The Best of Cartagena

Take a private walking tour of the walled city and Getsemaní, visiting all of the city’s major monuments and plazas, learning about the city and country’s history along the way. It’s a great way to start the trip, get your bearings, and figure out which places you want to explore more on your own.

Go island-hopping to the Rosario Islands to relax and unwind at luxurious beach clubs, go snorkeling, and taste some fresh catch. I recommend a private boat so you can pick the island(s) that fit your vibe. Personally, I loved Isla Grande because it was a perfect mix of plenty to do but not a loud club atmosphere.

Taste some of the country’s main products with a coffee, rum, or chocolate tasting (or pairings). If you’re looking to combine this with an authentic meal, head to El Arsenal: The Rum Box.

Visit one of the world’s largest aviaries about an hour outside of Cartagena in Barú. There, you can see over 138 species of birds, including the Andean Condor.

I always enjoy taking a cooking class when I travel to help me understand the culture more. Sign up for a cooking class in Cartagena—specifically one that takes you shopping for ingredients at the bustling Bazurto Market so you can see the truly local ingredients—and learn from a local chef how to make a traditional Colombian dish like arepas, ceviche, or fritters.

Sample food from street carts—from tropical fruits to cheese arepas and chorizo. It’s all delicious. The coconut vendors are particularly wonderful on a hot day exploring the city.

Play a game of chess. In almost every park and plaza, you’ll find locals playing—ask to join in! You’ll even notice sculptures of people playing chess in Plaza de San Pedro Claver. That’s how much it’s part of the culture there.

Celele has made the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list for several years now. Chef Jaime Rodríguez’s research has led to a menu of fresh ingredients inspired by ancient recipes and presentations that are out of this world. The menu changes often, but when I went I had this crusted eggplant in a bed of flowers that was to die for.

Go to Carmen Cartagena for the contemporary Colombian-Caribbean cuisine, food, and the vibes. I recommend the Tostada Caribe, Ceviche, Pez Caribeño, and the Cordero. If you really can’t decide, opt for the 7- or 9-course tasting menu.

Alma, the restaurant at Casa San Agustin, is revered for its Colombian indigenous coastal cuisine. Try the chef’s take on ceviche with his eponymous Ceviche Eljach, the local chicken spring rolls, shrimp with garlic sauce, and the sea & land creamy rice. And DEFINITELY save room for the Coconut Snooky.

Candé was one of my favorite dining experiences. Not only was the food great, but they also have live music and dancers making their way around the dining rooms. Try the Cerdo Guisado, Arroz Apastelado, or the Pescado Entero (artfully unwrapped from its plantain leaf at the table).

I spent every morning at Ábaco Libros y Café during my visit. Part bookstore and part coffee shop, this intimate space has incredible coffee, friendly baristas, plus books in English and Spanish.

Doña Lola is a no-fuss spot to taste many of the local flavors and ingredients with some Spanish inspiration. Think croquettes but with lobster, blue crab claws, and paella de chicharón (pork belly).

Eat like you’re on vacation with a fried treat from Los Fritos de Dora street cart. After a few rum cocktails, get the carmiańola, a yuca fritter filled with ground beef. I definitely came here after a few drinks at Alquimico, a three-story bar with a different drink menu on each floor.