With so many travel guides out there, it’s hard to know which are truly catered to fulfill your needs and rejuvenate your soul. That’s why Modern Muze is getting personal by diving deep and featuring our founder, Zulay Henao’s POV in all aspects. 

Introducing The Modern Muze Guide, a travel series by Henao. Here you will get Zenao’s first-hand experience and writing from her desk to your eyes.

 

 

Dear Muze,

There are cities you visit, and then there are cities that linger long after you’ve returned home. Cartagena is the latter. Vibrant, colorful, impossibly romantic, and full of soul, it’s a destination where colonial architecture meets Caribbean ease. If you only have 72 hours, here’s exactly how I’d spend them.

 

Stay: Casa Lola

If I could recommend just one hotel, it would be Casa Lola.

Nestled in the heart of Getsemaní, Cartagena’s most vibrant neighborhood, Casa Lola feels like stepping into the pages of a design magazine. The boutique hotel beautifully blends restored colonial architecture with modern interiors, creating a space that feels intimate, luxurious, and unmistakably Colombian.

Don’t miss the sunset on the rooftop. The panoramic views over Cartagena are breathtaking, and the margaritas are, without question, some of the best in the city.

Also worth experiencing is the restaurant at Casa Lola, where the menu highlights fresh, local flavors in a beautifully designed setting that mirrors the hotel’s aesthetic—perfect for a relaxed yet elevated dinner.

My second recommendation is Sofitel Legend Santa Clara. If your style leans toward grand luxury, lush courtyards, impeccable service, and timeless elegance, it’s one of Cartagena’s most iconic stays.

 

Explore: Getsemaní

While many visitors spend all of their time inside the Walled City, I always recommend staying in Getsemaní.

It’s artistic, energetic, and effortlessly cool. Think colorful streets covered in murals, live music spilling into the plazas, charming cafés, local boutiques, and an energy that feels authentically Cartagena.

Spend an afternoon wandering without an itinerary—you’ll discover something beautiful around every corner.

 

Wander the Old City

Allow yourself to get wonderfully lost inside Cartagena’s historic Walled City. Wander through colorful streets lined with bougainvillea, discover hidden courtyards, stop for an espresso, browse local boutiques, and admire the beautifully preserved colonial architecture.

Every turn feels like a postcard.

 

Visit Castillo San Felipe de Barajas

No first trip to Cartagena is complete without visiting Castillo San Felipe de Barajas. Perched on a hill overlooking the city, this 17th-century Spanish fortress offers sweeping panoramic views and a fascinating glimpse into Cartagena’s colonial history.

Go early in the morning or just before sunset to avoid the midday heat, and take your time exploring the maze of tunnels, stone walls, and lookout points. It’s one of those places that reminds you why Cartagena has remained one of the Caribbean’s most treasured destinations.

 

Take in the View from Convento de la Popa

No visit to Cartagena is complete without making the drive up to Convento de la Popa. Perched atop the city’s highest hill, this 17th-century convent offers the most breathtaking panoramic views of Cartagena—from the colorful Walled City and the Caribbean Sea to Bocagrande’s skyline and the historic Castillo San Felipe.

The peaceful courtyard and historic chapel are beautiful in their own right, but it’s the view that makes the visit unforgettable. Go in the morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and the best light for photos.

 

Shop: Maygel Coronel

One of my favorite discoveries was Maygel Coronel. Her internationally celebrated resort wear perfectly captures modern Colombian luxury. If you’re looking for a statement vacation piece, this boutique is a must.

 

Sunset at Café del Mar

End at least one evening at Café del Mar, one of Cartagena’s most iconic sunset destinations.

Perched atop the historic city walls overlooking the Caribbean Sea, it’s the perfect place to slow down after a day of exploring. Arrive before sunset, order a cocktail, and watch as the sky transforms into shades of gold, coral, and pink. The ocean breeze, live music, and panoramic views make it one of the most memorable experiences in the city.

Take a leisurely walk along the ancient walls before or after your drink—it’s one of the most beautiful ways to experience Cartagena at golden hour.

 

Don’t Miss: Café Havana

No trip to Cartagena is complete without a night at Café Havana.

Whether you’re sipping cocktails, listening to live Cuban music, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, it’s one of those places that perfectly captures the city’s rhythm and charm.

 

Escape to Barú

Set aside one full day for Barú.

Home to some of the clearest turquoise water I’ve ever seen, it’s the perfect escape from the city’s energy. Order the local pargo rojo (red snapper), served fresh by the water, and spend the afternoon doing absolutely nothing except enjoying the Caribbean. Pro tip: don’t take the boat from Cartagena, the water gets really choppy on the evening return. Drive to Barú and take a short boat ride to Barú Aofitel.

 

The Muze Take

Cartagena effortlessly blends culture, design, fashion, food, and luxury. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a girls’ trip, or simply craving sunshine, it’s a city that rewards curiosity.

Stay in Getsemaní. Get lost in the Old City. Sip rooftop margaritas. Shop Colombian designers. And don’t leave without spending a day in Barú.

 

– Zulay Henao