The danger is gone, but the beauty and sex appeal still remain. Cartagena, Colombia, may never live down its associations with Romancing the Stone. And though it is certainly a romantic city — think salt-weathered buildings in bright Caribbean colors, flowers spilling from balconies, and shady plazas for passing languid afternoons — its sizzling nightlife also makes it super sexy.
Cartagena is, in a way, three cities. You could easily spend your entire time in Cartagena getting lost in the twisting, cobbled streets. While you should definitely do your share of idle wandering, here are some must-hits along the way:. But if you just want to give your brain a rest, you can also opt to chill out on the beach. By day, candy vendors peddle their wares; at sundown, folkloric dancers strut their stuff to live drumming; and after dark, there are often free concerts and spontaneous vallenato jams.
Mercado Bazurto — A labyrinthine market brimming with everything from raw meat and fish hold your nose to vegetables, clothes, and cell phones. For the white sand beach Caribbean fantasy, hop a speed boat to Playa Blanca about 45 min. Cartagena cuisine reflects the abundance of fresh fish and tropical fruit on the Colombian coast. Arepas con queso , grilled corn cakes filled with cheese, are ubiquitous, as are fresh tropical juice stands.
The legendary Colombian coffee, of course, is consumed throughout the day — you can buy a shot of the inky brew from the tinto vendors who wander the streets. Lunch is the largest meal of the day and usually consists of fried fish, rice, patacones fried banana cakes , and salad; many restaurants catering to locals are open for lunch and not dinner. La Mulata — This hip lunchonette has delicious hot lunches on the cheap a great place for grilled steak and frothy coconut lemonade.
Gelateria Paradiso — Creamy gelato in tropical fruit flavors. More addictive than the wares of narco-traffickers! Krioyo — Huge salads and tropical juices served in a colorful, funky garden. Music and libations both flow freely in Cartagena.
