Cartagena, Colombia City Travel Information
With buildings like this it is easy to imagine a scene during the days when pirates used to attack Cartagena.
City Description:
Cartagena is a large city on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. It is the most visited city in Colombia by tourists and because of this has a great infrastructure with many hotels and hostels to stay at, some good historic sites and plenty to see and do. However, being so touristy you are going to encounter higher prices in general.
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City Highlights:
The old city of Cartagena is amazing. With plenty of old colonial style buildings surrounded by an old city wall, walking the pathways you can just imagine what it was like during the days that the people had to deal with attacks by pirates and the like. There are plenty of restaurants and shops, and if you go on Sunday you'll deal with a fraction of the crowds.
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City Lowlights:
Since the tourism industry here is one of the best in Colombia the prices are relatively expensive compared to the rest of the country.
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Restaurants:
In the Boca Grande area of Cartagena you can find many high end restaurants and a couple mid level eateries. If you want cheap eats you should head to the Getsmani area of Cartagena (during the day) or to the restaurants near the old city. Inside the old city you can find all manner of food.
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Nightlife:
There is plenty of nightlife options for you to choose from while at Cartagena. There are plenty of bars and clubs in the old city. One of the best areas to visit clubs is in the "Arsenal" area of the old city. Also, there is a party bus that you can take at night which has all you can drink rum and provides transport to and from a couple clubs in the area.
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Public Transport:
There are plenty of buses that travel within the city that are quite easy to figure out and take thanks to the Cartagena's layout and proximity of tourist sites. There are also taxis available that are relatively inexpensive. Make sure to agree on a price beforehand and ask your hostel/hotel staff on what that price should be.
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The People:
The people of Cartagena are very friendly and sociable. Most of the Colombians I met seemed to be generally happy to talk if you had a question. However, being so touristy, you might have to deal with a large number of touts, especially on the beaches of Boca Grande.
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Sights:
The Old City within the walled area is one of the best places to check out. There you can find many old colonial styled buildings and churches. There is also an old fort a short distance away from that which is worth a look. For some sun, the beaches of Boca Grande are nicer than you might have heard, but do be prepared to deal with a decent amount of touts. Most of them will leave you alone though after you tell them you're not interested in what they are selling. Also, there is a nearby island with a beach called "Playa Blanca" that you can get to on early morning ferries where you can enjoy some beautiful surroundings and azure colored water.
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My Thoughts on this City:
I think Cartagena is a great introduction to Colombia. Sure it is super touristy, but it is a relatively safe city with many things to do as well as a great infrastructure. From here you can plan the rest of your trip into Colombia, and if you plan on leaving after Cartagena, at least you'll get a bit of an idea of what Colombia is like.
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