A travel guide to the best of Cartagena



With its cobbled streets that date back to the early days of colonial times and balconies that spill
bougainvillea across doors that are adorned with jewels, only a handful of cities are as stunning as
Cartagena in the sense of beauty alone. However, the attraction of Colombia's most revered tourist
destination goes beyond mere aesthetics.
"I discover something new each time I set foot in Cartagena," the Colombian-born travel writer Nikki
Vargas, who has been to Cartagena five times. "I have found that, as New York, the distinct characters of
Cartagena's neighborhoods provide something different to visitors. Getsemani is famous for its artistic flair
and nightlife, while Bocagrande could be compared with the Miami's South Beach, but my heart is set on
The Old City with its history and charm."
Here, we will share the establishments and activities that bring Vargas returning every time he visits.

There are several places to discover and learn more about this place. So, if you’re visiting and taking flights from Guatemala City to Cartagena, then take a stroll of the entire city and find out what’s hidden in those tiny bustling streets. Also, book your tickets with Lowest Flight Fare to avail impressive deals.


The Must-Do

The delight of strolling around the Cartagena's Old Town, eating watermelon from palenqueras (the pretty, colorful ladies selling fruits) and watching people in the town squares that are shaded

cannot be overstated. If you're interested in learning more about Cartagena's rich history, take your

way for Castillo San Felipe de Barajas which is a fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site on the

Hill of San Lazaro. It is best to plan your visit in the morning or at night, but. The castle doesn't have

shade, and afternoon visitors could be left "feeling like an egg on a frying pan," as Vargas says.

Although Cartagena mostly offers a traditional city-break, travelers looking for the sand between their

toes aren't going to be disappointed, either. A 45-minute boat ride will take you from the port and head

the ocean to Isla Baru, a Caribbean island of the finest type: serene aquamarine waters and pale sand

that is striped with palm fronds. It is possible to do an excursion on a single day, however Vargas

suggests staying the night on the Playa Manglares The hotel is an elegant eco-lodge featuring a restaurant that is farm-to-table as well as a private beach.

"Best of all, the hotel is only a short drive from Playa Blanca, Isla Baru's most beautiful and popular

beach, so you can beat the day-tripping crowds and banana boats," Vargas adds.

If you're looking for a romantic option to wind down your day and have a romantic evening, taking

a Sibarita Sunset cruise is the way to go. Take a cruise through the Cartagena harbor as the sun is ablaze, while

enjoying a multi-course meal , and then a glass of wine.


Inn Crowd

 The Miami-based Colombian Fashion designer Silvia Tcherassi manages two luxury hotels located in Cartagena The two hotels are Tcherassi Hotel & Spa and Mansion Tcherassi - that are stylish as you'd hope. The former is housed in a renovated colonial structure featuring modern interiors with neutral colors as well as a rooftop pool. The latter, which is a smaller, but more lavish hotel, is a former 18th-century mansion that has an outdoor space with a vertical garden, an in-house plunge pool, a library of books on coffee tables and metallic accents throughout.

Just a few minutes away is another illustration of a well-executed reconstruction: Hotel Casa San Agustin. In its 20 guest rooms as well as 11 suites, you'll find numerous architectural elements that are classic,

including the original frescoes, as well as the centuries-old wood-bea ceilings. For those who want to

are extra-ordinary the hotel offers unpacking service, a free bicycle rental, and shuttles to the hotel's beach

located on Isla Baru.

The Table

The restaurant is the main character in Anthony Bourdain's Parts UnknownCartagena episode, La Cevicheria usually has a long wait for tables. It's worth the wait, however - the fresh fish and seafood, which

is filled with lemon and mandarin juice and tossed with fresh fruit and other herbs, is one of the

most delicious ceviche available in a city brimming with the dish.

Live music and the whirring of a fan on the ceiling, La Vitrola offers a bit of the Havana style, all the way down to the famous tangy-sweet mojitos. The menu is a

Caribbean-inspired fusion. Think catch-of-the-day cocktails slathered with citrus and honey, or blasted

with spices and chili, as well as a wedge of coconut cake that is moist to finish the meal. The music amps

up and cocktails are flowing, the dance floor is ablaze.

"Demente" The open-roof restaurant that serves tapas and authentically delicious pizza, along with excellent

cocktails and craft beers, located in the lively atmosphere of the Getsemani. No matter if you're going

for dinner or lunch, it's the perfect starting location to explore Cartagena's most fashionable street

art-adorned district.

 

The Last Call

If watching a fiery sunset with a chilled sangria on the table is a tempting method to end your evening,

Vargas recommends Café del Mar. The charming (and beautiful) bar sits in a high position on the walls that line the Old City, washing it

with golden light until the time the sun disappears beneath the surface. While sunset is not the only

occasion, you can expect DJs and dance until 2am.

It's not difficult to be enticed by the music and the laughter that emanates out of Salsa Donde Fidel, which is a small nightclub that's always packed and energetic. You are welcome to drop in to drink a

beer, but don't anticipate sitting at the bar for a long time, as there are plenty of people who are willing to

give an impromptu tutorial for salsa enthusiasts.

If you're a fan of cocktails If you like cocktails, then Alquimico is a bar that prides itself on its alchemy of flavors, should be on your dinner list. An impressive space

with soaring ceilings, walls lined with glass jars of fruit-infused rums, and a huge square bar, Alquimico

has an elegant ambiance that chimes with its elevated-but-experimental cocktail list.

Take some time to explore the splendid attractions of this place, and make your trip worthwhile. While

booking your flights from Abuja to Bogota, don’t just fool around restaurants and tall buildings. Instead, take a good note of what’s under the table. 

 


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

A Travel Guide to Punta Cana

Welcome to Chicago, the City with a New Chinatown

Things to Do in Bangalore