Cartagena, Colombia was named in honor of a prominent port city in Spain’s Murcia region.
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While the interior of Colombia draws visitors in droves thanks to its towering mountains and lush coffee farms, the nation’s Caribbean coast offers a truly fascinating destination in the form of Cartagena. Formally established in 1533, this coastal city is best known for its historic walled district, a charming neighborhood that earned UNESCO World Heritage status back in 1984—but there’s a lot more to do across Cartagena than just admire its architecture. Whether you’re hoping to dine on traditional Caribbean fare, educate yourself on Indigenous history or just kick back by the pool with a cocktail in hand, this scenic city is certain to have the perfect destination in store for you.
For Luxury Travelers
Cartagena serves as the capital of Colombia’s Bolívar Department.
Casa del Torno
Cartagena is no stranger to lavish hotels, but when it comes to the perfect blend of luxury and serenity, few properties can compare to Casa del Torno. Located just a few steps away from the Plaza de San Diego, this polished hotel serves as a testament to the rich history of the city, operating within a 17th-century structure that was once home to a devoted group of Clarissine nuns. With just four palatial bedrooms found across the property, Casa del Torno is perfect for an intimate escape, providing an opportunity for guests to lounge poolside and dine on superb local cuisine away from the hustle and bustle of Cartagena’s busy streets.
Just down the road, visitors can also discover one of the most opulent hotels in all of Colombia in the form of the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena. While this storied hotel comes equipped with five dining concepts, an outdoor pool and a full-service spa, the crown jewel of the hotel is certainly the courtyard garden. Packed with more than 30 different plant species, this open-air space stands as a testament to the building’s lengthy history, equipped with a well that was installed in the 1600s while the space served as a convent for the Order of Saint Clare. While the garden invites all sorts of fascinating birdlife during the day, nighttime visitors can enjoy a lavish meal to the tune of the region’s native frogs, with refined Caribbean-inspired dishes all available alongside a lengthy wine list.
For Gastronomes
Restaurante Celele was ranked at #19 on the 2024 Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants list.
Restaurante Celele
Like many regions across the Caribbean, Cartagena is imbued with a rich tapestry of Indigenous, Black and Spanish culture all woven together—and this blend of backgrounds has given rise to a truly impressive food scene. While upscale restaurants abound across the city, diners can enjoy a home-cooked meal at Restaurante Don Gustazo, a small-scale operation that shines a spotlight on traditional palenquero cuisine. During a visit, guests can dine on a fresh pastel while learning about the history of Colombia’s many palenques, a type of settlement that was founded by African natives that escaped enslavement. Later in the day, those in search of a truly sublime dining experience should be sure to check out Restaurante Celele, a colorful venue that’s earned nationwide acclaim for its complex dishes spanning from coconut-infused stew goat to escabeche costeño-style mussels.
After a deep dive into the many flavors found across Cartagena, visitors are welcome to explore the city’s booming drinks scene as well, with Mondo Cocktail Bar offering a diverse array of concoctions crafted with Caribbean ingredients. For rum fans, the Nuestro Mondo is a particularly refreshing option that’s brimming with notes of mandarin and spiced passionfruit, while the Que Monda offers an opportunity to sample lulo—a tart, tomato-like fruit that’s popular across the region—blended with tequila and ginger. After a few drinks at Mondo, El Barón is the perfect second stop, providing imbibers with a wealth of carefully-curated cocktails in a tiny-yet-refined space.
For History Buffs
Arepa de huevo is one of many Colombian Caribbean dishes that can be sampled during a tour with … [+] Foodies.
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Modern-day Cartagena was officially settled in the 1500s, but the surrounding region has been home to a wide variety of Indigenous groups for millennia—a fact that the Museo del Oro Zenú knows all too well. One of Colombia’s many museums dedicated to the art of goldsmithing, this fascinating institution showcases instruments, jewelry and a wealth of other artifacts that shine a spotlight on the daily routines and folklore of the Colombian Caribbean’s native residents. And while the museum offers ample insight into the Cartagena of yore, NINHA provides guests with a glimpse into the daily lives of Indigenous citizens today. Staffed entirely by Zenú craftspeople, this venue is stocked with all sorts of ornate bracelets, hats and other artisan goods, inviting visitors to pick up the perfect souvenir and even partake in a weaving session themselves.
Newcomers to Cartagena can marvel at historic monuments like the picturesque Torre del Reloj and the centuries-old Iglesia de Santo Domingo, but for a flavorful take on the city’s past, it’s best to book a tour with Foodies. This Colombian operator offers a diverse array of excursions all throughout the city, with options spanning from arepa-cooking dance classes to the García Márquez’s Literary Menu. During the latter, participants will have the opportunity to explore the city through the lens of one of Latin America’s most celebrated authors, with a variety of stops that have been carefully chosen to showcase the beauty of Cartagena with an added dose of magical realism.
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Publish date : 2024-12-15 05:39:00
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