Candé serves traditional Colombian food and is a wonderful ambiance with live music and folkloric dance performances throughout the evening. Dan thought the Rabbit dish he had here was the best dish of the trip.
Specializing in inspired seafood creations by Colombia’s most famous culinary brothers, Jorge and Mark Rausch offer stellar night views of the Old City at their restaurant. This was where Wharton Shadow trek had their lovely waterfront dinner that Progga organized (and also where the official trek had their White Party although apparently you guys only experienced the parking lot).
Made famous by Anthony Bourdain during his episode of No Reservations documenting Cartagena - it is known for the best ceviche in Cartagena! It is a small, casual place and there might be a line. (Pro Tip - Try the "Ceviche Caliente", it's a deliciously warm ceviche with melted cheese. You won't regret it!)
This is an iconic and popular restaurant in Colombia as it's filled with glittering lights, over-the-top outfits, and quirky characters. The menu is expansive offering more than 30 different steaks and other traditional Colombian eats. The restaurant transforms into a fun nightclub open until 3 a.m.
Celele is an innovate Caribbean restaurant known for its culture-rich cuisine, which blends Spanish, African, Syrian, and Lebanese influences. Ranked #19 of LATAM's Best Restaurants. Celele’s commitment to excellence is evident in each dish, creating a dining experience that is both adventurous and rooted in tradition. It is pretty hard to get a res, so if you fail like we did, you can also go a few streets over to Dona Lola for less elevated but still tasty Caribbean.
The food is a contemporary and innovative twist on Peruvian and Colombian flavors. If you love seafood, this is a great option for lunch or dinner. Ask for a table on the rooftop - this venue has the most incredible up-close view of the Cathedral lit up at night.
Inside of the beautiful boutique hotel Casa San Agustín, Alma offers a modern twist on Colombian classics. If you aren't looking for a full dinner, stop by for appetizers and enjoy their unique hand crafted cocktails.
The restaurant's motto is "Love is in the details." With a beautiful interior and courtyard seating, Carmen serves contemporary cuisine inspired by local Colombian ingredients.
The best coffee in Cartagena! They also serve light breakfast and lunch options. There are two locations in the city.
Cafe Del Mar is an iconic ocean-side bar/ restaurant perched atop the historic city wall (La Muralla). It boasts some of the best sunset views. This Ibiza-style lounge has frequent DJ live sessions playing ambient house and Balearic beats with incredible views over the walled city. The sunsets are truly unreal here but it does get crowded so arrive by 5pm if you want a good spot.
Frequently recognized as not only Cartagena's best bar, but South America's best bar (idk if we buy this but it is really really good). It has three floors and each level has it's own concept: the ground floor is all about classics; the first-floor menu focuses on the colors of Colombia; and the rooftop terrace offers drinks inspired by the magic of the nation's wildlife. They don't take reservations so recommend going early when they open at 6pm and be aware there is a dress code.
It is a cozy and inviting spot with a charming terrace for al fresco dining. The bar offers a wide variety of unique cocktails, both classic and innovative, as well as a selection of cigars.
Movich is stylish rooftop pool bar atop the hotel with panoramic 360° views over Cartagena’s old city, the bay, the modern skyline, and the Caribbean Sea. Here you can enjoy Caribbean-inspired bites from the rotating food menu, as well as plenty of refreshing drinks.
Cafe Havana is THE place to go for live music and dancing. There is a small cover but it is super worth it and goes to the amazing musicians. The music covers the spectrum of salsa styles, from the Son Cubano made famous in Buena Vista Social Club, to the hits of home-town hero Joe Arroyo. Timing your arrival can be tricky. As a guide, doors open at 9 but the band sometimes won't start until 11pm. But if you leave your arrival too late, getting a table or even space to stand, can be near impossible. The band plays through until 2.30 and sometimes later.
The 16th century walls that to this day shield old Cartagena from all that is outside take about 60-90 minutes to walk around. The walled city is made up of pastel colonial buildings lined with flowers, cobblestone streets, and plenty of restaurants and boutiques (check out some of the incredible Colombian designers across the city). An evening walk atop the 300 year old walls is one of the best things to do in Cartagena to ensure that you see the best of this magnificent city!
Tayrona is a beautiful mix of white sand beaches, interesting coral reefs, and jungle slopes. The high steeps belong to the world’s highest coastal range. Be aware that swimming is not recommended here – the current is too strong and therefore dangerous – but many people snorkel with no problem. There is an ancient Tayrona (Indian) village in the park called Pueblito.
The Totumo Volcano is located in the town of Santa Catalina, about 45 minutes to an hour from Cartagena. You'll climb 50 feet (15 meters) up a ladder and jump into the crater to relax in the natural mud the volcán produces. Then you'll finish by taking a dip in the nearby lake to clean up. If interested, check for buses or guides that can pick you up at your hotel to get to the volcano.
This huge castle, which peers out over the city, is the crowning landmark in the city. This grand construction was started in 1639 but not completed until 150 years later. Visitors can now stroll through the battlements, weave their way through underground passages, and admire the impressive architecture.
Originally built in 1893 as the central theatre for boxing tournaments, concerts, and bull fighting. The monument is now a mall with plenty of gastronomy and great shopping (mostly higher end stores).
A ten minute walk from the old city is the Getsemani area. It's a Brooklyn/Wynwood-esque up-and-coming charming neighborhood with plenty of street art, wall murals, music, and dancing!