Cartagena
Culture · Food · Beaches · Caribbean Coast
Cartagena. Here is everything you need to know.
I made it to Cartagena in May and left completely obsessed. The walled city is one of the most beautiful places I have ever walked through. Colorful, alive, full of music and energy and the kind of streets that make you want to slow down and just wander. It is a city best discovered on foot and every corner brings something new.
And now with a direct flight from Washington Dulles, getting there has never been easier. This guide covers everything I loved, where I stayed, what I ate and what I would tell anyone planning their first trip.
Getting There
Easier than ever to reach
Cartagena is served by Rafael Núñez International Airport, located just minutes from the walled city. Most travelers connect through major US hubs, and there is now a direct flight from Washington Dulles making it one of the most accessible Caribbean destinations from the DC area.
Once you arrive, taxis and ride shares are affordable and easy to find. The walled city itself is best explored on foot. No rental car needed.
Wander the Walled City
The best thing you can do in Cartagena is simply walk. The walled city is bursting with color, music, art and life. Every street has something worth stopping for. Give yourself at least a full morning with no agenda.
Hire a Private Guide
On our first day we hired a private guide for a full day and it was completely worth it. We covered Castillo San Felipe, Convent La Popa, the walled city and Getsemaní. A local guide gives you context you simply cannot get on your own, plus tips on the best restaurants and bars you might otherwise miss.
Castillo San Felipe
One of the most impressive Spanish fortifications in the Americas. The views over the city from the top are worth the climb. Go early in the morning before it gets too hot.
What to Do
The Highlights
Explore Getsemani
The creative heart of Cartagena. Street art, local bars, a vibrant neighborhood energy that feels completely different from the walled city. Best explored in the late afternoon into the evening.
Boat Day to Islas del Rosario
About an hour from the walled city, this gorgeous archipelago is a must. You can book a boat tour to a beach club or rent a private boat for your own adventure. Either way the water is incredible.
Shop the Local Boutiques
The shopping in Cartagena is genuinely excellent. Local designer boutiques with Caribbean inspired clothing, emeralds and some of the best resort wear you will find anywhere. Do not leave without visiting at least a few.
Grand Hyatt · Seafood
Costa
An over-water restaurant with one of the prettiest settings on the property. The food is good and the cocktails are very good, but the atmosphere is the real reason to go. Worth visiting for drinks alone
Modern Japanese
Katsuya
Excellent sushi and modern Japanese cuisine. One of the most popular restaurants on the property. Book ahead.
Breakfast
Regatta
Breakfast included with Hyatt Privé benefits. Very busy during peak mornings. Arrive early or expect a wait.
Where to Eat
45+ Restaurants on Property
The dining at Baha Mar is one of its strongest features. Book reservations before you arrive during busy periods.
Breakfast
Cleo
Breakfast included for SLS guests. Bright, fresh Mediterranean menu. A much more pleasant breakfast experience than the busier Grand Hyatt option.
Steakhouse
Carna
SLS's signature steakhouse. A strong dinner option and eligible for certain resort credits making it a good choice for guests with a food and beverage allowance.
Dinner
Marcus
From celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson, this is one of the most recognizable names on the property and for good reason. The menu draws on Caribbean and global influences in a way that feels fresh rather than expected. A great dinner option for guests who want something a little more special than a standard resort steakhouse.
At a Glance
Which Hotel is Right for You
Grand Hyatt
The Energetic One
Busy · Active · Family Friendly
Best For
Families and multi-generational trips
Travelers who love lots of activity
Guests wanting luxury without ultra-luxury pricing
Conference attendees
Starting from approximately $450 per night
SLS
The Social One
Stylish · Trendy · Nightlife
Best For
Couples and groups of friends
Bachelor and bachelorette trips
Travelers who want nightlife and a social scene
Young professionals
Starting from approximately $600 per night
Rosewood
The Quiet Luxury One
Peaceful · Sophisticated · Intimate
Best For
Honeymoons and anniversaries
Guests wanting privacy and personalized service
Travelers accustomed to Four Seasons, Aman or Auberge
Luxury families
Starting from approximately $1,100 per night
Pools
Multiple pools including family pools, activity pools and the adults-only Reflections pool. Reflections requires reserving a cabana. Can get crowded during peak periods.
