Bocagrande is one of Cartagna’s landmarks, but how to the most in the beautiful city? Stay tuned, because we’ll give you some tips and recommendations.
People who visit the beautiful city of Cartagena don’t just want to stay in the always-touristy, walled city. Although they want to become immersed in the culture, this is where Bocagrande, Cartagena, comes in.
Bocagrande, Cartagena, is the most popular and commonly known beach area in Cartagena. It was always a hot place to be. This dates back to the 1950s, when American oil families used it as their getaway spot.
Today, Bocagrande is a public beach buzzing with activity that is more likely to see locals than tourists. However, it’s a wonderful place to spend time, whether you’re visiting from the US or from another Colombian city.
What to do in Bocagrande
When you travel to Cartagena and head to the Bocagrande beach area, you’ll notice that there are different areas where you can stay and do various activities. Let’s meet them!
Plaza Bocagrande
At Plaza Bocagrande, you’ll find the second-most expensive mall in the country. As well as several landmarks and national monuments. There are many hotels and rentals available. Also, there is a beach neighborhood with a high population. Visitors also like to shop at the unofficial brand stores. Brands like Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Versace Not necessarily the ideal culture tour, but let’s face it, shopping is huge for many travelers.
Castillogrande
Castillogrande is the most expensive sector. With almost all the buildings being residential, on the south end is the naval club, and on the north end is the newest and most important hospital in the area. The New Hospital of Bocagrande Here, you’ll find residents, as this area is not the most interesting to visitors.
South Bocagrande
This is the commercial zone of Bocagrande, Cartagena. Where you’ll find supermarkets, stores, restaurants, and one extra mall, the Nao Mall Here you’ll also find the most important hotel in the city, where celebrities and figures like Barack Obama have stayed.
Visitors enjoy this area as well as Plaza Bocagrande. It is the most popular, as there are more things to do there than there are in Castillogrande or El Laguito, making it the perfect place for a VIP tour.
El Laguito
Also known as “the lake,” this last zone is the most traditional. With several parks, smaller hotels, and residential buildings. It’s known and named after its lake.
What Sets Bocagrande Apart
Bocagrande is one of the most popular beaches in Cartagena. In fact, it is famous for its gorgeous palm-lined streets, beaches, and tropical environment. It is known to many as a poor man’s Miami, but we doubt Miami has the culture Cartagena has. You’ll also be happy to see that if you’re visiting this beach town, you’ll notice that there are more Colombian visitors than international tourists.
Cartagena, Colombia, is both modern and colonial. There are historic aspects of the city preserved in their natural state. But at the same time, there are incredibly modern buildings and infrastructure.
Many international tourists prefer to stay within the “Walled City” of Cartagena rather than venture out to the beaches of Bocagrande, Cartagena, and this is for a couple of reasons. First, the walled city is geared more toward tourists with its luxury lodging and restaurants. For luxury travelers who want to live it up, the Walled City is the place to be.
It also has a much stronger police presence, not because it’s more dangerous than other areas, but rather to offer a safe and secure experience for traveling visitors. The police presence keeps crime low and makes visitors feel safe and secure in their new environment.
Bocagrande doesn’t have the same things to offer. It is a much more authentic experience because every long weekend, you’ll have buses of locals pull up to many of the hotels found in Bocagrande.
While it’s also safe and has plenty of fun things to do, it doesn’t live up to what Cartagena offers in terms of tourist activity, which is why you’ll find more Colombians than anyone else on the Bocagrande shores.
Your Trip to Bocagrande Cartagena
Gearing up for a trip to Colombia? If you want to peek into a bustling beach town full of Colombians and a few tourists, make sure to stop in Bocagrande. Check out its zones, especially a walk around the El Laguito and South Bocagrande zones.
