Lonely Planet South America includes a comprehensive guide to Cartagena, Colombia, ideal for those who want to both explore the top sights and take the road less travelled. more. 6. 1. Need a break from exploring the cobblestone streets? Cartagena, a gorgeous fishing village on Colombia's Caribbean coast, has excellent beaches, a historic old town (that's entirely walkable) and beautiful colonial architecture. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Don’t forget to change your dollars to pesos before you get in a taxi. Cartagena in Colombia: the very name has an aura of old-world romance; of steamy hot days, winding city roads, and crumpled treasure maps. Those pesky Brits, ey? BEAUTIFUL LUXURY COLONIAL HOUSE WITH FULL SERVICE! The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria. All rights reserved. It may be cheaper to stay in the surrounding areas, but you don’t want to do the walk after dark. The Cathedral of Cartagena in Colombia, officially the Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of Saint Catherine of Alexandria (Spanish: Catedral Basílica Metropolitana de Santa Catalina de Alejandría), is located in the historic centre of Cartagena. Second, if papaya is offered, someone has to take it. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 7. Don’t embarrass yourself on the dancefloor before taking some salsa lessons with crazysalsa.net. The zigzagging road up is unsafe so take a taxi. 2. 3. We haven’t had an easy one in Colombia yet! Places to see, ways to wander, and signature experiences. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. First, do not offer papaya. Assume that the first price they quote you is double the actual price. Besides watersports like kitesurfing we … Don’t walk up to the Convento de la Popa. Do expect your bus journey out of Cartagena to be “eventful”. Can't-miss spots to dine, drink, and feast. How to spend a perfect weekend in Cartagena, A regional road map to Colombia's food culture, Move to the Colombian beat: discovering culture through music and dance, Where to find delicious local food in Colombia. 5. Colombia’s medley of environments, immense variety…. Its charming architecture and interesting history certainly didn’t disappoint, but it was a baptism of fire after six months in the Pacific.. We quickly learned that there are two rules governing the streets of Colombia. Your 'Poolside Paradise' Is Here at Morroscity! 26. Do try to count the Fernando Botero statues of fat naked people. It reminds tourists (and locals) not to have a camera hanging over their shoulder, a strappy bag slung casually on a chair, a wallet peeking out the top of a pocket. Once a highly prized port within the Spanish empire, modern day Cartagena bursts with color and charisma, tempting all who visit to live a little louder…, Steeped in over 480 years of history and colonial charm, exploring the Colombian Caribbean city of Cartagena is a thrilling experience. Those are the most important lessons, but we learnt several others during our time in Cartagena. Don’t waste a day at the depressing and rather mangy Bocagrande tourist beach; take a day-trip out to Islas del Rosario and Playa Blanca instead. 9. 16. Cartagena's Old Town is a Unesco World Heritage Site – a maze of cobbled alleys, balconies covered in bougainvillea, and massive churches that cast their shadows across leafy plazas. For the less sadistic, there’s the free and air-conditioned Museo de Oro (Gold Museum). 10. You Found It!.. However, with the…, From Caribbean flavors and fresh seafood in the north to the hearty dishes of Antioquia, exploring the world of Colombian food is its own form of travel…, A drumbeat runs throughout Colombia, finding new rhythms to tap to as it flows from region to region. Don’t walk outside the Old Town after dark – always take a taxi. Do sit on a bench or step with a cold drink and people watch. In the Caribbean, it’s expressed through a blend of…, If there's one thing you can rely on when travelling around Colombia, it’s that you'll never go hungry. © 2020 Lonely Planet. 25. Do visit Getsenami – it’s grittier than the Old Town but has its charms nonetheless. 19. The architecture is simply stunning. Do stay in the heart of the Old Town. 20. We've pre-picked the best hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. 4. Do keep an eye out for the classic shot of shirtless men playing dominoes in Getsemani. 21. 24. It is the episcopal see of the Archbishop of Cartagena de Indias, one of the oldest episcopal sees in the Americas. Need a break from exploring the cobblestone streets? We got complacent and ran into trouble. 13. 