Nestled along the Caribbean coast of Colombia, Cartagena stands as a city suspended in time. Where history breathes life into its cobblestone streets and colonial façades. 3 fun days exploring Cartagena is a perfect amount of time to soak in the vibrant colors, lively plazas and fusion of Old World charm met with Caribbean vibrancy. Upon arriving, prepare to be colorful captivated by the magic that defines Cartagena.
In 1533 when Spanish conquistadors landed, Cartagena de Indias became a strategic port for the Spanish Crown. The city’s defense fortifications, including the iconic Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, are tangible evidence of a tumultuous history marked by pirate attacks and territorial disputes. Beyond the forts, the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, unveils alleys adorned with bougainvillea-draped balconies and bustling plazas. Locals and visitors gather to savor the city’s unique blend of African, Indigenous, and European influences. So let’s dive right in!
3 Fun Days Exploring Cartagena
Getting There
• Fly into Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG). My Uber was $5.30 USD from CTG to the Old City which took 20 minutes.
• If you are coming from a nearby Colombian city you can look into the bus companies Berlinas or Marsol. You can also hire a driver or rent a car.
Where to Stay
• Staying in the old walled city was the most intriguing choice to me as opposed to other areas of the city. These walls were constructed in the 17th & 18th centuries to defend the port. They protected from the constant threat of buccaneers who sought to plunder the wealth (ahhh tell me more!). I knew I would find cobblestone streets, rich history, antique buildings + horses and buggies. All old world things that fascinate me!
• Cartagena has something for everyone depending on budget. Casa San Agustin is one of the most prestigious hotels in the area. This would be a ‘treat yourself’ moment that would be well worth it. I stayed at Soy Local which offers modern hotel apartments complete with kitchenettes, loft bedrooms, balconies and laundry service. This was perfect for me as I was working during my stay. Beyond these, there are tons of charming options on AirBnB and Booking.com.
Eats
• Alma – a gorgeous restaurant located in the hotel Casa San Agustine and featured on many of Colombia’s top lists. They have indoor & outdoor dining, impeccable service, perfect decor and incredible food. Walk the hotel’s ground floor a bit to soak in the design and pool. The tomato salad and my waiter’s smile were unforgettable.
• El Burlador Gastrobar – Colombia still uses the word ‘gastro’ in many of their restaurant names. Do not let that throw you off, it is their way of saying ‘elevated eats’. El Burlador has a contemporary meets rustic design and an intimate patio. They brought fresh bread, garlic pepper dip and green olives to start (swoon). Another perfectly executed meal; the smoked beet carpaccio may leave you eating here twice in 3 days, just saying. I was not drinking during this trip, but I could tell their wine list was robust and highly curated.
• Espiritu Santo – dine here to eat lunch with the locals, yes they are only open for lunch. This is down home traditional food where you feel Cartagena’s Caribbean influence spring to life. It’s a no-frills joint where you would have caught Anthony Bourdain hanging out. Here he would be ordering his second cold beer and a hot plate of traditional rice, beans and whole fish.
Drinks
• Rooftop Urania – a nice roof deck with a pool where I caught my first sunset. Conveniently situated near one of the plazas, pop in here for a cheers and snacks before dinner.
• Hotel Movich – another great roof deck for sunset (Cartagena is filled with them). The views are almost 360 degrees which is just breathtaking. You might want to look into accommodation here as their grounds and location are wonderful.
Cafes (coffee in Colombia is 🔥)
• Se Volvió Prispri – a popular coffee shop but I could not stop drooling looking at their sweet treats!
• Cafe San Alberto – ok this cafe is touristy and pricey for Cartagena, but damn was my iced coffee good. It tasted like chocolate!
• Época Cafe Bar – recommended by locals for great coffee. The staff is friendly and you can even grab an adult beverage here later in the day. 🤗
• The Heron – they made me the tastiest frappe with espresso, plant milk, and ice. Of course they are on the list!
• Gelateria Tramonti – I think ice cream shops are cafes right? 🤔 To my amazement and delight they had an entire row of non-dairy flavors. I tried two that were sensational and the perfect nightcap after eating at Alma.
Grocery Shopping
• My grocery shopping in Cartagena was buying fruit at the street stands. I couldn’t bother cooking so I started a ‘fruit till dinner’ plan, which worked out well! LOL.
Cool Finds
• Soloio Cartagena – hip clothing shop with great laid back beach style.
• Agua de Leon Concept – intriguing women’s store with unique dresses, purses and swimwear.
• St. Dom Cartagena – gorgeous resort wear, which many of the women’s shops in town cater to.
*A note here ~ Cartagena is filled with some incredible clothing stores. They give St. Barths meets Sicily White Lotus, high-end resort vibes. If you feel like shopping and curating a new coastal vacation wardrobe, this is the place to do it!
Excursions and Daytrips
• Rosario Islands – people swear by this chain of islands for scuba diving, snorkeling and the aquamarine hues.
• Volcán del Totumo – a volcano nearby. Here you can soak in the therapeutic and buoyant properties of the warm mud baths situated in the crater. Hire a private driver or take a bus that runs often to this volcano.
• The Lost City Trek – this is a 4 to 6 day immersion in the jungle of Tyrona National Park. You will venture to The Lost City which was discovered in the 70’s. It was then excavated and made tourist-ready for trekking by the 80’s. This city is older than Machu Pichu and the hike is a little more advanced. I will share more about this in a separate post. If you are interested, I trekked with a phenomenal company called Expotur. Read that full article here!
Touristy for a Reason
• Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas – this fortress took my breath away during my first morning run in Cartagena. Renowned for its strategic hilltop location and intricate design, it served as a key defensive structure during the colonial era. Bring a few bucks for entry and explore all you wish.
• Plaza de Bolivar – a historical square adorned with a statue of South American liberator Simón Bolívar. Catch the city’s energy and action here as the night falls!
As our 3 fun days exploring Cartagena city guide comes to an end, do not be sad. Be inspired to visit this Caribbean gem and see what it is all about! Since Cartagena is in northern South America, this city is a great jumping-off point to start your journey if you plan to head farther south. I left Cartagena enamored with the lively streets and old-world charm, as it’s a coastal city unlike any other. An honorable mention for the foodies is Celele as 2 friends and a ‘best of’ list suggested eating here. I hope this guide inspires you to book that ticket. Once you visit, please share with us what you loved about this historic town!
With Love, Bekah
PS ~ If you want to explore Colombia further, read all about our 4 day adventure trekking The Lost City here.
PSS ~ If you are loving the Caribbean vibes, check out our recs for Puerto Rico which is a short flight away!
