Where to stay, when to go

First of all the official tourist site on the net Cartagena de Indias - Colombia

Either you stay in one of the big hotels in Bocagrande or you pick one of the really great boutique hotels in the old town. If you are more the appartement-traveller...you can find a lot of appartements in the center or just a 7 minute ride away.
The one we picked for our stay was at Morros. Rental Appartements at Morros Epic & Morros Ultra
Just a great place to stay, at the beach, close to the city, close to the village of La Boquilla.

See also the following map to get an idea:

Cartagena enjoys tropical weather nearly year-round, with temperatures averaging 32 celsius degrees. Mid-November through February is the best time to visit, as the months after the brief rainy season (October through the beginning of November) are often the least humid.

Cartagena de Indias, view on the old town:

Cartagena de Indias, view on the beach of Bocagrande:

Cartagena de Indias, view on the beach in front Morros:

Also check out a little older report about the city Inside Cartagena By Maureen Orth

Sylvestre at the restaurant El Nativo

Sash at Tu Candela Bar

Engin at the beach of La Boquilla

          

enjoy reading!

Salud!!!

What to do - sightseeing

Let's start with Cartagena's main attraction, its historic old town surrounded by the city wall. Main entrance is the Clock Tower building. The walled city includes the neighbourhoods Centro, San Diego, Getsemaní and the modern part La Matuna. The oldest part of Cartagena is around Plaza Trinidad in Getsemaní.

In 1984, Cartagena's colonial walled city and fortress were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. By the way, the city was founded on 1 June 1533 by Spanish commander Pedro de Heredia, in the former location of the indigenous Caribbean Calamarí village. The town was named after Cartagena, Spain, where most of Heredia's sailors came from.

For more ideas on Cartagena attractions check out this report from 2011/12.

Where to go - food & party

When it's about food & dining out in Cartagena it really offers anything what you could imagine.
We really liked Quebracho (Calle Boloco), San Pedro (Plaza San Pedro), ....

Restaurant Quebracho, Calle Boloco, Old Town

and for the 'rumba' start with Cafe del Mar, Cafe Havana....and much later move either to Babar, Mr Babilla, Tu Candela, ....great fun & party!

Cafe Havana

Bar Tu Candela, Portal de los Dulces, Old Town