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.

For an entertainment experience that will go into the wee hours, check out the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. This is the only place in the Tampa Bay area that offers table games such as blackjack and baccarat. For the non-gamblers, there is a spa, large pool with surrounding cabanas, various bars and Floyd’s Nightclub.

Parque de la Alameda is one of the city’s oldest and most beloved parks. Relax in the green spaces and enjoy beautiful monuments as well as some of the best views of the historic town centre.

Valladolid's U shaped train station is an interesting piece of architecture, designed by French architect Enrique Grasset in the style of French eclecticism. The main facade, which is configured as a triumphal arch, is made of stone and its three large openings that serve as entrance doors are separated by pilasters.