[2025 Cartagena Attraction] Travel Guide for Castle San Felipe de Barajas (Updated Jan)

Day 1: Start by exploring the vibrant streets of the Old Town 🌸, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the iconic Castillo San Felipe de Barajas 🏰 for panoramic views of the city and learn about its fascinating history. End the day with a sunset walk along the city walls 🌅. Day 2: Spend the morning at the Rosario Islands 🌊, a short boat ride from Cartagena. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, or just relaxing on the beach 🏖. In the evening, stroll through Getsemani 🎨, known for its street art and lively atmosphere, and enjoy a local dinner in one of its trendy restaurants. Day 3: Take a trip to La Popa Monastery ⛪, situated on a hill for fantastic views of the city and coast. Afterward, visit the Palacio de la Inquisición for a deep dive into Cartagena’s colonial history. End the day with some shopping at Las Bóvedas for local crafts and souvenirs 🎁. Day 4: Relax and soak in the Caribbean vibes at Bocagrande Beach 🏖. In the afternoon, explore the Modern Art Museum 🎨 and finish your trip with a boat tour around the bay 🚤, admiring the illuminated skyline. #CartagenaMagic #ColombianCoast #100WaysOfTravel #IslandVibes

Castle San Felipe de Barajas is an old fortress built in in the 1600’s for the Spanish. It towers over the city offering excellent views of the city skyline and the coast line. Inside there are various tunnels to explore, information boards dotted around and plenty of open space for meandering. The fortress is very close to the old town so you can see it and then take a walk for a coffee in one of the beautiful little streets there. I visited at 7am and there was nobody around which was nice. Price of entry was 30,000 COP.

Two days of encountering four weddings or something, really bullying single dogs! Western-style rituals are very simple, the Bible is very long, there are not many guests, the church is beautiful, holding your hand to kiss your lips and going home and making dolls.. Unlike the domestic noisy, more quiet prayers and quiet Blessing, I think, this is what the wedding should have.

Cartagena, located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, is a city that dazzles with its vibrant colors, rich history, and lively atmosphere. Known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and beautiful beaches, Cartagena offers a perfect blend of cultural heritage and tropical charm. Wander through the walled city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can explore cobblestone streets lined with colorful buildings, plazas, and churches. Key landmarks include the impressive San Felipe de Barajas Castle and the Clock Tower Gate. The Palace of the Inquisition and the Gold Museum provide fascinating insights into the city’s past. The lively Getsemani neighborhood, known for its street art and vibrant nightlife, is a great place to experience local culture. Cartagena’s coastal location means that fresh seafood is abundant. Enjoy local specialties such as ceviche and fried fish at one of the city’s many restaurants. The nearby Rosario Islands offer stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, perfect for a day trip. For a taste of Cartagena's modern side, head to Bocagrande, a district known for its skyscrapers, upscale shops, and beach resorts. The Plaza Santo Domingo, with its outdoor cafes and live music, is a great spot to relax and soak in the city's lively ambiance. Take a romantic evening stroll along the city walls, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea and the city’s skyline. The city’s vibrant festivals, such as the Cartagena International Music Festival and the Hay Festival of Literature, showcase its rich cultural scene and attract visitors from around the world. Cartagena’s nightlife is equally lively, with a range of bars, clubs, and live music venues offering entertainment until the early hours. #songkran2024#historicallandmarks#localguides#familytrip

Cartagena, located on Colombia's northern coast along the Caribbean Sea, is a city renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning colonial architecture. Known as the "Heroic City," Cartagena's walled old town, with its cobblestone streets and colorful buildings, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a blend of historical charm and lively modern life. What to Expect Visitors to Cartagena can explore a city that vibrates with life and color. The old town is surrounded by thick colonial stone walls and is filled with beautifully preserved buildings, plazas, churches, and narrow streets bustling with activity. Outside the old town, modern Cartagena offers beaches, high-rise buildings, and vibrant nightlife. Experiences and Recommendations Start your journey in the old town, where you can walk through the Plaza de los Coches, Plaza Santo Domingo, and Plaza de Bolívar, each offering unique sights and sounds. The Cartagena Cathedral and the Church of San Pedro Claver are must-visit landmarks for their historical and architectural significance. Visit the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, an imposing fortress that provides panoramic views of the city and the sea. This fortress, built by the Spanish in the 16th century, played a crucial role in defending the city from pirate attacks and other threats. Explore the colorful Getsemaní neighborhood, known for its street art, vibrant nightlife, and bohemian atmosphere. This area, once the site of intense revolutionary activity, now hosts cafes, bars, and art galleries. Take a day trip to the nearby Rosario Islands, a group of small coral islands known for their beautiful beaches, clear waters, and excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities. The islands are a perfect getaway for relaxation and water activities. #mytravelhacks#historicallandmarks#localguides

