Enclosed within a protective wall reaching up to 20 metres in width, the Ciudad Amurallada (or Walled City) is Cartagena's old beating heart. Packed with well-preserved colonial buildings, it's a pleasure to stroll through; its streets of colourful low-rise merchant homes marked by iconic balconies are now mostly walked by either tourists or students who attend classes at the University of Cartagena during the day and linger for meals and nightlife after school is out. Cafes in Plaza Aduana and Plaza Santo Domingo teem with patrons, forging an incredibly jovial atmosphere; the districts of San Diego and El Centro are two not to be missed. There is plenty of food and shopping to be had, with a mixed bag of world-class restaurants and street food hawkers and the incredibly photogenic palenqueras — women dressed in vibrantly coloured clothing selling fruit in the streets — images of whom have become emblematic of Colombia as a travel destination.

Located in the Northeastern part of the city, the Muslim quarter will strike you as it is a lot busier than the adjacent Jewish one. Men smoke nargile inside the cafés while children play in the streets. The roads are lined with stands, and vendors loudly present their products. In the northern part, you will find the beautiful Damascus Gate. Built by Suleiman the Magnificent, it has triangular spires at the top, which gives it a resemblance to a crown.

Stroll around this town full of character, cobbled streets and piazzas, and enjoy the decorous passeggiata along the main street, Via Garibaldi. There are also some good restaurants around the squares and pleasant bars in which to linger over a cool drink. The Diocesan Museum is located in the heart of town and has some fascinating exhibits, including two silver candlesticks and a crucifix gifted by Lord Horatio Nelson.