Come here for some great coffee -- all of you know how serious Joe takes his coffee recommendations. They also have some really delicious food, juices, and drinks!
Come here for an amazing dinner and drinks -- seriously you WON'T be disappointed!
This is considered the greatest fortress ever built by the Spaniards in any of their colonies. Construction was started in 1639 but not completed until 150 years later. Visit the castle to stroll through the battlements, weave through underground passages and check out some impressive architecture.
The convent is a monumental three-story building surrounding a tree-filled courtyard, and much of it is open as a museum. Exhibits include religious art and pre-Columbian ceramics; a section devoted to contemporary Afro-Caribbean pieces includes wonderful Haitian paintings and African masks.
This is the oldest church in the city, built in 1539 in Plaza de los Coches. It was rebuilt in 1552 after the original building was engulfed by a fire.
Cartagena’s main attraction is the old city. This ‘walled city’ is protected by a fortress that was once used to shelter the city from pirates and storms. The inner walled town consists of the historical districts of El Centro and San Diego. It is one of the finest examples of preserved colonial architecture in the Americas. You could easily spend a day just walking around and taking in all the beautiful churches, plazas, palaces, mansions, and overhanging balconies! You can also walk along large stretches of the thick walls around the city and see some amazing views of the sea!
Getsemaní, the outer walled town, is less obviously impressive than Cartagena's old city but has some charming parts and is well worth exploring. The area boasts excellent bars, restaurants and cafes, as well as some superb street art on its derelict buildings. Check out the plaza in front of the Iglesia de la Santísima Trinidad after sundown when street food vendors set up their stalls and a crowd of revelers sticks around until well after midnight. If you’re lucky you’ll see dance students performing traditional dances like Cumbia!
For the adventurous souls, check out this local food market. Located 4km outside of the old city, people sells everything from fresh fruit to cooked turtle (which is discouraged by authorities but considered a traditional meal in many indigenous communities). If you do venture out, be sure to pay close attention to your belongings and don’t wear any flashy jewelry.
A leafy and shaded plaza surrounded by some of the city’s most elegant balconied colonial buildings.
The largest and oldest square in the Old Town that was used as a parade ground!
The main gateway to the inner walled town. This used to be linked to Getsemani by drawbridge over the moat.
The former president, lawyer, and poet Rafael Nunez’s former home. The white and green wooden mansion has been converted into a museum!