Issues to Do & Eat

There are numerous other ways to plan your journey to the Colombian metropolis of Cartagena. It may well get overwhelming! After spending virtually a complete month within the metropolis, I created this nice Cartagena journey information that can assist you profit from your time.

From the very best issues to do and eating places you’ll be able to’t miss to the place you need to keep, this information will make it easier to plan the proper itinerary in your journey. And this little style of Colombia may even encourage you to return to the nation to discover much more.

➞ If you’re quick on time, I’ve made the proper sooner or later cartagena itinerary for you.

Planning Ideas for Visiting Cartagena

Greatest Time to Go to

Among the best occasions to go to Cartagena is from December to April, when the climate is sunny and dry. I went in February and the climate was fairly heat throughout the day with highs within the low 90s, although it cooled right down to the 70s at night time, which was good. 

How Many Days to Spend in Cartagena

Despite the fact that I stayed for nearly a month to be able to do numerous analysis, a 3-4 day journey is right. This provides you time to discover the outdated city, go to a close-by island and take a neighborhood tour or two. 

The place to Keep

I stayed in an Airbnb condominium in Bocagrande, a residential neighborhood a couple of 10-15 minute Uber trip from town heart. It was the proper spot for an extended keep, providing a extra native really feel whereas nonetheless being shut sufficient to all of the motion.

However, for a shorter keep, I’d suggest these resorts within the metropolis partitions (or shut by)::

Issues to Know Earlier than Visiting Cartagena

Getting Round

Getting round Cartagena is pretty simple, particularly within the Previous City and Getsemaní, that are greatest explored on foot. If you happen to want a trip, taxis are available, however they don’t have meters, so make sure to agree on a value earlier than getting in. 

Personally, I principally used Uber as a result of I completely hate negotiating with taxis. The best place to catch a taxi or an Uber is on the Clock Tower, the principle entrance to the Previous Metropolis—that is the place most drivers decide up and drop off passengers.

Airport Transportation: I don’t like to fret about navigating transportation after I first arrive at a vacation spot, so as an alternative I prepooked an airport shuttle on Viator for about $25 for the 2 of us. However, you can additionally take a taxi upon arrival for those who choose. It’s less expensive.

Simply exterior of each home and worldwide arrivals, you’ll discover a line of yellow taxis able to take you into town. The fare to the Walled Metropolis needs to be round $5, however all the time double-check earlier than hopping in. 

The airport truly has a taxi fare sheet you’ll be able to obtain right here—although honest warning, these won’t be the precise value they ask from you, so all the time verify the worth with the driving force earlier than getting in.

➞ I’d keep away from any drivers who strategy you the second you step out of the safe space and as an alternative head to the designated taxi lineup for a extra official trip.

Language

Spanish is the official language, and whereas many locals in touristy areas communicate somewhat little bit of English, I discovered that studying just a few primary phrases will go a great distance. However, I all the time additionally suggest downloading a translation app, like Google Translate. 

Foreign money/Credit score Playing cards/Banks

Colombia makes use of the Colombian Peso (COP). ATMs are extensively out there, and alternate charges are sometimes higher at official forex alternate workplaces than on the airport. 

Credit score and debit playing cards are extensively accepted, however it’s good to hold some money for smaller retailers, markets, and taxis.

Bancolombia, considered one of Colombia’s largest banks, affords the very best alternate charges in Cartagena, making it excellent for exchanging bigger sums. Simply make sure to go early or proper after they reopen at 2 PM to keep away from lengthy traces. You’ll want your passport to alternate cash.

If you happen to’re within the Walled Metropolis, you’ll discover loads of forex alternate spots, particularly alongside Carrera 7 close to the Clock Tower. Charges are comparable in every single place, however this space is a well-liked and secure selection with good police presence.

What Issues Price

• Road meals (arepas, empanadas): $1–$3 USD
• Native meal: $10–$15 USD per individual
• Fancy dinner: $20–$50 USD. Our costliest meal was at Celele, rated considered one of Latin America’s high 50 eating places and it value $81.98 for 2 of us (completely price it!). However, many of the different fancy eating places fell within the $50 vary for 2. 
• Taxi trip throughout the metropolis: $3–$7 USD
• Bottled Water: $0.40

Security

Cartagena is mostly secure, and I felt snug even when touring solo. I adopted normal journey security precautions, like avoiding strolling alone late at night time, and by no means had any points. 

