Top Things to do in Cartagena District
Top Hotels in Cartagena District
- 1. Dreams Karibana Cartagena Golf & Spa Resort
- 2. Hyatt Regency Cartagena
- 3. Hotel Las Americas Casa de Playa
- 4. Hotel Cartagena Plaza
- 5. Hotel Estelar Playa Manzanillo
- 6. Hotel Las Americas Torre del Mar
- 7. Holiday Inn Cartagena Morros, an IHG Hotel
- 8. ESTELAR Cartagena de Indias Hotel & Convention Centre
- 9. Ermita, Cartagena, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel
- 10. Sofitel Legend Santa Clara
Countries
The 10 Best Points of Interest & Landmarks in Cartagena District, Bolivar Department
Discover the best top things to do in Cartagena District, Colombia including Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, Plaza Santo Domingo, Plaza de San Diego, Centro de Convenciones Cartagena de Indias, Casa del Marquez de Valdehoyos, Plaza de San Pedro Claver, Plaza de La Trinidad, La Gorda Gertrudis, Baluarte de San Ignacio, Plaza de Bolivar.
Restaurants in Cartagena District
1. Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12,870 reviews
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. Plaza Santo Domingo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,902 reviews
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
3. Plaza de San Diego
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,248 reviews
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.
4. Centro de Convenciones Cartagena de Indias
5. Casa del Marquez de Valdehoyos
6. Plaza de San Pedro Claver
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 344 reviews
Reviewed By belleretraite - Montreal, Canada
This Plaza is characterized by a big number of original sculptures and a lot of street sellers ! Nice place to spend some time after a visit of the San Pedro Claver church !
7. Plaza de La Trinidad
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 459 reviews
Reviewed By NashvilleontheRoad
I walked through here every night to people watch, shop, get dessert, and watch the performers. Plenty of good places to eat and drink in this area. And lots of people love to hangout in this plaza. Definitely take time to hang out and soak up this cool vibe in this great neighborhood.
8. La Gorda Gertrudis
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 530 reviews
Reviewed By X7681RUjayc
It is always an exceptional experience to spend time with a larger than life Botero sculpture. The most important piece of public art in the Centro.
9. Baluarte de San Ignacio
10. Plaza de Bolivar
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2,743 reviews
This colonial plaza is surrounded by the Cathedral, the Palace of the Inquisition and a gold museum.
Reviewed By lala405 - Nanaimo, Canada
Colombian's have lots of history, lots of pride in their story. Nice square that represents. Nice square with lots of buskers and sellers
