Cartegena, Columbia

Yeah what do you want to know?

Colombia*

Yes, been a few times. My wife has family a short drive away in Barranquilla, so she goes every year. What do you want to know?

The walled historic part of the city is worth exploring. Walking on top of the walls is an experience and a neat way to get around to different parts of the walled town. You may get better suggestions, but I'd recommend a boutique hotel in that area. No need to fret about safety and the hotels are pretty nice.

However, my wife and I had more fun going outside the walls to neighborhoods like Getsemani. A lot cheaper too, as much of the walled town area is priced for tourists.

Practice saying "no, gracias." You will be saying it all day long to street vendors hounding you to buy hats and whatnot.

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However, my wife and I had more fun going outside the walls to neighborhoods like Getsemani. A lot cheaper too, as much of the walled town area is priced for tourists.

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Second this. We stayed in that part of town and were happy with that choice.

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Following. Thinking about going in the spring. Is 3 full days too much or just right to see what you want in Cartegena?

Any can’t miss tours, restaurants, or bars? TIA

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When I was there it was part of a long open-ended trip through Colombia so context is very different, but I felt like 3 days was the perfect amount of time for Cartagena. It's kinda like being in New Orleans. Most of what there is to do is walk around eat and drink.

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When I was there it was part of a long open-ended trip through Colombia so context is very different, but I felt like 3 days was the perfect amount of time for Cartagena. It's kinda like being in New Orleans. Most of what there is to do is walk around eat and drink.

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Thanks. This is very helpful. We are actually planning to do 2 nights at a nearby place on the beach. Haven’t booked that leg of the trip yet but glad to hear 3 days in Cartagena isn’t too much. Appreciate it!

Yea, i went in April. It was great! You can spend a couple days walking around the walled city. I was shocked at how many super nice bars and restaurants were there, plus it had the old historical spanish colonial vibe. The fort (san felipe) was worth going to and not a very far walk. You can take a boat ride out to one of the islands if you have more time to kill. It was basically like the French quarter but better in every way.

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I’m going in the spring as well for a bachelor party. Would love to hear people’s thoughts. We are already have our Airbnb.

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Give this place a look. Blue Apple Beach

It's a hotel and resort that's on one of the islands right of the mainland. But they also do day excursions to their beach and pool where they pick up the day guests on a boat in the morning and then bring you back in the afternoon. There's a minimum amount of money you have to spend while you are there, but that includes lunch. In USD, I think it's like $90, which isn't outrageous for being there the majority of the day.

My wife and I did Cartagena for New Years in 2018 and we spent one of our days there. Honestly, we had a decent time, but it wasn't exactly "our thing." However, I could see it being perfect for a bachelor party crew.

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Took a cruise a few years ago. The ship docked in Cartagena

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What destinations did it go to? This would interest me, I'm not a cruise guy at all but taking one to a bunch of destinations I wouldn't other wise go intrigues me.