Cartagena for Literature Lovers: Bookstores, Literary Cafes, and Writer Events in the Walled City

Historical or contextual introduction

Cartagena is not only known for its beautiful beaches and rich colonial history but also for being a meeting point for literature lovers. From the renowned author Gabriel García Márquez to contemporary writers, the city has been a hotbed of literary creativity. The influence of literature in Cartagena is evident in its streets, where every corner seems to whisper stories of characters and past eras.

The city also hosts several literary festivals, such as the Hay Festival, which attracts writers and readers from all over the world, creating a vibrant and stimulating atmosphere. Furthermore, bookstores and literary cafes are spaces where book lovers can immerse themselves in reading and enjoy a good coffee, while sharing ideas and reflections on their favorite works.

What to do

If you are a literature lover, Cartagena offers multiple activities and spaces to immerse yourself in the world of books. Here are some suggestions:

Recommended bookstores

• Librería Nacional - Located at Calle 35 with Carrera 4, this bookstore is one of the largest in the city. It offers a wide selection of titles in Spanish and English, from novels to history books. It is an ideal place to find works by Colombian authors.
• Libros & Café - This charming place is located in the heart of Getsemaní. It combines a bookstore with a cozy cafe, where you can enjoy a book while savoring a delicious Colombian coffee.
• La Casa del Libro Total - Situated in Plaza de Santo Domingo, this bookstore is famous for its extensive selection of Latin American literature. Additionally, it often organizes literary events and book presentations, making it a meeting point for writers and readers.

Literary cafes

• Café del Mar - With views of the Caribbean Sea, this cafe is a perfect place to relax and read a book. Although it is better known for its sunsets, its tranquil atmosphere is ideal for enjoying reading during the day.
• El Baron - This cafe, located in Plaza de la Trinidad, is a space where literature meets art. It often organizes readings and literary events, in addition to offering a delicious menu.
• Pastelería Mila - Although known for its exquisite desserts, it is also a perfect place to sit with a good book and enjoy a coffee. The cozy atmosphere invites literature lovers to stay a little longer.

Literary events

Cartagena hosts several literary events throughout the year. Some of the most notable include:

• Hay Festival - This festival is held every January and brings together authors, thinkers, and artists from different parts of the world. Talks, workshops, and presentations take place, making it an unmissable event for literature lovers.
• Cartagena Book Fair - Generally held in March, it is an ideal space to discover new works and meet Colombian and international authors. The fair includes exhibitions, book signings, and workshops.
• Outdoor Readings - During the summer months, outdoor readings are organized in different parks of the city. It is an excellent opportunity to enjoy literature in a relaxed atmosphere surrounded by nature.

Where to eat or drink

After a day exploring bookstores and cafes, it's time to enjoy Cartagena's gastronomy. Here are some recommendations that combine good food and a literary atmosphere:

Restaurants and bars

• La Cevichería - Famous for its fresh ceviche, this restaurant is the ideal place to enjoy Caribbean cuisine. Located on Calle del Santísimo, it is a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
• Restaurante 1621 - This restaurant, located in the Hotel Sofitel, offers a luxurious gastronomic experience with dishes inspired by local cuisine. Its elegant atmosphere is perfect for a literary dinner.
• El Boliche Cebichería - With a focus on seafood, this place in the Getsemaní neighborhood is known for its creative ceviche and refreshing cocktails. Ideal for enjoying before or after a good read.

How to get there and transportation

Cartagena is a quite accessible city. If you arrive by plane, Rafael Núñez International Airport is only 10 minutes from the historic center. You can take a taxi or use transportation apps like Uber.

Within the city, public transportation is limited, but you can opt for taxis or walking to enjoy the colonial architecture and vibrant atmosphere of Cartagena. There are also bicycles available for rent, which is a fun option for exploring nearby areas.

