffee and light bites in a historic setting.
Neighborhoods to explore | Barrios a explorar
-Getsemaní: Trendy and artistic, full of nightlife, murals, and affordable restaurants. Stick to lively streets and plazas. -El Centro (Historic Center): The heart of Cartagena, with boutiques, rooftops, nightclubs, and luxury hotels. Very safe with police presence, but watch for pickpockets. -Bocagrande (outside the old city): Modern district with high-rise buildings. The beach here isn’t great and is not recommended. -La Serrezuela: A beautifully restored bullring turned into a luxury shopping mall with restaurants and cultural events. -Castillo de San Felipe: A must-see fortress just outside the walls. Perfect for history lovers and panoramic city views.
Beach clubs at Tierra bomba
Tierra Bomba is a small island just 15–20 minutes by boat from Cartagena. Unlike the city beaches, it offers clearer waters, sandy shores, and a relaxed tropical vibe, mixing local fishing villages with stylish beach clubs. Access is always by boat, usually included in a day pass -Blue Apple Beach takes around 20 minutes by boat and feels like a boutique escape. The atmosphere is laid-back during the week and more vibrant on weekends with DJs. Boats leave Cartagena at 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM, returning from the island at 4:00 PM and 5:30 PM. For more info and to book visit their website https://www.blueapplebeach.com/ -Makani Luxury Beach Club is also about 15–20 minutes away and has a more exclusive, elegant feel. With refined design, gourmet dining, and spa options, it’s ideal for a more upscale and private getaway. Boats depart at 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, and 11:00 AM, with return trips at 4:00 PM, 5:00 PM, and 6:00 PM. For bookings visit their website https://en.makaniluxury.com/
Rosario Islands
The Rosario Islands are just an hour from Cartagena by boat, they're famous for their turquoise waters and white sand beaches. You can visit on a day tour or by arranging a private boat (highly recommend) price starts at 500 USD for the group, depending on boat. Spend the day swimming, snorkeling, or relaxing at a beach club. The islands are especially stunning in the morning and early afternoon. Español Las Islas del Rosario, a solo una hora de Cartagena en lancha, son conocidas por sus aguas turquesa y playas de arena blanca. Se pueden visitar en un tour de un día o en lancha privada (altamente recomendado) valor renta bote desde $2,000,000 COP por el grupo. Pasa el día nadando, haciendo snorkel o descansando en un club de playa. Las islas son especialmente hermosas en la mañana y primeras horas de la tarde.
Sunset Cruise
Bona Vida Catamaranes offers a beautiful way to see Cartagena from the water. Their sunset cruise (about 2 hours, 5–7 p.m.) costs around USD $30 and includes a welcome drink, snack, and boarding fees, perfect for a relaxed evening. Keep in mind the catamaran is shared with other passengers. They also offer day trips to the Rosario Islands, which include lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, and plenty of time to swim and explore. Español Bona Vida Catamaranes es una forma encantadora de ver Cartagena desde el mar. Su crucero al atardecer (unas 2 horas, de 5 a 7 p.m.) cuesta aprox. USD $30 e incluye cóctel de bienvenida, snacks y tarifas de embarque, ideal para una tarde relajada. Ten en cuenta que el catamarán se comparte con otros pasajeros. También ofrecen excursiones de día completo a las Islas del Rosario, con almuerzo, bebidas, equipo de snorkel y tiempo para nadar y explorar.