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Museum
Museum of Cartagena de Indias
Cultural complex with elegant architecture showcasing historical items & educational exhibits.
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The lay of the land
A first look
Cartagena is heat and color — bougainvillea over balconies, walled streets glowing at dusk, and salsa spilling onto the squares.
Local experiences
Things to actually do
Quieter corners chosen for atmosphere over crowds — the kind of places locals send friends to.
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Outdoors
Cartagena Botanical Garden Guillermo Piñeres
Many animals live in this botanical garden offering many native & exotic plants, plus a cafe.
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Market
Bazurto Market
Vendors specialize in Bolivian & Cuban rice dishes, seafood & juices along this busy shopping strip.
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Where the locals eat
Mom-and-pop tables
Family-run rooms and counter seats — small, authentic, and rarely listed in the guidebooks.
Caffeine, slowly
Coffee worth the detour
Independent roasters and tucked-away counters where the pour-over takes its time.
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Baluartes
Café del Mar
Sunset espresso on the city wall. Order it black.
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Getsemaní
Malabar
Colombian specialty coffee in a colourful bohemian café.
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