Healthy eating
One of the only places to get good healthy food in Cartagena. They have wrap, salads, burritos, bowls, and a nice open face tortilla (thin pizza), extracted juices, and smoothies. A definite must for anyone with a specific diet as this place allows you to build everything the way you want.
15 locals recommend
Gokela
8-70 Cra. 9One of the only places to get good healthy food in Cartagena. They have wrap, salads, burritos, bowls, and a nice open face tortilla (thin pizza), extracted juices, and smoothies. A definite must for anyone with a specific diet as this place allows you to build everything the way you want.
Neighborhoods
The touristic areas of Cartagena is divided among 5 key areas of the city which include the historic Old City, Getsamane, Bocagrande, Manga, and the Rosario islands.
The Old City center is located within the walls and is the epicenter of all the action and attractions. This zone tends to attract more affluent tourists that want to be in the center of everything, and hosts the top restaurants, bars and historical sites. Everything in this area is within walking distance, and is very secure.
Getsamane is a neighborhood located outside of the walled city that is like the Brooklyn of New York, where many people seek for more affordable accommodation. Getsamane is a very cool up and coming urban edgy area with lots of old working class houses, graffiti, and artistic street installations.
Bocagrande is the peninsula with beaches stretching on one side and a nice boardwalk on the other. It's the perfect spot if you are looking to spend a lot of time by the ocean and the islands are out of your budget. It's also the go to place to find gyms, and 24 hour grocery stores or pharmacies. A walk down the bay is suggested before the heat of the day sets in.
Manga is typically a place known for its marinas. If renting a yacht during your trip you will most likely come through this area.
The Rosario Islands are a marvel and well worth the visit. With beautiful water, swimming spots, islands, cool day clubs, and fresh seafood, you can't go wrong. One cannot say they've properly seen Cartagena without visiting the old city and the islands.
59 locals recommend
Centro
The touristic areas of Cartagena is divided among 5 key areas of the city which include the historic Old City, Getsamane, Bocagrande, Manga, and the Rosario islands.
The Old City center is located within the walls and is the epicenter of all the action and attractions. This zone tends to attract more affluent tourists that want to be in the center of everything, and hosts the top restaurants, bars and historical sites. Everything in this area is within walking distance, and is very secure.
Getsamane is a neighborhood located outside of the walled city that is like the Brooklyn of New York, where many people seek for more affordable accommodation. Getsamane is a very cool up and coming urban edgy area with lots of old working class houses, graffiti, and artistic street installations.
Bocagrande is the peninsula with beaches stretching on one side and a nice boardwalk on the other. It's the perfect spot if you are looking to spend a lot of time by the ocean and the islands are out of your budget. It's also the go to place to find gyms, and 24 hour grocery stores or pharmacies. A walk down the bay is suggested before the heat of the day sets in.
Manga is typically a place known for its marinas. If renting a yacht during your trip you will most likely come through this area.
The Rosario Islands are a marvel and well worth the visit. With beautiful water, swimming spots, islands, cool day clubs, and fresh seafood, you can't go wrong. One cannot say they've properly seen Cartagena without visiting the old city and the islands.
Food scene
Great atmosphere and food.
Cuban band playing and frequented by the who's who of Cartagena society.
131 locals recommend
Restaurante Bar La Vitrola
33-66 Cra. 2Great atmosphere and food.
Cuban band playing and frequented by the who's who of Cartagena society.
Great food and very hip atmosphere.
DJ playing on the roof, and excellent decor.
13 locals recommend
AGUA DE LEON Bar Restaurante
# 4-46 Calle de AyosGreat food and very hip atmosphere.
DJ playing on the roof, and excellent decor.
Tacobeach
3-96 Calle 35Great cheap and cheerful quick taco place.
Nightlife
La Jugada Club House - Bar
34-25 Cra. 6Fun club which is popular among locals and tourists.
Alquimico Bar
##34-24 Cl. del ColegioCool bar for locals and tourists.
El Barón
#31-7 Cl. San Pedro ClaverCool starting bar located in a nice plaza. Great cocktails.
Great sunset view bar, mostly tourists as it is a bit on the pricey side.
353 locals recommend
Café del Mar Ltda.
