5 Captivating Attractions That Define The Charm of Cartagena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Spending your holiday in one of the top Cartagena de Indias hotels beckons you to discover a historic city center that has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Being one of the most favored cultural destinations in Colombia, Cartagena boasts several tourist spots that feature its history and heritage. So whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning traveler in this vibrant locale, make the most of your vacation and explore these 5 captivating places of interest:

1. Puerta del Reloj

This historic landmark serves as the main gateway to the inner walled town. It has side arches-turned-walkways that were previously utilized as a chapel and armory. Puerta del Reloj's most notable structure is its republican-style tower, which has a 4-sided clock. From here, you'll find yourself in the Plaza de los Coches, where you can purchase traditional Colombian and Cartagenian sweets at the Portal de Los Dulces.

2. Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas

Named after Philip IV of Spain, this fortress on the Hill of San Lazaro is regarded as the most iconic landmark in the city. The castle is known for its stunning facade and its maze of tunnels. It is also considered as the most formidable defensive complex of Spanish military architecture. This attraction is open to public everyday. There's no entrance fee during Sundays.

3. Convento and Iglesia de San Pedro Claver

This tourist spot features a historic cloister, museum, and a Baroque church. Here, you'll see exhibits of pre-Colombian ceramics, religious artworks, period paintings, and sculptures, which were created by Spanish and American artists of the 17th century. The church and convent was built in honor of San Pedro Claver, the defender and protector of the slaves.

4. Museo Naval del Caribe

Housed in a former Jesuit college, Museo Naval del Caribe presents an impressive collection of reconstructed cityscapes and boat models throughout the centuries. You can find this depository between the San Pedro Claver Church and Baluarte San Francisco Javier, a few distances away from several Cartagena, Colombia accommodation. It is open from 10 am to 5:30 pm.

5. Fuerte de San Sebastian del Pastelillo

Built in the middle of the 16th century, Fuerte de San Sebastian is one of the town's first defense forts. Its location on the western end of Manga Island and just across the bridge from Getsemani is very accessible from a number of Cartagenade Indias hotels around the area.

3 Activities to Kick-Start Your Leisurely Holiday in Cartagena, Colombia

Still deciding on what to do after you've checked in at your hotel in Cartagena, Colombia? With these activities on your holiday checklist, you'll be sure to make the most of your stay in this Caribbean city.

1. See attractions
With its port, fortresses, and group of monuments declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cartagena has a lot of historically relevant and visually appealing destinations to offer first-time visitors. South America's most extensive military fortifications were built in the city between the 16th and 18th century. Religious sites, such as the church and convent of San Pedro Claver, church of Santo Domingo, and what was once the monastery of San Diego give wonderfully preserved samples of architecture from the colonial period. You can also visit the former Palace of Inquisition, which is now being used as a historical and archeological museum and Palace of the Government, and Plaza de las Coches, an open area where slave auctions were previously held.

2. Hit the beach
Bocagrande can't claim to have the best beach in the city but an afternoon spent here will give one enough insight as to why it deserves to be called the Copacabana of Cartagena. The beach is a busy place during high season and weekends mainly because of the influx of people on their way to luxury hotels and entertainment establishments in the area, such as Hotel Almirante Cartagena. Aside from people-watching and dancing to electronic music in the clubs, this beach is also a perfect spot for indulging in a soothing massage and witnessing a spectacular sunset. If you find Bocagrande a little too crowded, you can try the beaches of Bocachica, La Boquilla, Islas del Rosario, Isla Baru, Tierrabomba, and Playa Blanca.

3. Sample the local cuisine
Cartagena's confluence of cultures can be best experienced by tasting the its cuisine. Start your day with a hearty breakfast of arepa, a dish made of ground corn flour and topped with cheese, sour cream, hot sauce, or guacamole. The best varieties of this tasty treat can be bought near Calle del Pozo, Getsemani, and Exito Supermarket. For lunch, you can head to Cartagena en la Olla where you can eat your fill of traditional dishes. You can cap an exciting day by taking a trip to Plaza de la Santisima Trinidad and sampling the street food sold there around midnight. Should you wish for familiar tastes during your stay at an accommodation in Cartagena, Colombia, you'll be happy to know that there is no shortage of restaurants that specialize in international dishes in the city.