Cartagena :: 10 Wonderful Reasons to Visit

This post about Cartagena is the final part of my five-part series on Colombia.

Cartagena is definitely a destination to which I will return one day. It is an amazing city, diverse in its charm, in its history, architecture, colors, vibrancy and especially its people. 

From the Spanish colonial architecture restored or left to crumble to the decades-old local restaurants mixed in with hip new ones as well as shops and boutique hotels within the weathered walls of Old Town to the modern high rise hotels, congested traffic, shiny new shopping malls and beachside shack cafes outside the walls, Cartagena has something really special for everyone.

There are so many reasons to visit Cartagena. Let me just name a few of my favorites and explain each one in which I will use at least an example (one of a plethora to see) of each category ::

1. Old World Charm

The Old Walled town of Cartagena is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which holds so many amazing structures and views that it is indescribable in words. In order to truly appreciate the wonder that is Cartagena you must visit and see this area of Colombia for yourself.

Plaza de San Diego

One of the many, many areas that are beautiful examples of the old world charm of Cartagena is Plaza de San Diego. Filled with churches, restaurants, bars, music and excitement on a daily basis this is only just one perfect example of what makes Cartagena so special.

You will find local artisans in the square at night, music of all kinds and generations all day and night, restaurants filled with locals and tourists throughout, bars filled with lively entertainment and colors… I can go on and on. But what it boils down to is that Cartagena is filled with color, fun, excitement and everything that makes coming to Colombia more than worth it. Old world charm in all of its glory. This is Cartagena.

2. History

Castillo San Felipe de Barajas

Castillo San Felipe de Barajas is only one example of the amazing history held in Cartagena. This colonial-era castle is the greatest Spanish fortress in the Americas, one that could never be breached. It took nearly a century to build but it certainly did what it was designed to do :: keep the enemies out. The most famous attack on Cartagena was called the Battle of Cartagena de Indias and gives great insight as to how strong this fortress is.

The history of course is what makes Castillo San Felipe de Barajas so incredible but there is another reason to visit Cartagena. If you can make the strenuous climb up the hill to the castle you will be richly rewarded by the most amazing views of Cartagena you can get anywhere in the city.

UNESCO’s World Heritage site Castillo San Felipede Barajas is one of so many reasons Cartagena is such a rewarding destination to visit.

Tip :: be prepared – it is HOT up there so be sure to bring water up with you on your climb!

Location :: Cra. 17, Cartagena, Provincia de Cartagena
Hours :: 8am to 6pm
Entrance :: $25,000 COP (about $8) for adults, $10,500 COP (about $3 US) for kids ages 6 to 13

3. New Life

Modern times have over the years taken Colombia into a forward direction and Cartagena is one of the leading cities to be most successful in this effort. Where its rich history is still prevalent everywhere you turn, the new Cartagena has been built to provide a stark and shocking contrast.

Bocagrande

The neighboring district to Old Town, Bocagrande, resembles Miami with its long strip of colorful cabana covered beachfront and shimmering new architecture. Cartagena has a truly dichotomous skyline.

As we walked from the old part of town to the new Plaza Bocagrande, a modern mall on that strip of beachfront, was a much-needed respite for us to get out of the heat. It certainly seemed like much longer than a 30-minute walk! Plaza Bocagrande has some good food options and shopping but certainly not my first choice of where to spend time the majority of time in Cartagena. Since the air conditioning did feel good for a rest before heading back we did find a place with a large flat screen that showed a good futbol game. So Roydio enjoyed that while I strolled around and found some ice cream at Crepes & Waffles. So good.

Location :: Cra. 1 ##12-118, Cartagena
Phone :: +57 5 6436509
Website :: http://www.plazabocagrande.com

4. Coffee (duh)

Cafe del Mural

We did some reading about how to have a fun Colombian coffee experience in Cartagena and found this eclectic cafe. We stopped by Cafe del Mural one day and it was not open yet, and another day it was too late because they were already closed. But when we finally arrived during open hours without a long line of people at the door we stepped in to find it to resemble more of a laboratory than anything else. Looking around you we found all kinds of old equipment, relics really, that were really interesting. We didn’t actually partake in the entire experience because we arrived late in the day.

It was interesting to find that in Colombia the popular hours for coffee are at 3pm and 7pm :: this explains the unusual (for us) hours of operation here. And you will pay more here than the typical Colombian cafe but it was a very fun and eclectic place.

Location :: CRA 9a (Callé san juan) no 25-60
Hours :: 3pm to 8pm
Phone :: +57 5 6472912
Social Medial : Cafe del Mural Facebook page

5. Ambiance

Getsemani

IMHO Getsemani, located within the Old Walls, is the perfect location to stay in Cartagena with its wonderful old world ambiance. It is walking distance to everything and I really loved the funky vibe of this emerging neighborhood full of artists, poets and writers. I loved the amazing street art and graffiti that covered nearly every brick and concrete wall. 

