What to Eat in Cartagena: A Food Guide

What to eat in Cartagena

• Cazuela de mariscos

  Coconut-milk seafood stew — Cartagena's Caribbean signature.

• Arepa de huevo

  Fried cornmeal disc with egg inside — street food classic COP 3,000.

• Ceviche cartagenero

  Shrimp + coconut milk + tomato + cilantro — try at La Cevichería or El Boliche.

What to drink

Bottled water only. Aguardiente is the national spirit; Club Colombia + Águila the local beers.

Dining etiquette and practicalities

• Tip 10% at sit-down (rarely included — check bill for 'servicio incluido').

• Beach vendors are persistent — firm 'no gracias' works; never accept 'free' bracelets, cocktails or massages.

Where to eat in Cartagena

• Centro Histórico (Walled City)

  UNESCO walled city — plazas, colonial mansions, boutique hotels — Sofitel Legend Santa Clara, Casa San Agustín, Bastión Luxury, Charleston Santa Teresa.

• San Diego

  Quieter walled-city sub-neighbourhood, artisan quarter — Casa Pestagua, Ananda Boutique, Casa del Coliseo.

• Getsemaní

  Bohemian ex-working-class quarter — street art, salsa bars (Café Havana), Plaza Trinidad — Ananda, Life is Good, Casa Lola.

• Bocagrande + Castillogrande

  Modern high-rise beachfront peninsula — Hilton, InterContinental, Estelar; convenient but less atmospheric.