Exploring the Enchanting Streets of Cartagena.
- Onyeka Ehie
- Apr 23, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 8, 2024
Cartagena will forever be one of my favorite cities. Not only is the culture and food so rich, but it was also the city were Martin asked me to marry him! Needless to say, I was on cloud nine the whole trip! Eventually I’ll share the proposal story, however for now let’s dive into the details of one of the best weeks of my life!
How We Got There
Although there are no direct flights from Dallas to Cartagena, the travel day was very seamless. We departed from Dallas Fort-Worth (DFW) and had a 2-hour layover in Miami (MIA) before landing in Cartagena around noon. The wait in customs was about 45 minutes and we had no issues using Uber to get to our hotel (and the duration of the trip). Each round-trip ticket was around $280 so depending on the time of year you go; the trip is very affordable.
Where We Stayed
We stayed at the Ananda Boutique Hotel and I highly suggest this if you want to feel like you’re really immersing yourself in the culture of the city. It’s located in the walled city so it’s centrally located making it easy to walk to Gestamaní (my favorite neighborhood in Cartagena), San Diego, and El Centro. The staff was so amazing and we loved how intimate the property was. This hotel would be a great fit for couples or a girl’s trip and it’s affordable at under $200 a night.
There’s a pool on the rooftop and the main level, so it was so nice to have the option to have a cool down during the day. Also, they provided free breakfast, which is always a plus!
What We Did
Cartagena is a beautiful city with so much history so there’s so much to explore. In addition, it’s also located on the water so you have the opportunity to see some beautiful islands! Here’s a breakdown of all the things we did:
San Felipe de Barajas – A large fort within the city that was built in 1536 to protect the city from pirates. We saw the original cannons, read about the history, and the view of the city was unreal. I suggest getting water before going in because it’s a lot of uphill walking and it was very hot.
Palenque – A secret village located outside of the city that was built by escaped slaves. This was a great way for us to experience some African history. It was a long trip so I wouldn’t recommend if you have limited time in Cartagena. If you go, make sure you have your own personal driver as it would be tricky to get an uber home (and it’s a long drive).
Sunset Cruise – Highlight of the trip, 100%. The sunset was so beautiful and we danced to Latin music while enjoying cocktails. You can book your own boat or there are multiple group tours through Viator, Trip Advisor, and GetYourGuide!
Island Hopping – We spent the whole day on a speed boat visiting different island close to Cartagena including Rosario and Baru. We also got to see Pablo Escobar’s vacation home and sunken plane (so cool). Similar to the sunset cruise, you can book a private boat or do a group trip.
Castillo Boardwalk – Perfect for a morning stroll before it gets too hot. You have an amazing view of the city and the water.
La Popa Monastery – A convent built in 1607 at the highest point in Cartagena. Best view of the city in my opinion!
Where We Ate
I had only tried Colombian food one time in Miami, so I really didn’t fully know what to expect. Let me just say, my expectations were fully exceeded.
La Cevicheria – Our favorite restaurant in the city. We loved it so much we went twice! They specialize in traditional seafood dishes and I had the best Paella in my life. I also recommend the Vietnamese rice (I know it sounds odd for this place but it was so good). It’s great for a long lunch or chill dinner!
Celele – Upscale restaurant located in Gestamani. This dinner truly blew us out of the water. Everything was executed perfectly from the cocktails down to the dessert. I recommend the burrata, crab, and the stewed goat! Make sure you book this restaurant far in advance or you may not be able to get a table.
Carmen – Another great restaurant located in Gestamani! It’s located in a beautiful old colonial home. If you’re craving something really flavorful, get the Platero. It’s a local red snapper in a yellow coconut curry and was delicious.
Alma – Beautiful restaurant located in the walled city. The tuna tartare was truly exceptional, you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.
Pascal – great spot for a chill brunch. The breakfast tacos were amazing!
Where We Went Out
La Movida – our favorite nighttime spot in the city. Here you can have the best of both worlds whether you want to chill while enjoying some live music or if you want something more upbeat. The view of the city was amazing. I highly recommend making a reservation if you want a table.
Buena Vista – This restaurant is located in the walled city and was a 5-minute walk from our hotel so we went a couple times for drinks. They had someone playing the saxophone so it was the perfect vibe before dinner. They also have an amazing ceviche if you’re looking for an afternoon snack.
Mondo Cocktail Bar – a chill lounge bar with the best cocktails! We sat at the bar and had great conversation with the bartenders. Also, they made the perfect pisco sour.
Baruco – We came here before our dinner at Alma and it was the best decision. Very upbeat and they have a band that brings the best energy. I recommend the paloma, the presentation was unreal and it was delicious.
Sky 51 – rooftop lounge on the 51st floor of the Hotel Estelar Cartagena de Indias. They also had live music and we went there for drinks before dinner on our last night for the sunset. It’s definitely more touristy and there’s a cover, however we loved the vibe there!
With Love,