Colombia has recently become a huge tourist destination, with Cartagena being one of the top cities people choose to visit. Being situated on the Caribbean coast with its warm client and rich culture, Cartegena has so much to offer. We took 3 days exploring the city and came up with our favorite things to see and do!
1. Get some dank food.
Restaurante Alma
Restaurante Alma is a super classy place with top-notch food. This was by far my favorite meal during my entire time in Colombia. The roasted chicken was (I kid you not) the best chicken I have ever had. The drinks are delicious too!
La Cevicheria
I unfortunately have a very bad reaction when mixing alcohol and seafood so I was unable to enjoy the delicious food here after already having a few drinks before dinner. However, everyone raved over the meals the rest of our crew had gotten. La Cevicheria is highly rated with incredible seafood and ceviche dishes. It’s a must when in Cartagena. Make sure you make a reservation!
La Esquina Del Pandebono
My favorite place for a bocadillo or quick breakfast! This little cafe sells a variety of different pastries filled with meat and cheese. Get a milo too! It’s an icy, chocolate drink that will definitely cool you down from the blazing sun.
Coconut Rice
Not a restaurant but a dish I just had to mention. Make sure you get some!
2. Explore Getsemani.
This gentrified neighborhood outside of the old city walls is overflowing with life, color, and music. There’s incredible street art, flags and umbrellas hanging through the streets, and delicious food. Get lost walking around and discovering new exciting things around each corner! The iconic umbrella art installation can be found on Callejon Angosto, Calle 27.
3. Watch the sunset.
Cafe Del Mar
Cafe Del Mar was not what we were expecting. To put it frankly, this place was lit. We actually witnessed a full grown woman face plant while dancing next to her table after a few too many cervezas. This is the place to be though. They have DJs and a live saxophonist, food, drinks, and (of course) a gorgeous view of the sunset next to the ocean.
Movich Hotel Rooftop
Movich Hotel Rooftop is my favorite rooftop in the city. It’s located in the old town and has an infinity pool, cozy seating, and a great view overlooking the old town and out onto the new downtown area. Great drinks (that aren’t too expensive), super chill house music, and to our surprise, the two times we went there, there were hardly any people there.
4. Check out more rooftop bars.
There is an abundance of rooftop bars in Cartagena. I already mentioned Movich which is probably my favorite in Cartagena, but there are a few others I highly recommend too. I love a good rooftop to start off a night of partying.
Townhouse, in Old Town
Townhouse’s rooftop was pretty small and packed with both locals and tourists. There was (of course) a rooftop pool and a DJ who basically played the entire discography of Disclosure (not complaining). Really great vibes, really great cocktails. It kinda made me feel like I was at some kind of celebrity party for some reason. We can at least pretend, right?
Selina, in Getsemani
Selina is actually a hostel, which (by the way) looks so nice too. Again, another rooftop pool with house music. Did not have the best view but more of a place you go to for the vibes. Cute seating areas and a neon sign (perfect for the gram.) They had really good garlic shrimp too!
5. Explore the Nightlife
Havana for Salsa
The bar is located out in the Getsemani neighborhood. We had so much fun here! Our entire hostel went out together and danced next to a 9 piece, full band, with singers. There was a cover charge but totally worth it for some authentic music and salsa dancing!
Eivissa
Eivissa is the tourist central club. A bunch of the hostels will have a wristband deal for you (if you bring the flier from your hostel you get a discount and a free Heneiken.) There are 3 different levels in the club, each playing different genres of music. I found myself enjoying the rooftop playing more chill electronic to be my favorite level. The club also had a great view overlooking the main square in the old town.
Alquimico
We actually didn’t make it to Alquimico but we heard a lot of good things from other tourists and locals. Apparently, the bar used to be an old shore store so it gives off some serious suave vibes. Wished we had more time to check it out!
6. Boating out to the Rosario Islands
Prepare yourself for a full day of partying. We knew we wanted to go out to the Islands and have a beach day but we were not expecting what awaited us at Cholon.
We booked a boat tour through Samaria tours. It was a private speed boat that included a stop at Pablo Escobar’s old mansion and a sunken plane crash, Gente de Mar (a more private beach), and the party island of Cholon. It only ran on Saturday and also included lunch and 2 cervezas. we shared with 5 other people (who turned in to such good friends by the end of it.)
The first island was super chill- you could relax on free beach chairs and drink incredible pina colada’s. Lunch was delicious too.
We pulled up to Cholon and were blown away. It was a straight up yacht party. Boats parked everywhere, each blasting music with people dancing and drinking. I have never seen anything like it before.
Definitely bring some beer, sunscreen, water, and a bottle of tequila!
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