Cartagena, located on Colombia's northern coast, is a captivating city known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and stunning Caribbean beaches. This UNESCO World Heritage site blends history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a top destination in South America. What to Expect Visitors to Cartagena can expect to be enchanted by its old-world charm and lively atmosphere. The walled city, or "Ciudad Amurallada," is a maze of cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and leafy plazas. This historic area is home to numerous landmarks, including the imposing Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, a fortress that offers panoramic views of the city and the sea. The Clock Tower Gate (Torre del Reloj) serves as the main entrance to the old city and is a prominent symbol of Cartagena. Experiences and Recommendations Exploring the old city on foot is the best way to soak in its atmosphere. Wander through the narrow streets and discover hidden gems such as the Plaza de Santo Domingo, where you can enjoy local cuisine and watch street performers. A visit to the Palace of the Inquisition provides insights into Cartagena’s colonial past, while the nearby Gold Museum showcases pre-Columbian artifacts. Tips and Tricks The best time to visit Cartagena is during the dry season from December to April, when the weather is warm and sunny. The city can be quite humid, so light, breathable clothing is recommended. Safety has improved significantly, but it's still wise to stay in well-populated areas, especially at night. Be sure to try local dishes such as arepas, ceviche, and the refreshing drink, limonada de coco. The Mercado de Bazurto is a bustling market where you can experience the local culture and cuisine. Personal Reflections Cartagena’s vibrant colors, rich history, and warm hospitality left a lasting impression on me. Watching the sunset from the ancient city walls, with the Caribbean Sea as a backdrop, was a truly magical experience. The city’s lively streets and beautiful beaches create a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Cartagena is a city that captures the heart with its blend of historical charm and modern vibrancy. Whether exploring its colonial past or enjoying its natural beauty, Cartagena offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience. #ColorfulCartagena #CaribbeanCharm #ColonialColombia #HistoricWonders #BeachParadise #TravelColombia #mytravelhacks#historicallandmarks#localguides

Cartagena, a gem on Colombia's Caribbean coast, captivated me with its vibrant colors, historical depth, and the warm embrace of its tropical climate. This city, encircled by ancient walls and steeped in history, offered a journey through time, where the legacy of Spanish colonialism meets the pulsating rhythms of Afro-Caribbean culture. Wandering through the Old Town, I was enchanted by the kaleidoscope of colors that adorned its well-preserved colonial buildings. Bougainvillea spilled over balconies, and the cobblestone streets echoed with the sounds of salsa and the Caribbean Sea's gentle lapping. The city's architecture, a testament to its rich history, ranged from grand cathedrals to intimate plazas, each corner telling a story of conquest, culture, and community. The Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas stood as a formidable reminder of Cartagena's strategic importance in the colonial era. Climbing its ramparts at sunset, I was treated to panoramic views of the city, where the modern skyline contrasted sharply with the historic district, offering a visual narrative of Cartagena's evolution. Exploring the Getsemaní neighborhood, I discovered the vibrant heart of Cartagena's contemporary life. Street art covered the walls with powerful expressions of identity and resistance, while lively cafes and bars pulsed with the energy of local life. Here, the city's creative spirit was palpable, showcasing a community proud of its heritage and eager to embrace the future. A visit to Cartagena would not be complete without experiencing its culinary delights. Coastal flavors dominated the menus, with dishes like ceviche, fried fish with coconut rice, and arepas de huevo reflecting the fusion of indigenous, Spanish, and African influences. Dining al fresco, with the Caribbean breeze and the sound of waves, was a reminder of Cartagena's unique position at the crossroads of cultures. The city's connection to the sea was ever-present. A boat trip to the Rosario Islands revealed crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches, offering a tranquil escape from the urban energy. Snorkeling among coral reefs and lounging on white sandy beaches provided a glimpse into the natural beauty that lies just beyond Cartagena's historic walls. Cartagena's charm lies in its ability to weave together the threads of its diverse heritage into a vibrant tapestry of life. The city, with its historic beauty, cultural richness, and coastal allure, offered an unforgettable experience that went beyond the visual to touch the heart and soul. It's a place where history is alive, culture thrives, and every sunset over the Caribbean Sea feels like a celebration. #mytravelhacks#historicallandmarks#localguides#familytrip

Cartagena is a lovely and storied city situated on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. It is known for its walled Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is also home to a number of other popular tourist attractions, including the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, the Cartagena Cathedral, and the Getsemani neighborhood. Cartagena was founded in 1533 by the Spanish conquistador Pedro de Heredia. The city quickly became an important trading port and a strategic military post. The walled Old Town was built in the 17th century to protect the city from pirate attacks. If you are looking for a lovely and storied city with something to offer everyone, Cartagena is the perfect destination for you.