Calle de la SerrezuelaGreat sunset view bar, mostly tourists as it is a bit on the pricey side.
Cool rooftop bar with great music and chilled vibe.
30 locals recommend
Townhouse Boutique Hotel & Rooftop
#36-88 Cra. 7Cool rooftop bar with great music and chilled vibe.
Cool speak easy style bar that serves very good sushi while watching a very talented jazz act.
Members Only
36-88 Carrera 7Cool speak easy style bar that serves very good sushi while watching a very talented jazz act.
Favorite Starting Point!!
This is the coolest place in the hottest city!! One of the favorite things to do is grab a delicious frozen cocktail to help cool you down when wandering through the hot old city. The drinks are amazing, the disco wall is a perfect picture moment, and cool music always playing. I suggest getting the refillable cup as it is easy to carry and keeps the drink cool. You can also go back and refill your cup at a massive discount so this place will be a regular stop throughout your trip!!
FUBAR CARTAGENA FROZEN COCKTAILS
This is the coolest place in the hottest city!! One of the favorite things to do is grab a delicious frozen cocktail to help cool you down when wandering through the hot old city. The drinks are amazing, the disco wall is a perfect picture moment, and cool music always playing. I suggest getting the refillable cup as it is easy to carry and keeps the drink cool. You can also go back and refill your cup at a massive discount so this place will be a regular stop throughout your trip!!
Traveler advice
What to pack
What to pack
Day Time:
Its HOT and HUMID in Cartagena, so pack for summer. Popular day attire includes shorts, t-shirts, flip- flops, comfy walking shoes, sunglasses, hats and anything for the beach.
Night Time:
Although we are on the ocean, it's still very warm at night. Make sure you pack light weight apparel.
Women:
Dress up in high heels, sandals and dresses.
Men:
Although the temperature justifies shorts and a shirt at night, most restaurants and bars expect you to be wearing pants, collared shirt, and shoes.
Book before you go
Concierges are highly recommended
Although it may seem that Cartagena may seem easy, it's always better to have a local who is on your side who can help you plan and manage your trip so that you can relax.
A good concierge will have your trip planned, budgeted, and organized before you even get here.
Some key things that they will help you with include, security, reservations, transportation, groceries, yacht rental, tours, massages, VIP entry into clubs, and EVERYTHING in between.
In Cartagena the plan B is just as important, so unless you know how to sort out problems in Spanish then best to get a concierge that can.
Getting around
Getting around
Getting to your villa from the airport as a group is best in a commuter van, for individuals a taxi is easy.
When in the old city, all the tourist attractions, bars and restaurants are within walking distance. The old city is reasonably safe to walk in at night, but not suggested outside of the historic city center. Taxis frequent the old city, so you should come across one every couple minutes.
If planning on visiting the islands, taking a yacht is the best way and can be organized through your concierge.
Don't miss
Some fun things to do while in Cartagena
Day Activities
1. Rent a yacht and cruise the Rosario islands
2. Take a fun walking tour
3. Check out historical sites and museums
4. Go for a day spa, or book a massage to your villa
5. Go to a day club
6. Hit the beach
7. Water sports- jetski, scuba diving, paddle board, surf
8. Visit the mud volcano, mangrove tour, or Palenque
9. Skydive
10. Golf
Night Activities
1. Sunset cocktails
2. Horse and carriage ride
3. Nightclubs
4. Whiskey and cigar tasting
5. Check out a great restaurant
6. Get lost in the old city
7. Check out street performers
8. Hang out at your villa with a DJ
Don't miss
The historic center and the Rosario islands
The old city center is action packed and wonderful to get lost in. You can spend days just looking around, but don't forget to go to the islands on a yacht, there is amazing islands, swimming spots, day clubs, and fun things to do.
Make sure you factor both places in for the full Cartagena experience.
Customs and culture
Some things to remember
1. The tip is most likely already on the bill at restaurants. Take the time to review it so that you don't pay more than required. Tip is traditionally 10%. However, service staff outside restaurants appreciate tips.
2. Always agree on a price before you accept goods or service.
3. "No dar papaya" is a famous phrase which translates to if you offer someone papaya they will take it. What this means is don't give opportunity to people to steal from you. So try to stay within the safe areas like the walled city at night and don't be flashy with the cash and bling bling.