Cartagena Guidebook
Food scene
This popular place is excellent to sample local seafood at a moderate to cheap site. It's crowded all the time.
47 locals recommend
Holy Spirit Restaurant
6-69 Cl. 35This popular place is excellent to sample local seafood at a moderate to cheap site. It's crowded all the time.
Neighborhoods
Watch colorful houses while walking around in this neighborhood. Every street corner has history and art, making it a picturesque setting.
I recommend arriving at Plaza Trinidad. You can explore the neighborhood, wander the narrow streets, talk to the local people, buy "Costeñita" beers in the corner stores to fight the sweltering heat, and eat the street food.
207 locals recommend
Getsemani
Watch colorful houses while walking around in this neighborhood. Every street corner has history and art, making it a picturesque setting.
I recommend arriving at Plaza Trinidad. You can explore the neighborhood, wander the narrow streets, talk to the local people, buy "Costeñita" beers in the corner stores to fight the sweltering heat, and eat the street food.
Bocagrande is an upmarket area famous for its shops, beaches, hotels, and other tourist attractions.
97 locals recommend
Bocagrande
Bocagrande is an upmarket area famous for its shops, beaches, hotels, and other tourist attractions.
Fitness
A nice walk along the coastline, on the beach, or the sidewalk to breathe fresh air in the morning or during beautiful sunsets will lead you to this lovely little area to exercise at your own pace.
11 locals recommend
Lineal Malecon de Crespo Park
1-12 Cl. 63A nice walk along the coastline, on the beach, or the sidewalk to breathe fresh air in the morning or during beautiful sunsets will lead you to this lovely little area to exercise at your own pace.
Lots of machines and free weights to complete your exercise routine. For some, the downside is how crowded it is. For others, it is just great to meet and interact with locals.
Smart Fit Castle
Carrera 13Lots of machines and free weights to complete your exercise routine. For some, the downside is how crowded it is. For others, it is just great to meet and interact with locals.
Sightseeing
I prefer sitting outside, feeling the breeze, and watching people passing by while drinking a cold beer.
Prices are moderate to high.
118 locals recommend
SALSA DONDE FIDEL
Carrera 4I prefer sitting outside, feeling the breeze, and watching people passing by while drinking a cold beer.
Prices are moderate to high.
This castle was built in 1536 on the Hill of San Lázaro as a strategic location for watching the city and sea. It was originally known as the Castillo de San Lázaro.
The castle has been invaded by pirates, admirals, and barons in its long history, but it still stands proudly.
Visit to wander through the tunnels of the so-called “guardian of Cartagena” from the top of a 130-foot high hill, perfectly positioned with commanding views of the bay in front of Cartagena.
591 locals recommend
San Felipe de Barajas Castle
17-85 Calle 32This castle was built in 1536 on the Hill of San Lázaro as a strategic location for watching the city and sea. It was originally known as the Castillo de San Lázaro.
The castle has been invaded by pirates, admirals, and barons in its long history, but it still stands proudly.
Visit to wander through the tunnels of the so-called “guardian of Cartagena” from the top of a 130-foot high hill, perfectly positioned with commanding views of the bay in front of Cartagena.
Traveler advice
Useful phrases
How to say 'Where is the bathroom?'
¿Dónde está el baño?
Useful phrases
How to say 'Can I have the check please?' 'How much is....?'
Can I have the check please?
¿Me puede traer la cuenta por favor?
Cuánto cuesta...?
How much is the hat?
¿Cuánto cuesta el sombrero?
How much is the beer/food?
¿Cuánto cuesta la cerveza/ la comida?
Useful phrases
How to ask for directions or a place
Where's the bank / park / mall / convenience store?
¿Dónde queda el banco / el parque / el centro comercial / la tienda?
Getting around
The fastest way to get around
I recommend using ride-sharing apps to move around because they're inexpensive and safe.
The 'InDriver' app is handy and popular.
A trip to most malls, Old Town, and the Getsemani neighborhood cost around 10.000 COP (2.5 US Dollars) on average.
A trip to/from the airport costs 12.000 to 15.000 COP (3-4 US Dollars).