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What to do in Cartagena

Cartagena's old city is its principal attraction, it's one of finest examples of preserved colonial architecture in the Americas and a Unesco World Heritage Site. Just stroll through the Old Town day and night Soak up the atmosphere, pausing to ward off the heat in one of the city's many excellent bars and restaurants

What to Visit

  • Walk around the Old Town! Some sites you should't miss:

  • Getsemani: lively and art-focused vibe

  • Castillo de San Felipe: the greatest fortress ever built by the Spaniards in any of their colonies, it dominates an entire section of Cartagena's cityscape

  • La Serrezuela: in case you want to do some shopping, and enjoy the nice architecture. This shopping mall is a renovated all "plaze de torro" and houses Colombia's finest shops. Some musts:

    • xxx: Beautiful tropical clothes for women​

    • Martin Pescador: The store you'll get your husband to try some linnen shirts, pants, etc

    • Cocco di Mare: The Martin Pescador for your little son(s)

    • Time for a new bathing suit! Please don't buy your bathing suit in Belgium; Colombia is renowned to have some of the most beautiful swimwear (both for men and women): Maaji, Agua Bendita, Ondademar,

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Our Favorite Restaurants, Clubs and Bars

RESTAURANTS

  • Celele - Caribbean fusion food - Is a must! Ranked 19 in Latin America by the World’s 50 Best publication

  • Don Juan - combines the gastronomic approach of a classic bistro with the traditional flavors of a Caribbean kitchen; a legend in CTG

  • Rabo de Pez - Just opened in November 2023, but stole our hearts during our last "prep visit". The food is an elevated Colombian cuisine, very accessible. The smoked pato (duck) and chicken with Ajiaco sauce were delicious (and as starter: Picanha carpaccio!) The whole fish is also very popular

  • Mar y Zielo - Colombian food, hip and trendy setting

  • Mixtura - Peruvian fusion

  • Carmen - Caribbean fusion food

  • Cande - Seafood, Caribbean style, an icon in CTG, with a unique "vibe experience"

  • La Casa de Socorro - chill cartagenean lunch 

  • La Vitrola - Contemporary cuban and Caribbean, lively scene. Excellent mojitos

  • Restaurante Club de Pesca - Seafood. One of the most traditional restaurants in the city

  • Harrys Bar - international food. Set in the beautiful interior courtyard of the glamorous Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa, this is the only restaurant from renowned Colombian chef Harry Sasson located outside Bogota

 

BARS AND CLUBS:

  • Alquimico: drinks and dancing with different ambiances. Ranked #10 best bar in South America in 2022. Note: The street where Alquimico is, has become VERY POPULAR to go out (multiple bars). At night, it transforms in a very busy, not always very classy area. Nothing to be afraid of, but just know that you'll see some of the more "tackier" consequences of popular tourism

  • Cafe Habana: great salsa bar for drinks and dancing. Live band

  • La Movida: latino and electronic music

  • La Jugada: latino and electronic music

  • El Baron: gin bar. Electronic music

  • Cafe del Mar: good for a sunset drink; lost a bit of it's charm lately

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