Cartagena Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)

Great Neighbourhood

#fallishere Bocagrande, the vibrant neighborhood of Cartagena, surpassed all my expectations and left an indelible impression. This five-star neighborhood seamlessly combines the allure of a tropical paradise with a touch of urban sophistication, creating an unparalleled experience for both locals and visitors. First and foremost is the breathtaking beaches of Bocagrande.It vibrant culinary scene is also a food lover's dream come true. From street food vendors to upscale restaurants, the neighborhood offers an array of delectable options to satisfy any palate. I relished in the opportunity to sample the mouthwatering local dishes, including the seafood delicacies that are a specialty of the region. Aside from its natural and culinary wonders, Bocagrande also boasts a lively and bustling atmosphere. The neighborhood's streets are lined with an assortment of shops, boutiques, and market stall.The vibrant nightlife scene further heightened my experience, with its energetic bars, clubs, and live music venues that ensured evenings were never dull.

The Largest Colonial Fortress

Built in the 17th century, El Castillo de San Felipe in Cartagena is massive, imposing and a testament to the city’s rich past and importance. As the seat of colonial power, trade and wealth, Cartagena was a constant target and this fort was meant to act as the last line of defence against overseas powers and pirates 🏴‍☠️ ⠀ Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984, you can wander through the fortress and it’s maze of small underground tunnels or, you know, pretend to be a pirate who’s overtaken the fort and is firing up the cannons 🤷🏻‍♀️ Find it: Castillo de San Felipe, Cartagena de Indias, Colombia #createwithtrip

Beautiful hotel along the beach

#fallishere Hotel review : InterContinental Cartagena I was warmly greeted as I arrived and the service from the staff was excellent throughout my stay . As an IHG member, I was able to get a massage upon arrival after a long trip to get there, and the Spa staff was great. The many bellhops, porters, and security staff made sure I was taken care of in my comings and goings from the hotel. As a solo traveler, I definitely felt safe there. The hotel was clean and modern and seemed well-kept. The rooms were spacious and well-appointed. I had breakfast daily and the buffet had a variety of pastries, fruits, juices, cereals, and hot foods, as well as an omelet station. Room service was delivered quickly with everything ordered. The cocktails were always good! The pool was clean, the area was kept tidy, and the water was a nice temperature. When I visit Cartagena again, I will certainly stay at the Intercontinental, and suggest others do, too!

Cartagena, Columbia

Incredible 500-year-old walled city with historic 19th-century architecture and some of Colombia's best dining Colorful Cartagena, one of the great historical Spanish cities of the Caribbean, pulses with life along the north coast of Colombia. Founded in 1533, its old walled city has seen its fortunes rise and fall through the centuries and has more recently experienced a resurgence and revitalization. Significant restoration of the old city has resulted in once-dilapidated 16th-century buildings springing back to life as modern, yet historical hotels, world-class restaurants, and shops. Wander through the narrow city streets to see an impressive church, an open plaza with public works of art, or an eclectic shop selling that perfect souvenir. Be sure to wander along the ancient city walls, and as you watch the sunset over the ocean, think back to what life used to be like here nearly 500 years ago. It's easy to get to Cartagena from the United States, with daily flights from Miami and good connections through Panama City. This is the perfect destination for an exotic long weekend getaway from almost anywhere in North America #placetosee #stunningbeach #londontrip #beachparty #boracaytrip #bangkoktrip #beijingtrip #tokyotrip #shenzhentrip #sanyatrip #newyortrip ¹#hangzhoutrip #beachlovers #topbeach #placetovisit #bestbeach #travel #perfectbeach #localescapes #singaporetrip #helloautumn #triptravelguide #triptravel #beachvacation #hotelstaycation #placetosee #stunningbeach #londontrip #beachparty #boracaytrip ¹

Fortress Towering Over the City of Cartagena

Castle San Felipe de Barajas is an old fortress built in in the 1600’s for the Spanish. It towers over the city offering excellent views of the city skyline and the coast line. Inside there are various tunnels to explore, information boards dotted around and plenty of open space for meandering. The fortress is very close to the old town so you can see it and then take a walk for a coffee in one of the beautiful little streets there. I visited at 7am and there was nobody around which was nice. Price of entry was 30,000 COP.

