One of the most remarkable cities in Colombia has to be Cartagena. After all, how many cities in the world can be called UNESCO World Heritage sites? Of all the cities in Colombia, Cartagena can boast the highest number of tourists and thus it is definitely a must-see for any tourist. Below are just some of the reasons why.
Cartagena Colombia Location & Population
One of the most remarkable cities in Colombia has to be Cartagena. After all, how many cities in the world can be called UNESCO World Heritage sites? Of all the cities in Colombia, Cartagena can boast the highest number of tourists and thus it is definitely a must-see for any tourist. Below are just some of the reasons why.
Location & Population in Cartagena
As one of the oldest cities, Cartagena Colombia has always been one of the most frequently visited spots in the country. The city is positioned on the northern coast of Colombia and has been a popular seaport for centuries. With more than 1.2 million residents, the area is considered the fifth largest city in Colombia. Water is located around the city in many directions. To the west, you’ll find the Caribbean Sea but to the south is the Cartagena Bay which feeds into the Pacific Ocean.
Cartagena Transportation
Because the entire city of Cartagena is a tourist attraction, your best choice for exploration is simply walking around. Of course, you can choose to travel by taxis but you always wanted to settle on a fare before riding anywhere with the driver. Otherwise, you could end up paying more than you expected. Chariots are a good choice if you are traveling around the old town. However, if you want to reach other parts of the area, such as the San Felipe fort or the Islas del Rosario, you may want to take a bus or a boat, respectively.
Exciting Things to Do in Cartagena Colombia
With a beautiful beach nearby, you should consider spending some time enjoying the sun and the sea. One of the best beaches to visit is the Playa Blanca which can be reached by ferry, car, or Sunday bus. By far the best beach in Cartagena, you’ll enjoy spending at least one night sleeping in a hammock on the beach. It’s an experience you’ll never forget. Another beach related spot to visit is the Sportbaru which is a resort providing a wide variety of activities, including eco-friendly hikes, gaming areas, boat tours, and water sports. While you could choose to stay there one night, you can also just spend the day at the resort. You can also go swimming with dolphins at the Laheroica Aquarium on the Islas del Rosario.
Exploring Museums and History
You won’t have to travel far in Cartagena Columbia to find history. The city includes some amazing forts and aspects of its walled city that are still intact even after five centuries have passed. You may also want to take a look at the 17th century fortress known as Castillo de San Felipe before heading to the top of La Popa hill nearby for a panoramic view of the city and its waters. The main historic pat of Cartagena is known as Old Town and is surrounded by the protective city wall. Visitors can explore the area via the Clock Tower Building.
Despite being historic everywhere you look, you will also find plenty of museums in the area, too. Although not necessarily a family museum, the Palacio de la Inquisicion is a unique museum dedicated to the Spanish Inquisition. English touring guides are available for a fee. For lovers of religious architecture, the city is overflowing with amazing examples, including the Iglesia de San Pedro Claver and the La Catedral.
Festive Locations in Cartagena
After you’ve been enjoying the rich history of Cartagena by day, you can spend the evening having a good time at some of the local nightclubs. One of the hottest spots for music, dancing, and drinking is Ciudad Vieja. However, an alternative is La Avenida del Arsenal. About ten discos are located along this strip, including Mister Babilla which is one of the best spots for a good time while you’re in Cartagena Colombia.
Don’t Miss Cartagena Spots
With so much to enjoy in Cartagena, you don’t want to miss out on the performing arts. More than 100 performing art troupes perform regularly in the city and more than 32 cinemas are found in the city. Plus, Cartagena is home to a European Film Festival every September. For something a little less artistic, you might want to take in a boxing match at the Cartagena de Indias Convention Center.