Cartagena, a vibrant coastal city nestled along the northern shores of Colombia where the Caribbean Sea kisses the land, is a treasure trove of history and beauty. The old town, with its stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage, has transformed into a must-visit destination for travelers seeking charm and authenticity! ✨
“Since I didn’t venture out to the nearby islands this time, I spent the majority of my two days exploring the old town. So, I’ll be sharing some highlights from within this enchanting area.”
📍 Must-Visit Photo Spots 📷
1️⃣ **Calle de la Iglesia (Church Street):** This street, as seen in countless online photos, is undoubtedly one of Cartagena’s most picturesque gems. Bursting with vivid colors, it offers a perfect backdrop for memorable snapshots. Keep an eye out for locals dressed in skirts adorned with the Colombian flag 🇨🇴 (P5). If you’d like to pose with them for photos, be prepared to pay a small fee.
2️⃣ **Torre del Reloj (Clock Tower Monument):** Serving as the gateway to the old town, this iconic structure also marks the entrance to the historic city walls. While it’s a popular spot for tourists, it may not offer the best views for sunset watching 🌅—but it’s still worth a visit!
3️⃣ **Abaco Libros Y Cafe (Abaco Books and Cafe):** A beloved local café ☕️, this charming spot features an entire wall dedicated to works by Gabriel García Márquez 📚, drawing book lovers from all over the world. The intersection just outside the café is another excellent place to capture striking photos [PraiseR].
Inside, the air-conditioned ambiance makes it a delightful retreat for sipping coffee and diving into a good book when your feet need a rest (though, alas, my lack of Spanish meant I could only enjoy the atmosphere!).
4️⃣ **Baluarte de Santo Domingo (Santo Domingo Wall):** Follow the ancient walls down to the seafront for breathtaking sunset vistas. Be sure to arrive early in the evening, as this spot becomes incredibly crowded; otherwise, you might find yourself stuck at the back of the crowd trying to catch a glimpse of the golden hues 🫧.
– On my visit, I was lucky enough to witness a heartfelt proposal—a moment filled with joy and excitement! I joined in the celebration, snapping photos, and even captured a candid shot of the delighted bride-to-be smiling directly into my lens 🥳🫶🏻.
📝 Other Notable Gems:
📍 **Convento de Santa Clara (P11):** From this elevated convent, you can take in panoramic views of Cartagena. While the large cross here is impressive, there aren’t many other attractions nearby.
📍 **Parque Del Centenario (Century Park) (P12-14):** For nature enthusiasts, this open park is home to adorable sloths 🦥, playful cotton-top tamarins 🐒, and fascinating iguanas 🦎. However, spotting these creatures requires a bit of patience and keen observation 😝.
📍 **La Serrezuela Mall (P15):** Originally a bullring, this unique shopping center retains its original architectural design on the exterior while housing numerous shops inside. After a day of browsing, you can relax with a refreshing drink and delicious desserts, making for a truly enjoyable experience 😎.
– Due to space constraints, I’ll save my food recommendations for the next post 🫰🏻. Stay tuned if you’re eager to discover more [PartyR]!
