• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer
The Travels of BBQboy and Spanky

The Travels of BBQboy and Spanky

  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Destinations
    • EUROPE (A to M)
      • ALBANIA
      • AUSTRIA
      • BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
      • BULGARIA
      • CROATIA
      • CZECH REPUBLIC
      • FRANCE
      • GERMANY
      • GREECE
      • HUNGARY
      • ITALY
      • MOLDOVA
      • MONTENEGRO
    • EUROPE (N to Z)
      • NORTH MACEDONIA
      • POLAND
      • PORTUGAL
      • ROMANIA
      • SERBIA
      • SLOVAKIA
      • SLOVENIA
      • SPAIN
      • SWITZERLAND
      • TURKEY
      • UKRAINE
    • CAUCASUS
      • ARMENIA
      • GEORGIA
    • ASIA
      • CAMBODIA
      • HONG KONG
      • INDONESIA
      • JAPAN
      • LAOS
      • MALAYSIA
      • PHILIPPINES
      • THAILAND
      • TAIWAN
      • SINGAPORE
    • NORTH AMERICA
      • MONTREAL, QUEBEC
      • REGIONS OF QUEBEC, CANADA
      • MEXICO
        • Pueblos Magicos of Mexico
      • U.S.A
    • CENTRAL AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
      • COSTA RICA
      • CUBA
      • DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
      • GUATEMALA
      • NICARAGUA
    • SOUTH AMERICA
      • ARGENTINA
      • BRAZIL
      • CHILE
      • COLOMBIA
    • AFRICA
      • SOUTH AFRICA
      • MOROCCO
      • TUNISIA
      • ZAMBIA
      • ZIMBABWE
    • OCEANIA
      • Australia
      • New Zealand
  • Topics
    • Hikes & Adventures
    • Expat Corner
    • The Best and Worst
    • This or That
    • Looking Back…
    • Blogging & Bloggers
    • Deep Thoughts
    • rants & things that suck
    • plane & train travel
    • Airbnb
    • Travel Accessories
    • religion, morality, patriotism
  • Travel Diaries
  • Resources
  • Work with Us

What’s Cartagena (Colombia) like? Here’s why it’s incredible

What's Cartagena (Colombia) like? Here's why it's incredible

What’s Cartagena (Colombia) like? 

Most of my friends thought I was crazy when I told them that I was going to Colombia. I ended up loving Colombia so much on that first trip (in 2005) that I decided to go back a few years later with Lissette.

The highlight for me, Cartagena, is still the most impressive colonial city that I’ve seen anywhere. The old walled quarter, surrounded by fortress walls, is full of churches, plazas, and wonderful courtyards hidden behind old, wooden doors. There is great architecture everywhere. Lots of nice little cafes, shaded parks with fountains to sit in, and great restaurants hidden in impressive colonial buildings. It is a very romantic city. Outside the walled city is the fort of Castillo San Felipe de Barajas and the Santa Cruz monastery on La Popa hill (the highest point in the city). There is a spit of land called Bocagrande which is lined by beaches and modern high-rises. This is where most tourists stay (I recommend against this – pay a bit more and stay in the colonial city). Out in the harbor are 2 fortresses protecting the mouth of the harbor from attack. There’s lots to see (I have some links to them at the bottom of this post).
.

Photos from inside the walled city

Cartagena views. What's Cartagena (Colombia) like? Here's why it's incredible

Cartagena church. What's Cartagena (Colombia) like? Here's why it's incredible

Cartagena (Colombia) street views

 


 

 

Cartagena museum. Why Cartagena is incredible

Views in Cartagena, Colombia

Street views, What's Cartagena (Colombia) like? Here's why it's incredible

eating out in Cartagena Colombia
Plaza Santo Domingo fills up with restaurant tables at night.

 


 

 

doors in Cartagena, Colombia

doors in Cartagena Colombia. What's Cartagena (Colombia) like? Here's why it's incredible
Cartagena has some great doors

 

beautiful cartagena Colombia
view from Old city, la Popa hill in background

 


 

 

Practical Information

Accommodation. Stay in the Old City! (and not in Bocagrande where many tourists stay). It’s beautiful, romantic and full of character. Both times in Cartagena I’ve stayed at Casa India Catalina. Really nice, perfectly located, good value. Even nicer is the nearby Hotel Boutique Casa Córdoba Estrella.

Tour. Recommended is the 4 hour City Tour. A combination of driving and walking, you’ll see all the highlights of the city. 

Flying in. Cartagena’s airport is Rafael Núñez International Airport (code: CTG) located 11.5 km from the city. 

 


 

 

Related: The Most Beautiful City in the World? Our candidates…and winner

 

 

ATTRACTIONS OUTSIDE THE OLD CITY


Castillo San Felipe de Barajas

One of the highlights of Cartagena, situated a 10 minute walk outside the Old City, is Castillo San Felipe de Barajas.

