Cartagena
BEACHES & REGIONS
AIRPORT
WALLED CITY
GETSEMANI
BOCAGRANDE
TIERRA BOMBA
ROSARIO ISLANDS
BARU & PLAYA BLANCA
Swipe to learn more about the main neighbourhoods, islands and beaches around Cartagena!
Safety
TIPS
Cartagena is a very safe city, especially in the Walled City where all the wedding events and guest accommodations are located. Colombians have a common phrase: "Don't give papaya" meaning avoid flashing valuables or walking alone in unknown neighbourhoods! Stick to the Walled City, especially at night. Like any major city, there are less-safe areas, but where you’ll be staying is very safe and tourist-friendly!
Transport
AROUND CARTAGENA
(C0P) LOCAL CURRENCY
Colombian Pesos
Ubers are widely available, reliable, and very affordable, we strongly recommend using them over taxis. Taxis are cash-only, often overpriced, and can be less safe. Walking is often the easiest because everything is within walking distance and the town is full of charming cobblestone streets.
Foreign currency (including USD) is not accepted in most places. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted. Cash is still necessary for small vendors, markets, and tipping. Beware, there are lots of street vendors and (pushy) street musicians.
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We recommend withdrawing $100 - 150 USD worth of C0P (about 400,000 - 600,000 pesos) from your local bank, this should cover: Small snacks/street food (5,000-10,000 pesos each), as well as tips, souvenirs, and local market purchases.
Tipping is not expected, but always appreciated. Restaurants often add a service charge (look for “propina voluntaria”). Porters and drivers are happy with small tips (aim for 5,000-10,000 pesos)
Fashion
CULTURE IN CARTAGENA
Cartagena is hot and humid year-round, but it’s also very fashionable. Locals and tourists alike tend to dress up, especially at night. Don’t be afraid to dress your best! Think breezy linens, bold colors, flowy dresses, and open collars. Stylish sandals or block heels (the streets are cobbled, stilettos beware! Chic cover-ups and hats for daytime. This city loves a good outfit, and so does our bride!
OUTFIT INSPIRATION
Click here to see our Pinterest boards with outfit inspirations for all the weekend's events!
GUIDE TO INDIAN FASHION
We want all our guests to feel beautiful and festive. For those new to Indian fashion, click here for a quick guide
Things to Do
IN CARTAGENA
Whether you’re spending a few extra days in Cartagena or taking advantage of the “rest, reset, and explore” breaks built into the weekend, here are some activities we love and think you’ll enjoy too.
OLD CITY & GETSEMANI WALKING TOUR: Explore Cartagena’s colonial history and mural-filled streets lined, architecture, and delicious street-food spots. (Link here)
SAN FELIPE CASTLE: Visit Colombia’s most iconic fortress and enjoy panoramic views of the city from its historic ramparts. (Link here)
BALUARTE SAN FRANCISC0: Sip cocktails ocean-side on top of the city wall while watching one of Cartagena’s famous sunsets (Walk-in only, link here)
CAFE HAVANA: Experience a legendary live salsa band and dance the night away in the heart of Getsemaní.
Shopping
REC0MMENDATIONS
Click on the names for more information
LA SERREZUELA MALL: Restored bullring turned luxury mall with high-end shops, local designers and stunning architecture.
AZULU: Contemporary Colombian fashion brand known for chic resort wear and elevated tropical style.
AGUA BENDITA: Celebrated Colombian brand known for its vibrant, high-quality swimwear and matching sets, handcrafted by local artisans.
VICKY TCHERASSI: Stylish boutique offering elegant, fashion-forward pieces with a modern tropical flair, perfect for a standout Cartagena look.
WAIMARI: Offers elegant, handcrafted resort wear made in Colombia, perfect for beach yet sophisticated looks.
VÉLEZ: Authentic Colombian leather store, offering affordable options for bags, shoes and accessories.
Salons
& STYLISTS
Click on the names for more information
CARLOS TORRES SALON
Phone: +316 040 4675 Address: Av. San Martín No. 5-167 Hotel Almirante Estelar Local 03
DIEGO MOYA SALON
Phone: +57 605 665 1883 Address: Historic Center Calle 36 #9-96
LAURA NUÑEZ MAKE UP & HAIR
Phone: +57 312 624 3074 Address: Castillogrande Calle 5A #9-64
We recommend messaging via Whastapp to schedule appointment, reach out in advance to secure your spot during the wedding weekend.
Breakfast
REC0MMENDATIONS
Click on the names for more information
NIA BAKERY: Charming artisan bakery offering fresh breads, pastries and great coffee in a relaxed setting.
BUENA VIDA MARISQUERIA: Bright, colorful seafood spot with a lively rooftop; also serves hearty, tropical-style breakfast.
CASONA VIDA: Cozy café in the walled city known with fresh, tropical breakfasts and great.
EPOCA CAFE BAR: Stylish café and bar known for specialty Colombian coffee, creative brunch and craft cocktails.
HOTEL OSH: Trendy hotel café offering stylish breakfast plates in a chic, minimalist setting.