As with all vacation spot, it’s necessary to remain conscious—keep away from flashing valuables, regulate your belongings in crowded areas, and be cautious at night time, particularly exterior vacationer zones. 

For transportation, keep on with official taxis or ride-sharing apps like Uber. Additionally, be conscious of well being precautions—faucet water isn’t advisable, so keep on with bottled water to keep away from abdomen points, and don’t neglect mosquito repellent, particularly for those who may be visiting the Rosario Islands or areas close to the mangroves. For the most recent security updates, test Journey.state.gov.

Issues to Do in Cartagena

There’s no scarcity of nice issues to do in Cartagena, so that is only a style of my high picks. If you would like the complete checklist of all my favorites (there’s numerous them), make sure to try my for much longer checklist of the greatest issues to do in Cartagena.

Take within the Road Artwork in Barrio Getsemani

Barrio Getsemaní has reworked into considered one of Cartagena’s most energetic and creative neighborhoods—and it was considered one of my favourite spots within the metropolis! We spent hours right here wandering via the colourful colonial streets testing the highly effective avenue artwork, and soaking within the buzzing vitality. 

Calle de la Sierpe is known for murals, however don’t miss Callejón Angosto and Calle de la Magdalena, the place colourful umbrellas create a dreamy cover. That is the place I took dozens of pictures! 

Plaza Trinidad is the neighborhood’s coronary heart the place you’ll be able to seize a drink, chat with locals and, after all, snap a photograph with the enduring Las Palenqueras, whose shiny clothes and fruit baskets symbolize tradition and resilience.

Get pleasure from Some Salsa Golf equipment – Cafe Havana, Donde Fidel

If you happen to love music (or simply love a superb time), you’ll be able to’t skip Cartagena’s electrical salsa scene! My picks for the highest two to go are Cafe Havana, a legendary hotspot with killer mojitos and reside bands that may have you ever dancing whether or not you deliberate to or not, and Donde Fidel, a extra intimate however equally high-energy spot the place the music spills out into the streets.

Take a Colombian Cooking Class

If you happen to love meals as a lot as I do, then taking a cooking class at Lunatico is a should! I spent a day with Chef Maria and her group, studying make mote de queso, plantanos en tentacion, and the freshest ceviche ever—it was so good! 

The category was tremendous hands-on, and I left not solely stuffed but additionally feeling like I had somewhat piece of Colombian cooking to take residence with me. If you wish to attempt making the ceviche your self, you’re in luck—I’ve shared my model of the recipe right here: Sea Bass Ceviche with Banana Emulsion.

If Lunatico is all booked, I like to recommend considered one of these lessons:

➞ If you happen to like to attempt the standard meals of a rustic, then see my 15 Colombian Meals Dishes to Strive in Cartagena. 

Discover Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas

We took a simple 10 minute Uber trip from town heart to Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas which is a fortress constructed by the Spanish within the sixteenth century and designed to maintain out pirates and invaders. After all the historical past was fascinating, however what I discovered actually cool was that you could truly wander via its tunnels and climb up the battlements—and we did! However, the very best half was town views from the highest. It’s price going only for that.

Seize Cocktails & The Sundown at a Rooftop Bar

Rooftop bars in Cartagena are the very best place to be for an ideal sundown expertise, and I made it my mission to attempt just a few. My absolute favourite? Alquimico. Their cocktails are next-level—inventive, flavorful, and completely well worth the hype.

However, there are many others to take a look at too! Cafe del Mar sits proper on town partitions with killer ocean views, Movich Resort Rooftop has a surprising cityscape backdrop (plus a pool for those who’re staying there), and 51 Sky Bar is the very best rooftop on the town. 

Regardless of which one you select, be certain that to both make reservations or get there properly earlier than sundown so you may get a first-rate viewing spot. 

Cease by Museo Naval Del Caribe

If you happen to’re even remotely into historical past (or simply love a superb pirate story), the Museo Naval Del Caribe is price a go to. Tucked contained in the historic Previous City, this place is full of cool maritime artifacts—assume mannequin ships, outdated nautical devices, and work that convey Cartagena’s seafaring previous to life. 

