1) Centro Amurallado - Old Town
This is the heart of Cartagena, the old walled city protected by the fortress intended to protect the city from pirates and storms. Within the walls, there are colonial buildings, plazas, churches and convents. Accommodations and restaurants within this area, called El Centro, highlight their colonial origins. Also within the walled area, the section of Getsemani is less expensive, but worth a daytime stroll.


2) Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas
This is the huge fortress dominating the town. Begun in 1533, the strategic location called for a fortress, and the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas was started in 1639, but not completed for 150 years. Visitors now can walk the battlements, stroll through underground passages and wonder at the labor that went into building a fort that was never used defensively.


3) Bocagrande and El Laguito
These two areas are located on an L-shaped peninsula facing the Caribbean. Here, upscale restaurants, hotels, clubs and bars offer just about everything the visitor can wish for.


4) Playa Blanca
"Playa Blanca definitely is the best beach close to Cartagena - you can reach it overland or by boat. With its white sand & crystal water Playa Blanca is probably one of the best “playas” in Colombia! It is definitely worth to stay there for some days. There are several places where you can rent hammocks, get food & drinks."


5) Nightlife
Plenty of choices in Bocagrande, in the center of town, El Centro, and Getsemani for tabernas, discos and bars. Use caution in Getsemani, but all the nightlife is lively, with Caribbean and Colombian music. Take a nap before you go nightclubbing.
From Bonnie Hamre