Summer weekend in Cartagena
How locals do summer in Cartagena — patios, beaches, festivals and the long-evening rituals that only happen in July and August.
Top spots in Cartagena
Bazurto Market Food Tour
Food & DrinkBazurto
Locals' chaotic market — sancocho, posta negra, fresh fish at family stalls (book a guide).
Rosario Islands Day Trip
OutdoorsRosario Archipelago
45-minute speedboat to coral reefs, beach clubs and lobster lunches at Cholón.
Getsemaní
NightlifeGetsemaní
Once gritty, now the city's bohemian heart — Plaza de la Trinidad fills nightly with salsa and street food.
Café del Mar Sunset
NightlifeCity Walls
Wall-top open-air bar — sundowner mojitos with the Caribbean turning gold.
Where to eat
Alma
$$$Modern Caribbean · Centro Histórico
Casa San Agustín's plant-filled courtyard — refined arepas, posta negra, rum cocktails.
Carmen
$$$$Modern Colombian · Centro Histórico
Two-storey colonial mansion — chef Rob Pevitts' tasting menus of Caribbean produce.
Demente
$$Tapas / Pizza · Getsemaní
Retractable-roof courtyard in Plaza de la Trinidad — wood-fired pizzas, gin tonics, DJ nights.
La Cevichería
$$Ceviche · Centro Histórico
Bourdain-famous corner spot — mixed ceviche and shrimp arepas. Expect a queue.
La Mulata
$Lunch menu · Centro Histórico
Best-value menu del día — three courses, fresh juice, art-school crowd.
Live & on stage
Bululú Cartagena
Plaza de la Aduana · Mar 6–8 · Salsa
Festival Internacional de Música
Multiple · Jan 7–17 · Classical
Fiestas de Independencia
City-wide · Nov 7–11 · Carnival / Free
Hay Festival Cartagena
Centro Histórico · Jan 29 – Feb 1 · Literature / Music
Frequently asked
- Standouts right now: Getsemaní, Rosario Islands Day Trip, Café del Mar Sunset. The shortlist is curated by people who live in Cartagena and refreshed regularly so it reflects what's actually open and worth your time.