Guide to visiting historic Cartagena from a cruise ship
Posted on 09. Feb, 2011 by admin in Cartegena
The attractive old city of Cartagena is a very calm introduction to the wilds of Colombia, and after some time here you’ll wonder what all the negative publicity was about.
Here you can plunge in the town’s gruesome history concerning pirates, conquistadors and cursed gold or even shop until you drop at a glut of classy boutiques.
Ancient forts, palaces and cathedral fill the walled town with fine 16th century colonial architecture. And soft white beaches and world-class snorkelling are close at hand as well. Some first class restaurants offer delightful waiter service in Cartegena and worry not about security; highly visible and friendly tourist police peddle push bikes around the main attractions all hours of the day and night.
Cartagena also is a regular stop on the way to Panama’s picture postcard San Blas Islands and great for stocking up on supplies before hitting countless sandy palm tree-covered inlets.
Cartagena’s colonial fortress and walled city were declared an UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984. There are only a few places in the world with such a rich and varied history, and countless people come into this magical South American port every day. Without doubt everyone who arrives here leaves utterly enchanted by its bewitching splendor.
Where ships dock in Cartagena
The port of Cartagena offers a free shuttle bus service for the 20 minute trip towards the old town.
Getting around Cartagena
On foot: getting about Cartagena is simple on foot and there are plenty of free tourist maps available to keep visitors on the right track.
By hire car: major hire car operators operate from the town if you would like to explore the surrounding countryside. Although, with so much life to experience in the old town, it is unlikely you will have sufficient time to make it worthwhile.
By taxi: fast and efficient metered taxis are on hand all over Cartagena. Be sure the driver puts the meter on immediately, however.
Shopping in Cartagena
All sorts of curios, souvenirs and trinkets can be found in the town, from ‘designer’ watches to traditional handicrafts. The main square boasts lots of budding artists hawking pencil sketches of ancient buildings or portraits for very reasonable prices – but be ready to haggle hard. Near the city walls are more reputable boutiques doing a superb line in reproduction colonial artefacts of varying quality.
Bars and nightlife in Cartagena
Cartagena offers a good range of nightspots ranging from quite sterile local bars, trendy lounge pubs with live music and the more seedy ‘hostess’ variety of establishment. There are also young places aimed at backpackers and NGO volunteers which keeps on partying until the wee small hours. Calle del Arsenal has the most to offer visitors to Cartegena including Mr Babilla, which is the most famous nightclub in town with great ‘crossover’ music.
Beaches by Cartagena
La Boquilla is the most convenient beach to get to and lies around eight kilometers north of town.
Ten minutes further down the coast is the well-maintained Manzanillo Beach, which is popular with families.
Playa Blanca is without doubt the prettiest beach in the surrounds. Take a boat, bus or taxi 22kms south of the old town.
The Rosario Islands have good snorkeling and fine sand if you fancy taking a tour 30kms south of town.
Where to eat in Cartagena
There are a few decent Cartegena restaurants by the harbor, but otherwise many people just sit out in the old town and dine under the stars while listening to live music. There are Italian, French and especially local Creole dishes to try and prices are reasonable on the whole. Just head for anywhere which looks busy.
Main sightseeing attractions in Cartagena
Naval Museum: This attraction within the old walls has permanent exhibits on the military history, Universal Navigation and the Colombian Navy.
Church of San Pedro Claver: Built at the start of the 17th century by Jesuit priests. There is also an archeological museum here.
Fort of San Filipe de Barajas: Completed in 1789 to guard against pirates. The city was placed under siege five times during the 1500s.
Inquisition Palace: Constructed in 1770 for the Spanish Inquisition, this is one of most important examples of civil architecture in the city.
Swamp of the Virgin: The unique plant and animal life of this mangrove swamp is fascinating to explore by an organized tour.
The Gold Museum: charts the history of the conquistadors and their oft ill-fated quest for all that glistens.
