Cartagena City Guide
Cartagena City Guide
Welcome to my Cartagena, the place for those
who like to see and be seen. Cartagena is the
St. Tropez of the Parisians, the Sardinia of the Italians,
and the Hamptons of the New Yorkers.
- Diego Miery, Achrome’s F&F
Here, we grew up during our December and January vacations, in a city that has existed for over 400 years but
was reborn in the last 20-30 years within its own colonial walls. For me, it is more than just a city. It’s memories and
moments with family and friends. Here, my grandfather taught me how to swim in a colonial house during one of
those vacations I’ll never forget. Here, I had my first parties, met lifelong friends,
and spent the best New Year’s Eves of my life.
When I recommend Cartagena, I always like to clarify that it’s a city of love and hate. We don’t have turquoise-
colored beaches, some find the humidity bothersome, and the smell of the streets can be particular depending on
he season. However, this is the price to pay for the privilege of being there.
The magic of this place is a blend of simplicity and sophistication, created by the colorful houses, singers in the
streets, women with traditional dresses know as ‘Palenqueras’, mixed with boutique shops and hotels, next to my
favorite restaurants.
My perfect day in Cartagena starts with a quiet breakfast at Santa Clara Hotel, a true gem in
the city. When I need something new, shopping at Soloio is a must as they have the best linen
shirts in town. For lunch, I love a ceviche at La Cevichería, it’s a classic choice. I usually seek
shade between 1 pm and 4 pm to escape the sun, whether at home, at the hotel, or at a friend’s
pool. For the late afternoon, a very authentic experience is hanging around the Getsemaní
neighborhood. I do it quite often, and for me, the perfect sunset spot is from the Rooftop of Hotel
Casa Lola, followed by a Costeñita beer at El Callejon.
My favorite restaurants for dinner are La Vitrola or Agua de Leon, starting with some Langostinos Panko
or ADL Cheese depending on my choice. Drinks at El Barón are a must, my favorite is tequila soda. If I
feel like it, I party at Casa Cruxada for some real techno/house scene (say hi to Edgar at the entrance).
The other safe option is La Movida for a good reggaeton night with friends. It’s also a great spot to
socialize and meet new people.
After a long day of going out, I usually take a lazy day, and for that, my choice is to get on a boat and
relax at the Rosario Islands and check in at Hotel Las Islas for the night or even just for lunch at their
beach (don’t judge me but the burger is the best). Hotel Las Islas is one of those magical spots. It has a
great mix of being inside a jungle, in an architectural gem, with a beautiful sea, incredible views, very
good food and laid-back vibes.
Life has given me the opportunity to spend New Year’s Eve in places
like New York, India, Las Vegas, Madrid, or Vail, that is why, without
fear of being wrong, I can say that there is no other place in the
world like Cartagena to experience it.
Much love, Diego.
Cartagena City Guide
Welcome to my Cartagena, the place for those
who like to see and be seen. Cartagena is the
St. Tropez of the Parisians, the Sardinia of the Italians,
and the Hamptons of the New Yorkers
- Diego Miery, Achrome’s F&F
Here, we grew up during our December and January
vacations, in a city that has existed for over 400 years
but was reborn in the last 20-30 years within its own
colonial walls. For me, it is more than just a city. It’s
memories and moments with family and friends. Here, my
grandfather taught me how to swim in a colonial house
during one of those vacations I’ll never forget. Here, I
had my first parties, met lifelong friends, and spent the
best New Year’s Eves of my life.
When I recommend Cartagena, I always like to clarify
that it’s a city of love and hate. We don’t have turquoise-
colored beaches, some find the humidity bothersome,
and the smell of the streets can be particular depending
on the season. However, this is the price to pay for the
privilege of being there.
The magic of this place is a blend of simplicity and
sophistication, created by the colorful houses, singers in
the streets, women with traditional dresses know as
‘Palenqueras’, mixed with boutique shops and hotels, next
to my favorite restaurants.
My perfect day in Cartagena starts with a quiet breakfast
at Santa Clara Hotel, a true gem in the city. When I need
something new, shopping at Soloio is a must as they
have the best linen shirts in town. For lunch, I love a ceviche For lunch, I love a ceviche at La Cevichería, it’s a classic choice. I usually seek shade between 1 pm and 4 pm to escape the sun, whether at home, at the hotel, or at a friend’s pool. For the late afternoon, a very authentic experience is hanging around the Getsemaní neighborhood. I do it quite often, and for me, the perfect sunset spot is from the Rooftop of HotelCasa Lola, followed by a Costeñita beer at El Callejon.
My favorite restaurants for dinner are La
Vitrola or Agua de Leon, starting with some
Langostinos Panko or ADL Cheese
depending on my choice. Drinks at El Barón
are a must, my favorite is tequila soda. If I
feel like it, I party at Casa Cruxada for some
real techno/house scene (say hi to Edgar at
the entrance). The other safe option is La
Movida for a good reggaeton night with
friends. It’s also a great spot to socialize and
meet new people.
