Things to do in Cartagena

[Miguel]

This is based on the star system, one to five stars.

*****The old city at night. One of the most romantic places on the face of the earth. Stroll through the town, especially Plaza Santo Domingo, area around the Watch Tower/Cafe San Pedro, Catedral, Park between Museo del Inquisicion and Museo de Oro. Better yet, take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage with your sweetie.

****The old city during daytime. Good time to visit the walls around the city (not so safe at night time). Also the museums, including,

****Museo de la Inquisicion. See just how cruel the Spanish were.

***Museo Naval - Military history buffs will like this.

***Museo de Pedro Claver -- Spanish priest who ministered to the slaves

*Museo del Oro -- Good if you like archeology/anthropology, but I've seen better displays elsewhere

****Eating Out. Upmarket recommended restaurants: La Vitrola for seafood, La Brochetta for Italian, Cafe San Pedro. Juan del Mar deserves a mention. I think the food is overrated, but get a table close to the live music and it's worth it for the atmosphere. You may catch Juan, who's an actor and a singer, jamming with the band. Medium priced but good quality: Santisimo and Da Pietro. All are in Old City except Da Pietro (in Boca Grande).

*****Castillo San Felipe. Fantastic, giant old Spanish Fort that protected Cartagena from a land invasion. Tunnels go through the bottom of the fort. Makes you damn glad you weren't a Spanish soldier in CTG in the 17th century.

***La Popa -- Monastery on a hill overlooking CTG

*****Islas de Rosario. Mahagua, run by Sofitel, is best "eco-friendly" hotel on the islands. If you like A/C, then Cocodrilo might be a good choice. (Never stayed there though.) If you don't want to overnight, take a day tour. Either way, go by the aquarium, and take advantage of the snorkeling. It's not, say Cozumel quality, but it's still pretty darn good. Beaches are nicer than Cartagena. Playa Blanca is a very nice beach that's on mainland, I think, but tour boats stop there too.

***Take a ride in a Chiva, at night if you're a borracho like me. See the sites of the city, stop in at a club, with all the rot gut aguardiente you can drink along the way.

***Take a canoe with a guide through the mangrove swamps, on the other side of the road just across from Hotel Las Americas. Swing like Tarzan through the trees if you're a little adventurous and not afraid of heights. (Something tour cos. would never let you do in USA because of liability concerns.)

[Houndog]

The Old City, The Beaches Outside the City, The Boat Tours to The Islands and the SeaQarium, The Museums, The Emerald Stores, on & on & on!!!

[Houndog]

Did I mention that you can stroll the streets & beaches with your lady at 2am (on Baca Grande) and the only people you are likey to pass are other lovers!

[RXD]

Cartagena is the beautiful city. There are number of historical places to visit. You can also visits museum such as Modern Art Museum and Naval Museum. You can also go to Rosario Islands. To enjoy your vacation.