Must-Do Activities in Cartagena-Historic Center

The Historic Center of Cartagena de Indias is a colonial treasure that beats to the rhythm of Caribbean music, where every cobblestone street tells stories from centuries past while embracing modernity with gastronomic and cultural offerings that captivate both locals and visitors.

Among centuries-old walls and flower-adorned balconies, a vibrant city hides, offering unique experiences for every type of traveler.

Walking through the streets of the walled center is an essential activity if you visit Cartagena. It’s like taking a journey back in time, where colonial architecture perfectly blends with the contemporary energy of a city that never sleeps.

From the imposing Clock Tower (Torre del Reloj) to the most intimate corners of Getsemaní, every corner promises a new gastronomic or cultural adventure.

In this guide to must-do activities in the Historic Center, we will explore the places that make the heart of the city a unique destination in the world, organized according to your tastes and preferences. Because we know that every traveler seeks something different, we have categorized the best experiences so you can find exactly what your heart is looking for in this magical city.

Must-Do Activities for Beer Lovers

Beer Lovers Cartagena

In the heart of Getsemaní is Beer Lovers Cartagena, a temple dedicated exclusively to beer enthusiasts seeking authentic experiences and unique flavors. This establishment has become a benchmark for those wishing to explore the diversity of Colombian and international craft beers in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

What makes Beer Lovers Cartagena special is its commitment to beer education and promotion of local producers. Its rotating menu features over 50 different beers, from tropical IPAs crafted on the Caribbean coast to dark beers fermented in the Colombian Andes.

The atmosphere is casual yet curated, with both indoor and outdoor spaces inviting conversation and relaxed enjoyment. Special events are common, including new beer launches, food pairings with local cuisine, and tasting afternoons where visitors can discover unique flavors while learning about the growing Colombian craft beer scene in one of the country’s most beautiful settings.

Cervecería Cartagena

Cervecería Cartagena represents local pride in every bottle, being the first craft brewery established in the city that perfectly combines traditional brewing with the unique flavors of the Colombian Caribbean.

Located in a restored colonial house, this establishment not only serves beer but also allows visitors to learn about the artisanal brewing process.

The brewery’s offerings are based on local ingredients reflecting Caribbean identity: beers with hints of coconut, passion fruit, coastal lime, and tropical spices, creating unique flavor profiles worldwide.

Its flagship beer, a golden ale with tropical fruit notes, has become a symbol of Cartagena’s brewing identity and is highly sought after by both locals and tourists.

Tours of the facilities include detailed explanations of the brewing process, from selecting malts to final bottling, allowing visitors to appreciate the art and science behind each beer.

Honorable Mentions

• La Juma Cartagena: An innovative concept that combines craft beer with a festive atmosphere and live music.

• Alquímico: Internationally recognized, offering a curated selection of beers in a sophisticated setting.

Must-Do Experiences if You Love Cocktails

Alquímico

In the heart of the Historic Center is Alquímico, a bar that has revolutionized Cartagena’s beverage scene and is recognized as one of the best bars in the world. This establishment, located in a beautifully restored colonial house, combines Cartagena’s architectural tradition with an innovative concept that attracts both locals and tourists alike.

What makes Alquímico special is not only its impressive variety of cocktails but also its unique atmosphere that encourages visitors to stay until the early hours of the morning. The bar features multiple levels, each with its own personality: from the rooftop terrace overlooking colonial rooftops to the cozy interior courtyard where the Caribbean breeze accompanies every sip.

Its beer menu includes both local and international options, with a strong focus on Colombian craft beers gaining worldwide recognition. The bartenders at Alquímico are true experts who can guide you to the perfect choice based on your taste, and it’s not uncommon to find limited edition beers or special collaborations you won’t find anywhere else in the city.

El Barón

El Barón has established itself as one of the most sophisticated destinations for cocktail lovers in Cartagena’s Historic Center, offering a premium experience that combines cutting-edge mixology techniques with the elegance of a refined environment.

The cocktail menu at El Barón is a masterpiece of mixological creativity, incorporating local ingredients in innovative ways to craft unique drinks you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

Its mixologists, trained at top international schools, have developed special techniques including house fermentations, artisanal distillations, and the use of state-of-the-art equipment to create surprising textures and flavors.

The atmosphere at El Barón evokes the sophistication of major metropolitan bars while maintaining the warm, welcoming touch of the Caribbean. Its interior design blends modern elements with colonial details, creating intimate spaces perfect for deep conversations or special celebrations.

The experience at El Barón goes beyond drinking; it is an immersion into the art of contemporary mixology, where each cocktail is a small work of art stimulating all the senses.

Honorable Mentions

• Donde Fidel Salsa Club: Famous for authentic mojitos in a lively environment filled with Caribbean music and dance.

• Bourbon Bar: An elegant option offering premium cocktails at the Hotel Casa San Agustín.

Must-Do Experiences if You Love Sweets

Gelateria Paradiso

In the heart of the Historic Center, Gelateria Paradiso has become the perfect haven for those looking to sweeten their Cartagena stroll with the city’s best artisanal ice cream.

This family-run establishment has perfected the art of Italian gelato while adapting it to Colombian tropical flavors, creating unique combinations that delight both locals and visitors.

The magic of Gelateria Paradiso lies in its commitment to quality and constant innovation. Using natural, regional ingredients—like tropical fruits, Colombian cacao, and local spices—they craft flavors you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

Classics like coconut-lime gelato or passion fruit with chocolate have become must-try items for anyone visiting the city.

The gelateria’s atmosphere is equally charming: a bright and welcoming space decorated with vibrant colors reflecting the Caribbean joy. Families are often seen enjoying ice cream together while planning their next stop in the Historic Center, making Paradiso a refreshing and delicious pause that perfectly complements exploring the city under the tropical sun.

