Cartagena, Colombia

Culture, Colour, and a Whole Lotta Heat!

Where We Stayed – Inside the Old City Walls

When we landed in Colombia, our first stop was the vibrant, sun-drenched city of Cartagena, right on the Caribbean coast. I’d done a little research before we arrived, and almost everyone said to stay within the Old City Walls for safety—and wow, were they right! Not only was it more secure, but it was also absolutely magical. Think cobbled streets, colourful colonial buildings, lively music around every corner, and food that had us drooling daily.

We got a great deal on accommodation too—thanks to a promo shoutout and video exchange with the host—which helped us stretch the budget a bit further. Staying inside the walls added to the culture and gave us easy access to all the best bits.

Foodie Heaven – Worth Every Peso

We pretty much spent every day doing three things: eating, shopping, and watching street performers—and honestly, it was the dream. Cartagena is a total foodie heaven. You can find cuisine from all over the world here, and it's actually really good.

One night, we splashed out at a lavish bar and ordered what was possibly the best steak we've ever eaten—wrapped in a salty, flavourful crust that made every bite next-level. We didn’t even hesitate… we ordered two each. The desserts? Absolutely to die for. Yes, we blew the budget that night, but some meals are worth the splurge!

A Sparkly Souvenir – My Colombian Emerald

Speaking of splurging… I treated myself to something truly special in Cartagena—a Colombian emerald ring! 💍 We visited a lovely local jeweller where we learned all about how Colombia is one of the world’s top emerald producers. I’d always dreamed of owning a piece of jewellery with a story behind it, and this was the perfect opportunity.

They made the ring right there and then, specially for me. I took the leap, and honestly—it felt amazing. It's a gorgeous keepsake and something I’ll carry with me everywhere. Every time I look at it, I’m reminded of this colourful, crazy, beautiful city. A real treasure from our travels!

Horse and Carriage Ride – Total Fairytale Vibes

One of the most magical moments was a horse and carriage ride through the beautifully lit streets after dinner. The whole town sparkled at night, and the gentle ride over the cobblestones made us feel like royalty—Tilly included! It was surprisingly affordable and created one of our most cherished memories in Cartagena. Highly recommend!

Street Culture Surprise – Joe Drops Bars!

One of the most unexpected and fun moments of our trip? Joe ended up rapping with a group of local kids in the streets! 🎤 They were freestyle rapping near one of the plazas, and somehow (don’t ask how) Joe got roped into joining them. It turned into a full-on mini rap battle and had everyone laughing and clapping along. He held his own too! It was one of those spontaneous travel moments that you just can’t plan—and we loved every second of it.

Joe rapping with the locals (full video on Youtube!)

Open-Top Bus Tour – Meh, Skip It

We also gave the open-top bus tour a go, hoping for a fun cultural overview of the city and nearby Boca Grande. But honestly? Not worth the money. It felt more like a local bus service than a guided tour. People were hopping on and off constantly, and yes—street vendors even got on the bus trying to sell things. You really can’t escape it. We thought we’d be relaxing and taking in the sights… but we were mostly just sweating and dodging sales pitches.

Heat Warning – Seriously, It’s HOT

Cartagena is hands down one of the hottest places we've ever been. It’s that kind of heat that wraps you up and won’t let go. If you're planning a visit, pack light, loose-fitting clothing, carry plenty of water, and make sure your accommodation has air-con and fans. We stopped at every coffee shop and corner store just to cool down.

Island Boat Trip Fail – Real Life Travel Moments

We had booked a boat trip to one of the nearby islands, which we were so excited for… until Tilly got sick just before boarding. Total parent moment—we had to abort mission and forget about the money. It's all part of travel life, especially with kids. Sometimes you just have to roll with it!

A Heads-Up on Street Hassle

While we loved Cartagena’s culture and charm, one downside was the constant street harassment. You couldn’t stop to look at your phone or admire a building without someone approaching you for money or trying to sell something. It was nonstop and felt really overwhelming at times, especially with a child in tow.

If you're planning to visit, a bum bag is essential, and keep your belongings close. It didn’t feel unsafe, just very intense and unmonitored.

Would We Recommend Cartagena?

Yes—but as a short stop. We’re really glad we experienced it. The culture, colours, and energy are like nowhere else. But between the heat and the hustle, three days was enough. For families, it might be better suited as a quick cultural stopover rather than a long-term base.

Still, we’re pinching ourselves that this is the life we’re living. Cartagena gave us memories we won’t forget—steak dreams, fairytale carriage rides, and all!