6. Vibrancy

During the daytime you can see kids play soccer in the street while you stroll through a plethora of vibrant streets filled to the rim with every bright color imaginable. But the area really comes alive at night as bands, dancers and performers come out in this eclectic hotspot. Music fills the air every night in Cartagena. And joy just oozes from each neighborhood you stroll along. Oh, and the street food. Lots of street food.

7. Colors

Colors of Cartagena

Beautiful colors everywhere you go :: umbrellas, flags, graffiti, murals, OMG such beautiful colorful displays of talent everywhere you walk. Seriously, you will find it difficult to stroll along without snapping away on your camera (or iPhoneX as I did) because every nook and cranny will get your attention, I promise you!

8. Sunsets

Oh the sunsets in Cartagena… they are absolutely spectacular. There are several places to plant yourself for this experience. Allow yourself time to get there in plenty of time and take your time as you make memories

Cafe del Mar

For an unobstructed view of the sunset over the ocean be sure to get there early. I would estimate at least an hour or more before sunset. Although it’s a touristy thing to do you won’t be disappointed and that’s why I recommend it. Grab a table right up against the wall and have dinner and/or drinks. Just don’t plan on leaving for a while because you will enjoy this experience more than I can tell you.

Santa Isabel Food Trucks

For a more casual atmosphere be sure to visit Santa Isabel Food Trucks. You will find a wonderful ambiance, lots of chairs to relax in with a wonderful view of the water and the Cartagena skyline.

I recommend you dine at sunset here on the waterfront because the food is wonderful. You have your choice of several trucks but each is unique and very tasty. For us we had the perfect evening weather, enjoyed the lighted atmosphere and the sunset :: Oh! Em! Gee! Don’t miss this!

9. Lights

The lights at night in Old Town as well as Playa de Bocagrande (new town) are equally as beautiful. It just so happens that Bocagrande dominates the skyline of Cartagena and make the picture-perfect postcard memories. And since it is the modern part of town outside the walls you will find even more tourists. So you can count on the beach always being crowded.

The high-rise apartments and hotels make up this skyline and will provide some pretty great views no matter where you are. Stunning!

Location :: Cra. 1 #1A-23, Cartagena

10. Atmosphere

It feels like it’s always a party in Cartagena! No matter if it’s day or night, you will experience an atmosphere like nowhere else in the world. There will be a little wiggle in your walk as you stroll the beautiful, colorful streets of Cartagena.

At night the city comes alive like no other city! Bright lights, music and excitement are all synonyms of Cartagena at night. And when you are there you become one with the city and its people. The atmosphere is truly infectious.

Chiva tours

Although we did not join in on the fun on these brightly painted, wooden-framed buses they are hard to miss and it was really fun watching them go by. Once the most popular form of transportation in rural areas of Colombia Chiva buses are now used only for tours, during the daytime they will guide you through some of Cartagena’s best attractions. But at night this colorful party bus gets wild, complete with pulsing lights and honking horns to dance beats that blare out into the streets from loudspeakers. You’ll pay about $12 per person to join in on the fun. Several companies offer the chiva tours.

Location :: Torre del Reloj Av. Venezuela, Cartagena

Use the form below to find activities while in Cartagena ::

TIP :: While Colombian pesos will be welcomed by cab drivers, street vendors and some smaller shops and restaurants, credit cards are accepted (unlike in other parts of Colombia) just about everywhere in Cartagena.

And one more thing I want to bring your attention to ::

Bed and Breakfast

We stayed at Les Lezards in Getsemani and although we didn’t experience any other lodging in Cartagena I can’t imagine you’ll find one more amazing than this. We stayed in the La Mer room which included a cozy bedroom, bathroom, living room and kitchen.

Owner, Marcus, and his entire staff is very friendly and accommodating. Everything is walking distance, you’re in the middle of all the fun but just far enough away from the noise so you can rest. And a wonderful homemade breakfast is included in your stay.

Location :: Calle De Las Chancletas #10B-39 Getsemani, Cartagena
Phone :: (786) 224-1982
Social Media :: Les Lezards Facebook page

Book Les Lezards by clicking on this link. I Promise You :: You will NOT be disappointed!

Oh, and ONE MORE THING I thought you might enjoy :: check out this video that Will Smith made in Cartagena :: I think he agrees with me that this city is one you will want to return to again and again and again!

Read More ::

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All of these amazing traits of Cartagena are just the tip of the iceberg, so to speak, of all of the compelling reasons that put Cartagena on the top of my list of places to which I will definitely return. And I’m sure you will more than agree when you visit this incredible city for yourself.