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.

Place Pierre Puget is a small square with a fountain covered in greenery—nice for a quick break. From here, take a walk through the Old Town’s main street down to the harbour. It’s an easy stroll with plenty to see along the way.

In Toulon’s Old Town, there’s a statue of men playing cards—La Partie de Cartes. It’s a nod to Provence’s folklore and Marcel Pagnol’s classic plays, Marius and Fanny, which later became films. If you know them, you’ll recognise the scene—card games, banter, and all. Even if you don’t, it’s a fun spot for a photo.