Consecrated in 1833, this church served as the seat for the first German national assembly in 1848, which in turn provided the basis for Germany’s present-day constitution. Today, the site hosts award presentations as well political and cultural events.

While seasoned travellers may venture into Cartagena's gritty Bazurto Market on their own, those not yet toughened by locals-only markets of the region may prefer to explore as part of a guided tour. This sprawling market, where trade starts before the crack of dawn, features incredibly fresh produce and seafood from Cartagena and beyond; much of it makes its way to the tables of local fine dining establishments within the space of the same day. There is plenty to look at and taste, including local street food and multiple succulent varieties of tropical fruit you're unlikely to have encountered before.

If snorkelling and/or scuba diving sounds like your idea of fun, Cartagena is the place to indulge. Waters of the Caribbean washing over this part of the coast hold abundant marine life, including multiple varieties of tropical fish and corals, and the several underwater shipwreck sites make for exciting diving. The archipelagos of Rosario and San Bernardo are both excellent for either. Diving Planet Cartagena:

Located just 30 kilometres away from the city is a beautiful island with a mesmerising beach, a 15-kilometre long coast line sprinkled with sea shells and coconut trees. If you want to get away from the city and relax on a breathtaking island, Cherai Beach is the place to be.