Curator’s statement
Cartagena feels like romance wrapped in Caribbean color, cobblestone streets, balconies, and golden sunsets over the sea. It’s bright and celebratory, where music drifts through the old walled city and every night feels like an occasion. Medellín is surrounded by lush greenery and mountains with perfect spring weather year-round. It’s a city defined by transformation and creativity, where innovation, art, and energy pulse through every neighborhood.
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Where to stay in Colombia
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Things to do in Colombia
BlueApple Beach Club: A stylish island escape on Tierra Bomba with a lively DJ, poolside vibes, and crystal-clear Caribbean water just 20 minutes by boat from Cartagena.
Walking tour with local guide: A curated historical walking tour through Cartagena’s walled city, blending colonial history, hidden stories, and vibrant local culture.
Rum tasting and chocolate factory tour (El Arsenal: The Rum Box): An immersive tasting experience pairing premium Colombian rums with artisanal chocolate inside one of Cartagena’s most charming historic districts.
Jardín Botánico de Medellín: A lush urban oasis in the heart of Medellín featuring tropical gardens, orchids, and the iconic Orquideorama structure.
Places to eat & drink in Colombia
Cuiko Restaurante: A lively El Centro restaurant offering a wide variety of dishes paired with live music for an energetic, celebratory dinner atmosphere.
Ana Restaurante: An upscale dining destination blending refined local flavors with international influences in a chic, intimate setting.
Buena Vida Marisquería: A vibrant rooftop seafood spot known for fresh Caribbean dishes, creative cocktails, and live music overlooking the old city.
Apogeo Restaurante & Rooftop: A sophisticated Mediterranean-inspired restaurant with an elegant rooftop perfect for sunset dinners and cocktails.
Carmen: A fine-dining standout featuring inventive, beautifully plated dishes and elevated cocktails in a romantic setting.
CANDÉ: A Cartagena classic serving authentic coastal cuisine with live traditional music for a full cultural dining experience.
Mar y Zielo: A contemporary restaurant offering creative cuisine in a stylish, modern atmosphere.
Nía Bakery & Coffee Shop
A chic all-day café known for artisanal pastries, tropical desserts, and beautifully crafted coffee.
Manglar Bar de Selva y Mar: A vibrant Caribbean restaurant and cocktail bar inspired by jungle-meets-sea flavors in a lush, energetic setting.
Mondo Cocktail Bar: A stylish craft cocktail bar with a relaxed yet sophisticated vibe, perfect for pre-dinner drinks.
La Movida Cartagena: A high-energy nightclub in the walled city known for late nights, dancing, and a glamorous crowd.
Mirador Gastro Bar: A versatile spot great for both daytime bites and lively late-night drinks with a scenic setting.
Rooftop Urania (Sophia Hotel): A sleek rooftop bar and pool offering sunset cocktails with panoramic views of Cartagena’s old city skyline.
Live Lula Pub: A fun, late-night karaoke bar where the party continues until 3 a.m.
El Botánico: A trendy, plant-filled restaurant and bar serving creative cocktails and globally inspired dishes in a vibrant, garden-style setting.
Need to know
Cartagena: Stay inside the Walled City so you’re steps away from the best restaurants, rooftops, and historic charm. Plan light clothing, take midday breaks from the heat, and don’t miss a boat day to the Rosario Islands.
Medellín: Stay in the El Poblado area for luxury hotels, top restaurants, and vibrant nightlife in a safe, central setting.
Flights: Direct, non-stop flights are available out of NYC, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, and Atlanta.
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For more travel inspiration and insider recommendations, check out our Colombia page.