Cartagena
ON THE NORTHERNMOST coast of South America, banked by the Caribbean Sea, Cartagena lures travellers with its sun- drenched days and balmy nights, also its Old World atmosphere. The UNESCO World Heritage site within its 17th- century walls is a mashup of rainforest- lush squares, cobblestone streets and perfectly preserved historic buildings dressed in tutti-frutti colours.
Picture Perfect Coffee
Café del Mural not only serves the best cup of joe in Cartagena but also offers coffee tasting sessions, informative classes and roasting demos. Outdoor seating and funky, colourful décor make this relaxing spot a great place to unwind. The café’s namesake mural is across the road. www.facebook.com/CafedelMural
Crazy Delicious
Demente thrives on the slightly twisted, but serves up tasty drinks and snacks. Eat through a pile of blistered peppers or piquant papas bravas to see strange and sometimes scandalous messages scribbled daintily on the ceramic plates. The bar and small plates spot in the hyper-hip Getsemani district is well prepared for the Colombian heat — the front half of the roof retracts, letting nighttime breezes sweep through the bar. www.lurecartagena.com/en/demente/
NOBLE SPIRITS
El Baron occupies a limestone-lined nook on San Pedro Plaza. Dark and intimate, the space wants late night whispers over smoky, whiskey-based cocktails. Drinks are crafted with an exacting perfectionism using house-made bitters and herbs grown on the Colonial-style building’s rooftop. The short menu of snacks and sandwiches showcases artisanal, locally sourced products and bread made daily in nearby bakeries. And definitely make it part of your morning routine because El Baron also produces outstanding espresso. www.elbaron.co
ON THE ROOF
Malagana delights patrons with mismatched tiles on its rooftop patio, garlandspangled vine canopy, and fruity, frosty beverages. Take a meal of fresh pastas and ceviche in the surf clubby first floor dining room. Or climb the ladder-like stairs to the third floor rooftop aerie for warm Caribbean breezes and charming vistas of Spanish tiled roofs. Order a mason jar filled with a freshly-muddled mojito or choose a bottle of wine and wend your way through the seafood-focused menu. www.malaganacafe.com
PoPsicle stoP
Cool treats for a hot day or a steamy evening come in a rainbow of delicious flavours and colours at La Paletteria. Choose from ice cream, gelato, water ice and frozen yogurt confections, made with exotic tropical fruits like mango, tamarind, and uniquely local lulo. www.lapaletteria.co