We recently hosted a group in Colombia’s Heroic City and what a beaut. This was our 20th trip out to Cartagena and there is something to discover every time.
This trip was about real estate so we didn’t have a group that we flew out to see. But it was on this mini-vacation that we discovered great new activities. Not to mention the perfect Cartagena Itinerary.
On a first-time visit to Cartagena, your goal should be to mix old and new. Local vs. modern if you will.
Planning Your Cartagena Itinerary
Cartagena is busy year-round but there are a few months out of the year where the city sees both Colombian tourists and others.
Anything after December 15th up until January 15th is extremely high season. Easter week is also considered busy as many Colombian tourists flock to Cartagena. Kids have vacation from school which means everything becomes less available making prices go up.
Summertime which is June 21st – September 1st is also high-season. So if you could do without lines and lots of tourists, planning your trip for any other month will be beneficial.
Best Breakfast in Cartagena
What I love about Cartagena are the city’s vibrant culture and culinary scene. You’ll get a modern french bistro on one block and two doors down, you’ll have the local woman frying up pastries right on the street. Guess which one receives more of a line?
Where there’s a line, chances are it will be delicious. While in Cartagena don’t forget to try Arepas de Huevo and Carimanolas. Arepas de huevo are basically empanada batter that’s fluffed up and stuffed with an egg that fries right inside. While carimanolas are yuca cakes stuffed with cheese and or ground beef. Starchy, fatty, and delicious.
We recommend the following 3 places for the best breakfast in Cartagena. This should be part of every Cartagena Itinerary.
Ely Cafe
We discovered Ely’s Cafe recently and have to say it was amazing. Its wide menu features an eclectic mix of local Colombian food along with international breakfast plates. You’ll find eggs benedict, oat pancakes, fresh fruit, and granola. But you’ll also find scrumptious arepas with fresh cheese and Colombian coffee. 3×2 mimosas and a great local and tourist ambiance.
La Esquina del Pandebono
A pandebono is a Colombian pastry served in bakeries all over the country. It’s made from fresh farmer’s cheese and baked until golden brown. La Esquina del Pandebono makes the freshest and most delicious ones. We recommend coming here for their fresh juices and delicious Colombian pastries.
Pascal
The previous two places are in Bocagrande which is Cartagena’s most popular sector for Colombian tourists. Pascal is just outside the walled city in an area called Getsemani. Pascal is a new cafe and known for its delicious French toast and variety of coffees. A great option for those staying in the walled city and who want to do a bit of exploring.
Best Bars in Cartagena
Day drinking is as popular in Cartagena as it is anywhere else. So we’re going to bypass lunch because these rooftop bars serve tapas and everything else.
Townhouse
Located in the walled city, Townhouse is a hotel like no other in the area. It’s modern, trendy and features a view that you won’t soon forget. The cocktails are delicious, the service is great and the view is nothing short of ‘gram worthy. A few mojitos while you listen to deep house and hip hop and you’ll find yourself pregaming before you know it.
Cafe del Mar Cartagena
This place you’ll find on every travel blogger’s list of must-dos. But I won’t rave and say the drinks and food are great. It’s actually average when you compare it to other items on this list. But picture you’re sitting on top of a fort next to cannons that 500 years ago were used to warn the city of pirates. This is exactly what Cafe del mar is. You’re sitting right dab in the middle of history while watching a beautiful sunset.
Itinerary for a Cartagena Bachelor Party?
As I said, we were in Cartagena a few days ago and knocked off some of these items from our list. Great options.
After breakfast, walking around, day drinking, and pregaming, you’re going to need something to do. Once the rooftop bar has settled, we don’t want you to spend your evening here.
Instead, we prefer you head back to your hotel or vacation rental. Here you get ready and check out one of the following places for dinner.
You won’t go wrong with any of those options. Once you’re done with that, check out Alquimico Bar. After a few drinks, we recommend you bring your bachelor party over to Delirium bar and club. You’ll thank us for it.
Looking for more items to add to your Cartagena itinerary? Be sure to contact us for our concierge service in Cartagena today.
