2 Days in Cartagena
If you're looking for a quick getaway to a beautiful and vibrant city, look no further than Cartagena, Colombia. With its colorful streets, historic landmarks, and rich cultural heritage, this coastal city is a must-see destination. If you only have two days to explore Cartagena, here's a guide to help you make the most of your trip:
Day 1: Explore the Old City
Start your first day in Cartagena by exploring the old city. This area, also known as the Walled City or Ciudad Amurallada, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to many of the city's most iconic landmarks such as the Catedral de Cartagena.
Catedral de Cartagena
TIP: There are a variety of free (tip-encouraged) walking tours in English or Spanish that educate you on the history and sites in the area. Here is a company we used but you can also just walk right up to any other tours before they start to try to join in!
If the tour doesn’t already take you to Parque Centenario, I HIGHLY suggest stopping here to get the chance to see tamarin monkeys or sloths! If you’re looking to do some shopping, the Old City has incredible local art and jewelry throughout the streets.
Sloths in Parque Centenario
Afterward, wander through the Old City's narrow streets and admire the colorful colonial architecture. Be sure to take a stroll along the seawall that once protected this Spanish port town. This area presents opportunities to learn about indigenous cultures at the gold museum (Museo de Oro Zenu) and hosts many artisans selling unique gifts. A good place to find local art is on the concentrated alley called Esquina de Artes de Los Pintores
TIP: There will be a lot of street vendors trying to sell you just about anything, especially in the Old City. I suggest being polite and firm to avoid conflict if you are uninterested. Supporting a local business with a storefront may be a better option if you want to ensure an authentic product. There are also women dressed in colorful dresses and it is not okay to take photos unless you’re paying for them; they will make it very apparent to you!
After extensive research and advice from locals, here are the cafes, restaurants, and bars that I highly recommend in the Old City:
COFFEE
The latte at Abaco was the smoothest + creamiest latte I had, I went there 3 times during the 2.5 days I spent here! The moment you step inside, you're greeted by the warm ambiance, adorned with shelves upon shelves of meticulously curated books, both in Spanish and English.
Abaco Libros & Cafe
We popped in here for a late-night espresso shot and I was so impressed by how smooth and delicious it was. A block out of the perimeter of Old City, this little cafe serves top-notch quality coffee.
Epoca boasts farm-to-cup, freshly roasted coffee from Colombia. I love that they go the extra mile to serve locally-sourced premium coffee beans.
TIP: Street vendors selling hot cups of coffee (Tinto) provide an authentic tasting for a great price and quality, just be aware that some sweeten it with Panela (cane sugar) so be sure to ask!
FOOD
Buena Vida Marisquería rooftop
I highly recommend enjoying cocktails and apps on the rooftop here. The chili coconut ceviche is so tasty and the ambiance is perfect for a sunset meal.
This was by far my favorite restaurant in the Old City. The grilled octopus and ceviche, were flavors that I had never experienced prior. For a more in-depth guide on finding fresh octopus look here.
My Favorite Octopus in Cartagena
This is THE perfect spot for dinner and a sunset. Be sure to make reservations or get here early because this place fills up quickly. city walls and enjoy the views of the Caribbean Sea. I would aim to peruse the city wall closer to sunset so you can watch the sun go down from one of the best views in Cartagena. There is a restaurant here called Cafe del Mar with a picturesque view but it fills up fast so I’d make a reservation or get there plenty early! They even host salsa shows which adds greatly to your dining experience.
If you like ceviche, this is an absolute must. La Cevicheria may have grown in popularity after Anthony Bourdain’s visit, but with good reason. The flavors of the ceviche change frequently and it is bound to surprise you.
Some may argue this is La Cevicheria’s biggest competitor and I’d have to agree. Ceviche originates from Peru, but it’s no wonder combining it with Cartagena’s renowned seafood is a hit. I highly recommend the mixto ceviche as well as the grilled octopus!
100% Cartagena cuisine, these recipes have been passed down from generation to generation with traditional dishes such as seafood Sancocho. This is a more upscale dining experience so I recommend making a reservation or arriving early to get your seat.
BARS + DANCING
Ranked #10 as one of the World’s Best Bars , this is a must whether you are a cocktail enthusiast or looking for fresh vegetarian food. All the makings come from a local farm following permaculture principles meaning you are getting the most nutrient-dense, sustainable, and flavorful ingredients in your cocktails (and food if you get to the rooftop early enough).