Dulces de las Mercedes

Dulces de las Mercedes represents a century-old tradition in Cartagena, kept alive by the palenqueras—women dressed in colorful traditional attire who roam the streets of the Historic Center offering these handmade sweets.

This experience goes beyond satisfying a sweet tooth; it is an authentic encounter with local culture and ancestral flavors.

These treats, made from coconut, panela (unrefined cane sugar), and tropical fruits, are prepared following recipes passed down through generations. Examples include cocadas, alegrías, enyucados, and coconut cakes, each with its own personality and family story.

Buying Dulces de las Mercedes is not just a commercial transaction; it is participating in a cultural ritual connecting the present with Cartagena’s past.

Honorable Mentions

• Crepes & Waffles: Colombian chain offering excellent desserts and a family-friendly atmosphere in the city center.

• Ábaco Libros y Café: Combines a literary experience with delicious homemade desserts and specialty coffee.

Must-Do Experiences if You Love Coffee

Época Espresso Bar

Época Espresso Bar is a hidden gem in the Historic Center that has earned recognition from true coffee aficionados for its obsessive dedication to perfection in every cup.

This intimate establishment, with just a few tables, offers an authentic coffee experience that transports visitors to traditional European cafés—but infused with the soul and unique flavors of Colombian coffee.

Época’s philosophy is based on simplicity and excellence: they use only beans from the finest local coffee farms, roasted artisanally and brewed with traditional techniques that highlight the unique characteristics of each origin.

Their espresso, considered by many as the best in the city, is the result of years of refining the craft—from grinding to extraction—achieving a perfect balance of acidity, sweetness, and body.

The atmosphere at Época is minimalistic yet warm, decorated with vintage photographs and traditional coffee cultivation tools that pay homage to Colombia’s coffee history. It is a pilgrimage site for the most discerning coffee lovers, where each visit becomes a coffee ceremony celebrating both tradition and technical mastery.

Juan Valdez Café – Historic Center

The Colombian coffee experience reaches its peak at the Juan Valdez Café in Cartagena’s Historic Center, a space that celebrates the country’s rich coffee tradition in an environment steeped in history and culture.

What sets this Juan Valdez location apart is its experiential approach, going beyond serving excellent coffee. Visitors can participate in guided tastings, learning about the different flavor profiles of Colombian coffees—from the soft and aromatic beans of Nariño to the intense and complex ones from Huila.

Specialist baristas share knowledge about preparation methods, the origins of the beans, and the cultural significance of coffee in Colombia.

The café’s atmosphere encourages slow conversation and mindful enjoyment, with comfortable spaces indoors with air conditioning and a colonial patio where the Caribbean breeze accompanies every sip.

Honorable Mentions

• Café San Alberto: Renowned Colombian brand offering premium coffee experiences in an elegant setting.

Must-Do Experiences if You Love Culture and Reading

Ábaco Libros y Café

Ábaco Libros y Café represents the perfect fusion of a passion for literature and a love for artisanal sweets, creating a unique space in the Historic Center where lovers of both worlds can find their ideal refuge.

Ábaco’s culinary offerings focus on homemade desserts crafted with traditional recipes perfected over the years. Their cakes, cheesecakes, brownies, and artisanal cookies are prepared daily with the finest ingredients, many of them local—Colombian chocolate, fresh tropical fruits, and Caribbean spices that give each creation a unique flavor.

What truly sets Ábaco apart is its ability to create a complete cultural ecosystem. Shelves filled with carefully curated books invite literary exploration, while comfortable tables and warm lighting provide the perfect ambiance to enjoy a dessert alongside a good book.

It’s common to find literary gatherings, book presentations, and cultural events, making every visit an enriching experience that nourishes both body and soul.

Biblioteca Bartolomé Calvo

The Bartolomé Calvo Library is much more than a repository of books; it is a living cultural center pulsing with the intellectual and artistic life of Cartagena. Housed in a beautiful republican-style building, this library has been a witness and participant in the city’s cultural life for decades, becoming a must-visit hub for writers, readers, researchers, and culture lovers.

Its bibliographic collection is impressive, with special emphasis on Caribbean literature, the history of Cartagena, and research on coastal culture. What makes the library truly special are its cultural activities: book presentations, keynote lectures, literary gatherings, art exhibitions, and poetry recitals that keep the city’s intellectual traditions alive.

The building itself is a work of art, featuring high ceilings, large windows that allow natural light, and reading spaces that invite focus and study. Its inner gardens provide a unique peaceful atmosphere amidst the bustle of the Historic Center, creating the perfect setting for reading and reflection.

Honorable Mentions

• Librería Nacional Centro: Extensive selection of national and international books in the heart of the Historic Center.

• Casa Museo Rafael Núñez: Former residence of the Colombian president and poet, converted into a cultural museum.

The Historic Center of Cartagena is a mosaic of experiences that satisfy all tastes and passions. From the innovative flavors of its bars and restaurants to the cultural richness of its libraries and art centers, every corner of this walled city offers the opportunity to create unforgettable memories.

What makes Cartagena truly special is its ability to preserve its historic essence while embracing modernity with top-notch gastronomic and cultural offerings. Each experience recommended here represents not just a plan, but a gateway to a deeper understanding of the Cartagena spirit: the joy of living, passion for good food and drink, love for the arts, and the importance of preserving traditions while building the future.

Whether you are seeking the perfect craft beer at a world-renowned bar, the most innovative cocktail in a colonial setting, a sweet treat that evokes nostalgia, coffee that connects you to the land, or a book that transports you to other worlds, the Historic Center of Cartagena has a unique experience ready to exceed all expectations.

Thank you for joining us on this journey through the flavors and experiences of Cartagena’s Historic Center!

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