Spectacular luxury hotel in the heart of the historical center. Al Quimico has established itself as one of Cartagenas trendiest bars. Its not the most amazing or largest, but its a nice place for a stroll or a little picnic. If its not your thing there are places to chill and hammocks. For nice higher end options, check out Alma, Jardn at Santa Clara, and Club de Pesca, located on an old fort with great views of the bay. There are also a lot prostitutes and drug dealers operating. Another way to do this is with a private walking tour, we didnt do this one but have heard its beneficial as the groups are smaller and you get taken to different spots. Its another way to explore the Getsemani neighborhood while tasting a bunch of different rums, how to pair them, and meeting locals with incredible knowledge while learning how important the rum trade was to Cartagena. The Chiva buses cruise around the streets of Cartagena picking up and dropping off party-goers from the hippest clubs in town! You can hire a private taxi. While youll get plenty out of just wandering, some particular highlights include the Calle Cochera del Hobo near the Plaza San Diego (really all the streets in this area are beautiful), the Calle de los Estribos beside the Santo Domingo Church, and the Calle Don Sancho that runs from the wall beside the Teatro Adolfo Meja (aka Teatro Heredia) and gives gorgeous views of the Cathedral. That being said, it doesnt take long to reach these places, and from Cartagena, you can reach some of the best snorkeling spots in the Caribbean. That being said, we went in July and saw lots of pink! A salsa joint, the inside gets packed and blares old school salsa songs. Recent visitors warn about the street vendors who persistently hawk their wares. Otherwise, its a nice place to enjoy a coffee and ice cream! Try local foods such as empanadas, buuelos, queso costeoas, lulo and arequipe. Best Free Things to Do in Cartagena. If you just want to sit quietly and relax a bit or have a street coffee or tinto, this is the best plaza for it. When is the best time to visit Cartagena? Like most colonial town, youll find a number of plazas and parks around Cartagenas Walled City. If you do make it out to Turbaco, you could consider visiting the Botanical Garden. If youre wondering what to do in Cartagena, this needs to simply go at the top of your list. The statue commemorates a famous poem written by Luis Carlos Lpez about Cartagena. An interesting place to visit in Cartagena is the Convention Centre, its a prominent landmark with restaurants and cafes right by the water. Written . The best day trip from Cartagena is to Palenque de San Basilio, the first freed town in the Americas. Afterward, its a rinse-off in the nearby lake, a visit to the salt ocean where the salt crystallizes, and lunch before returning. The city of Cartagena was founded in 1533. Its a pretty cool Castle to walk around (even if the entry price is steep at $25.00) and is another thing which you should do, even if youre not into history as the views are great. Finally, you could try a patacon con todo, a giant flat patacon topped with a variety of meats and cheese. Speaking of Nuez, he has a connection to a soda native to Cartagena too. However, if youre not heading to Bogota then its a nice one to visit, its also free entry. Cool Things To Do in Getsemani Cartagena. It is undoubtedly one of the Cartagena, Colombia things to do. You can also take a 2-hour chocolate-making class where you make (and eat) your own chocolate from scratch. Now that you have a better idea of what to do in Cartagena, its best to plan an itinerary to get as much done as possible! Getsemani Street Art - Afro Colombian woman. If you are considering coming to Cartagena during the end of year holidays, youre in luck. Selina Hostel also has a nice rooftop bar that is open to the public. El Museo del Caribe. Scuba diving in Cartagena is like nowhere else in the world. A sad but intriguing part of this museum was the torture exhibits which showed gruesome examples of torture devices used on prisoners to extract confessions. Why not visit an area where, according to legend, pirates would sometimes hide out? It may not strike you as a must-do activity, but if youre in the mood for an entertaining evening then partying on a Chiva is the most fun you can have! Volcn de Lodo el Totumo is a mud volcano located 30 miles outside of Cartagena. Some guests complained about lack of hygiene while others had a blast. Getting your dance on has to be included in your Cartagena what to do list! Thats why you may also hear the cliffside referred to as the Salto del Cabrn. For a historical context, try join an organised, guided walking tour. Cartagena, Colombia, is known for being both modern and colonial. For bird and nature lovers, it should absolutely be on the list of places to visit in Cartagena, Colombia. They also warned that getting to the castle is a bit of an uphill trek, and suggest bringing bottled water as well as wearing a hat and applying sunscreen. Hi, our group is spending only a week