If you’re probably, confused about why you should or should not visit Cartagena, here’s help!
We have compiled 12 reasons why Cartagena is worth visiting.
This Colombian city is a haven for photographers and artists.
Indeed, it is one of the most traveled cities in South America.
Tourists flock to this colonial city dubbed “Jewel of the Indies” for that unique Caribbean climate, wonderfully designed historic Walled City, and uniquely combined cultures and beaches.
So, yes, it is what that trip!
Here’s why.
12 Reasons Why Cartagena Is Worth Visiting
#1. Cartagena Serves Incredible Dishes
Cartagena prides some of the best restaurants and high-end eateries in all of Colombia.
Whether it’s high-end eateries serving the finest seafood or local market stalls serving delicious stews from bubbling pots on a makeshift fire, there’s always something for everyone.
And not to forget the range of fresh fruit juices readily available at almost every turn, around the city.
Now, that’s why Cartagena is truly a favorite destination for gastronome travelers.
#2. Cartagena’s Unique Culture
Ever seen those iconic Afro-Colombian women in brightly dressed, selling fruit in plazas around the city?
Now those are the internationally recognized symbol of this city!
Cartagena is a place to experience art, literature, architecture, and the unique culture of the Americas.
#3. All for the Art
Whether you’re a huge Instagram fan looking to take as many instagrammable photos as is possible, or you’re just a photographer, Cartagena travel guide is the best for you.
This city breathes postcard photo ideas, with beautiful pastel-colored buildings, bougainvillea plants cascading old wooden balconies, with old metal door knockers shaped like sea monsters and lions.
Truly, Cartagena is one of the most photogenic cities globally and a perfect place to visit for some unforgettable travel time.
#4. The City’s Beautiful Beaches
Located on the Colombian Caribbean coast and surrounded by stretches of stunning beaches and islands.
The most incredible allure is the Walled City.
Cartagena prides beautiful beaches Bocagrande, Playa Blanca, Isla Grande, Tierra Bomba, or the Rosario Islands.
#5. The City’s Romance
Just as the setting of Gabriel G. Marquez’s great romantic novel Love in the “Time of Cholera,” Cartagena is the perfect metropolis for weddings, honeymoons, and romantic escapes.
It has tons of romantic boutique hotels, elegant bars, and intimate restaurants.
You’d find high-end jewelry shops throughout the city, with tons of photoshoots every day.
And sitting on the city walls at sunset while sipping cocktails at Cafe del Mar is no better way to experience this romantic city.
#6. Amazing History
Cartagena has a unique and often unbelievable history.
It used to be the largest slave port in the Americas, constantly invaded and besieged by pirates, home to most of the finest architecture landscapes in the United States.
San Felipe Castle is one of those must-see places for history lovers.
And it is the best example of a Spanish fort in Colombia, and the old city walls are still stunning.
Cartagena breathes history from every street corner, and a walk through the Walled City feels heavenly!
#7. The Old City Breathes Art Everywhere
Another reason a trip to this city is worth it is its fantastic street art and the murals in Getsemani.
Find out Cartagena’s artistic prowess at the Museum of Modern Art.
Art connoisseurs will love the wide range of gallery alternatives to be had here.
Check out artistically carved beautiful statues and sculptures in this city and Fernando Botero’s famous Gertrudis statue, and surely you’d be impressed.
You’d find artists selling paintings and drawings of Cartagena at most plazas around the city.
Truly, Cartagena radiates artistic sensibilities!
#8. Old and New: You’d Get It All
Cartagena offers a captivating juxtaposition of the old and the new.
From the ancient Walled City to the towering blocks and chains of Bocagrande hotels, a constant reminder that the city, although famous for its history and old glories, is also a modern place.
There aren’t so many places where it is possible to explore high-end casinos and upscale wine bars in a day, simply as touring 500-year antique Spanish castles and monasteries.
The difference between the cities old and new can seem quite incongruous at first, but it is part of its unique charm.
#9. For All The Music and Dancing
Cartagena’s fantastic mix of different cultures makes it home to some of the most important and exciting music in all of Colombia.
One of such places to find the musical thrills of Cartagena is the Palenque village, home of champeta and bambuco, and salsa clubs.
Tour companies are willing to show visitors around champeta to feel its culture and even teach them the dance steps.
Either way, do your dancing shoes and head over to the Bazurto Social Club, Donde Fidel Salsa Bar, or Cafe Havana, for a time of your time.
You will also find amazing sights of street dancers at various squares of the Old City and various live music venues.
For music and dance, you’ll get it all in Cartagena!
#10. Explore the Walled City
This is the highlight of all the fascinating sights you’ll ever see in Cartagena.
A trip to Cartagena comes with a lot of exploring options on endless streets and discovering gems.
For shopping options?
Cartagena offers incredible design shops so that you’d wish you had brought a giant suitcase.
It prides an array of shopping lines such as the Mercedes Salazar, Silvia Tcherassi, Loto del Sur, Chiqui House Boutique, St. Dom, and Colombia Artesenal.
Also, check out Castillo de San, Felipe de Barajas, etc.
Visit Mercado de Bazurto for a tiny peek at the city’s local life, and the market is one to walk through. You May Also Like:Top Travel Tips for Fall
#11. Historic Sites
Cartagena is rich in colonial architecture, museums, monuments, and churches. Those visiting will be able to see for themselves why this Caribbean city has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The city is located in central Colombia and hosts 13 historically significant archeological sites, including the 16th-century walled city of San Pedro de la Nieves, the most popular heritage site.
Cartagena has all the cultural sites to offer, including magnificent churches and historic buildings that incorporate a mix of European and indigenous styles, many considered among the best in the world.
Other highlights of Cartagena include the Bermejo Theater, Plaza de la Trinidad, the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, and Botero Museum, as well as the Zocolo night market.
#12. Nightlife
Stroll down Calle Mayor, a pedestrian-only historic street, for the best in Colombia nightlife. Play host to world-class nightlife experiences that are sure to provide a little of everything you desire in this fabulous city.
The city is unique in that, although they do have clubs and pubs open till dawn, the food is so good that locals often drink and then dine at home or order food at their door.
They do so much of that, which has led to a booming restaurant and food industry in the area. Don’t let the young faces of the young people fool you.
This place is more than just a party city, and it’s a foodie’s dream! The city that never sleeps is a destination for every age and every occasion. Although it is by far the largest city in the region, the city does not feel crowded.
Conclusion
If you have visited Cartagena before, feel free share your experience in the comment section below.
If you’re probably, confused about why you should or should not visit Cartagena, here’s help!
