Cartagena has one of the best-preserved colonial towns in the Americas and you can clearly see it when you wander the streets of the old town. One of the main attractions is the old town within the walled city. Its cobbled streets, plazas (about 16 of them) and colorful colonial buildings are a delight when you walk the streets.
Cartagena’s houses in the old town are remarkably beautiful, and if you look closely you can notice how elaborate and beautiful some of the doors and door nobs are. In colonial times the door nob identified the type of family that lived there.
For example, lions meant that it was the house of military, teacher, or politicians; Lizards showed ties to royal Spanish background; Fishes were for fishermen, merchants, etc. The more elaborate the door job, the more prestigious the family was.
While visiting these streets, you must take a beautiful picture with some amazing houses and doors in the background and try to spot and identified the different types of door nobs in the city.
Some beautiful streets to visit are: Calle Tumbamuerto, Calle de Santo Domingo, Calle de la Mantilla, Calle de Don Sancho, Calle de la Iglesia, Calle Cochera, Calle de las Bovedas.
Things to know:
What to avoid? Vendors will follow you and try to make a sale, just be firm and say “No Gracias” and just keep walking.
What to eat? Eat some mango with salt, “arepa de huevo” (fried pattie with meat and egg) and some fresh and refreshing coconut water from vendors on the street. (See our What to eat recommendations)
Which area to stay? San Diego is a great neighborhood with beautiful Airbnbs.
Other recommendations:
Cartagena is a Caribbean city so it is very hot during the day, I recommend you go either early in the morning or late in the afternoon. If you can, avoid walking around at noon, it could be brutal. Sunblock, hat, water and an umbrella are a must.
Just take it all in, explore and notice all the colors, the beauty and how the old town comes alive with locals coming into downtown to work or study.
