Discover Cartagena de Indias
Cartagena – we can’t say enough. Located in the northern half of Colombia’s coastline, Cartagena is one of the most vibrant cities we have ever visited. From murals lining the streets, to ancient colorful Spanish architecture, to the amazing nightlife – if you’re anything like us, you’ll fall in love with the city almost immediately.
When to Visit
A major jewel of the Carribbean coast, Cartagena is warm year-round – and we mean WARM! Temperatures tend to range from 76 F at night to as high as 90 F during the day. Peak tourist season tends to fall from December to March, so while there's not much difference in weather during that time, it may be worth it to consider other months to avoid the crowds.
We visited in January and caught the tail end of Colombia's holiday season. This meant the plazas in Getsemani, the Walled City, and the areas in between were covered in massive Christmas decorations that made the city seem that much more magical.
Getsemani vs. the Walled City
There are a number of neighborhoods worth visiting in Cartagena, but two tend to stand out: Getsemani and the Walled City.
The Walled City (also known as Centro) is likely the most photographed area of Cartagena. As a UNESCO World heritage site, the district consists of narrow streets connecting bustling plazas, all surrounded by brightly-painted colonial Spanish architecture. Here, you’ll find some of the city’s most popular sites like the Torre del Reloj (a massive clock tower at the entrance to the walls), and you’ll also find the best sunset view Cartagena has to offer atop the ancient walls.
Getsemani is a bit different. Once an area segregated for the city’s lower class, Getsemani has undergone huge transformations and now looks more like a neighborhood where artists were granted full control and left to roam free. Here, you’ll walk through iconic streets lined with twinkling lights, hanging umbrellas, and seemingly endless murals. To us, the area seemed much more down-to-earth and we fell in love with the music and nightlife scene. Overall, Getsemani won our hearts (and wallets).
Walled City Pros & Cons:
Pro: Romantic nightlife scene with horse drawn carriages, quiet music, and rooftop patio bars.
Pro: Less activity at night, so slightly safer.
Con: Caters to more standard tourism, with premiere shopping, hotels, and dining experiences, so not as budget-friendly
Getsemani Pros & Cons:
Pro: Active nightlife with cheap drinks, loud music, and street dancing
Pro: From food to hostels to shopping, Getsemani is incredibly budget-friendly for travelers.
Pro: More locals, less tourists
Con: Bustling streets at night, so watch your purse!
Where to Stay
Hostels were a great option for us in Cartagena. There’s roughly an equal number to choose from in both Getsemani and the Walled City neighborhoods, though Getsemani tends to run a bit cheaper.
Here Were Our Favorites:
Getsemani: Media Luna Hostel
Right in the heart of the Getsemani neighborhood, the Media Luna Hostel is perfectly placed for restaurants and nightlife. The pool is great in the heat, free breakfast is a plus, the staff are amazing, and the rooftop bar provides some great views.
Walled City: Viajero Cartagena
Nearly the same story for the Viajero: pool access and great staff. The main differences are breakfast for a fee and that you’re located within the Walled City, so quieter nightlife and fewer cheap spots to grab a meal.
Things to Do
Souvenir Shopping
We headed to Colombia over the winter holidays, which meant we needed to come back with gifts. The street vendors and markets of Cartagena were the only thing that made this possible. For the cheapest souvenirs, head to the streets nearest the city walls, check out the vendors in the Parque del Centenario, or simply wander around the streets and plazas of Getsemani.
Beaches
As you head into the city from the airport on your very first day, you’ll pass by a number of beaches that line Cartagena’s coastline. It’s easy enough to get to any of these beaches by Uber (some even by foot!) for a day in the waves.
Free Walking Tours
Cartagena has an incredibly rich history, and free walking tours make it possible to learn what there is to know from city locals. There are a number of companies that host these walks, but we went through GuruWalk. Sign up online, show up at the meeting point, and you’re all set for your two-hour tour – just don’t forget to tip your tour guide!
Boat Tours
From Cartagena, you can sail on over to a number of islands for day trips, but if you’re looking to get out on the water without spending too much, this two-hour sunset boat cruise is a great option.
Where to Eat
Cartagena does a great job catering to both locals and tourists. This means there are plenty of up-scale dining options to choose from alongside many reasonable local spots. If you feel like splurging on a fancy meal or two during your travels, Cartagena is a great place to do it because you'll still be looking at Colombian prices.
Even so, we didn't do much fine dining on our trip, so here are a few of our favorite budget-friendly options:
Getsemani:
Colombitalia: From an outdoor arepa stand that runs all day, to pizza, pasta, and arepas at the restaurant just across the street, this place fed us at least once a day during our trip. (Arepas for $2-3!)
Kokoa Sushi Wok: Another great choice in the Getsemani neighborhood, this was as close as we got to a (semi-regular) splurge meal with $7-10 sushi and delicious sides. We highly recommend!
Walled City:
Amasa Cafe Brunch: We struggled to find a good coffee in the Walled City, but this place exceeded expectations (food was also great)!
Home Burgers: If you're in the mood for some good-old American staples, this place is the perfect stop for burgers, fries, and ice cream.
Novo Kebab Grill: A great palate change for us, we loved the ease of this Subway-style Mediterranean restaurant.
Overall, our best tip for eating abroad is always to go where the locals go (this is a bit harder in the Walled City) and you should end up with a cheap, great meal!
The sunshine, the art, the food, the people... A visit to Cartagena is unforgettable and there's really no way to go wrong. From strolling through the colonial streets of the Walled City to dancing the night away in the colorful Getsemani neighborhood, we hope Cartagena captures your heart as much as it did ours!
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