Cartagena is yet another beautiful place on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. My best friend and I have always wanted to visit so we went with our significant others and had the time of our lives. With its colorful neighborhoods and its AMAZING food, Cartagena is a must at least once in your life!
Many of you asked about the safety of Cartagena and I must say that I felt super safe the entire time I was there. The locals are honest and joyful people who are happy to help answer any questions and do genuinely look out for their visitors. They are amazing hosts and are always excited to hear that you are visiting from outside of Colombia.
Where should you stay?
Definitely stay in a neighborhood called Getsemani near Plaza de la Trinidad. This neighborhood is fun, vibrant, and full of things to do and see. Everything from the street art to the food is memorable. Getsemani is also walking distance to pretty much everything you'll want to see while in Cartagena. Day and night, Plaza De La Trinidad is home to talented street performers, delicious food carts, and an explosion of Colombian culture.
Airbnb or Hotel?
Our Airbnb was extremely affordable and surprisingly very beautiful. At an average of $60/night, this 2 bedroom duplex was perfect for a group of 4. It was located right next to Plaza de La Trinidad and offered the basics in a cute yet minimal way. Our host was very accommodating and super quick to respond to our questions. You can purchase things like water, snacks, and other necessities at the supermarket nearby called La Olimpica. This place is great for simpler guests!
Where should I eat/drink?
All of the following recommendations are located near Plaza de la Trinidad:
La Palenquera: Yummy option for lunch. Small portions but great drinks. Try their Maracuya Mojitos!
Solar : Great for food and drinks. They have a mango mojito that is to die for!
Cafe Trinidad: Really good spot for breakfast. They offer traditional Colombian breakfast as well as American options. Here is where I had a delicious cup of coffee that had me wired up and ready to go!
Townhouse Cartagena: A great option for drinks to cool down after a day of exploring. It's has two small pools and a great view of Cartagena.
What should I do?
Besides walking around in the walled city and Getsemani, here are some recommendations for excursions:
Global Tours: Chivas Tour $15
If you love to party, the Chivas Tour is definitely for you! This party bus experience takes you around Cartagena while playing live music and offering drinks. It ends at a club called La Farra where I danced the night away. Expect to have a great time but remember to dress comfortably!
Boating Cartagena : Private Boat Rental $600 (10 people)
Boating Cartagena was the most reasonable private boat rental agency we found and it was such a fun experience! We had the boat for an entire day where we island hopped, ate, and drank the day away. You have the option of picking whatever islands you want to visit. I definitely recommend visiting Cholon in Islas del Rosarios if you're in the mood for a party. Here, they will serve you food and drinks right on the water!
Global Tours: Beach Tour $17
The beaches located directly on Cartagena are not the most beautiful beaches you'll find. For that, you have to visit Isla Baru which is about an hour drive from Cartagena. Here you'll find Playa Blanca which is one of the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen. On the weekends, it is very crowded so I definitely suggest saving this experience for a weekday. This tour includes transportation, food, and happy hour!
How much should I expect to spend?
I went to Cartagena with a budget of $100 USD per day but I quickly realized that I wouldn’t end up spending anywhere near that! We purchased breakfast, lunch, and dinner at different restaurants and had an average of 4-6 drinks a day. This only cost me an average of $80/ day and that includes the excursions and transportation. I was so shocked! We didn't go to any fancy restaurants or expensive bars/clubs though. If you want to steer towards the lavish side, expect to spend around $150 per day.
Any Tips?
Always negotiate the price down before you buy any product or service from a street vendor (unless you are in a store). Many of them are very flexible with their prices, but you must remember that this is their livelihood. Don’t take advantage of it. Also, remember to always ask for pricing before anything (especially before you get in a cab).
Street vendors are scrappy and persistent. They don’t take no for an answer but they do leave you alone if you say that you already bought it or that you’re allergic to whatever they are selling. The children are the hardest to say no to but they mostly ask for food. Try to avoid the street rappers ! They will follow you until the end of time if you don’t give them something.
Use an ATM rather than a Currency Exchange Kiosk. The exchange rate is a million times better!
Cash over card! Many places that we visited didn’t take cards so I definitely recommend taking out $100 USD worth of Colombian Pesos for every day that you are there.
Pack light and super comfy because the heat is unreal! It’s also incredibly humid even at night. Ladies, Cartagena is not the place for high heels and tight dresses. You will look absolutely ridiculous and be very uncomfortable. Fellas, light and airy clothing will be your best friend. Avoid bringing jeans, dark/thick clothing, and your super expensive sneakers.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to explore the city. There is beauty, culture, and delicious food in every nook and cranny. Taking a day to just walk around aimlessly was one of the best decisions we made!
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