Cartagena—just the name alone sounds dreamy, doesn’t it? A place that seems to have it all: vibrant city life, a beautiful coastline, and a rich history. It’s the kind of destination you see on Instagram and immediately think, “I need to go there.” That’s exactly what I thought. Picturesque streets, pastel-colored buildings, and the allure of Caribbean vibes were too tempting to resist. But, like all things that seem too good to be true, Cartagena came with its share of surprises.

I booked my flight, excited to experience everything this city had to offer. After all, it seemed to tick all the boxes—beach, history, coffee spots, and an inviting atmosphere. But from the moment I landed, reality hit me hard. First off, there’s no Wi-Fi at the airport. Now, if you’re like me and rely on Uber or ride-sharing apps to get around, this can be a bit of a nightmare. I found myself awkwardly standing at the arrivals gate, trying to figure out how to connect with my driver. Thankfully, a kind stranger shared their hotspot with me, and after 30 minutes of pure chaos, I was finally on my way to my accommodation.

And that’s when I started noticing the colors. Everywhere you look, Cartagena is an explosion of vibrant hues. The buildings are painted in every shade of the rainbow, and it’s a stark contrast to the uniformity of home, where strict regulations dictate what color your house can be. It’s refreshing, to say the least. I arrived at Casa Azul, a cozy guesthouse that felt more like a home than a hotel. The place had only three rooms, which gave it an intimate feel, like you were part of the family. Upon check-in, I was handed a pair of earplugs. “For the music at night,” they said. I thought, “How loud could it be?”

Well, let me tell you. Cartagena at night is like one giant open-air nightclub. If you’re someone who thrives in a party atmosphere, you’ll love it. But if you’re like me and value a good night’s sleep, you’re in for a rough time. The music doesn’t just stop at midnight. No, it pulses through the streets until the early hours of the morning. Despite the earplugs, I struggled to sleep for the entire eight days I was there. It became clear that I would have to accept my fate: this was not going to be a restful trip.

Once I adjusted to the noise, I was eager to explore. My first stop was an area I had read about, but I was warned it wasn’t safe. I was advised to take a taxi. This was before I had the brilliant idea to use Uber, so I ended up paying nearly 30 euros for a ride that should have cost me no more than five. Note to self: Uber is your friend in Cartagena, and it’s incredibly cheap if you know where to go.

So, is the city dangerous? Yes and no. You can walk around freely, but it’s essential to be mindful of your surroundings. Don’t wander down quiet alleyways alone, and try not to stand out as a tourist. As long as you’re cautious and use common sense, you’ll be fine. But if you’re hoping for an “authentic” experience, that’s where things get tricky. Cartagena feels like it’s been built specifically for tourists, and you can expect to pay for almost everything. Sure, it’s only a dollar here or there, but by the end of the day, it adds up.

And let’s talk about the Palenqueras—the brightly dressed women who walk the streets, offering to pose with you for photos. At first glance, it seems harmless enough, even charming. But it quickly becomes overwhelming. They’re loud, aggressive, and relentless. If you so much as point a camera in their direction, they’ll chase after you, demanding money. I found myself constantly on edge, just trying to capture the beauty of the streets without accidentally getting one of them in the frame. Don’t get me wrong—the streets are breathtaking, especially for photography lovers. But the constant barrage of people trying to sell you things can be exhausting.

Food-wise, as a vegetarian, my options were limited. I found three spots that catered to my needs, and I became a loyal customer for the entirety of my stay. If you’re a meat-eater, you’ll have no trouble finding delicious local cuisine. But for those of us with dietary restrictions, it can be a bit of a challenge.

The museums? Some are free, and others charge a small fee. Everything is in Spanish, but thank goodness for Google Translate, which made it easier to understand the exhibits. The city’s beaches, though, left a lot to be desired. The ones within the city are nothing special, but the private beaches—if you’re willing to shell out the money—are stunning. Again, they’re highly touristy, but beautiful nonetheless.

By the end of my eight days, I had mixed feelings about Cartagena. It’s visually stunning, but the noise, the constant barrage of street vendors, and the feeling of being in a city that caters solely to tourists started to wear on me. If you’re looking for an authentic experience, you’ll struggle to find it here. My honest advice? Three days is enough to see what you need to see, and then I’d recommend venturing out to explore the surrounding areas.

So, am I the only one who feels this way? Is Cartagena beautiful? Absolutely. But is it somewhere I’d rush back to? Probably not. What do you think? Have you had a similar experience, or did you fall in love with Cartagena? Let me know in the comments below.