A Week in Cartagena: Best To-Dos

Walk Around the Walled City

The Walled City in Cartagena has so much history in addition to fun shops and restaurants. Staying in the Walled City gives you access to all of these things the minute you step out of your hotel. You will find everything from clothing to coffee to art as you meander through. The Walled City is small enough that you will feel complete after 3-4 days!

Day Trip to a Beach Club

From Cartagena, you can get to some beautiful beaches in a matter of minutes. Tierra Bomba is the closest with some beach clubs being only 7 minutes away by speed boat! The Rosario Islands have amazing beaches with a little bit longer of a ride (~1 hour). Either spot has beach clubs where you can buy a day pass to relax. These typically include food, towels, beach chairs, and sometimes drinks. There are a ton to choose from with different vibes. Reach out to me to chat through the different option!

Rum and Chocolate Tour

Get to know the culture in Cartagena in the tastiest way possible - with rum and chocolate! There are many independent locals who run these tours and tastings throughout the city.

Visit Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas

Built in 1536, this fortress is located just a long walk outside of the Walled City and even closer to the Getsemani neighborhood. The views of the city are incredible from the top. The cost is $10 (USD) a person to enter. Go early to avoid crowds and excessive heat as there isn't much shading.

Watch the Sunset from The Wall

Surrounding the Walled City is a nearly 7-mile-long wall with areas to walk on top. Take an evening stroll along the wall and plop down anywhere to watch the sunset. Many people head to Cafe Del Mar to do this which is awesome, too! But you can truly stop anywhere and enjoy the scenery.

Carmen Restaurante

One of the best meals you may ever have. They have a chef's tasting menu that allows you to get a taste of many different items prepared fresh. There are 7- or 9-course options. There is also an option to add a wine pairing. Be prepared, you will get a different, full-size drink (wine or beer) with each course. A full 3 hours later, we left very full and very happy! Make sure you get a reservation in advance.

Mistura Restaurante

This is an asian-fusion style restaurant that offers a wide variety of amazing dishes. We had a sampler platter that allowed us to try a bunch of it. The Ceviche Nikkei is a must try dish. Make sure to grab a reservation as this is a popular place!

La Cevicheria

Speaking of Ceviche, there is a small ceviche restaurant in the north of the Walled City that serves incredible varieties of ceviche and rice dishes. Because of its popularity, try to go right when it opens for lunch so you won't have to wait long.

Alquímico

With all of the activities you'll do in Cartagena, you will get thirsty! This cocktail bar is unlike any other. There are 3 levels and each level has its own themed drink menu (although you can get every drink on any level). We ended up going twice while there to see the different levels. They have a clear espresso martini that is made through a clarification process. No reservations needed but going earlier will help you avoid lines.

Epoca Espresso Bar

You cannot go to Colombia without exploring the amazing coffee options. This coffee shop moonlights as a restaurant and bar but the star of their show is truly their coffee. They sell a variety of coffee drinks to go or to have there. Grab a bag of freshly roasted beans to bring back to friends and family (or keep all for yourself!)

Gran Inka Gastro Bar

What started as a quick appetizer stop to tide over hunger ended with the best Tamarind margarita I've ever had! This restaurant is attached to a hotel in the southern part of the Walled City. They have a lot of Peruvian dishes as well as amazing drinks.