You’ll get the lowdown on town’s position throughout Spanish colonial occasions and past. Heads up—many of the indicators are in Spanish, however you’ll be able to seize a tour information to fill within the gaps. 

Take a Road Meals Tour

If you happen to’re a foodie like me, then you definately’ll agree that the most effective methods to style the standard meals of a spot is to eat the road meals. However, I additionally need a proof of what the heck I’m consuming, so a avenue meals tour is a should. 

I cherished wandering town with a neighborhood information, stopping on the busiest stalls to style all the great things—crispy fried plantains, juicy grilled meats, contemporary seafood, and naturally, arepas (as a result of no journey to Colombia is full with out one!). These little pockets of deliciousness are constituted of floor corn dough and filled with all types of tasty fillings. 

➞ If you wish to ebook a tour, the one I extremely suggest is that this one: Road Meals Tour in Cartagena

The place You Ought to Eat (Greatest Eating places)

Cartagena is a foodie’s dream, and truthfully, one of many important causes I selected to go to. You actually can’t go incorrect with the eating places right here, however these three have been my absolute favorites. If you happen to’re in search of much more scrumptious choices, try my checklist of the highest 10 greatest Cartagena eating places.

Celele

Celele is the type of place that may fully change the way you view Caribbean meals. Chef Jaime Rodríguez spent years touring via Colombia’s coastal communities, unearthing forgotten elements and methods, and he’s turned them into one unbelievable menu. No marvel it’s ranked among the many World’s Greatest High 50 Eating places—each dish is a murals! 

I selected Celele for my birthday dinner, and it was completely price it. Whereas it’s on the pricier aspect (round $80 for the 2 of us), the expertise is unforgettable. Don’t miss the Caribbean flower salad with pickled cashew fruit, Emperor’s cane flower, and gulupa dressing—it’s as gorgeous as it’s scrumptious. And a heads-up: undoubtedly ebook your reservations upfront (I grabbed mine two weeks out!).

El Burlador Gastro Pub

The time period “gastrobar” doesn’t fairly seize what El Burlador is all about—it’s a spot that takes its meals and wine checklist simply as critically. Situated within the coronary heart of the Walled Metropolis, El Burlador masterfully blends Mediterranean flavors with Cartagena’s freshest elements.

I cherished it a lot that I needed to make it my ultimate meal within the metropolis on my final night time. What to order? The truffle eggplant chips and beef carpaccio—simply belief me, you received’t remorse it.

Mar y Zielo

Mar y Zielo is a restaurant that fantastically blends conventional Colombian recipes with fashionable methods, bridging the previous and current. The kitchen group has traveled throughout Colombia, studying from market distributors and residential cooks, making a menu that’s each deeply genuine and creatively revolutionary.

What to order? The Titote Mar Y Tierra—a surprising dish with octopus, shrimp, langoustine, and pork stomach in a tamarind sauce. All I can say is “Yum”!

Conventional Issues to Eat in Cartagena

Cartagena’s meals scene is bursting with taste, and these are the must-try conventional dishes you’ll be able to’t depart with out tasting. However for those who’re hungry for extra, try my full checklist of conventional Colombian meals to eat in Cartagena.

Arepas de Huevo

Arepas are Colombia’s reply to the proper avenue snack! These crispy, deep-fried corn muffins are filled with an egg, fried as soon as, then cracked open so as to add the egg earlier than going again within the fryer for spherical two. The consequence? A golden, crunchy exterior with a mushy, savory heart. You’ll discover them in every single place—from market stalls to seaside distributors—and undoubtedly on a avenue meals tour.

Ceviche

Positive, you’ve in all probability had ceviche earlier than, however Cartagena does it their means. Right here, shrimp or fish are marinated in lime juice with onions and spices, generally tossed in a tangy, tomato-based sauce. In contrast to the citrusy, uncooked Peruvian fashion, Colombian ceviche has a daring, refreshing twist that’s good for the Caribbean warmth.

Sancocho

Sancocho is a hearty Colombian stew full of rooster, beef, or fish, plus plantains, potatoes, yuca, and corn, it’s a heat, flavorful hug in a bowl. Some variations even throw in tomatoes, scallions, and a cob of corn for additional richness. It’s sometimes served with rice and avocado on the aspect—as a result of, after all, extra is extra!

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