Cartagena: Old Walled City Culinary Guide

Welcome to my Old Walled City culinary guide to Cartagena, where I invite you to embark on a culinary journey through the flavors of Cartagena, Colombia. Read on for which restaurant offers sunset views on the historic walls of this UNESCO World Heritage site, a café where you can enjoy Colombia’s most award-winning coffee, and the establishment named the best bar in South America (and the 9th best in the world). My recommendations are divided into three distinct categories: Restaurants, Coffee, and Cocktails. Consider all three for an unforgettable culinary experience during your visit to this enchanting city!

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Restaurants

Coffee

Cocktails

Restaurants

Discover Cartagena's vibrant restaurant scene through a journey that promises to immerse you in the city's rich flavors. From the iconic sunset views and tapas at Cafe del Mar Ltda. atop the historic city walls, to the fresh and vibrant seafood delights of La Cevicheria, and the authentic Colombian dishes at Restaurante San Valentin, each dining experience offers a unique glimpse into Cartagena's cultural and gastronomic heritage.

Café del Mar Ltda.

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Cafe del Mar Ltda. in Cartagena offers an unparalleled sunset dining experience atop the historic walls of the Old City. Known for its panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea, this iconic spot is perfect for enjoying cocktails and tapas while watching the sun dip below the horizon. The ambiance is relaxed yet vibrant, making it ideal for both romantic evenings and lively gatherings with friends.

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La Cevichería

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La Cevicheria is a must-visit in Cartagena for seafood lovers. Located in the heart of the city, this cozy eatery specializes in fresh ceviche and other seafood dishes bursting with local flavors. The restaurant was the late Anthony Bourdain's favorite for ceviche in the world, and its casual atmosphere and friendly service complement the menu. Don't miss their signature ceviche, prepared with the freshest catch of the day.

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Restaurante San Valentin

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Restaurante San Valentin offers a taste of authentic Colombian cuisine and lively local music nightly. This restaurant serves up traditional favorites like bandeja paisa and sancocho, reflecting the diverse culinary heritage of Colombia and appealing to both locals and visitors looking to experience genuine Colombian food.

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Coffee

Café San Alberto and Abaco Libros y Café offer distinct experiences that showcase the essence of Colombian coffee culture. From Café San Alberto's dedication to the finest coffee beans sourced from Quindío, to Abaco Libros y Café's unique blend of literary charm and expertly brewed coffee, each venue invites you to savor a 'cup of Joe'.

Café San Alberto Cartagena - Plaza Santo Domingo

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Café San Alberto in Cartagena serves up the most award Columbian coffee. It offers a refined coffee with meticulously sourced beans from Quindío, and for those who want to do more than just taste these beans you can book tasting experiences at the shop. Whether enjoying a perfectly brewed cup or participating in a coffee tasting session, Café San Alberto delights with its rich flavors and commitment to showcasing Colombia's finest coffee traditions.

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Ábaco Libros y Café

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Abaco Libros y Café is more than just a coffee shop; it's a cultural oasis in Cartagena's Old Walled City. Nestled among shelves of books, this charming spot serves exceptional coffee brewed from locally sourced beans. The ambiance is cozy and inviting, perfect for relaxing with a book or engaging in lively conversations over a cup. Abaco is a haven for coffee enthusiasts seeking a blend of literary charm and aromatic delights in the heart of Cartagena.

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Cocktails

Experience two unique cocktail experiences to complete your culinary journey through Cartagena's Old Walled City. Alquimico, celebrated as the best bar in South America and the 9th best globally, invites you to indulge in expertly crafted cocktails amidst a stylish ambiance. Meanwhile, Mirador Gastro Bar overlooks Plaza de San Diego and offers the city's premier rooftop experience and creative cocktails.

Alquimico

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Alquimico stands as a beacon of mixology mastery in Cartagena, recognized as the best bar in South America and the 9th best in the world. Located in a historic building in the heart of the city, it captivates patrons with its inventive cocktails and vibrant atmosphere spanning three levels. From its speakeasy-inspired interior decor to its rooftop terrace, Alquimico ensures a night of unparalleled sophistication and taste.

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Mirador Gastro Bar

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Perched at the famous Plaza de San Diego, Mirador Gastro Bar offers the best rooftop experience in Cartagena. This gastro bar combines great views of the plaza with creative cocktails and is a must-visit destination in the city.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rachael | @motherwhotravels

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Hi there, I’m Rachael, originally from Chicago, and I’ve been bitten by the travel bug for over a decade now. There’s just something about the whole process – from planning the trip to living it up in new places and then cherishing those memories afterward – that gets me all excited. Even though I’ve got the whole family and work thing going on, my craving for adventure never fades. And I'm not bound by any one way of traveling - whether it's with my family, my partner, my girlfriends, or even venturing out solo, I embrace every opportunity to see the world. I’ve come to realize that the world is like this giant storybook, and I’m all about sharing those stories. My goal is to inspire others to embrace their wanderlust, break out of their comfort zones, and start crafting their own unforgettable tales. Let’s explore the world together, one amazing destination at a time!

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Cartagena, Cartagena Province, Bolivar, Colombia