The 10 Best Things to do Good for Couples in Cartagena District, Bolivar Department

June 27, 2021 Sachiko Swiger

Discover the best top things to do in Cartagena District, Colombia including Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, Walled City of Cartagena, Sanctuary of Saint Peter Claver, Plaza Santo Domingo, Plaza de San Diego, Iglesia de la Trinidad, Caribe Jewelry Museum & Factory, Casa Museo Rafael Nunez, Bomba Beach Club, Centro Historico.
Restaurants in Cartagena District

1. Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas

Carrera 17, Cartagena 130002 Colombia +57 5 6421293 http://fortificacionescartagena.com/en
Excellent
51%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 12,870 reviews

Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas

Cartagena was always a desirable conquest for pirates and enemies of the Spanish Crown; and for this reason, the defense of the city from these threats was a question of priority for its inhabitants from the first decades of the existence of the city. Once the primitive nucleus of Cartagena and the outlying district of Getsemani were fortified, there was a need to erect a structure on San Lazaro Hill that would prevent an enemy attack from its peak, since the hill dominated the walls and the only entrance to the city, the Media Luna Entrance in Getsemani. In addition, this hill was the intermediate point between the city and the nearby Popa Peak, where some heavy guns and canons were installed between 1769 and 1780 to cross fire with the castle and make an enemy attack more difficult from the large beach of Playon Grande in Pie de la Popa.

Reviewed By myom624 - Coquitlam, Canada

A hilltop fortress (but just a 5-minute-or-so walk up from the bottom) with a "quite sprawling" area above the ramparts, this is really a site for a "high-ground walk" in I would categorize as generally 3 parts: the Central Part with the "national flag" (a good-sized one for a nice photo-op) where there's also a tunnel to go down below which connects with the North Part (a straight walk for just about 5 minutes to the other side but where inside are also some "diverging paths" to wander around a bit); the North Part which is the "most spacious" of the three where there's also like a higher promenade along its one side for some direct views to outside through the openings among the battlements alongside; and the South Part which is actually a 2-level one with its upper level being the "highest part" of the entire fortress (and likely due to that physical position being the "most number" of cannons of the Fortress to be found at that specific location). And yes, to enjoy above apart from spacious grounds are also great views all around especially to the south with just a "pretty phenomenal" view of the city's skyline (generally around the Bocagrande Beach area with really quite a number of modern high-rises spread along an impressive length!) and also to the east with La Popa Hill (a distant-but-clear view of its convent on top with actually also interestingly some of the cannons of this fortress pointed in that direction for some "unique scene" I would say). Just somewhat on the downside though (not personally for me) is that this is a site pretty much "all outdoor" except for some rest shelters, but be sure not to miss the small souvenir shop on the upper level of the South Part (which despite its size has a pretty good collection of a variety of souvenirs). If coming from the "Walled City", after coming out of its east side is just about a half-hour walk pretty much just a straight way (until arriving at the north end of the Fortress which is where to turn right for a further short walk to the ticket entrance), and also to pass by "at about halfway" along the way is the India Catalina statue right beside a big lake (one commemorating the tribal woman who accompanied Conquistador Pedro de Heredia in his quest to establish Cartagena). And actually as for statues, there's also one right at the bottom of this fortress (just to the left after coming back out of the ticket entrance) which is just somewhat of an interesting one featuring a "sword-weilding" commander or such (with my initial impression being one for the Spanish defenders in the 1740's War, but the inscription below mentioning actually being one for the British attackers!).

2. Walled City of Cartagena

Calle 41, Cartagena 130002 Colombia
Excellent
76%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 22,769 reviews

Walled City of Cartagena

Reviewed By midwaytoheaven - Midway, United States

A PHOTOGRAPHERS DREAM! We loved exploring both the inside and outside of the Old City Walls of Cartagena. It is amazing that these walls still exist and standing after hundreds of years of history. Boy, if these walls could talk what stories they would tell. A MUST SEE when visiting Caratgena. BOTTOM LINE: What a fun place to see so much history in a compact area. You can wall atop many parts of the wall and get a different perspective of the old city, too. We found it fun strolling the old narrow cobblestone streets, seeing the Cartagena Cathedral, San Pedro Church, city hall, customs house square, shops, jewelry stores, historical statues, seeing street vendors, Yellow Clock squared and more. Plan to spend several hours strolling the streets and better appreciate the flavor of this walled old city. MY RATING: 9/10. Most of the old colonial homes have been nicely restored. You'll see some beautiful flowered balconies down every street. A photographers dream location. Photo and selfie stops around every corner!

3. Sanctuary of Saint Peter Claver

Carrera 4 30 01, Cartagena 130002 Colombia +57 5 6644991 [email protected] http://www.sanpedroclaver.co
Excellent
51%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,829 reviews

Sanctuary of Saint Peter Claver

Four hundred years ago jesuits established in Cartagena and founded a school and a church in downtown. During the XVII century a father called Pedro Claver dedicated all his life to the protection of the african slaves and became saint 300 hundred years later. To keep alive his legacy, jesuits came back to the city at the end of XIX century and started to collect pieces for a museum that includes precolombian, religious and african caribbean art and, of course, the chamber and other spaces where the saint lived and died. Nowadays it is the museum with the most complete collection of religious art in Colombian coast, and the building preserves the spirit of Claver, the spirit of Human Rights.

