Feel free to bookmark this guide for reference while you're in the city. Here you can find general information on:
1. Neighborhoods & Weather
2. Getting Around
3. Where to Eat
4. Day Time Activities
5. Beaches
6. Cocktail Bars & Clubs
7. Shopping
8. Beauty & Spas
9. History
10. Traveling to Colombia - Safety
MAY WEATHER
High - 89° / Low - 79 Fahrenheit | High - 31° / Low - 26 Celsius
NEIGHBOURHOOD BREAKDOWN:
Old City: This is the post popular area for tourists to stay in Cartagena. It’s also where most of the main tourist sites area.
Gestemani: Located just outside the walls of the Old City, Getsemani is a laid-back, authentic neighbourhood and is considered “up and coming”. It is definitely more raw than the Old City and has a lot more hostel like sleeping options. There are lots of great restaurants (mix of formal and very relax local outdoor patios) and bars in this area worth checking out.Bocagrande: Boca grande is located southwest of the Old City and is located on the water. It is filled with high rise hotels and condos and is about a 15 minute cab ride from the walled city.
While in Cartagena, keep these things in mind:
Taxis / Ubers:
We don't recommend Taxis when traveling in Cartagena when walking around. The only time we would recommend a taxi is if your Hotel orders you an official taxi. Official taxis are yellow, printed with the words “Servicio Publico” and the license plate number is affixed to the side passenger door.
If you need to get around we recommend Uber!
If possible, order an Uber or have the restaurant/bar order your cab if you need one late at night. Walking around the walled city should be perfectly safe during the day and for the most part at night as well. But we recommend getting a ride if it's after dark and you find yourself outside of the walled city.
The fruit lady (well they're known as Palenqueras) photos are not free
You will see many on the streets in the Walled City, but if you would like to take a photo with them or of them, you will have to pay a few pesos or buy a bit of fruit beforehand.
Tipping: Tipping is usually added in your bill
Paying in Quotas?
In Colombia, it is possible to divide a credit card charge into 12 monthly payments. That being said, retailers may ask you how many "quotas" you want to use for your payment. Simply say "una" as that is what you use outside of Colombia.
Retailers may also ask you for your "cedula" number which is the personal I.D. number used in Colombia. In order to not pay taxes upon leaving you can choose to register your purchases with your personal I.D. number (passport).
Power Sockets:
The two-prong power sockets in Cartagena and throughout Colombia are the same as the US, but if you’re coming from the UK or Europe you’ll need an adapter.
Breakfast/Lunch/Brunch
-Pasteleria Mila (bakery)-Crepes & Waffles (a Colombian staple...great for lunch or a dessert and coffee! 3 locations within the old city)
-La Cevicheria - Epoca Cafe - Abaco Libros y Cafe
Dinner
-Inkanto (Peruvian Fusion)-Mar y Zielo (updated coastal Colombian )
-El Gobernador (coastal Colombian)
-Agua de Leon (Colombian fusion)
-La Perla (Peruvian fusion)
-Carmen (contemporary Colombian)
-Juan Del Mar (Caribbean) - also serves lunch
-Alma (coastal Colombian located inside Hotel Casa San Agustin) - also serves lunch
-Harry Sasson (international located inside Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa) - also serves lunch
-Mistura (Latin Japanese fusion; live music!)
- La Vitrola
-San Nicholas (located in the Getemani Neighborhood, has live music on Friday and Saturdays)
COCKTAILS & BARS
-Cafe Del Mar
-Alquimico
-El Laboratorio
-Donde Fidel
-El Coro
-Cuba 1940s
-El Baron
-Demente
-MALAGANA CAFÉ & BAR
-BAZURTO SOCIAL CLUBCLUBS:
- LA MOVIDA
- CAFÉ HAVANA
There are a few salsa clubs in town but the best and most legendary one is Club Havana. It is located just outside the walled city in Gestemani and it gets BUSY! Whether you want to just observe or actually groove, its great for either! Every Cartagena travel guide will mention Salsa dancing and for good reason.