 

Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, Cartagena. Why Cartagena is incredible

 

The fortress was built in 1536 and is known as the most formidable defensive complex of Spanish military architecture found anywhere. It has massive walls, turrets,  cannons, and a network of tunnels connecting the different parts of the fortress. When I was here on my first trip  two soldiers came up to me. They asked me where I came from and if it was my first time in Colombia. I thought they were going  to shake me down for money. But they were very nice and before I knew it they offered me a tour of the tunnels. I said ok. You’ll see a photo of the two machine gun – toting soldiers that I took while in the tunnels. They were just friendly and bored. Their buddies showed up and I bought them all cokes. It was the first of many encounters I was to have with soldiers in Colombia.

Related: Castles and Fortresses that you may have never heard of

 


 

 

Santa Cruz monestary on La Popa hill

This is the best place to go for views of Cartagena. You’ll see Bocagrande, the old city, and the shanty towns of Cartagena on the opposite side of the hill.

La Popa, Cartagena, Colombia. Why Cartagena is incredible

 


 

 

It is also worth taking a boat tour of the harbour. Make sure it includes stops at Fuerte de San Fernando and Bateria de San Jose – these two forts protected the city from attack in the 1700’s.

 

Fuerte de San Fernando and Bateria de San Jose. Cartagena, Colombia

.


 

 

Bocagrande, the spit of land going out into the harbor, has modern hotels and restaurants, beaches, as well as lots of nightlife. As I’ve stated above, many tourists stay here – but it doesn’t have the character of the Old City.

 

Views of Bocagrande, Cartegena, Colombia

.

highlights around Cartagena

 

 

 

Useful Links to places nearby

Places to Visit near Cartagena (Colombia). And on what to See and Do in El Rodadero & Santa Marta

Safety. And why Taganga (Colombia) is worth a Visit

Parque Tayrona, Colombia. And a night at the Eco-Habs

What to see and do in San Andres, Colombia

.


Have you been to Cartagena? Please let me know what you thought of it!

 

Related: Travel Guide on beautiful Colombia..and what you should See and Do

 

 

Ps. If you find our blog helpful, please consider using our links to book your flights, hotels, tours, and car rentals. Have a look at our Travel Resources page.

 

If you haven’t subscribed yet and want to get our posts and newsletters sent to your email, just insert your email address below

Great! Thank you for subscribing. If you don't receive a confirmation email, please check your Spam box.

Filed Under: COLOMBIA, SOUTH AMERICA

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Andrew Boland

    January 2, 2020 at 11:43 am

    if i get to return to south america – hopefully 2021 or 2022 I really want to spent a bit of time in Colombia and you’ve put this town to the top of my list, as I am yet to do any research into Colombia! Looks great!

    Reply
  2. Carlos Gomez

    December 9, 2019 at 4:05 pm

    Frank and Lissette, great article about Cartagena, for me is a beautiful place, sometimes looking at some pictures of the walled city with the Dome i looks (to me) like Florence.
    Yes, Cartagena is expensive, it always has been, we used to say (when I lived in Colombia) that it was cheaper to travel to NY than to Cartagena, it is not that so but is more expensive than the rest of the country but is far more beautiful than the rest (including Medellin) of the cities. Beautiful places to visit and the best restaurants in the country, it is a gourmet paradise. Plan a week or less days if you want and I agree, get a hotel in the Old Town, they have a large variety of beautiful places to stay, don’t need to go to Bocagrande, Old Cartagena has it all.

    Reply
    • Frank (bbqboy)

      December 9, 2019 at 9:21 pm

      Thanks so much for the feedback Carlos. I think my return trip with Lissette was 2007 – so it’s been a while.
      Loved Colombia. On that 1st trip when I went solo I saw Cartagena, Santa Marta, Parque Tayrona, Manizales, Cali, Bogota…people were wonderful. Would love to go back one day.

      Reply
  3. Mile

    March 28, 2015 at 5:48 am

    Cartagena is very beautiful and interesting!! I was there in 2000 and i enjoyed. I hope come back this year. but i know it is a litlle dangerous .

    I like your blog! is very nice your adventures (sorry for my bad english)

    Reply
    • Frank (bbqboy)

      March 29, 2015 at 11:43 am

      Thank you for your comments Mile. Usted escribe muy bien 🙂
      I agree about Cartagena, it is beautiful but there are places that can still be a bit dangerous. Like anywhere else, not a good idea too get drunk in a bad part of town..

      Reply
  4. Aaron

    December 24, 2014 at 11:51 pm

    It’s a nice article and nice pictures, however I spent a month in Cartagena and I have to say I genuinely hated it. And this is coming from someone who loves Colombia-I’m currently living in Medellin and I cant say enough good things about it. I think anyone who is thinking of going to Cartagena should do Medellin instead. The heat and humidity is unbearable, the streets and bocagrande beaches are crawling with touts that won’t let you go anywhere without bugging you every 20 seconds and won’t take no for an answer. I couldn’t go anywhere in the city without getting harrased. This isn’t people just selling stuff, this is people coming up to you and not leaving you alone even when you walk away. And the beaches are some of the ugliest I have ever seen. There is no beach sand, it is just brown mud, and the water is brown. I’m sorry to sound negative, I’m just giving my honest feedback. Medellin is an amazing city tho, and I highly recommend it instead.