there, and so I was wondering which day(s) of the week of best for visiting Cholon? An 18th-century battery complete with original kitchen and garrison. We enjoyed hanging about Plaza de La Trinidad which is always full of tourists and locals, especially on the weekends. Gabo attended the University of Cartagena for a short time, owned a home here, and is buried here. Cheers Henry. Good if youre missing some tastes from home! For some more unique ways to do a harbor cruise, you could watch the sunset with an open bar on a pirate ship, take a sailing trip at sunset, take a sunset kayak tour of the bay, or do it from a private boat. Honestly, the vendors can be annoying, and youll want to practice your best finger wag and No, gracias before coming. You can usually negotiate prices in all of these places, especially if youre buying multiple cigars and/or will have a couple drinks with them. Cartagena is a unique city in Colombia. If youre looking for Spanish classes, I recommend Gustavo Valiente at Letra Caribe, who also offer online classes if youd like to brush up before coming. However, see if you can fit in the ones you want from this list, and if all else fails, well, youll just have to plan another trip (or several!). The beach is no-frills and in a less touristic area, some people have noted they felt a little harassed at times but in our experience it was fine, just travel smartly. Maybe, Im just trying to include one of my favorite places, but if youre looking for a nice chill bar where you can hear rock music, including occasional live music, check out Leon de Baviera near the end of Calle El Arsenal in Getseman. In comparison to other well-known cities in Colombia, such as Medellin and Bogota, Cartagena is equally priced. A visit here is another one of the best things to do. Conclusion. If youve decided to come visit Cartagena, Colombia, congratulations! The lessons are fun, interactive, and energetic, generally held on rooftops overlooking the city. I highly recommend going early in the morning to beat both the heat and the crowds. There, their African culture blended with that of the indigenous peoples there. Then, they are given the option to buy emerald and gold jewelry of their own. In fact, it accounts for as much as 90% of the worlds emeralds. This first list are my top 11 picks for what you absolutely must do in Cartagena. There you can get a good fish lunch, lounge chairs, and drinks. It was a great way to experience some of the local cuisines such as empanadas, patacones, and bollos. Gabriel Garca Marques, affectionally called Gabo by many Colombians, is Colombias most famous author. Past visitors to the islands were disappointed that many of the activities and amenities cost extra, such as snorkeling equipment and towels, chairs and food. Youll be amazed by the schools of colorful tropical fish, underwater landscapes and bountiful biodiversity hidden beneath the surface. Modeled after the boats of Mexico Citys Xochimilco, the Chambaculeras are a fairly new and neat community run attraction in Cartagena. There are also models of the different forts and fortifications around the city. Tours are a full day event departing in the morning and include a few island stops, lunch, and snorkeling. The bridge at the clock tower is a good place to hang out and escape the hot sun. The other two most impressive are the Santo Domingo Convent located a few blocks up from San Pedro Claver, and the Cartagena Cathedral or Cathedral of Santa Catalina de Alejandra, located by the Plaza de Bolvar. Needed a covid test to fly back to the US but got it done in the airport for 200 quetzales. Its still a bit of a hidden gem in the heart of Getsemani meaning the prices are really affordable. Today, the church and its accompanying museum can be toured by visitors. written by Vanessa Wanders Miles 20th October 2022. Taking in the cool breeze and the views of the city with some friends and drinks is another of the best things to do in Cartagena, Colombia. Here are some unique and unusual Cartagena attractions that are well worth your checking out! An upscale restaurant in the heart of Centro. While it may look nice on the outside, there were many dark things that happened on the inside. For families, ChocoMuseo is a really fun day out. Its possible to walk along the waterfront from Castillo de San Felipe to Club Nautico, and even further along if you wish, theres another marina further down. Makes me want to start at bottom of the list !!!! Here are some ideas that will guarantee a happy family holiday in Cartagena. I would definitely be interested in checking it out. You will also have lunch included and transport. Craft beer has become increasingly popular in Colombia, and there are a number of good Colombian craft beers worth trying, especially if youre a beer nerd like me. The mangroves (manglaresin Spanish) that grow around the inlet known as the Cinaga de la Virgen just north of Cartagena are a vital part of the ecosystem. You could also opt to see the fascinating landscape of the Tatacoa Desert or the neat archaeology and