Cartagena de Indias is the Caribbean city in the coast of Colombia filled with colorful buildings, smiling people, history in every corner and love for everyone. Cartagena de Indias is the colonial town with all its heart pumping for you to fall in love with the city and somehow keep staying, even do you are doing nothing more than walking around in the street and taking pictures of the colonial style, street art and the quirky buildings filled with powerful colors, flowers, and personality.

7 great things to do in Cartagena de Indias

Is inspired as always of the fact that I like to do something not all. To be honest in Cartagena you can do more or all because it’s a small city center.

1. Historical Center; the Old Town

Entering the old town by the historic clock tower, you enter a time machine and walk past buildings that pretty much haven’t changed for 300 years. Buildings in yellow, green, blue, purple and pink they are all there. Then fascinated by all the decorative doors and doorknob that is presenting different occupations, social status, and wealth in life. The Iguana is a symbol for Royalty, Fish or Mermaid for Merchant Class.

If you think you have seen it all in one day, then think again. This little pearl is worth walking around for some days and get lost in the streets and continue discovering new corner and Plazas.

A free walking tour is always a great idea to get some history and the best sight on your radar.

2. Getsemani the Autenthic Neighborhood of Cartagena de Indias

Gestemani the urban neighborhood where locals mix with tourists. Plaza Trinidad the heart of Getsemani. People from all over the world center around and exchange: language, food, laughs and sometimes a beer until the police arrive and keep order on the plaza.

It is a must visit in the daytime for all the fabulous street art and by night for the vibrant energy and entertainment that can be discovered on the streets of Getsemani.

3. Castillo San Felipe de Barajas

Built by the Spanish during the Colonial time since then been fighting many battles against pirates, English men, and the Jenkins War. Castel has endless tunnels and history. In 1984 the castle was listed as a World Heritage Site.

There are many options to see and discover the castle. This time we did the cheapest one, only paying the entrance fee of 9 US dollars and walked around and enjoyed the site.

4. Salsa, Cumbia and more at Fidel Bar

If you don’t want to pay for entrance at Cafe Havana in Gestemani (should do that one night) Then spend a night at Fidel Bar a great mix of different types of Salsa: Shock, Cubana, Colombiana and more styles that I honestly don’t remember the name on. In Fiedel Bar, you will find the emerging of locals and tourist dancing the night away.

On Wednesday If you are young and wild hit the Media Luna Party in the hostel and enjoy the Roof-top Terrace with a view of Getsemani. Of course a lot of Reggaeton music and expensive beer. Have a pre-party before hitting the Party. Enjoy dancing the night away!

5. Sunset at Cafe Del Mar

If you want a posh start of the evening, then enter Cafe del Mar and enjoy a Panorama view of Cartagena de Indias in the Sunset. If you wish a more budget-friendly option; buy a beer from the street vendors, and of course, negotiating the price correctly before buying, then sit down on the walls of Cartagena de Indias and enjoy the same View at Cafe del Mar in a more inexpensive way.

6. Getsemani: Plaza Trinidad & Street Food

In the neighborhood of Getsemani, you have to visit Plaza Trinidad, because this is where everybody hangs out! It is a most to get an evening in at Plaza Trinidad, walk around and pick something you would like to eat, what about Arepa, Empanada, Ceviche, Patacón or maybe Sushi or Hamurgesa? There is something for everyone to eat. For dessert, I would go for Mango with Salt & Lemon. Or go dancing to see if there will be room for more food!

7. Spanish Classes

Everything is more fun when you can speak the language and by this learn some Spanish. If you are up for a challenge, hit yourself up with a Spanish class and get involved in the language, culture, and new Colombian Friends. One day you will be listening to your Colombian friends understand when they speak gossip! Incredible moment.

I had a great experience with Nueva Lengua Spanish School in Colombia. Spanish courses in Bogota, Cartagena, and Medellín

When you are in Cartagena de Indias, there is easy access to Playa Blanca and the Rosario Islands. Decide for a tour and roll with it.

Anything you want to recommend in Cartagena de Indias?

Or you haven’t been but want to go?

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