This hotel provides an alternative sunset view to Cafe Del Mar with fewer crowds & far better food, in my opinion. Enjoy the quiet ambiance with gorgeous views of the ocean.
Another incredible spot for a sunset that also has locally-inspired food. Mirador Gastro Bar is also known for its upbeat party and dancing scene if that’s what you’re looking for.
I loved this upscale + intimate cocktail bar because the ambiance was quieter and more intimate. Meet with locals and tourists alike all in the midst of the bustling town. They also serve small plates if you’re wanting a bite to eat.
If you’re looking for somewhere to dance that isn’t salsa, this multilevel bar with live music is a blast. You do have to pay a cover charge but there are a few levels with a different vibe to choose from including a rooftop with live music!
Day 2: Rosario Islands + Getsemani
On your second day in Cartagena, I recommend spending the day out on a Catamaran exploring the Rosario Islands. The tour I did with Bona Vida Catamarans took us to 2 different locations to enjoy the ocean and stop for some snorkeling. FULL transparency: The Rosario Islands don’t have the most life-changing beaches or snorkeling sites but I did enjoy being out on the water, dipping in the ocean, and dancing on the boat on the way back!
Rosario Islands
After a day on the water, head back to the city and explore the artful town of Getsemani. This side of Cartagena tends to have less aggressive vendors and more locals seem to reside here. Peruse the vibrant streets of Calle de Los Cuadros or Calle de Las Sombrillas for some great photo-ops aside the famous murals. If you desire to dance salsa, Getsemani provides a great opportunity as well.
TIP: Download offline Google Maps of the Old City and Getsemani if you don’t have an international phone plan so you can navigate. The Currency Converter app is also helpful if you don’t want to constantly do math in your head!
Here are my recommendations for great cafes/restaurants/salsa in Getsemani:
COFFEE
Highly rated as one of the best coffee shops in Cartagena, this adorable cafe is tucked down a side street surrounded by beautiful murals and local art.
Cafe Del Mural
This was one of my favorites in Getsemani for high-quality coffee and light breakfast. I love a savory breakfast and they have plenty of options for that here.
FOOD
The food here is high quality and has one of my favorite octopus dishes in the city. They also have free entertainment with dancers gliding through the restaurant during your dinner!
Known for its tacos and ceviche, this hole-in-the-wall is perfect if you’re looking for something casual and satisfying.
Known for having some of the best arepas (corn masa turnovers) in the city, this is a great spot to test out this Colombian classic!
BARS + DANCING
Known for being the largest disco club in Colombia, they have 5 uniquely themed rooms to choose from including a rooftop. There is typically a cover charge of $20 but well worth it in my opinion.
Known for its live music and salsa dancing, this is one of the most iconic bars in Cartagena. It does get pretty crowded so if you want a seat, get there early. There is typically a cover charge of $20 and you could spend hours here enjoying cocktails, live music, and dancing!
WHERE TO STAY
GETSEMANI
I enjoyed this hostel for being affordable, clean, quiet, and simple! I felt very safe staying here and it was only a few blocks away from the hustle and bustle. We also met quite of few other travelers that we linked up with later which is always a plus for me!
This upscale boutique hotel is right in the heart of all the entertainment in Getsemani. The rooftop and restaurant at this hotel are also so chic and are worth a try (even if you aren’t staying there).
OLD CITY
An affordable but quality lodging option in the heart of the Old City.
This colonial-style boutique hotel is located within the walled city and has a gorgeous pool + restaurant rooftop where you can enjoy views of Cartagena and the sunset. This one is on the higher end of prices if that is the experience you are looking for.
TIP: Cartagena and Colombia in general may have a reputation for being unsafe but Getsemani and the Old City are a good choice. Always be aware at nighttime and travel in a group, sticking to the center of the Old City or Getsemani is a good idea. If you are traveling between the two, most people suggest getting an affordable Uber or taxi if you are unfamiliar with the area.
Two days may seem like a short amount of time to explore all that Cartagena has to offer, but with careful planning, you can still experience the highlights of this beautiful city and take in a lot of its charm. Whether you're interested in history, culture, beaches, or food, Cartagena has something for every traveler!