Cartegena’s ‘seaside resort’: is filled with bars, good quality hotels, shops and restaurants. It is a magnet for international tourists and holidaying Colombians alike.
Activities in Cartagena
Scuba diving: is very popular with lots of unique reefs and wrecks to be explored. PADI courses are very cheap too if you’ve a few days to spare.
Partying: not many places in the world do a party quite like Colombia! Salsa until dawn whilst sipping on mojitos and daiquiris.
Relaxing: the Rosario Island chain is a designated national park richly adorned by coral reefs.
Taking a ride on a chiva: these colorful buses made wood have become an iconic symbol of the country, with historical scenes, festive designs and even biblical imagery. Nowadays they’re used for city tours or bar on wheels.
Travel tips
What to enjoy: sinking a cool beer in the Plaza de Bolivar.
What to avoid: begging and some of the seedier bars.
Language: Spanish.
Essential info: temperatures stay around 90˚F all year with April, May, and October, November the wettest months.
Money: Colombian peso, although US dollars are sometimes accepted.
Fact: Colombian novelist Gabriel Garcia Marquez set his book, Love in the Time of Cholera, in the city.
Bangkok nightlife – Bed Supperclub, Q Bar, sports pubs & drinking
Posted on 22. Oct, 2010 by admin in Bangkok
Bangkok’s reputation as one of the world’s most hedonistic and decadent cities didn’t come by accident – Bangkok has earned it. Even though changes to law regarding nightlife now mean that all places have to close by 2am, the nightlife scene here pumps like crazy seven nights a week. The days of ping pong shows and escort bars may not be as prevalent as they were, and in their place are countless cutting edge clubs that easily hold their own with clubs in Amsterdam, London or New York. (more…)
Nightlife in Kuala Lumpur – KL pubs, bars & clubs
Posted on 10. Sep, 2010 by admin in Kuala Lumpur
As host to some of the planet’s cheapest luxury hotels, best shopping, and most thrilling nightlife, it’s hard to believe Malaysia’s bustling capital city of Kuala Lumpur was only a tiny tin-mining village barely 150 years ago.
With so many fantastic options for Kuala Lumpur nightlife, it’s difficult for visitors to know exactly where to head for the best parties and trendiest music. So hopefully this comprehensive guide will make heading out on the town easier. (more…)
Rustenburg nightlife – bars, pubs & Sun City
Posted on 05. May, 2010 by admin in Rustenburg
Options for nightlife in Rustenburg are basic at best with only a few establishment in town suitable for travelling football fans and tourists. The most atmosphere can be found within the Rustenburg bars around the bus station but some dodgy goings on have been reported there so keep your wits about you. Much safer are the pubs in Rustenburg centre such as on Hyestek Street or Beyers Naudè Drive. However, if you a desperate to let your hair down and party all night the only real option is to drive to Sun City where there are countless bars with better service and ambience than Rustenburg pubs. (more…)
Polokwane pubs & bars – Pietersburg nightlife
Posted on 04. May, 2010 by admin in Polokwane
Polokwane is a rural city where most people rise early and work late. This means Polokwane nightlife is never going to set the world alight and visitors should content themselves with a few drinks at dinnertime and concentrate on exploring the glorious South African bush instead. However, Johnny Foreigner has uncovered a few Polokwane pubs where travellers can whet their whistle in comfort. However, most of these double up as restaurants and are not the most atmospheric, so any serious drinkers are advised to take themselves to the Meropa Sun Casino where there are numerous bars, pubs and restaurants all under the same roof. (more…)
Nightlife in Nelspruit – pubs, bars, clubs
Posted on 03. May, 2010 by admin in Nelspruit
