I loved walking the streets and stopping into some of the great local spots for coffee, ice cream or a mojito at sunset while in Cartagena. I enjoyed:
Crepes & Waffles is a good spot for ice cream and a coffee. They have two locations in the old city. An Heladeria or ice cream shop at Calle Baloco Edificio Pioneres L-101 and a sleek restaurant at Calle San Pedro Claver Cra 4a. #31-24 with nice contemporary indoor and outdoor seating. I stopped in at both for a rest from the heat!
Gelateria Paradiso: At the corner of Calle el Cuartel and Calle la Estrella. A great local spot for ice cream or gelato. The decor is colorful and fun and a little over the top!!
Cafe del Mar: The perfect place to grab a mojito and to watch the sunset. It is located along the old city walls across from La Vitrola. Baluarte de Santo Domingo.
Thanks to the NY Times, I just read about the city’s newest cocktail bar, Alquimico. Featuring mostly house-infused rums, it is located in a former two-story mansion dating back from 1910. Calle del Colegio #34-24.