Restaurants Centro Historico

Casona Vida is a beautiful brunch spot in the Centro Histórico, sister restaurant to Vida Coffee Shop, set in a stunning colonial space near the Iglesia de Santo Toribio. The menu leans toward healthier, more internationally-influenced options: the kind of brunch that appeals to visitors looking for quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation rather than a purely Colombian spread. Beautiful interior, a courtyard that feels more like a garden, and live music on weekend evenings. The Zona Norte location in Las Ramblas is equally good if you're in that part of the city. The walled city location can be a little hard to find, tucked off a side street from Plaza San Diego, so Google Maps is your friend.

Restaurants Centro Historico

Crepes & Waffles is the most Colombian restaurant in Colombia, which is a remarkable thing to say about a creperie founded in a Bogotá garage in 1980. Over 82% of its employees are women, the majority of them single mothers and heads of household, many of whom face significant barriers to employment elsewhere. The company is a certified B Corporation that pays above minimum wage, provides healthcare and housing support, and sources ingredients from small farming communities. Every meal here supports something real.

Activities Centro Historico

For decades, horse-drawn carriages were one of the signature ways to explore Cartagena's Walled City. Under Mayor Dumek Turbay and a coalition of animal rights groups, all 120 horses have been retired and replaced with a fleet of fully electric carriages that look almost identical to the originals — same old-timey colonial aesthetic, zero emissions, and no animals involved. It's a genuinely thoughtful initiative and a great way to see the city.

Restaurants Centro Historico

Ely Café has long been a Bocagrande favorite for those who love good coffee, fresh bites, and that effortlessly cool vibe. Now, they’ve brought the same energy to the Centro Histórico—only sleeker, more modern, and a touch more upscale. Think everything you love about Ely—brunch classics, craft drinks, warm service—just with a new downtown address and a design that feels right at home among Cartagena’s historic streets.

Restaurants Centro Historico

Ely is the kind of brunch spot you keep coming back to, not because it's flashy but because it's consistently excellent. The menu leans lighter than most spots in the city, with great salads (a genuinely rare find in Cartagena), well-prepared breakfast options, and coffee that holds up on its own. The interior has a warm library-style feel that makes it equally good for a quiet solo breakfast or a relaxed meal with friends. A great option for kids too. The walled city location is our recommendation over Bocagrande, which gets significantly more crowded on weekends. Also works well for lunch if brunch hours have passed.

Beach Clubs Beyond the City

Fénix Beach is a trendy and vibrant escape just 15 minutes by boat from Cartagena, departing from the Muelle de la Bodeguita. During the day, it offers a perfect mix of relaxation and fun with poolside lounging, great cocktails, and group activities set to an international music mix. At night, it turns romantic and enchanting, with the city skyline glowing across the bay. Day passes include several options and upgrades, but staying overnight is highly recommended since rooms are more affordable than other beach clubs and the nighttime vibe is beautiful. The northern location means the ocean water isn’t always crystal clear, but the overall experience makes it well worth visiting.

Restaurants Centro Historico

Housed in a restored colonial mansion with cascading greenery and an open-air courtyard, Harry Sasson offers a setting that’s just as elegant as the menu. You’ll find polished plates that blend Colombian ingredients with global technique — from fresh local seafood to beautifully executed wok-fried rice, Peruvian-style noodles, and vibrant ceviches. The seafood is the standout, but we love ordering a spread from the bar menu: things like fried crab croquettes, octopus, or grilled hearts of palm that are perfect for sharing. The cocktails lean classic and well-executed — more faithful than flashy — and everything is elevated without trying too hard.

Beach Clubs Beyond the City

The boat ride is just 15 minutes, but somehow it feels like you’ve crossed an ocean. Maybe it’s the color of the water—it isn’t quite Rosario Islands turquoise, but it’s close enough that you stop caring about the difference the moment you step onto the sand. Makani feels quiet in a way Cartagena never does, like someone turned down the city’s volume knob. The staff greet you like they’ve been waiting for you all morning, and within minutes you’ve got a drink in hand and a place to settle in.