18 beautiful pictures of Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena's draw is more than its cobbled streets, pretty promenades and buzzing restaurant scene. It's in the people, the vibe, and the happiness you feel as you explore the city. The grid of the walled city was made for exploring on foot.
Take in the city's rich history by simply getting lost in Cartagena's 234 picturesque streets. Street vendors trundle their carts over the cobblestones, selling mango juice, cigars and hats. Tall studded doors with knockers the size of cannonballs swing open to offer glimpses of courtyards with fountains and palm trees. Churches, barnacled with gold and statues, sail like galleons above the tiled roofs. Atop the city walls, lovers sit astride cannons that famously failed to fend off pirates while high above frigate birds and pelicans sail on the trade winds that carried them to the gates of this city.
Whether you're planning a trip shortly or simply dreaming of visiting this corner of Colombia, a new book from Assouline has all the inspiration you could need. Scroll through to see some of the most beautiful pictures of Cartagena from the book, and dream about this wonderful destination.
Ana LinaresPlants cascade down the balconies along a quaint Cartagena street.
Whitney RobinsonDiners at Candelaria experience the unique Japanese- Peruvian characteristics of Nikkei cuisine.
Amanda Villarosa/Gallery StockColourful flags complement the building façades.
Accor/Photography by Chris KewishColonial details pair wonderfully with the brightly painted walls at the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara hotel.
Casa de Alba Hotel BoutiqueA variety of green hues converge on the poolscape at Casa de Alba hotel.
Jan Sochor / Alamy Stock PhotoPalenqueras are Afro-Colombian women with a long history in Cartagena, where they are often seen wearing colorful dresses while expertly balancing bowls of fruit.
Roberto Nickson/UnsplashMany homes in Cartagena advocate for the benefits of indoor-outdoor living.
Yadid Levy/ShutterstockCasual coffee break at Café de la Trinidad.
Danita Delimont / Alamy Stock PhotoVendor strolls Playa Blanca with a large haul of sweet treats.
Mark Paulda PicsfairFresh fruit for sale in Cartagena.
Casa del ArzobispadoRooftop terrace at Hotel Casa del Arzobispado.
Amanda VillarosaMangoes, a common street food in Colombia, are either served as slices freshly cut or prepared as mango biche, unripe green mangoes with salt.
Catalina LondoñoChildren head out along the jetty at the Punta Iguana Club Nautico to watch the sunset.
Courtesy of San Francisco Investments/Photography by Juan Fernando Castro – PhotoholicPicturesque scene on Callejón Vargas.
Ricardo Gomez Angel/UnsplashThe tower of the Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, also known as the Cathedral of Cartagena.
Hemis / Alamy Stock PhotoA sculpture by Fernando Botero, in Plaza Santo Domingo.
Simon Sun/UnsplashA mural by Pedro Covo decorates the exterior of Basilica Pizzeria Café in Getsemani.
Jimena PalacioPastel-hued exteriors are ubiquitous on Calle de los Puntales.
Cartagena Grace, published by Assouline.
£70 at Assouline.com