Things to Do!
-Explore the old city by foot...it is the best way to see everything mainly the picturesque colonial houses!
-Escape the heat and visit the repurposed bull fighting ring turned shopping center! La Serrezuela has beautiful stores by local vendors and a rooftop filled with various restaurants and cafes...it is an absolute must!
-Have an "arepa de huevo", the typical breakfast from Cartagena, ideally at Mila Cafe or El Gallinero Viejo
-Visit the castle (Castillo San Felipe de Barajas)
-Enjoy the sunset with a local cerveza on the city's historic wall at Cafe Del Mar or a cocktail on the rooftop of the Movich Hotel
-Grab a coffee at Ábaco Libros y Cafe
-Enjoy the beach on one of the surrounding islands (Islas del Rosario, 30-90 min by boat from Cartagena)-we recommend Baru
-Visit some museums, such as the Palace of the Inquisition and the Zenú Gold Museum.
-Go scuba diving - we recommend 3 diving schools: Buzos de Baru, La Tortuga, and Diving Planet
Breakfast/Lunch/Brunch
-Pasteleria Mila (bakery)
-Crepes & Waffles (a Colombian staple...great for lunch or a dessert and coffee! 3 locations within the old city)
Dinner
-Mar y Zielo (updated coastal Colombian )
-El Gobernador (coastal Colombian)
-Agua de Leon (Colombian fusion)
-La Perla (Peruvian fusion)
-Carmen (contemporary Colombian)
-Juan Del Mar (Caribbean) - also serves lunch
-Alma (coastal Colombian located inside Hotel Casa San Agustin) - also serves lunch
-Harry Sasson (international located inside Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa) - also serves lunch
-Mistura (Latin Japanese fusion; live music!)
While in Cartagena, keep these things in mind:
-If possible, order an Uber or have the restaurant/bar order your cab if you need one late at night. Walking around the walled city should be perfectly safe.
-In Colombia, it is possible to divide a credit card charge into 12 monthly payments. Retailers may ask you how many "quotas" you want to use for your payment. Simply say "una" as that is what you use outside of Colombia.
-Retailers may also ask you for your "cedula" number which is the personal I.D. number used in Colombia. In order to not pay taxes upon leaving you can choose to register your purchases with your personal I.D. number (passport).
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Hair and Makeup Salons
For those of you who would like to have their hair and/or makeup done before the wedding, we recommend the following 2 salons:
-Portada Peluqueria
-Diego Moya
*Even though these salons accept walk-ins, we recommend that you make an appointment beforehand. Please e-mail or call me and I will make the reservation for you!
Spas
La Ciudad Amurallada
Cartagena is a colonial city on Colombia's Caribbean coast. The historic walled city (ciudad amurallada) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with cobblestone streets and colorful colonial buildings. The city was founded in 1533 by Spanish commander Pedro de Heredia. At that time, the port was the largest in the Americas. In recent years it has become a top travel destination offering world class restaurants, shopping, and nightlife! We are truly so excited to share this momentous occasion in our lives with you here!
Favorites
La Serrezuela: Gorgeous shopping mall which was remodeled from an old bullfighting ring. A must!!!
OndadeMar and Maaji: Beautiful Colombian swimsuits and tropical clothing!
St. Dom: An iconic, luxury multi-brand boutique that represents many Colombian designers.
Casa Chiqui: Artisanal collections of accessories and home decor that represent Colombian culture.
Agua de Leon: A multi-brand store of Colombian designers. They have various stores within the old city and a beautiful restaurant as well!
Azulu: A ready-to-wear & resort Colombian lifestyle brand featuring both men and women's clothing. A personal favorite for their fun prints and dresses!
Mercedes Salazar: An iconic Colombian jewelry brand with colorful statement earrings and other accessories.
Las Bovedas (The Vaults): A colonial structure along the walls of the city that once served as garrisons and later prison cells. They now house local vendors that sell traditional Colombian merchandise.