Colorful Cartagena is a vibrant coastal city on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, offering visitors a blend of colonial charm, stunning beaches, and a thriving culinary and nightlife scene. Originally built by the Spanish colonizers as a bastion against foreign pirate attacks and once known as Cartagena De Indias, it’s fortress and walled old town are today part of a really well preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site.

During a short trip to Colombia, I was excited to explore the diverse range of activities and sights in Cartagena that are all within an easily walkable area. From wandering through the historic Old Town to hiking up the Castillo de San Felipe, there was so much to discover and experience in Cartagena. Here are in my opinion the top 10 ways to enjoy this colorful Colombian city – including where to find the best coffee, cocktails, and seafood, as well as how to seek out local wildlife and immerse yourself in the city’s rich cultural and architectural heritage.

1. Get lost in the colorful streets of Centro Historico Old Town

Walking through Cartagena’s Centro Historico is like stepping back in time into a fairytale of old world colonial charm, except for the drenching humidity! This charming time capsule of a city is characterized by bright colonial buildings painted in shades of the rainbow, balconies laden and overflowing with blooming bougainvillea flowers, and uniquely intricate door knockers – all combining to make this a photographer’s dream destination. I lost count of the numerous plazas and churches that are anchored in various niches of the old town, with some of them boasting unique attractions such as the distinctly colorful Palenquero fruit ladies posing for pictures with tourists, or energetic Champeta dance performers showcasing this unique blend of afro-caribbean rhythms and moves. Heres a sampling of the numerous pictures I took during my aimless ramblings through Cartagena’s Old town.

2. Gawk at the amazing wall murals in Getsemani neighborhood

Getsemani is Cartagena’s Bohemian quarter, where street artists have transformed faded walls into a vast outdoor museum of eye catching colorful murals. The subjects depicted in the murals span the range from social justice related ones, to those depicting Colombia’s African heritage, and female empowerment. Here are some of my favorite ones that I chanced upon.

 

 

 

3. Walk the stone walls of Murallada walled city

The historical stoned walls or Murallada that surround Cartagena were built in the 16th century by the Spanish colonists in order to provide protection against rampant pirate ambushes and attacks by the colonial powers. One of the best ways to experience the Murallada walled city is to take a leisurely walk along the stone walls. As I walked the walls, I was transported back in time to an era of colonial charm and old-world glamour as I passed by historic buildings, plazas, and churches. The walls offer stunning views of the city and the Caribbean Sea, and are a perfect place to catch a beautiful sunset. Sip on a cocktail at Cafe Del Mar located atop the walls, as you watch the sun dip below the horizon, taking in the relaxed and laid-back atmosphere and unwinding after a day of exploring the city.

4. Hike up Castillo de San Felipe

Another way to soak in the rich history of Cartagena is to hike up to the 17th century fortress of Castillo de San Felipe. The views during the climb up the hill as well as from the top of Castillo de San Felipe are truly breathtaking – with panoramic views of the colorful buildings of the historic walled city, as well as the new skyscraper district of Boca grande which borders the Caribbean ocean. This iconic Castillo de San Felipe was built by the Spanish Conquistadores in 1536, and was strategically placed on a hill as a lookout to protect the city from pirate attacks and foreign invasions. In addition to the stunning views, there was plenty to explore at the top of Castillo de San Felipe. I walked along the fortress walls and explored the various niches, rooms and tunnels that were used during its military past, while ducking into every shade possible to escape the unforgiving sun’s rays.

5. Seek out homages to author Gabriel Garcia Marquez

If you’re a fan of Colombian literature, then a visit to Cartagena wouldn’t be complete without seeking out homages to Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Colombia’s favorite author and Nobel prize winner. Marquez was born in the town of Aracataca in 1927, but he spent much of his childhood in Cartagena, which inspired many of his literary works. Indeed, walking through the historic center of Cartagena – with its horse drawn carriages, cobblestones paths, and shaded benches under leafy almond trees all serves to evoke the surreal and dreamlike imagery of Marquez’s writings.

