Ábaco Books & Coffee

One doesn't need to be a bookworm to appreciate this quaint locale's attractive concept, although being one would certainly add purpose to the visit. A cross-breed between a bookshop and cafe, Ábaco allows patrons to combine the joy of reading with that of savoring a great cup of joe, with the option of freely browsing through endless titles along ceiling-high bookshelves. There's a catch: most books are in Spanish, with only a limited selection in English.

Information

addressÁbaco Libros y Café, Calle 36 #3-86, Cartagena
openingHoursDaily 8am–9pm
phone+57 605 6786143
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Café San Alberto

San Alberto serves brews made from beans with the highest number of awards in the country, which come from a plantation in Buenavista, Quindío. Their coffee is brewed using a variety of fascinating methods, from classic to highly modern, such as molecular cupping. The Cartagena location of San Alberto (all branches are ceremoniously referred to as "coffee temples") offers "Coffee Baptism" programs that last a couple of hours and take attendees on a journey of coffee exploration. Other tours offered vary in focus, the one focusing on high-tech brewing methods being, perhaps, the most intriguing.

Epoca Espresso Bar

Epoca Espresso Bar makes outstanding artisanal coffee from beans roasted in-house. Apart from the standard espresso based drinks you ought to try one of their coffee cocktails. Epoca is great for breakfast and brunch, just make sure to come early — eggs Benedict in the mornings are a crowd favourite. Check out the second floor seating, where they have cute little balconies.

Cafe del Mural

Cafe del Mural excels at serving some of Cartagena's best brews, and this given tough competition in a country hailed for its beans. Stop by for a solid espresso or try one of their more extravagant takes on coffee-based beverages; for those willing to dive deeper, attending a coffee appreciation class held regularly by the owner will be a worthwhile experience.

La Palettería

The quaint ice cream shop in Cartagena's historic centre is a feast for the eyes: its colourful popsicle display will have anyone spoilt for choice, left to take their (impossible) pick from an abundance of original flavours ranging from Caribbean fruit such as soursop (guanábana) to western-style Oreo cheesecake.

Juan Valdez Café

The country's most recognised brand of coffee has multiple outlets throughout Cartagena, which is part of the reason it's been dubbed 'the Colombia's Starbucks'. Each coffee shop is a casual affair with a comprehensive coffee menu; bagged beans and various merchandise can also be purchased straight at the shops.

Ábaco Books & Coffee

Cartagena