CASA CAROLINA: Beautiful boutique hotel café offering a relaxed courtyard setting and fresh, elegant breakfast options.
AL ALMA CAFE: Modern Colombian café chain with great coffee, fresh juices and wholesome breakfast dishes.
Lunch
REC0MMENDATIONS
Click on the names for more information
MILA PASTELERIA: Elegant café known for its beautiful décor and elevated Colombian lunch fare with French flair.
CANDÉ: Upscale, romantic sport serving traditional Colombian coastal dishes with live music and folkloric charm.
MISTURA: Trendy Peruvian-fusion restaurant known for fresh seafood, ceviches and stylish ambiance.
Many of the restaurants listed under breakfast and dinner also offer lunch options!
Sunset
DRINKS & DINNER REC0MMENDATIONS
Click on the names for more information
HOTEL MOVICH: Iconic rooftop with one of the best panoramic views of Cartagena's skyline and sunset over the bay.
CASA PURA ROOFTOP: Intimate rooftop bar with cozy vibes and stunning views of the old city at golden hour.
EL MIRADOR GASTROBAR: Lively rooftop spot with cocktails, music and views of the historic city walls and ocean.
BALUARTE SAN FRANCISC0 JAVIER: Open-air bar set on the old city walls, perfect for cocktails at sunset with views of the sea.
EL BARÓN: Cozy cocktail bar in Plaza San Pedro with expertly crafted drinks and a relaxed, intimate vibe.
Dinner
REC0MMENDATIONS
Click on the names for more information
ALMA: Elegant fine dining with Colombian flavors, located inside the charming Casa San Agustín hotel.
CARMEN: Elegant restaurant serving elevated Colombian cuisine in a refined, romantic setting.
MAR Y ZIELO: Stylish rooftop restaurant offering modest coastal cuisine with great views and a relaxed, upscale vibe.
DE INDIAS C0MEDOR & C0PAS: Upscale Colombian cuisine with creative plating, local ingredients and a more intimate, tucked-away atmosphere.
RABO DE PEZ: Stylish, modern seafood restaurant with a laid-back vibe and excellent ceviche.
CANDÉ: Upscale, romantic sport serving traditional Colombian coastal dishes with live music and folkloric charm.
ANDRES CARNE DE RES: Colombian restaurant-meets-party spot known for its theatrical decor, festive energy and meat-focused menu. Great for a lively night out with kids.
Bar & Club
REC0MMENDATIONS
Click on the names for more information
ALQUIMIC0: Cartagena's most famous cocktail bar, ranked among the best in the world. Housed in a colonial mansion with three unique floors. Known for inventive cocktails crafted with Colombian ingredients and a vibe transitions from chill to party throughout the night.
PRO TIP: when you first arrive, go to the rooftop to be added to the queue on your phone, so you can start the night downstairs then soon shift to the rooftop.
CAFE HAVANA: Legendary salsa bar with live Cuban music and a high-energy dance floor. Iconic spot for experiencing Cartagena's old-school nightlife.
LA JUGADA CLUBHOUSE GASTROHOUSE: Upscale multi-floor bar with vibrant decor, creative cocktails and a rooftop dance floor.
EL PASQUIN DE JOAC0: Low-key neighborhood bar with creative cocktails and a relaxed artsy vibe.
LA MOVIDA: Trendy club-lounge hybrid with a stylish crowd, latin beats and a late-night party vibe.
Colombia
TRAVEL REC0MMENDATIONS
If you’re thinking of turning this into a longer Colombia trip, here are a few places we’d recommend before or after the wedding.
SOFITEL BARU CALABLANCA: Best for relaxing beach time, especially if you’re traveling with kids. Barú is a short (~1 hour) drive or boat ride from Cartagena. It is known for its crystalline blue water and white sand beaches. The Sofitel is a luxury resort in Barú that’s great for families and easy to get to from Cartagena (Link here).
SALENTO, C0FFEE REGION & VALLE DEL C0C0RA: Best for nature lovers and chill travelers. Fly into Pereira or Armenia (~1 hr flight from Cartagena), then drive to Salento. You can visit coffee farms, hike or ride horses in the famous Valle de Cocora with its giant wax palm trees, and enjoy a quiet mountain town vibe. Fun fact, the movie Encanto was inspired by this region of Colombia.
MEDELLIN & GUATAPÉ: Best for people who want a mix of city nightlife and scenery. Medellín has Colombia’s best nightlife as well as museums, restaurants, and cable cars over the mountains. We secretly to hope to retire in this city one day! Guatapé is a colorful lakeside town 2 hrs away, with boat rentals, jet skiing, and a famous rock with amazing views you can climb. Fly directly to Medellin (~1 hr flight from Cartagena)
PALOMINO & TAYRONA: Best for beach adventure and jungle hikes. These are more rustic, off-the-grid places on the Caribbean coast. You can surf in Palomino or hike through the jungle to the beaches in Tayrona. Drive directly from Cartagena to Palomino in ~4 hrs.
