Within a short time of arriving in Cartagena, I realized it was one of the most beautiful cities I have ever visited. I would not say it is more fantastic than Paris or Prague, but it is definitely on par or close to par. The city reminds me of mixture of New Orleans and Saint Augustine, but older and more authentic than New Orleans and more grand than Saint Augustine. This Cartagena Old City photo essay I hope describes better the beauty of the fortressed wonder than my words.
Cartagena Old City photo essay
Unfortunately,  I feel I did not do the city enough justice as I spent three nights there, but only one in the Old City. The next two nights I stayed in the Morros district at a Flipkey apartment rental, which was 25 minutes away. I did come back and visit the Old City, but I was not feeling so great after overcoming sickness in Bogota and extreme heat near Tayrona. I was also tempted to just stay at my Flip key Rental since it was so awesome and on the beach. Despite the temptations and the setbacks, I did my best to make the most out of my Cartagena stay.
Cartagena photo essay – The walled city
Cartagena was founded by Spain in 1533 by Spanish commander Pedro de Heredia. After two centuries of attacks, the city continued to improve on its defenses and eventually constructed fortresses that enveloped the city. The Old City is still surrounded by these walls.
Cartagena photo essay – Looking down on Cartagena from the top of the walled fortress
Tips on viewing Cartagena
The best way to enjoy any beautiful city in my opinion is just throw out the map and explore. The Old City is perfect for this because it is surrounded by walls. Many would fear this strategy in a city they are not familiar with for good reason as they might accidentally wander in a not so savory neighborhood by mistake. This is impossible in the Old City since you would have to wander outside the walls to fall into any danger.
I freely walked the cobblestone streets and had no idea where I was half the time. Eventually I would find myself at the Clock Tower or the walls and figure out where I was. There was also a few coffee shops where I leeched Wi-Fi from to check my google map.
Cartagena Old City photo essay – Up on the roof at the hotel
My first night in Cartagena I stayed at the Hotel Don Pedro De Heredia in the Old City. It was a nice place and reasonably priced at around 70 usd, which is not bad considering the central location. The best part about the hotel from a sight seeing perspective was the view of the city on the top floor. They had a breakfast buffet on the roof, which provided a beautiful panoramic of the city.
Cartagena Clock Tower
Cartagena Old City photo essay – Clock tower at night – Just as beautiful at night perhaps even prettier
Another tip is to definitely check out the city at night. The beautiful colors are even more spectacular in the spotlight as the Old City is lit up each night. Due to the lighting and the amount of people walking, the Old City is very safe to walk even up to midnight. I think it is even safe later than that, but the crowds do thin a little bit after midnight so diligence is recommended if exploring late.
Cartagena Old City photo essay
Cartagena Old City Photo Essay – Cartagena Clock Tower
Cartagena Old City Photo Essay – One of the many squares found inside the Old City – This one memorializes the founder of the city
Even the normal apartment buildings are picturesque in Cartagena with vibrant colors and interesting balconies
Cartagena Old City Photo Essay – Another square, another row of beautiful buildings
Cartagena Old City Photo Essay
Another charming aspect of Cartagena was the amount of flowers and plants blooming along the balconies and building in the Old City
Thrilled to find Cartagena such a green city – This was the inside courtroom at my hotel looking up from the pool
One of the many narrow Cartagena streets with balconies adorned with colorful flags
Cartagena Old City Photo Essay
Cartagena Old City Photo Essay
Cartagena Old City Photo Essay
The streets of Cartagena are calling me back
Cartagena Old City Photo Essay
I definitely plan to return to Cartagena someday soon to once again explore its narrow cobblestone streets filled with vibrant hued buildings overflowing with flowering plants, flags, and happy people. Who could not be happy in a city as picturesque as this.
Adventure on!
The goal of Traveling Ted is to inspire people to outdoor adventure travel and then provide tips on where and how to go. If you liked this post then sign up for the email newsletter. Notifications are sent out once or twice a month with what is new with Traveling Ted’s adventures. There is no spam and email information will not be shared. Other e-follow options include Facebook (click on the like box to the right) or twitter (click on the pretty bird on the rainbow above).
Cartagena has been on my list for so long, I think it’s time to go. These photos definitely made me want to get there like now…
Let’s go! #RWCartagena? 🙂
Erin Marie at The World Wanderer recently posted..Giveaway: Tickets to the Boston Globe Travel Show
Sounds like a plan to me 🙂
Love all that old-world feel. I do agree that walking around and exploring for a day or even just a few hours is a great way to experience a place.
Lance | Trips By Lance recently posted..Nighttime Airboat Ride in Florida Everglades
Cartagena is a great place to explore.
Looks like a beautiful place Ted. My only worry is dealing with the heat. Is there a month or two when it’s a little cooler?
Not that I am aware of since it is so close to the equator. Fortunately, when I was there it was a little cloudy, so I did not get the worst effects from the direct sunlight.
I had to re-read your second sentence about being beautiful and Paris. I almost had to stop reading, but realized you said Cartagena is NOT more beautiful than my beloved Paree, so I continued. Point taken. Cartagena is quite a lovely place. Yet another reason to get to Colombia.
Leah recently posted..My 20 Favorite European Hotel Rooms {thus far}
Probably unfair to compare the two. Paris is one of the greatest cities in the world and a capital to one of the greatest countries. Cartagena is the third or fourth biggest city in a developing country. Cartagena is beautiful, but it is not really in the same league as Paris.
I was in Cartagena once for a short time – and a LONG time ago – but I do remember thinking it was a beautiful city. I, too, loved the colorful colonial-style buildings, and a fortress will always be cool, no matter where it is. Great shots!
That is cool that you have been. I would love to return soon.