18. We quickly learned that there are two rules governing the streets of Colombia. Stop at an outdoor cafe for excellent pastries and people-watching. Its charming architecture and interesting history certainly didn’t disappoint, but it was a baptism of fire after six months in the Pacific. A mix of the charming, modern, and tried and true. I want emails from Lonely Planet with travel and product information, promotions, advertisements, third-party offers, and surveys. 11. Do look upward while walking around. With any luck you’ll be able to avoid the capital altogether. Learn how to create your own. They don’t mean papaya in the literal sense of course; it’s a byword for your valuables. Do haggle with the taxi drivers. 17. The hostel is supposed to especially attract people who like to chill at a lonely beach or are keen on water sports. Do get lost wandering the maze of cobbled streets, old walls and fortresses to see the Old Town from every perspective. Medellin: why you should visit the ex-murder capital of the world, San Agustin: the mystical funny faces of Colombia, A first-timer’s guide to hiking the Highlander Velebit, Highlander Velebit gear list: what’s in my pack. Don’t expect to see any crocodiles in the city. Palmetto Eliptic Beachfront Luxury in the Heart Of Bocagrande, Million Dollar VIEW And Penthouse with private HOT TUB, AMAZING LUXURY PENTHOUSE 1704 WITH MILLION DOLLAR VIEWS, OCEANFRONT APARTMENT WITH BEAUTIFUL VIEW IN CARTAGENA DE INDIAS, Stunning 1800 colonial Beauty in Old Cartagena, InterContinental (IHG) Hotels in Cartagena, Hotels near Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, Hotels near Sanctuary of Saint Peter Claver, Hotels near Caribe Jewelry Museum & Factory, Hotels near Universidad de San Buenaventura. Do visit the Catedral, which was partially destroyed by Sir Francis Drake in 1575. Don’t expect too much from the Old Fort. Cartagena nightlife is well known for a damn good reason…. 15. It's also one of the safest places in the country, so it's no wonder it's a popular port of call for cruise ships. Der Name der Stadt stammt von der spanischen Stadt Cartagena, zur Unterscheidung dient der Zusatz de Indias in Bezug auf Westindien. 23. Wake up with an incredible sea view Stay at our hostel, directly located at the beach called Playa de Manzanillo. COZY AND BEAUTIFUL 2 BEDROOM APT - BEST DEAL. Don’t take the cheesy Chiva Bus – you’re better than that! Don’t fly into Bogota; go direct to Cartagena. Cartagena de Indias is the undisputed queen of the Caribbean coast, a historic city of superbly preserved beauty lying within an impressive 13km of centuries-old colonial stone walls. 14. Cartagena de Indias is the undisputed queen of the Caribbean coast, a historic city of superbly preserved beauty lying within an impressive 13km of centuries-old colonial stone walls. Cartagena de Indias ist eine Gemeinde (municipio) an der Karibikküste Kolumbiens und die Hauptstadt des Departamentos Bolívar. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. Do visit some of the museums: the Palacio de la Inquisición (Palace of Inquisition) is where the Spanish Inquisition tortured, judged and convicted men accused of crimes against religion. This map was created by a user. There’s a lot to love about the rumba in this Caribbean beach city.. Famed for its enchanting colonial-era edifices, beautiful palm-fringed beaches, and marvelous world-class museums, Cartegena’s is the jewel of Colombia’s tourism tiara. It’s touristy but also very pretty. The queen of the Caribbean coast, Cartagena is a fairy-tale city of romance, legends and superbly preserved beauty lying within an impressive 13km of centuries-old colonial stone walls. 12. Do watch Romancing the Stone before you visit – if only for Michael Douglas’s ridiculous all-white ensemble. It's also one of the safest places in the country, so it's no wonder it's a popular port of call for cruise ships. 22. Create a Trip to save and organize all of your travel ideas, and see them on a map. Don’t feed the pigeons, unless you’re happy to have them on you! Don’t spend your entire food budget in the overpriced pizzerias. Do take the time to visit the Jardin Botanico de Guillermo Piñeres botanical gardens, a perfect spot for some downtime. Do watch the sunset over a mojito at Café del Mar. Cartagena in Colombia: the very name has an aura of old-world romance; of steamy hot days, winding city roads, and crumpled treasure maps. 8. There are great views of the city but little available information on its history. There is plenty of tasty street food to enjoy for a fraction of the price. They’ll hike up the price four-fold if you want to pay in dollars. Do watch some street performances in any one of the numerous plazas. Cartagena, a gorgeous fishing village on Colombia's Caribbean coast, has excellent beaches, a historic old town (that's entirely walkable) and beautiful colonial architecture.