The Walled City
One of the most exciting ways to experience Cartagena is by touring the Walled City. The city’s old town is surrounded by a massive 13 km-long fortress wall that dates back to the colonial era. Within these walls, you’ll find some of the city’s best tourist attractions, including the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, Plaza San Pedro Claver, and Plaza de la Aduana. Walking through the Walled City’s narrow streets, you’ll come across many plazas, churches, shops, and restaurants, each of which seems to be more fascinating than the last.
Beaches
With its beautiful Caribbean coastline, it’s no surprise that Cartagena boasts some of the best beaches in Colombia. One of the most popular beaches is Playa Blanca, located on Isla Baru. Playa Blanca offers crystal-clear blue waters, warm breezes, and stunning views of the Caribbean. Other popular beaches worth checking out include La Boquilla beach, Bocagrande beach, and Castillo Grande beach.
Getsemani
Getsemani, a lively neighborhood located close to the Walled City, is another popular destination for tourists. The colorful streets and vibrant atmosphere of this area make it a great place to explore by foot. Here, you’ll find plenty of street art, boutique shops, cafes, and bars. Additionally, each November, you can experience the Cartagena International Film Festival, which takes place in Getsemani. During this festival, the area is transformed into a bustling hub of activity, with film screenings, concerts, cultural performances, and more.
Cartagena’s Gastronomy
Cartagena’s cuisine is a reflection of its rich history and diverse cultural influences. One of the most iconic dishes of the region is the bandeja paisa, a hearty meat-based dish that is traditionally served with rice, beans, fried egg, arepa, and avocado. Other must-try dishes include sancocho, a flavorful stew, arroz con coco, a delicious coconut-infused rice dish, and ceviche, which is a popular coastal dish made with fresh fish or seafood.
Nightlife
Cartagena’s nightlife is legendary, with an array of bars, clubs, and lounges catering to every taste. In Getsemani, you’ll find many bars and nightclubs that offer live music, DJ sets, and dancing till the early hours of the morning. The Walled City also has its fair share of night spots, with several rooftop bars and clubs offering stunning views of the city. One of the most popular venues is Cafe Del Mar, an iconic bar located atop the city walls, serving up cold drinks and stunning sunsets.
Conclusion
Cartagena is an exotic destination in Colombia that every traveler must experience at least once. From its stunning colonial architecture and fascinating museums to its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife, Cartagena truly offers something for everyone. With this travel guide to Cartagena as your trusty companion, you can be sure to make the most of your trip and experience all that this charming city has to offer. Happy travels!