Two days of encountering four weddings or something, really bullying single dogs! Western-style rituals are very simple, the Bible is very long, there are not many guests, the church is beautiful, holding your hand to kiss your lips and going home and making dolls.. Unlike the domestic noisy, more quiet prayers and quiet Blessing, I think, this is what the wedding should have.

Discovering the Charm of Cartagena

Cartagena, Colombia, with its rich history and vibrant culture, is a city that seems suspended in time. Known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, this coastal gem is encircled by ancient walls that tell tales of pirates and conquests. What to Expect Entering the historic center of Cartagena, you'll be greeted by colorful facades, bougainvillea-covered balconies, and cobblestone streets. The city's atmosphere is a blend of laid-back Caribbean vibes and a bustling urban energy, epitomized by the friendly locals and the sound of salsa music drifting from open windows. Experiences and Recommendations A must-visit is the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, a fortress that dominates the cityscape. This historical site offers insight into Cartagena's strategic importance in the colonial era. Taking a guided tour here can enrich your understanding of the city’s past. As the sun sets, make your way to the city walls. Walking atop these ancient ramparts at dusk offers breathtaking views of both the old city and the Caribbean Sea—a perfect backdrop for memorable photos. Tips and Tricks Cartagena is warm year-round, but it can get particularly hot and humid, so dress comfortably and stay hydrated. Street vendors selling fresh fruit and coconut water can be found everywhere, offering a delicious way to beat the heat. When exploring, be sure to venture beyond the tourist-heavy areas. The Getsemaní neighborhood, just outside the walled city, is known for its vibrant street art, hip cafes, and lively nightlife. Personal Reflections The heart of Cartagena isn’t just in its historic sites but also in its everyday moments—like watching a game of chess in the plaza, dancing to street musicians, or just savoring a local dish at a street-side café. Each corner of the city offers a new flavor, a new story. For travelers looking to immerse themselves in a place where history and modernity coexist seamlessly, Cartagena is an enchanting destination. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, this Colombian city will captivate your heart. #CartagenaMagic #HistoricWalls #CaribbeanCharm #CulturalJourney #TravelColombia #HiddenGems #mytravelhacks#historicallandmarks#localguides#familytrip

Cartagena: The Caribbean Gem

Cartagena is a lovely and storied city situated on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. It is known for its walled Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is also home to a number of other popular tourist attractions, including the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, the Cartagena Cathedral, and the Getsemani neighborhood. Cartagena was founded in 1533 by the Spanish conquistador Pedro de Heredia. The city quickly became an important trading port and a strategic military post. The walled Old Town was built in the 17th century to protect the city from pirate attacks. If you are looking for a lovely and storied city with something to offer everyone, Cartagena is the perfect destination for you.

Old town Cartagena

Main attraction the inner walls town consisting of the historical district of El centro. It surrounded by Las Muralles the thick walls build as a protection against enemies. 16th century and it took two centuries to complete finally finished 1796

amazing castle in Cartegena

#fallishere Firstly I would say it more a fort then it being a castle.It has a place in history and has been restored to a good quality and gives a good idea what it must have been like to defend the castle against attacks. It's relatively cheap to enter and takes one or two hours to walk around, including the tunnels.I will highly recommended a visit. It's an interesting way to pass a few hours in Cartagena and to get some good views of the city too. Recommend buying a bottle of water from the vendors outside because you will definitely stay longer than you think. The views were amazing of the city below. I ended up lingering until sunset and it was so worth it!

COLORFULL CARTAGENA DE INDIAS COLOMBIA

Explore Cartagena Starting from Plaza de Las Bovedas: Typical Colombian Souvenir Market. Here you can also find Palenqueras (mothers dressed in typical Colombian clothes with fruit on their heads). It is said that they were immigrants from the Palenqueras tribe. For photos with them, you have to prepare a tip of around 5000-6000 pesos. It's called a scam, isn't it, because tourists might also want to capture the moment by taking pictures with them. Continue to Palace de Inquisition - Santo Domingo Square - Catedral De Santa Catalina - Monumento Torre de Reloj - Plaza de la Trinidad and end by enjoying the afternoon at Monumento Torre de Reloj (the city center). And still the first day, I've fallen in love with Cartagena. Yes!!!, seeing directly the lifestyle of Latin people, which is true, in reality Latin music can be heard in every corner of the place and every time you step you can see young people dancing Latin. Ahhh what a beautiful view that adds to my enthusiasm to enjoy this colorful city #cartagena #colombia