Cartagena Things to Do Tips by panderita Top 5 Page for this destination

All in one at the Plaza de Bolivar...

This plaza is the perfect place to go if your planning to check out many things in one day.
The actual plaza alone is a plan.
Theres always artists dancing Mapale or painting. Old chess players have matches and discussions with shoeshinners and salesmen, they'll even let you play if your good. And you can check out the Simon Bolivar statue.

When you're done with this, the Inquisicion palace, the Museo del Oro ( gold and antiques museum ) and a nice creperie if you're hungry.

Address: Centro

Torture Chambers!!! (Palacio de la Inquisicion)

Of the craziest things from colonial times this is my all time winner.
This place called the Palacio de la
Inquisicion, or Inquisition Palace, is the court were all the captured enemies and suspected witches were judged and tortured.

The place is filled with archives and torture machines, and the files with the types of punishments.

Address: Centro

Directions: In front of the Plaza de Bolivar.

Bocachica

This old fort was built for strategic reasons many years ago to stop pirates and invadors from coming.

Today, its a touristic site and fishermen town.

You can go take a tour around the caves of the castle, tan at the shore or eat some of the best Pargo Frito ( fried fish ) with patacon and coconut rice there is.

To get there you must take a taxi boat ( price open for bargain ) from the muelle Los Pegasos, in centro.

Go to a corrida

Corridas are held at various corralejas in the outside of the city and going south of the department.
The most popular being the Plaza de Toros.

Dont worry, they don't kill the poor animals. If anyone gets killed its a human first ...jk.

Anyway, this is not just the experience of a corrida but the place is filled with music and dancing and food etc... If you like mixing in with the crowd.

Directions: Next to the football stadium.

Old theatre ( Teatro de Cartagena )

Whatever your taste is in performance arts this theatre is amazing and filled with old stories.

A perfect evenning of ballet, contemp. dance or acting.
Tickets are cheap and coffees are delicious.

Directions: Centro

Phone: (575) 664 9631

Bocagrande Movie theater

Nothing to big and extraordinary but a nice movie theater with only one room showing the latest movie released.

Beats having to go far away to all the other movie theaters aaaand its very cheap.
The most you may expect to spent are
$10, 200 pesos, thats not even 4 dollars.

Address: Ave. San Martin

Directions: Centro Comercial Bocagrande (Bocagrande Mall)

Plaza de San Pedro

this plaza is a whole cultural experience.
Right in front of the San Pedro church, next to the Museo Naval and surrounded by the walls.

You can eat at one of the best restaurants in centro, San Pedro, right in the middle and then go walking around the sculptures and etc.
Its also a great place to go and have cocktails before partying, because its within a walking distance of many clubs.

Address: Centro

Directions: In front of San Pedro's church.

Santo Domingo Plaza

Santo Domingo plaza is a very magical place at night.
Inside the walls and infront of and old church, you can appreciate all the architecture of the place while you enjoy the culinary delights of a variety of international restaurants and cafes.

At the right corner of the plaza stands a Botero sculpture, one of our best know colombian artists. Surrounded by a whole bunch of hippies selling all kinds of art.

There are also walking musicians and dancers, who for a very cheap price, will serenade or dance for you and your date.

Address: Centro

Las Bovedas

Recommendable for shoppers and lovers of arts and crafts.

A market of all kinds of product make by local artists.
Hamacs, plates made out of coconut ....

Prices can get from very cheap necklaces to pricy furniture.

Address: Centro

Visit the San Felipe Castle

This old castle was built to protect the spanish against pirates and specially the english who wanted to take over.

Nowdays you can visit and get a tour of its caves and secret halls , and if you get a good tourguide they'll teach you all the defense strategies of the castle.

You can also wonder alone while you read about it or go shopping at its arts and crafts stand.

Its a great way to spend your day but wear very light clothing... ITS REALLY HOT in there.

Address: Castillo de san Felipe