Old Town

If there’s one thing you must do, perhaps even twice, in Cartagena, it’s to put on your walking shoes and stroll through the charming streets of the historic center. Once the stronghold of the colonial upper class, this quaint "village" inside the walls captivates every visitor. It’s hard to resist those colourful colonial houses, balconies overflowing with bougainvillea, lively plazas where locals gather to chat, and forts where lovers meet. Thanks to the efforts of residents to preserve this enchanting setting, investors haven’t overrun the area with hotels and shops—which could have stripped the place of its soul. UNESCO listed Cartagena’s historic center as a World Heritage Site in 1984.