-Quiebracanto
-Babar
-La Jugada
If you're coming to Cartagena for beaches, you might be a disappointed... but not to worry there are plenty of easy to get to islands with clear waters and white sand beaches.
Playa Blanca on Baru Island
"Mambo Beach is the perfect place to revitalize the mind, body and soul. This ecological and natural beach club has beautiful crystal clear waters, perfect for swimming, snorkeling or simply relaxing with a good book. You will be in an exclusive beach club, provided with all the necessary amenities, so let yourself be carried away by this experience and let's have fun! So book today and enjoy a day at the beach on the island of Barú""Bora Bora will be the best option for you if you are wanting to party. It especially suits groups of people, those who want bottle service, and electronic music lovers. If you are looking for a quiet, relaxing time, if you are wanting to connect with nature, if you are wanting to read a book, if you are travelling with a family.. this is probably not the best option for you."
Blue Apple Beach
"SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES | PERFECT FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART
Blue Apple Beach is a laid-back beach club and boutique hotel located just 20 minutes from Cartagena, where like-minded locals and in-the-know visitors enjoy lazy days, music and great food in a tropical island setting. We live for a good time, and we are also a B-Corp, solar powered, zero waste and a living wage employer. This is certified guilt free fun."Note - you can come here for free if you are staying at town house in the city.
ISLA CHORON – AKA RUMBA ISLAND
"Looking for the ultimate party experience? Then a day trip to Isla Choron - which has, in recent years, become known as ‘rumba island’"
Making a vacation out of the trip?
We recommend an overnight trip to Tayrona national park. It is a stunning area about 4 hours from Cartagena and has one of the most stunning beaches in the country, unique view points and just a landscape like no other.
MUSEUMS & HISTORIC LANDMARKS:
-Castillo de San Felipe
-Muhca | Museo Histórico de Cartagena
-Catedral Santa Catalina
-Plaza de BolivarACTIVITIES & TOURS
-Rum Tasting: Try El Arsenal: The Rum Box. With a collection of every single rum made in Colombia, and premium knowledge on pairings—particularly chocolate pairings—you’re in for your own drunken history lesson with every visit.Walking Tours:
-Cartagena: Walled City of Cartagena & Getsemani Private Tour
- Cartagena: Historic Center and Getsemaní Shared Walking Tour
Food Tours:
-Cartagena: Walled City, San Felipe, La Popa Tour & Tastings
Horseback Riding:
-Cartagena: Beach Horse Ride and Colombian Horse Culture
-Cartagena: Sunset Tour On Horseback Along The Beach
Kayaking Tour
-Cartagena: Sunset Sea Kayaking Tour
-Cartagena: Walled City Kayak Tour
Biking Tour:
-Cartagena: Mountain Bike Tour Tasting Flavors
World Wide Site Seeing Red Bus Tour:
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Cartagena de Indias
La Serrezuela: Gorgeous shopping mall which was remodeled from an old bullfighting ring.
OndadeMar and Maaji: Beautiful Colombian swimsuits and tropical clothing!
St. Dom: An iconic, luxury multi-brand boutique that represents many Colombian designers.Casa Chiqui: Artisanal collections of accessories and home decor that represent Colombian culture.
Agua de Leon: A multi-brand store of Colombian designers. They have various stores within the old city and a beautiful restaurant as well!
Azulu: A ready-to-wear & resort Colombian lifestyle brand featuring both men and women's clothing. A personal favorite for their fun prints and dresses!
Mercedes Salazar: An iconic Colombian jewelry brand with colorful statement earrings and other accessories.Las Bovedas (The Vaults): A colonial structure along the walls of the city that once served as garrisons and later prison cells. They now house local vendors that sell traditional Colombian merchandise.