pretty countryside in San Agustn. Bocagrande is the longest beach in the city and is lined with big hotels, casinos and restaurants. During the tour, you will also have some opportunities to stop to enjoy, relax and discover! Occasionally, youll get a really good singer as well. The food represents Colombian culture and heritage from colonial Cartagena to the modern day. Havana Club draws a mixture of locals and tourists and was even visited by Hillary Clinton when she visited the city not so long ago. Its one of the best places to visit for a chilled beach day with a swimming pool, fresh showers, loungers, and beautiful blue water. These include the Museo del Oro Zen, Museo de la Esmeralda, Parroquia San Pedro Claver and the Palace of the Inquisition, which are all very close proximity to each other. As you may know, Colombia is a country that maintains a perfect climate throughout the year. Just make it on a non weekend or holiday and get an even better tan than you got out in the Rosario Islands. There are lots to see from portraits, animals, and beautiful murals, all of them bursting with color. The mud is rumored to have healing properties, but even if this isnt the case a bath in the mud is well worth the experience! That being said, its possible to visit any time of year and it is busy all year round. Read about other amazing places where to stay in Cartagena. She remains on the seal of the city today and a stop and photo op here is another one of the must see places to visit in Cartagena, Colombia. Some places will let you in wearing more casual clothes but others will turn you away. One of the best ways to see Cartagena's Old Town is from a horse-drawn carriage. Las Tablitas holds the title of the oldest house in Getsemani and is now a shop slash bar and an intriguing place to stop and grab a drink. Its a great experience with locals even coming up to the side of the boat to sell lobsters and cocktails (usually coco locos) made hastily in small boats over the side. We did notice a few dodgy people around as well, so just keep your eyes peeled. With two locations in Centro, Caf Epoca is one of Cartagenas coolest coffee shops. Located on the Plaza Santo Domingo, this famous Fernando Botero statue is one of Cartagenas best known landmarks. Also we will to teach you most comon slangs from Cartagena, and how you can use them and sound like a local! Some other great places to try Colombian coffee in Cartagena include Cafe del Mural, on Calle San Juan in Getsman, although they only open in the afternoon. I hope they helped you plan your visit to Cartagena and that you absolutely enjoy any and all of them you do! The palm tree-lined beaches are pristine and the seas are teeming with marine life. The neatest bookstore in Cartagena is baco Libros y Caf. Here are some fun activities for the whole family! Whether on a private boat rental, a shared tour, a day pass, or spending the night at one of the resorts, the Rosario Islands are among the top Cartagena, Colombia tourist attractions. If you find yourself with some free time and want to get out of the city and be in nature but not go too far, you could opt to head out here. Here are some of the best. Take some time to enjoy the atmosphere while walking the streets and enjoying the many picture opportunities. Mercado de Bazurto. Want to do something fun on the beach that doesnt involve flying high above it, riding on boards, or going below the water? Even if youre not buying its still lovely to walk around and admire. You will find the University of Cartagena housed in the former Convent of San Agustn and the Hotel Charleston in the Convent of Santa Teresa. Past travelers appreciated the cultural significance of the Botero statue, as well as the array of souvenirs for purchase. Be prepared for higher prices for your flights and accommodations, as well as a minimum stay of 3-4 nights imposed by most hotels. For those looking to spend some time relaxing on the dry land and beaches in the islands, I recommend Islabela (read about our experience at Islabela here). Nice informative site. 5. If youre looking for an enjoyable evening, filled with Latin music and salsa dancing then youll be spoilt for choice in Cartagena. Its really fun if you like markets and seeing the local life in full swing. Find out in this hilarious book. These are things you might want to add to your list of what to do in Cartagena, depending on your time and interests. Ah, and one more great thing to take home as a souvenir is art. In Colombia and around Latin America, run away slave communities became known as Palenques. While it isnt as impressive as the larger Gold Museum in Bogot, Cartagenas is a nice way to spend an hour or so. There are also mangroves that play a big role in protecting the fishing village from storm tides, that make for the perfect setting for a scenic tour when going by canoe! But a good way to stop would-be pickpockets in their tracks is simply to wear a money belt (which we highly recommend); something like the very discreet Pacsafe Money Belt will work wonders. We heard it was incredible! The restaurant is designed well with a nice, welcoming vibe from the staff. If youre looking for a real adventure, consider heading to the desert covered Guajira Peninsula and the town of Cabo de la Vela or to the very most northern point of South America at Punta Gallinas. The gold on display includes gorgeous pieces of jewelry, and also pottery. The dorm beds are modern and give guests space and security. Another great option would be doing a tour that combines a visit to the Bazurto Market and cooking class where you source the ingredients to make your meal, a true immersive experience. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. If you have a week or a few more then why not try learning the beautiful language? Visit Cartagena's Gold Museum - The Museo del Oro Zenu. One of the most famous nightspots in the city is the Cuban-style Havana Club. Although you usually hear of Centro referred to as the Walled City, in actuality, all of Getseman was also protected by a wall, just very little of it remains today. I think its best on a weekday so there will be less crowds. We went on a guided tour, although we met some people who had visited by themselves and had no issues. You can also look into taking classes on Lingoda or Rocket Languages before coming. These are seasonal and are often located in the Parque del Centenario (big park diagonal from the Clocktower), around the Clocktower itself, or around the corner from the Naval Museum. These were pretty tasty and we enjoyed having them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, alongside the empanadas. Explore monasteries in Old Town. Enjoying this spectacular view rounds out this list of the absolute cant miss activities in Cartagena, Colombia. You will start in Getsemani and follow a well-thought route of snacks around all of the old city. The eco-hostel in Cartagena is located near the San Bernardo Islands about 2 hours off Colombias Caribbean coast and the perfect place for those of you who want to disconnect. Try the one at Di Silvio in Getsemani! Find out about the history of Cartagena when you take a trip to Murallas de Cartagena de Indias, Colombia. Self-guided Tours. More so, consider this list things that you might include if they get your attention but are more than ok to leave out if they dont seem that interesting to you. Aside from the church, the statue of Mujer Reclinada a rather voluptuous woman, laying on her side is found in this plaza. There are plenty of cheap eats and fine dining to be found in and around the city. This slice of Caribbean paradise offers colonial charm and history, beautiful nearby beaches, and a vibrant culture! To make sure you don't miss any of the top sites, sign up for one of the area's many walking tours. For example, when we went, there was a large area they had just harvested and wasnt pink. Here are some unique and unusual Cartagena attractions that are well worth your checking out! That makes it one or our top recommended activities for kids in Cartagena. in Colombia, head out here with an empty stomach. A great place to meet friends and have some brews, it is popular with both tourists and locals alike! Hands down, this has to be the top thing to do in Cartagena, Colombia! Past visitors praised the castle for its magnificent views of the city and historical significance. For an even more unique extreme water sport, you could try paratriking over the beach. Defending that entrance was key to the citys defenses during colonial times. If you are interested in buying something, always negotiate, and always be clear on prices. Finally, you could go on a safari in Casanare, which instantly became one of my favorite places in Colombia when we went! If you have the time to spend a night or two here or at another spot in the islands when visiting Cartagena, I highly recommend it, as its perfect to escape it all and live a little slower. One of the more grand and prettier churches in Cartagena is the church of San Pedro Claver. They have great beach bungalows and you can also do a day pass (use the code ExploreColombia 10 for 10% off). Here I want to share some tips on the best things to do in Cartagena as well as some places to eat and ideas for where to stay. Looking for more great places to visit in Colombia? 4.94 (300) Brunch & Paint in our secret rooftop. It was built in the early seventeenth century, and the colourful courtyard was a highlight. This tour also includes a stop at Manzanillo beach afterward which seems to be the most popular. For a guided experience, consider booking this half-day tour that includes several of the popular places to visit in Cartagena or this all day private city tour. Also known as La Gordita, its also one of the best photo ops in the city. Unfortunately, there used to be a great champeta club named Bazurto Social Club in Getseman, but it has closed down. Hi Jason. A great place to eat on a budget. Hola! Saint Peter Claver is remembered for baptizing more than 300,000 people, many of them slaves. 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