Grand Hyatt Baha Mar
The Destination Resort
With approximately 1,800 rooms, Grand Hyatt is the largest hotel on the property and the most energetic. It has everything — multiple pools, a kids club, endless dining options and the kind of buzz that makes it feel like something is always happening.
If you are traveling with children or want the full mega resort experience, Grand Hyatt is your home base. The Reserve section is worth considering for guests who want a noticeably elevated experience without crossing into Rosewood pricing. Private arrival, more exclusive atmosphere and suites that feel significantly more polished than the standard rooms.
Kids Club
Ages 3 to 12. Open 9am to 10:30pm. Crafts, games, movie theater. Half day approximately $77, full day approximately $154. Advance reservations recommended.
Room Tips
West Tower rooms have smaller bathrooms. Reserve section feels significantly more exclusive with private arrival. Connecting rooms generally available for families.
Pools
Remarkably peaceful even at full occupancy. Excellent service throughout. Each chair has a service buzzer for attendant assistance.
Rosewood Baha Mar
The Quiet Luxury Experience
Rosewood is in a category of its own. With 221 rooms, it feels like a boutique hotel tucked inside a much larger resort. The pools never feel crowded. The service is exceptional. And the overall atmosphere is so different from the rest of Baha Mar that guests can genuinely escape the energy of the larger property while still having access to everything it offers.
Every pool chair has a service buzzer so guests never have to flag anyone down. And the level of attention to detail throughout the property is the kind of thing that clients who are used to Aman or Four Seasons will immediately recognize.
Service
The service at Rosewood stands apart from the rest of the property. Every interaction feels personal and unhurried. It is the kind of attention that reminds you why some hotels are simply in a different category.
Beach
Beautiful Turquoise Water
One of the nicest surprises of the property. Soft white sand and calm water. The Rosewood section is noticeably quieter. Arrive early for the best lounge chair options.
Baha Bay
Waterpark
Included for Rosewood guests and accessible for others depending on package. Lazy river, wave pool, slides, surf simulator and a kids splash area.
Golf
Royal Blue Golf Course
Designed by Jack Nicklaus. One of the premier golf courses in the Caribbean and a great option for guests who want to mix beach time with a round.
Shared Amenities
What All Guests Have Access To
One of the best things about Baha Mar is that guests at any hotel can enjoy the majority of what the resort has to offer.
Wildlife
Flamingos and Sea Turtles
Surprisingly strong wildlife programming including flamingo encounters, sea turtles and seasonal turtle nesting experiences. Excellent for families.
Casino
Largest in the Caribbean
Slots, poker, blackjack, table games and a sportsbook. A major draw for guests who want something to do beyond the beach and pool.
Shopping and Art
The Rotunda
Luxury boutiques, art galleries, jewelry and local artisan stores. Several galleries offer painting classes and sip-and-paint experiences.
01
The hotel you choose matters
Each property serves a genuinely different traveler. Do not just book the cheapest option. Match the hotel to the experience your group actually wants.
03
Get to the beach early
Lounge chairs become difficult to find around midday during peak occupancy. The earlier you get there the better your spot.
05
Walking distances are longer than you expect
The property is large. Factor that in when planning your days, especially if traveling with young children or older family members.
02
Book restaurant reservations before you arrive
Katsuya and Costa especially fill up during busy periods. Do not leave dining to chance, particularly over holidays and long weekends.
04
No rental car needed
Everything at Baha Mar is walkable. The resort is about ten minutes from Nassau Airport and a taxi runs approximately $30 to $40 each way.
06
Grand Hyatt Reserve is worth considering
If your budget is closer to Grand Hyatt but you want a more elevated experience, the Reserve section offers private arrival and a noticeably more polished atmosphere.
Before You GoInsider Tips
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