For those of you who would like to have their hair and/or makeup done before the wedding reception, we recommend the following 2 salons:
-Portada Peluqueria
-Diego Moya
*Even though these salons accept walk-ins, we recommend that you make an appointment beforehand. Please e-mail or call me and I will make the reservation for you!
Spas
-Charleston Santa Teresa Spa
-Sofitel Santa Clara
-Bastion Hotel Spa
Cartagena is a colonial city on Colombia's Caribbean coast. The historic walled city (ciudad amurallada) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with cobblestone streets and colorful colonial buildings. The city was founded in 1533 by Spanish commander Pedro de Heredia. At that time, the port was the largest in the Americas. In recent years it has become a top travel destination offering world class restaurants, shopping, and nightlife!
We are so excited to share this occasion in our lives with you here!
Is Cartagena Safe?
Yes! Cartagena is a very safe city, but like all cities in Latin America there are a couple of things we recommend you keep in mind to make sure you have a great and stress free experience.
Below are some excerpts from an article we found explains how to navigate the city with safety in mind.
What are common scams in Colombia?
Most crimes in Cartagena are crimes of opportunity, which include petty theft or scams. Stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings—like you would in any city or unfamiliar place—and odds are that you’ll be just fine. Locals say these are some common scams:
-Fake police officers ask to check your money for counterfeit bills. Avoid the scam by walking away, asking to see their badge, directing them to a nearby police officer, or calling Colombia’s tourist police at (1) 3374413.
-Pickpockets and thieves are common in tourist-heavy areas. Be sure to keep your belongings close and in sight.
-Taxi drivers sometimes scam passengers with rigged meters. Agree with your taxi driver on a fare in advance.
-At bars, keep an eye on your drink, and don't accept food or drinks from strangers.
-Don’t flash valuables openly, and wear minimal jewelry or accessories. Use discretion when texting or making calls.Should visitors to Cartagena worry about violent crime?
The short answer is no. In fact, violent crime against tourists is nearly nonexistent in Colombia, making it easier and safer than ever to explore Cartagena and beyond.Which Neighborhoods are Safe?
Old Town (aka the Walled City): Locals tell us that Old Town is among the top Cartagena points of interest. The area is also where you’ll see police the most—not because of frequent crime, but because they want to provide a safe environment. Our locals note that since Old Town is a significant tourist attraction, keep an eye out for pickpockets.
Bocagrande and Manga: Our Colombian locals say it's easy to stay safe in Cartagena when you’re in these beachside neighborhoods, which are famous for their palm-lined promenades and Miami vibes. Feel free to hang out after sundown and check out the nightlife.
Getsemani: Known for its hipster vibes, outdoor cafes, and an abundance of street musicians, Getsemani is one of the safer areas of Cartagena—but locals tell us it can get a little sketchy after dark.San Diego: This neighborhood is full of students and hipsters, which gives San Diego a laidback and chill character which locals love. They say that San Diego is best visited during the day; at night it becomes a hotspot for pickpockets and drug dealers. There are still plenty of other Cartagena highlights to visit after dusk.
Centro and Pie de Popa: Both of these neighborhoods attract tourists, surfers, paragliders, and bikers from all over the world. Locals say that both are also best visited during the day because of increased petty theft after dark.Note from Max & Camila: We recommend sticking to the first 3 neighborhoods!
Which neighborhoods should be avoided?
Sector La Magdalena
La Maria
El Paraiso
Olaya and El PozonLike any big city, Cartagena has some places you should generally avoid. General rule of thumb: The further you get from Old Town, the closer you get to unsafe neighborhoods. You aren't missing out by leaving the following places off your Cartagena itinerary—there are plenty of safer, awesome places to get off the beaten path in Colombia.
Emergency numbers everyone should know:
In the off chance that you run into any trouble while galavanting through Cartagena, here are some numbers to call for assistance.
National Emergency Number: 123
Tourist Police: (1) 3374413
Information: 113
U.S. Embassy in Colombia: (+57) (1) 275-2000