48 hours in Cartagena: A weekend to reconnect with pleasure

Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, June 2025 — There are destinations you visit and others you experience. Cartagena belongs to the latter group. In this city, time expands, elegance becomes tropical, and history coexists with vibrant contemporary creativity. Two days can feel like an unforgettable journey.

Designed for those looking to soak up the essence of a place in a weekend, this guide offers an experience that combines subtle luxury, distinctive cuisine, distinctive design, and lasting connections.

FRIDAY / Arrive, relax and feel the rhythm

Arrival becomes a moment of well-being. Casa Carolina offers an intimate welcome amidst green courtyards, tranquil terraces, and a spa inspired by Ayurvedic practices. An ideal option for those looking to unwind while remaining close to the historic center.

For a more social atmosphere, Townhouse Art Hotel & Rooftop blends local design, irreverence, and art with one of the best views of the Cartagena sunset.

For those who prefer a total escape, Blue Apple Beach in Tierra Bomba redefines luxury with a relaxed approach, surrounded by nature and the sea.

As evening falls, the walls invite you to cross into La Serrezuela, a former bullring converted into a lifestyle space. Among its shops is Lucy Jewelry, an icon of artisanal jewelry with more than seven decades of history.

Dinner finds its most refined expression at Carmen, a signature restaurant that fuses Colombian flavors with international techniques. The tasting menu offers a sensorial journey that culminates with a cocktail in the wine cellar at Casa Carolina or on the vibrant terrace at Townhouse.

SATURDAY / Golden beaches, deep flavors and ignite rhythms

The day begins at Nia Bakery, a women-founded artisan bakery. Its coffee and freshly baked breads set the stage for a fulfilling day.

Then, the sea takes center stage. Boating Cartagena offers stylish private sailings: personalized music, selected wines, stops on secluded beaches, or snorkeling sessions in crystal-clear waters.

Among the must-sees, Amare Beach stands out as a haven of elegant hedonism. Fresh cuisine, Mediterranean design, and a relaxed atmosphere that connects with pleasure.

Back on dry land, dinner at El Beso offers a blend of coastal tradition and intimate comfort, in a space reminiscent of dinners with friends.

The night heats up at Salón Tropical, where the dance floor vibrates to the rhythms of funk, disco, and Afro-house. Casa Bohème continues with a bohemian, label-free aesthetic, while Members Only opens its doors only to those who understand that the most special things are often discreet.

SUNDAY / Farewell ritual, local connection and purpose

The final day calls for calm. Blue Apple Beach offers a serene end to a day of brunch, rosé wine, and a beachfront massage.

On land, the experience is personalized with the Lunático Experience: from hidden gallery tours to one-time performance dinners.

Before leaving, a visit to the Green Apple Foundation allows you to connect with the destination's social dimension. With programs focused on education, the environment, and community development, it's an opportunity to contribute to a more just and sustainable Cartagena.