    Reply
    • Frank (bbqboy)

      December 25, 2014 at 11:47 am

      Hi Aaron. You know what? I totally agree with you. I wouldn’t spend more than 4, 5 days there for all the reasons you’ve cited. But you have to admit it’s an amazing city for a short visit especially if you want to experience colonial Spanish architecture.

      Over the least 6 months we’ve travelled slowly, exploring places in a much different way. And you realize how certain places that you loved as a ‘vacation’ visitor you can’t stomach for longer periods (Bangkok was a recent example for us). Others, which are maybe not as glitzy, may be boring for a short-time visitor but great bases for an expat or slower traveller.

      Have heard great things about Medellin and I hope we come back and check it out one day.

      Thanks for the good feedback!

      Reply
  5. Franca

    May 13, 2014 at 5:05 pm

    I love the architecture! Colombia looks such a beautiful country, so colorful and welcoming. I probably should considering visiting it at some point, especially considering I have two Colombian friends there.

    Reply
    • admin

      May 14, 2014 at 12:54 pm

      Yes, do Franca! More and more people going and prices going up and people getting used to tourists. Go before mass tourism hits it (already happening in Cartagena..)

      Reply
  6. Marina K. Villatoro

    April 13, 2014 at 6:08 pm

    Columbia is sooo on my list. It looks gorgeous. Funny enough, from the first glance the first square you have photographed looked exactly like one in Havana, Cuba 🙂

    Reply
  7. Bryanna Plog

    February 17, 2014 at 1:03 am

    I am happy you found Cartagena and Colombia so welcoming! I lived there for a year in 2011 and went back for a visit in 2013 — I am also a big fan of the place. It is by far my favorite place I have visited in Latin America (compared to Costa Rica, Peru, and Argentina). Thanks for sharing your stories and photos! (And yes, even with “gun-toting soldiers,” it is a very safe place to visit…)

    Reply
  8. Rhonda

    February 16, 2014 at 11:54 pm

    Looks like a pretty city! I don’t know if I would have went in the tunnels with the gun-toting soldiers. I probably would have assumed the worst was going to happen!

    Reply
  9. Adam P.

    December 18, 2013 at 8:19 pm

    Visually, Cartagena is stunning! Even after seeing tons of colonial towns, it stands out. No better place for simply wandering around.. It´s a shame though that it´s so expensive compared to the rest of Colombia. Prices are literally twice that of Medellin, for example.

    Reply
    • admin

      December 18, 2013 at 11:56 pm

      Thanks for the feedback Adam – good to know, I didn’t realize there was that much of a difference with Medellin (which I hope to visit in the future).

      Reply
  10. Megan

    December 4, 2013 at 8:33 am

    great photos and great blog! i actually almost went here two months ago instead of central america. and truthfully, i wish i had gone here instead of c.america (not a fan). especially if i would have had the opportunity to see toucans in the streets!

    Reply
    • admin

      December 4, 2013 at 1:59 pm

      Thanks for the comments Megan. Yes, we loved Cartagena and Colombia in general. Agree with you about Central America – we really didn’t like Costa Rica and I have a few rants on the blog about that. The people also very different, we found people in Costa Rica/Nicaragua reserved, not at all like the (generally) outgoing and friendly Colombians. I’m a big fan of Colombia.

      Reply
  11. Jessica Hill

    December 3, 2013 at 7:49 pm

    Wow, I’m sooo excited to go see this all for myself! We will have an extra day or two to spend in Cartagena, so I’m really excited to see some of the beautiful sites in your pictures. I wonder if the soldiers are still bored? I’ll find out!

    Reply
  12. Stef

    October 16, 2013 at 7:14 am

    I’d love to see Colombia one day, I think it’s beautiful, not only Cartagena but all the nature around the cities. But I have to admit that I’m a bit scared of going on my own as a woman as well.

    Reply
  13. Amanda H

    September 6, 2013 at 5:59 am

    Found you by your post on the gem scam. Good one! Glad I found your blog – like your posts. I currently live in Seattle. I expatrioted to Quebec City for a year and a half. I absolutely adore travel, photography and writing. Columbia is high on a list of places I’d like to go.

    Thanks for writing!

    Reply
    • admin

      September 6, 2013 at 1:09 pm

      Thanks Amanda! Seattle to Quebec City – that must have been a culture shock!

      Reply
  14. YJ

    September 2, 2013 at 6:01 am

    Colombia looks beautiful!

    Reply
  15. Jennifer

    August 9, 2013 at 9:32 pm

    Wow, looks beautiful! That is not at all how I would picture a city in Colombia to look. Top of my bucket list for South America is Chile and Argentina, but hopefully we’ll make it to Colombia someday.

    Reply
  16. Ellen Christian

    August 8, 2013 at 12:46 pm

    Love the architecture and how colorful some of the buildings are.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Sidebar


Hi! We are Frank & Lissette from Canada. We sold our home in 2014 and have been travelling the world ever since.

About Us