From the most delicious restaurants to the hottest clubs, to the best hotels in Cartagena, let the locals who know the city best be your guide. Whether you’re just visiting for the day, or are spending the whole week in the city, you can get the authentic experience by immersing yourself in Cartagena culture.

Cartagena is a port city on the northern coast of Colombia in the Caribbean Coast Region. The city, founded in 1533, is an eclectic mix of Spanish colonial architecture, vibrant Colombian culture, stunning beaches, music, art, dance, and more. Nearly one million people call Cartagena home, but it’s also the country’s tourist hub, which means that you’ll find something for everyone in this lively town. While Spanish is typically spoken throughout the city, you’ll find plenty of places that cater to English-speaking tourists, or you can hire guides to help you get around.
Whether you’re a foodie, a nature lover, a history buff, or a beach bum, there are lots to see and do in this city and the surrounding area. If you’re planning a trip to Cartagena, read on for some great tips on where to go, what to do, and things you can’t miss in the city.

EXPERIENCE CARTAGENA LIKE A LOCAL

When you arrive in Cartagena, you can choose to hop right into the action or kick back and relax. But, no matter what you choose, if you want to get the best of the best, make the most of local favorites. The city is full of friendly people who are glad to help you get the most out of your Cartagena experience.
Each of Cartagena’s dozens of neighborhoods offers a unique experience and flair, from the bistros cafes, and the hip, laid-back vibe of Getsemani to the casinos, hotels on the beach, and tourist-centered cityscape of Bocagrande. Explore the city, follow your heart, and try not to attempt to cram too much into a single day!

WHAT TO DO

If you’re wondering how to make the most of your time in Cartagena, think about your favorite activities and experiences. Culture can be found in spades throughout the city, but here are a few things to do in Cartagena Colombia, you can’t miss:

Sightseeing – Architecture lovers, rejoice! Cartagena’s Old Town is loaded with historic churches, cathedrals, covenants, and other buildings that beautifully depict its 500-year history. In its early days, Cartagena was a target of pirate attacks, which is why the downtown area is protected by centuries-old stone walls. If you want to see all the best spots, sign up for a guided walking tour or bike tour.

Shopping – Whether you’re looking to pick up a few souvenirs or spend your entire day shopping, Cartagena is a shopper’s delight! Locals (and adventurous visitors) love Mercado Bazurto, a sprawling street market packed full of fresh produce and fish. If you’re looking for locally-made goods, Las Bóvedas, formerly a dungeon, is a popular place to pick up Colombian merchandise. There are modern shopping malls nearby, and luxury shops where you can buy yourself the latest fashions.

Exploring – With just a short trip outside the city by boat, you can reach the stunning Rosario Islands. This archipelago is a protected national park, which means it’s a great spot for those who want to get out of the city and explore the natural beauty of Colombia. Kayak through mangrove tunnels, dive into the pristine coral reef, walk along the miles of stunning beaches, or take a dip in the Caribbean Sea.

Learning – If spending a quiet day at the museum is your kind of thing, you’re in luck. The Naval Museum of The Caribbean will teach you all about the naval history of the Caribbean while the Museo de Arte Moderno de Cartagena highlights Colombia’s most famous artists of the 20th century. History and art museums dot the city, and you can spend days exploring all they have to offer.

Dancing – What better way to end an exciting day than with a visit to one of Cartagena’s hottest nightspots. Dance the night away at Bazurto Social Club, or try out some salsa or champeta lessons to spice things up.

Relaxing – Want to just kick back and relax? You are on vacation, after all! Luckily, in addition to endless beaches, Cartagena Colombia offers some of the best when it comes to massages, day spas, and wellness centers.

Of course, this is just the beginning of all that Cartagena has to show you. No matter which activities you choose, though, you’re bound to have fun and create lasting memories.

WHERE TO EAT

Now that you’ve worked up an appetite walking, sightseeing, and exploring, it’s time to sample some of the best local fares. With the Caribbean Sea right outside your door, you’ll find many restaurants that offer freshly-caught seafood. Here are a few of the greatest spots to grab a bite:

Breakfast – Columbia is known for its coffee, so why not stop by the Epoca Espresso Bar to start your day on the right foot? With the freshest coffee and plenty of breakfast options, you’ll be able to fuel up for your day’s adventures!

Lunch – La Gloria Restaurant is located in the heart of the Old City. This offering a new concept of Mediterranean cuisine using the finest ingredients.

Snacks – When you’re exploring Cartagena, you’ll likely come across dozens of tempting street food vendors. Some of the most beloved snacks in Colombia include arepas, which are flour or maize flatbreads, sometimes stuffed with cheese. Fried pockets of dough called empanadas, stuffed with meat, cheese, or vegetables are also a favorite. And don’t skip the fresh juice you’ll find at many vendors. Passionfruit, mango, guava, and papaya are just a few of many exotic fruits that are grown in Colombia. These fruits and their juices are plentiful and affordable and make a great healthy alternative to fried street food.

Dinner – Cafe del Mar is one of Cartagena’s most popular dining spots. Grab a spot outside overlooking the water, and order some drinks and seafood to enjoy. It’s known as a perfect place to dine on local cuisine while watching a stunning sunset.

Dessert – If you’re not too stuffed, top things off with traditional Italian gelato from Gelateria Tramonti. Gelato is a much-loved treat in Cartagena, and this might be the best place for gelato in the whole city.

Drinks – For a nightcap, head to Alquimico Bar. Their stunning rooftop terrace is the perfect spot to unwind and end your day.
Because Cartagena caters to such an international audience, you’ll be able to find just about any type of cuisine you love with a fresh and local twist.

EVENTS YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

Cartagena is a host to many annual events that you may want to catch when you’re in town. For example, the Cartagena Film Festival has been held every March since 1959. It focuses mostly on showing off Latin American short- and feature-length films and is a destination for international film buffs worldwide. The Cartagena International Music Festival is a week-long music festival that showcases classical music that revolves around an annual theme. Dozens of concerts are hosted at various venues throughout the city during this week.

Two important events are celebrated in Cartagena in November. The first day celebrates the independence of Cartagena on November 11. This is an important historical event that is usually marked with parades, carnivals, street musicians, and more. Also in November is the Miss Colombia pageant, which started in 1934. This pageant brings together Colombia’s most beautiful and talented women to compete for the crown. And because Colombia is sunny and warm year-round, November is a great time to visit.

WHAT MAKES AMARLA ONE OF THE BEST HOTELS IN CARTAGENA?

If you’re excited to visit Cartagena, you aren’t alone. Tourism in Colombia has been on the rise, and Cartagena remains one of the most popular destinations in the country. But with all there is to see and do in the city, you want to make sure you find a comfortable, luxurious, and relaxing place to stay during your visit. Luckily, one of the best hotels in Cartagena walled city, the Amarla, is close to the action and nearby many of the most popular sights. At Amarla, we focus on making you feel right at home from the moment you step into our luxury boutique hotel.

Once a historic colonial hotel in the heart of the walled city, Amarla has been restored as a chic and romantic boutique hotel. Our friendly staff is happy to answer any questions you have about Cartagena and can make recommendations based on their local expertise. With Amarla as your launchpad for your Colombian adventure, you can walk to many prime destinations, enjoy the vibrant city life and come back to an inviting place that feels like home at the end of the day.

We are happy to help you host your event, whether it’s a wedding, a spiritual retreat, or a corporate event. During events, you can book the entire hotel to create a unique experience for your guests. Our in-house event coordinator is glad to cater to your individual needs to make sure your event is a memorable experience