From The Founder List: My 3 Hidden Gems in Cartagena

Founder Ryan Small

Dear Travelers,

After living in Cartagena for over two years, I’ve discovered more than just the famous spots you see on every travel tiktok. This city has countless treasures that rarely get talked about places that locals and longtime residents quietly keep to themselves. Today, I’m opening my personal list and sharing three of my favorite hidden gems with you.

1. Benitto Italy

Tucked away in the heart of the city, Benitto Italy is my go to Italian restaurant when I want a night that feels special yet intimate. It’s small, sexy, and effortlessly cool think dining in a cozy corner of Soho, New York. The menu is full of authentic Italian flavors, the drinks are on point, and the staff always makes you feel like family. Seating is limited, which makes every visit feel like you’ve stumbled upon something truly exclusive.

Centro histórico Cra 3 # 33-81, Cartagena, Colombia 130001

2. Distrito Tabaquero Cartagena Cigar

I’ll admit, I hesitated to share this one. Distrito Tabaquero Cartagena Cigar is my personal sanctuary a quiet, refined spot just a short walk from the Clock Tower. It’s rarely crowded, making it the perfect place to unwind or even get some work done. They offer premium Cuban and Nicaraguan cigars, along with an impressive selection of whiskeys and Venezuelan rums. It’s a place for those who appreciate salsa music and true Colombia experience.

  Cl. 32 #3-84, El Centro, Cartagena de Indias,

3. Lola Hotel & Restaurant

Lola isn’t just a restaurant it’s an experience. This boutique hotel and dining space combines African art with a Moroccan inspired, classy nightlife vibe. The interior design is stunning, the service is top tier, and the food is unforgettable. Whether you’re stopping in for a meal or staying the night, Lola has a way of making you feel like you’ve stepped into another world.

hotel casa lola, Calle del Guerrero, 29 108 / 118, Cartagena de Indias, Bolívar

Cartagena is full of places like these beautiful, unique, and quietly extraordinary. Some aren’t highlighted because they’re small, others because they simply prefer to be found by those willing to explore. If you’re planning a trip here, I encourage you to wander off the beaten path. That’s where the real magic lives.