Cartagena - the pearl of Colombia. A guide to the best tourist attractions

Welcome to the magical city of Cartagena in Colombia! This place is one of the most beautiful cities in Colombia and should be on the must-see list for any traveler. Located on the coast of the Caribbean Sea, the city has a rich history, magnificent monuments, beautiful beaches, excellent cuisine, and many other attractions.

In this article, I will try to tell you about this wonderful place and share my tips on transportation, accommodation, food, tourist attractions, and other interesting places.

History of the city of Cartagena

Cartagena is one of the oldest cities in South America, founded in 1533 by the Spanish conquistador Pedro de Heredia. The city became an important trading and military port, as well as the seat of Spanish colonial administration.

During its long history, the city was repeatedly plagued by pirates, including the famous French pirate, Jean-Francois Robervala. In 1984, the city was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and thanks to this, visitors can admire magnificent monuments that have survived for centuries.

Getting to the city of Cartagena

The best way to get to the city of Cartagena is by plane. The Rafael Núñez International Airport is located just a few kilometers from the city center. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to the center, which takes about 20-30 minutes. For people looking for a cheaper way to get around, there is also the option of using bus services that run between cities in Colombia.

Accommodation in the city of Cartagena

In the city of Cartagena, you will find many different accommodation options. From luxury hotels, hostels, and apartments to traditional mansions, called "casas" in Colombia. All accommodation options have their pros and cons, so it is worth choosing something that suits our needs and budget. If you are looking for something luxurious, I recommend the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara hotel, located in the city center. It is a beautiful hotel that used to be a monastery and now offers guests beautiful rooms, a pool, and excellent service.

If you are looking for something cheaper, I recommend hostels such as El Viajero Hostel or The Clock Hostel. These are places where you can meet other travelers, make new friends, and enjoy the atmosphere of the city.

Restaurants in the city of Cartagena

Cartagena is famous for its excellent cuisine, where you can try different flavors. Colombian cuisine is very diverse, and in Cartagena, you can find many restaurants serving traditional dishes. One of the best places to try Colombian delicacies is La Cevicheria, a restaurant that specializes in seafood. Another wonderful place for dinner is the Carmen restaurant, which offers a wonderful tasting menu consisting of different dishes.

Tourist attractions in the city of Cartagena

Cartagena is a city that has many tourist attractions, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Colombia. Here are some of the best tourist attractions worth seeing during your stay in this wonderful city:

• Cartagena Walled City - a beautiful, historic part of the city surrounded by a defensive wall from the 17th century. There are beautiful, colorful townhouses, churches, parks, and many other monuments.
• Castillo San Felipe de Barajas - is an impressive fortress built by the Spaniards in the 17th century, which has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is a place where you can admire beautiful landscapes and learn about the city's history.
• The Inca Museum - is a museum that showcases the art and culture of the Incas who inhabited Peru and Colombia before the arrival of the Spaniards.
• Museo del Oro - is a museum dedicated to Colombian arts and crafts, particularly goldsmithing. There are many beautiful artifacts made of gold and other precious materials on display.
• Plaza de Bolivar - is a central, open space in the city center, where you can admire beautiful fountains, trees, and monuments such as the cathedral.
• Plaza de la Aduana - is a beautiful, historic place where the city hall and many other monuments are located.
• Basilica of St. Peter Claver - is an impressive basilica in the city center, dedicated to the Spanish Jesuit, St. Peter Claver, who dedicated his life to the enslaved people.
• Convento de la Popa - is a monastery on a hill, which offers a magnificent view of the city and its surroundings.
• Palacio de la Inquisición - is a historic building that housed the Inquisition court in the 18th century. It is now a museum where you can learn about the history of the Inquisition and its impact on the city.
• Plaza Santo Domingo - is a beautiful historic space located in the city center, where you can find a colorful church and many restaurants and cafes.
• Plaza de San Diego - is a beautiful, historic square in the heart of the city, with beautiful mansions and colorful buildings.
• Las Bóvedas - are former warehouses near the defensive walls, which now house souvenir shops, art galleries, and restaurants.
• Getsemani - is a picturesque neighborhood in the city, which is a perfect place for a walk and admiring traditional Colombian architecture.
• Iglesia de Santo Domingo - is a beautiful church located on one of the most colorful squares in the city.
• Playa Blanca - is a beautiful white beach located near the city and is an ideal place for relaxation and rest.
• slas del Rosario - is an archipelago located southwest of Cartagena and is a perfect place for a boat trip. These islands are known for their beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and colorful fish.
• Mercado Bazurto - is a colorful market where you can buy traditional Colombian products such as fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish.
• Palacio de la Proclamación - is a beautiful historic building that serves as the governor's residence in Colombia.

These tourist attractions are just the tip of the iceberg, and Cartagena offers many other places to visit, such as beaches, parks, shops, art galleries, museums, and other interesting places. While exploring the city, it is also worth paying attention to the beautiful streets and squares, which amaze with their colors and architecture.

Unusual Places to Visit in the City of Cartagena

There are also interesting places in the city of Cartagena that are not as popular among tourists but are worth visiting. One such place is Cafe del Mural, a café located outside the city among beautiful walls, where you can try great coffee and admire local street art. Another interesting place is Bocagrande, a district with modern buildings and beautiful beaches, which contrasts with the historic part of the city.

Summary

Cartagena is one of the most beautiful cities in Colombia, which has a lot to offer for every traveler. Magnificent monuments, excellent cuisine, beautiful beaches, and many other attractions make it a place worth visiting. In this article, I have presented you with tips on transportation, accommodation, food, tourist attractions, and other interesting places to visit in Cartagena. Whether you are a history, culture, or nature lover, you will surely find something for yourself in this wonderful city.

Cartagena is also an ideal place for relaxation and rest, where you can spend time on the beach or in one of the many cafes, listening to traditional music and enjoying Colombian coffee. Don't forget to try local delicacies such as arepas, empanadas, ceviche, or arroz con coco.

It is also worth remembering that Cartagena has a hot and humid climate, so you should prepare for intense sunlight and high humidity. The best time to visit the city is from December to March when the air temperature is slightly lower, and the humidity is lower.

In summary, Cartagena is a wonderful city that is worth visiting during a trip to Colombia. Taking into account my tips on transportation, accommodation, food, tourist attractions, and other interesting places, you will have great experiences and remember this place for a long time. Therefore, do not hesitate, plan your trip, and set out on the road today!

Hey there! My name is Wojtek and I am very happy that you came to my travel blog. I've been traveling the world for a few good years now and I still want more.

On my website I describe the adventures that have happened to me, you will also find here a collection of valuable tips for tourists and travelers. If you liked this article, be sure to leave a comment and read some more!