Nelspruit is a city on the rise with the spanking new Mbombela Stadium indicative of the fresh spirit the city has acquired since South Africa was awarded the 2010 World Cup. After matches there are a few Nelspruit nightlife spots worth looking into and most tend to do above average grub as well. Most Nelspruit pubs and bars will have televisions showing all of the live games so you will never have to miss a second of the action to get your fix of ice cold Castle lager. Popular bars in Nelspruit and the surrounding area are Café Matrix, Utopia, Lumber Jacks and Equador but our below list contains some top quality establishments known only to locals. (more…)
Tshwane nightlife – Pretoria bars, pubs & clubs
Posted on 29. Apr, 2010 by admin in Pretoria
If you feel like letting your hair down and having a night out in Pretoria, there’s plenty to keep you up until dawn. Whether you’re after a night sipping cocktails in an elegant lounge or an evening shooting shots on a packed dance floor, nightlife in Pretoria is varied enough to let you do it all and more. The lively suburb of Hatfield, particularly Hatfield Square is one of the best spots for bars and clubs in Pretoria, and locals and visitors flock here every night of the week. There are also many great live music venues in Pretoria with everything from jazz to heavy metal on offer. Other places to go out in Pretoria include the city’s trendy malls and the surrounding neighbourhoods. Check out JF’s guide to nightlife in Pretoria. (more…)
Bloemfontein nightlife – bars, pubs & clubs
Posted on 19. Apr, 2010 by admin in Bloemfontein
If you’ve been used to partying in Johannesburg and Cape Town, you may find Bloemfontein nightlife a little low key. The scene here isn’t particularly chic or hip, but there are plenty of places to let your hair down and sink a few. Clubs in Bloemfontein don’t really exist in the traditional sense, but there is a smattering of lively Bloemfontein bars and pubs to keep those who need it well watered. There’s even a couple of dance floors in town and a friendly and fun gar scene. Check out JF’s guide to Bloemfontein nightlife. (more…)
Port Elizabeth nightlife, pubs & bar guide
Posted on 11. Apr, 2010 by admin in Port Elizabeth
Port Elizabeth is often described as ‘sleepy’ and is not always revered for its nightlife. There is, however, plenty going on behind the laid-back facade here and a good night out in Port Elizabeth is not too hard to come by. Nightlife in Port Elizabeth is fairly subdued during the week, but make no mistake, both the locals and visitors make up for it come the weekend. Check of JF’s guide to the best nights out in Port Elizabeth. (more…)
Durban bars, pubs & nightlife
Posted on 25. Mar, 2010 by admin in Durban
Nightlife in Durban is varied and fun with all kinds of places to let down your hair in the evening. There are laid-back bars in Durban for serious drinkers in the city plus great live music venues, clubs and chic pubs. Where you head out in the city to boogle your socks off, find intelligent conversation or just be seen, the clubs, pubs and bars in Durban will never let you down. And there are many sports bars where one can watch the latest football, rugby or cricket matches and sink a few beers with likeminded fans. So there’s no need to sit around moping whilst in town, get out there and enjoy the best of Durban nightlife with Johnny Foreigner. Check out JF’s guide to the best Durban nights out. (more…)
Johannesburg nightlife – pubs, clubs & bars
Posted on 16. Mar, 2010 by Crystal in Johannesburg
Nightlife in Johannesburg is particularly buzzing and varied with the party scene here renowned as some of the liveliest in the country. Johannesburg bars span the spectrum with everything from down-to-earth traditional pubs to chic champagne lounges. Many Johannesburg bars also have their own African and international kitchens and serve great grub into the night. Clubs in Johannesburg are also more plentiful than in other South African cities and you can find somewhere to dance your socks off every night of the week. (more…)
Cape Town nightlife – bars, pubs & clubs
Posted on 15. Mar, 2010 by admin in Cape Town
Nightlife in Cape Town is mainly centred around trendy bars and restaurants and the vibe here is quite chic and laid-back. There are few nightclubs to keep the hardcore clubbers happy, however, and the restaurants and bars stay open late. Venues in Cape Town cater for a variety of tastes, from the bohemian jazz scene to cigar lounges pool bars. (more…)
