Rachel Braylovsky Think: raw culture, the realest people, 85-degree weather year-round and the best food at your fingertips, day and night. This is Cartagena. Reminiscent of a Latin NOLA, this city brings flavor, dance moves and spot-on drinks, making for the perfect long weekend.
Casa San Agustín: From the original frescoes in the library to the centuries-old wooden beamed ceilings in the rooms, the architecture of Casa San Agustín evokes the rich history of the 17th century city. With 20 rooms and 11 beautifully decorated suites, it feels intimate, managing to preserve the authentic Colombian style, while incorporating modern services and amenities for today’s travelers. | Book Here >>
Hotel Boutique Casa del Coliseo: This luxury hotel that features just a dozen rooms and suites, ensuring a boutique feel for guests. We love that Casa del Coliseo is housed in a 17th-century colonial building that has been restored to perfection, combining historical charm with 21st-century comfort and an exquisite décor. Guests can reserve individual rooms or the whole house.
Sofitel Legend Santa Clara: This beautiful resort-style hotel in the heart of the city is filled with stories. Housed in a former convent, the property offers a blend of colonial architecture and French luxury. Aside from the comfortable suites, we love it for its swimming pool, upscale spa and gourmet cuisine. | Book Here >>
If you don’t partake in some form of dance in Cartagena — salsa, champeta or otherwise— you haven’t had the full experience. Not only does the city have a full on dance club scene, it also boasts some amazing cocktail focused bars as well. Check out Demente, Alquimico, El Barón and El Arsenal to name a few. These will take you through the neighborhoods from Centro to San Diego and Getsemani. Don’t leave the city without taking a ride on the famed Chivas Bus. Essentially, it’s a party bus with Aguardiente flowing and an MC/ hype man leading the way; it’s a Cartagena staple.
The city of Cartagena de Indias was founded in the early 16th century by the Spanish colonizers. So. we’re talking plenty of history and sites to explore. Take a walking tour (or two!) of the city to learn about its history and culture. There are incredibly beautiful churches and if the day isn’t too hot, take a walk up to the top of the fortress Castillo San Felipe overlooking the city. You have art museums, galleries, street art, the former home of author Gabriel Garcia Marquez and in European fashion, plenty of squares and plazas to stroll through. Not to mention, no shortage of rum and coffee tastings that can and should be a daily affair.
Outside of the city, you can visit the famed and truly authentic Bazurto Market and La Boquilla fishing village. City life aside, no trip to Cartagena is complete without your own private yacht to visit the nearby islands off the Colombian coast. Take a trip to the Rosario Islands for snorkeling! Or, set sail to Isla Tierra Bomba for chic beach clubs and the best seafood.
Once you’re back on dry land, get yourself up to a rooftop for the most spectacular views of the old city. The stark architectural contrast of the old walled city and the new city, or “Little Miami,” will make for a great photo-op.
For all things shopping, we checked in with our resident fashionista, fellow Manhattan-based travel advisor, Daniela Ratner. With her Colombian roots and keen sense of style, trust us, you won’t want to miss her top picks.
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