Cartagena is Colombia’s beautiful outpost in the Caribbean. Initially after its foundation in 1533 Cartagena served as a major center for Spanish settlement in the Americas, it was a main port of the Spanish treasure fleet. Later it has served as both a slave market and an inquisition center. It still has old forts and walls to show for its past, but nowadays Cartagena is most famous as a tourist resort.
Owen Sheers visited Cartagena, Colombia to participate in the Hay Festival of Literature. Based on his experience of the city he wrote an article for the Guardian: The Other Side Of The Story. And Taylor Holliday visited Cartagena to write for The New York Times.
Colombia has had a reputation of being a dangerous place to visit due to wars, crime and especially kidnappings. The situation in Colombia has, however improved significantly during the past few years and Cartagena is one of the safest places in the country. Owen Sheers says that Cartagena feels very safe, especially the old town and surrounding areas. But certain parts in the outskirts of the city can be dangerous. And Taylor Holliday advises travelers to choose a hotel in old town where everything is within walking distance, instead of Bocagrande where the crowded beach is not so appealing, and the hotels and condos are aging.
Cartagena has a steady stream of tourists both from Colombia and abroad and in addition there are special annual events: Film festivals, regattas, bull fighting seasons, a national beauty pageant, and a literature festival. There are plenty of good restaurants and seafood is the specialty of this town. You can take a boat to go out to the islands where vendors serve delicious grilled octopus and crab cooked over open fires. In addition the city offers museums, old beautiful churches, interesting streets and old architecture for walking tours, shopping, outdoor cafes, live music, and dancing.