Just outside the walls of Cartagena’s Old City lies a neighborhood like no other. When you’re wandering through the colorful streets of Getsemani, you will feel like you belong, and there’s no place you’d rather be.
Getsemani has a strong sense of cultural identity. While many families have lived in the same Spanish colonial homes for multiple generations, you’ll find that the area has a youthful, art-focused vibe. Forbes magazine has named Getsemani one of the coolest neighborhoods in the world.
You’ll want to enjoy a little of everything while you’re in Getsemani Cartagena. Your best memories will probably come from the people you meet, but you will also enjoy the art, food, drink, shopping, transportation, and entertainment opportunities.
Art
You’ll find the same bright Caribbean colors in Getsamani as in the Old Walled City of Cartagena. But Getsamani Cartagena is known for block after block of unique street art. Calling it graffiti doesn’t do it justice. One of the best things you can do in Getsamani is to just wander and see what’s around each corner.
The open-air art gallery on Calle de la Sierpe (Street of the Snake) is not to be missed and is a great starting point. A half-serpent, half-sorceress painting on Calle de la Sierpe harkens back to a local legend. However, much of the art is representative of issues important to Gesemani, such as racial segregation, tourism, and gentrification.
Food & Drink
There are so many wonderful Colombian dishes to try that you’ll wish there were more than three meals in a day. You could spend your entire time eating amazing street food like Colombian-style arepas de huevo or try some of their delightful restaurants.
Follow local foodies to La Cocina de Pepina where you’ll have a hard time choosing between traditional foods like ceviche, soups, empanadas, stuffed peppers, plantains, coconut rice, and more.
The Spanish tapas and drinks at Demente are out of this world, and especially fun to enjoy with a group. The restaurant’s retractable roof allows you to dine under both sun and stars.
Since we’re talking about restaurants that take their names from psychosis, Caffe Lunatico has a little of everything: tapas, ceviche, main dishes, breakfast, and drinks. They also have cooking classes available so you can take Colombian cooking skills home with you.
Shopping
If you want to experience the real Cartagena, Bazurto Market is a must. It’s a busy and lively sensory overload. A guide can be especially helpful here to know what you should try: tropical fruits, vegetables, seafood, and street food abound. However, getting lost in the chaos is part of the fun.
Plaza de Los Coches is a historic plaza with beautiful colonial architecture. You can go there to eat sweets and candies from confectionaries, buy souvenirs, or take a carriage ride.
Transportation
Getsemani is one of the most perfect cities for walking, but trying other transportation options can be fun, too. Try experiencing the city through the city trolley, biking, or even kayaking.
Some people choose to rent out a seat or an entire boat to experience the beauty of the bay at night.
Entertainment
Getsemani Cartagena is all about life on the street. It is beautiful during the day, but it is most alive and vibrant at night. You’ll hear laughter and music throughout the streets. You’re likely to hear champeta, which is a type of local folk music with Afro-Caribbean roots.
Plaza de la Trinidad, Fernandez de Madrid, Holy Trinity Square, and Plaza de Bolivar are places where happy locals gather in the evening. These plazas are a people watcher’s dream spot. You’ll not want to visit Getsemani without spending a couple of hours in one of these places at night. They have plenty of art, music, food, and energetic street performers.
If you want to enjoy music from some of the best Caribbean musicians, salsa dancing, and drinks, you’ll want to check out Cafe Havana. There’s a hefty cover charge, but it’s worth it.
Mister Babilla is known for its tropical feel and unbridled wild environment. The locals start arriving around 11 pm for cheap drinks and a raucous time.
In 1910 the swanky Alquimico Bar was a personal mansion. Today, it’s a place for customized cocktails inspired by recipes from around the world.
Planning Your Getsemani Cartagena Experience
When you travel to Cartagena, Colombia, you can’t miss the Getsemani barrio. There’s always something to do in Cartagena. However, Getsemani Cartagena has a unique vibe and is colorful in every sense of the word, from its street art to its incredible nightlife.
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