Reviewed By ruthandvern - Wilton, United States

Not only is this a museum, it leads to the sanctuary. Within the exterior walls there is a wondrous courtyard full of plants and calm and quiet. The plants and flowers just light up the buildings. On three floors there are colections of ceramics of the saint's, his cell, the most complete collection of of religious art in the area, African arts and crafts both old and new. Workmen were working on the roof of the sanctuary and brought supplies up the narrow winding staircase from the sanctuary to the choral loft and on up to the bell tower. The tower was not available for viewing.

4. Plaza Santo Domingo

Calle 35, Cartagena 130010 Colombia
Excellent
47%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,902 reviews

Plaza Santo Domingo

Reviewed By tripswithtai - Jamaica, United States

Lots of local artists, sculptors and gem enthusiasts will approach you! Lots of beautiful art in the plaza and a beautiful statue of the plump saint

5. Plaza de San Diego

Calle San Diego, Cartagena Colombia
Excellent
48%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,248 reviews

Plaza de San Diego

Reviewed By S3035BAnancym

Wonderful place to see life just happening - great restaurants, historical sights, street food vendors, street vendors, and families and friends just hanging out.

6. Iglesia de la Trinidad

Carrera 1 & Calle 15 Plaza de la Trinidad, Cartagena Colombia 664-2050
Excellent
51%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 611 reviews

Iglesia de la Trinidad

Reviewed By alexismday - London, United Kingdom

We accidentally stumbled onto the most gorgeous wedding service taking place in this incredible church. The music moved us to tears it was breathtaking. Architecturally it is stunning. Please do visit, maybe takr in a church service if you can (we did a few days later) and was marvellous. Wow.

7. Caribe Jewelry Museum & Factory

Bocagrande Calle 5 No 2-51, Cartagena 130012 Colombia +57 5 6654625 [email protected] http://www.caribejewelry.com
Excellent
61%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,873 reviews

Caribe Jewelry Museum & Factory

Reviewed By Orovalley2001 - Tucson, United States

We were given a chance to make our own emerald necklace and purchase some at a great discount. The mockup of an actual mine was very interesting.

8. Casa Museo Rafael Nunez

Calle Real Cra 2 #41-89, Cartagena 130002 Colombia +57 6609058 [email protected] http://www.facebook.com/CasaMuseoRN
Excellent
52%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 180 reviews

Casa Museo Rafael Nunez

This is the house where Rafael Nunez lived and died, a most illustrious Cartagenero who sat as president of Colombia at four different ocassions. Inside this house, fundamental ideas were born that later would create one of Colombia's biggest political reforms in the 19th Century: The Constitution of 1886. This was colombia's guideline document until 1991, year in which the current Carta Magna was signed.

Reviewed By PaulF460 - St. Petersburg, United States

Interesting airy house just outside the wall. Great furniture. Small park across the street. Small collage exhibit. Free.

9. Bomba Beach Club

Isla de Tierrabomba Km 1.5, Punta Arena, Cartagena 13000 Colombia +57 300 6780848 [email protected] https://www.bombabeachcartagena.com/
Excellent
68%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 207 reviews

Bomba Beach Club

With the best view of the city, Restaurant and Beach Club just 10 minutes by boat from Cartagena, white sand beaches and delicious seafood. Once you arrive we lead you to a nice kiosko, with swing bed, hammoks and tanning chairs, those are for your personal use the whole day. As soon as you are comfortable and ready you can order a bite of fried plantains with cheese and hogao (tomato,onion and garlic sauce) a ceviche, a shrimp cocktail or a delicious lunch. From the beginning you can try our natural juices, margaritas (the best in the world), cocoloco, caipirinha, mojitos, beers and more. If you want to refresh you can enjoy our swimming pool or take a shower with fresh water in our outdoor showers. Access to the island is only possible by boat, but the trip took only 10 minutes, the boat leaves from Castillogrande beach behind Bocagrande hospital, there are usually many boats there, you must ask for Wendy she´s our host. We really recommend you to book in advance. Whats app!

Reviewed By edwN6099TC - London, Canada

Cartagena Columbia - Our best surprise, clean, fun, Port, went to Teirra Bomba island, private excursion to a private beach bar location the Beach Bomba, we got to arranged pick up area, there was 8 of us, quick boat ride and great beach, water, beer, food Pina's, etc

10. Centro Historico

Cartagena Colombia
Excellent
78%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 243 reviews

Centro Historico

Reviewed By TandTSwitzerland - Zurich, Switzerland

The historic center of Cartagena is one of the prettiest in the Americas, lots of beautiful houses, streets and squares. You need to share this experience with many tourists but it is worth it!

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