A must-visit location for Marquez fans is his parents’ home, which is located in the San Diego neighborhood of Cartagena and has now been transformed into a boutique hotel. This house was the inspiration for the fictional home of the Buendia family in Marquez’s most famous work, “One Hundred Years of Solitude.” But perhaps the most poignant homage to Marquez in Cartagena is the bust that sits atop his ashes in the cloistered garden of the Universidad de Cartagena. The university was a place that was near and dear to Marquez’s heart, as he was a student there in the 1940s. The bust was created by Colombian sculptor Enrique Grau and was placed in the garden after Marquez’s death in 2014.

6. Chance upon some wildlife in Getsemani

During our Panama City trip the prior year our hope of seeing some sloths in the wild was sadly left unfulfilled. So I was intrigued by the prospect of spotting some wildlife in the heart of Cartagena instead. The Parque del Centenario situated between the historic center and the Getsemani neighbourhood is a surprising location for the chance to view sloths, capuchin monkeys, and even iguanas. I had to do some sleuthing with a keen eye to finally spot a couple of languid sloths being slothful, since they are masters at blending with their surroundings high up in the branches. The Capuchin monkeys were however easy to spot, as the clambered around and playfully chased each other from tree to tree. The Iguanas could be found lounging in the sun on the green lawn of the park, and their distinctive appearance made them hard to miss. A visit to the Parque del Centenario is a great way to get a glimpse of some of Colombia’s fascinating wildlife without having to leave the city!

7. Sample the fresh seafood at La Cevicheria & Kiosco El Bony

If you’re a seafood lover, then your first stop should be a visit to La Cevicheria in the old town area. This small restaurant has been serving up some of the freshest and most delicious seafood dishes in the city for years, and was even vouched for by the late Anthony Bourdain during his tour of Colombia in 2008. Located in the heart of the old town, La Cevicheria is a popular spot among locals and tourists alike. The restaurant specializes in ceviche, a popular dish in Latin America that consists of raw fish marinated in citrus juice and spices. At La Cevicheria, the ceviche is prepared using only the freshest seafood, including shrimp, octopus, and fish. I tried the mixed ceviche, which includes a variety of seafood and is served with a side of crispy plantain chips. The ceviche is perfectly seasoned and has just the right amount of acidity, making it a refreshing and satisfying dish on a hot day.

Another famed seafood spot is Kiosco El Bony on the Bocagrande beach. This sought after spot is owned by ex-Olympic boxer Bonifacio Ávila and popular all day long. Its main claim to fame is the Cazuelo seafood stew which is supposedly a potent aphrodisiac, promising that patrons will be “ready to rumble” after their meal!

8. Savor some robust Colombian coffee

No trip to Colombia would be complete without savoring a cup of the country’s world-famous coffee. Luckily, there are plenty of cafes in Cartagena that serve up some of the best coffee you’ll ever taste – from small-batch roasters to cozy cafes, you’re sure to find a spot that serves up a delicious cup. San Alberto Cafe and Abaco Libros y Cafe in the old town, and Libertario Cafe in Getsemani were my favorite three spots to savor the rich flavors and aromas of potent Colombian coffee in Cartagena.

9. Quench your thirst with a craft cocktail

And if you prefer to imbibe something slightly stronger after all the walking around, Cartagena does not disappoint. With a plethora of cocktail bars, craft breweries, and wine bars, there’s always a new spot to explore. Here are a few spots that I raised a glass in cheers. From the chic and stylish multi-leveld Alquimico, to the more laid-back Demente and Maria, and Beer Lovers craft brewery.

10. Munch on a yummy Arepa

When in Cartagena and the stomach rumblings kick in, sampling a hearty Arepa is a must. This traditional Colombian snack / meal is a flatbread made of ground maize dough and usually stuffed with a variety of sweet or savory fillings. The fillings are generous and flavorful, making for an extremely affordable yet satisfying and delicious meal. They are made fresh to order, crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside – the perfect snack after a day of walking around exploring Cartagena!