Cartagena: Ultimate Caribbean Adventure
Época Café Bar, Cartagena
A Caribbean Paradise I’ll Never Forget
Cartagena, the city that stole my heart as soon as I got there. Known as the "Pearl of the Caribbean," it’s easy to see why. The colorful colonial buildings, music on the streets, and breathtaking sunsets over the Caribbean Sea made it feel like a place straight out of a dream.
I spent most of my time in the Old Town. The colonial-era fortresses were magical, and the small streets, beautiful old houses with amazing gardens, held stories from another time. Everywhere I looked, there was something that made me wander—a balcony full of flowers, a quiet square with a local musician playing, a gallery with Colombian art, or a breathtaking sea view from the fortress.
But Cartagena isn’t just about history. The modern side of the city, with its upscale hotels, trendy shops, and world-class restaurants, was just as exciting. This city makes you feel special, with something new to discover at every moment. Cartagena is a place I won’t forget.
El Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, an imposing fortress dominating the horizon, reminds us of the city's turbulent history and its importance as a defense against pirates and enemy attacks. Climbing its walls offers a spectacular view of the city and the Caribbean Sea.
Your walk can start at Casa de Gabriel Garcia Marquez, a legend of Colombian literature, whose work and legacy are deeply rooted in this city. As you pass by his house, now serving as a museum dedicated to his life and work, you feel that every corner of this place is filled with inspiration and creativity. Continuing through the magical streets of the old town towards Las Bóvedas, colorful souvenir shops located within former military walls. Here, you can find diverse souvenirs, from handcrafted artworks to traditional mementos that will provide lasting memories of your stay in Cartagena.
As a moment of relaxation during your walk, stop at Epoca Café, where you can enjoy a cup of coffee in a relaxed atmosphere and observe the lively city crowd passing by. Nearby is the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena, home to the beautiful garden restaurant, Restaurante 1621. Located in the elegant setting of this legendary hotel, the restaurant offers a refreshing escape from the city bustle with a beautiful garden that provides a sense of peace and exclusivity. Cartagena also offers a fantastic culinary scene where you can choose between traditional restaurants like Espiritu Santo or La Mulata, where you'll discover authentic Colombian flavors, or opt for a more modern experience at restaurants like Niku, Alma, or Cande, where contemporary cuisine meets traditional recipes in a unique way.
Your journey continues through the artistic district of Getsemani, where every wall, every alley tells its own story. Here, you can get lost in the bohemian atmosphere, exploring colorful murals and enjoying local and Latin rhythms.
After exploring galleries and designer stores, cap off your day with the breathtaking view of the Caribbean Sea from Café del Mar, watching the beautiful sunset paint the sky shades of pink and orange. Another option is to experience a sunset catamaran cruise around Cartagena – a journey that will provide unforgettable moments with a refreshing glass of champagne as you dance on deck to Latin rhythms.
In the evening, you can spend time at beautiful bars like the terrace of Movich Hotel Cartagena or Mirador Gastro bar, where you can enjoy a drink with a spectacular view of the city skyline gently illuminated by night lights, creating an atmosphere that is both romantic and exciting. To complete your evening experience, visit the famous Alquimico bar, where you can unwind with expertly crafted drinks and enjoy music in a unique and charming ambiance. Alternatively, you can enjoy the atmosphere of many iconic bars and their gardens such as La Jugada, La Movida, or Casa Cruxada.
But Cartagena is not just a city of the past; it is also a city that is constantly evolving and growing. The new part of the Bocagrande peninsula represents the modern side of this city, with skyscrapers, luxury hotels, shops, and restaurants providing a contrast to the traditional atmosphere of the old town. Visit 51 Sky Bar, one of the most prestigious bars in Cartagena, located atop a skyscraper with breathtaking panoramic views of the old town, the sea, and the surrounding islands, making it the perfect place to enjoy an unforgettable sunset or evening drinks under the stars.
During your stay in Cartagena, unforgettable boat day trips can be booked to nearby islands such as Islas del Rosario, Isla Barú, Isla de Tierra Bomba – popular destinations known for their pristine beaches and parties offering a variety of activities that provide an unforgettable experience of Caribbean paradise. Laguna Encantada is famous for its magical bioluminescence phenomenon. When night falls, microscopic organisms known as plankton become active and emit light as they move in the water, creating magical scenes like stars falling underwater.
To end your trip, be sure to visit La Serrezuela Mall with a large arena for numerous events in Cartagena's historic center, where you can enjoy shopping for famous brands, explore local shops, and indulge in the rich offerings of restaurants and cafes within this modern shopping center.
Fashion, culture, exciting nightlife, and excellent gastronomy provide an unforgettable experience for visitors from around the world. Visiting Cartagena means immersing yourself in a unique story that will remain etched in your memory forever.