Local tips

• Check hours: Some places may have variable hours, so it's best to check before visiting.
• Try Colombian coffee: Don't leave without trying the famous local coffee, especially in the literary cafes.
• Attend events: Stay tuned to Cartagena's cultural calendar so you don't miss any readings or literary events.
• Interact with locals: Talking to Cartagenans can enrich your literary and cultural experience.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time of year to visit Cartagena if you are interested in literature?

The Hay Festival in January and the Book Fair in March are two of the best times to visit if you are passionate about literature. During these events, the city is filled with writers, thinkers, and book lovers, creating a unique atmosphere.

Are there bookstores that offer books in English?

Yes, many bookstores in Cartagena, such as Librería Nacional and La Casa del Libro Total, have sections dedicated to books in English, allowing foreign visitors to enjoy local and international literature.

Can I find literary events for children in Cartagena?

Definitely. Many of the literary events, especially during the Book Fair, offer activities and workshops for children, fostering a love for reading from an early age.

## Boletería, Precios y Dónde Comprar Para el **Hay Festival Cartagena 2026** (29 de enero – 1 de febrero), la mayoría de los eventos son **gratuitos para residentes locales** (con inscripción previa en la página oficial). Para el público general, hay eventos de pago con precios que varían entre **$20.000 y $80.000 COP** según la actividad y el escenario. Las boletas se pueden adquirir en la **plataforma oficial del festival** (hayfestival.org/cartagena) y en la **taquilla del Teatro Adolfo Mejía** (Centro, Cra. 3 #36-51) desde una semana antes. Se recomienda comprar con anticipación, ya que los eventos más concurridos (conversatorios con autores como Juan Gabriel Vásquez o Leila Guerriero) suelen agotarse. Para residentes, el registro gratuito se habilita 48 horas antes de cada evento en la misma web. ## Programación Oficial y Horarios por Tarimas El festival se desarrolla en cuatro días, con actividades desde las **9:00 a. m. hasta las 8:00 p. m.** en los siguientes escenarios principales: - **Teatro Adolfo Mejía** (Centro Histórico): conversatorios centrales y eventos de gala. Ejemplo: el **30 de enero a las 5:00 p. m.**, Leila Guerriero, Leonardo Padura y Juan Gabriel Vásquez conversan sobre memoria y verdad. - **Centro de Formación de la Cooperación Española** (Cra. 4 #36-27): talleres y charlas sobre tecnología, ética y medio ambiente. El **31 de enero a las 10:00 a. m.**, la filósofa Carissa Véliz hablará sobre privacidad digital. - **Hotel Santa Clara** (Cra. 8 #39-29): eventos de literatura infantil y lecturas poéticas. El **1 de febrero a las 11:00 a. m.**, taller de escritura creativa para niños. - **Universidad de Cartagena** (Cl. de la Universidad #36-100): paneles académicos y presentaciones de libros. El **29 de enero a las 3:00 p. m.**, Brigitte Baptiste y Mario Mendoza dialogan sobre crisis ambiental. La programación completa con horarios detallados está disponible en la **app oficial del Hay Festival** y en la página web. Se recomienda llegar 30 minutos antes de cada evento para asegurar ingreso. ## Cómo Llegar y Consejos de Seguridad **Cómo llegar:** - **Transporte público**: Los buses urbanos (ej. rutas que pasan por el Centro) tienen paradas en la Av. Santander y la Av. Venezuela. Desde el aeropuerto Rafael Núñez, se puede tomar un taxi o Uber hasta el Centro (aprox. $25.000 COP). - **A pie**: La mayoría de las sedes están dentro de la ciudad amurallada, a poca distancia caminando entre sí. Use zapatos cómodos. - **En bicicleta**: Hay estaciones de bicicletas públicas cerca de la Torre del Reloj. **Seguridad:** - Mantenga sus pertenencias visibles y evite mostrar objetos de valor en zonas concurridas. - Use solo taxis oficiales o aplicaciones de transporte reconocidas. - En horas de la noche, camine por calles iluminadas y concurridas; evite callejones solitarios. - Guarde copias digitales de sus documentos y boletas en el celular. - Para emergencias, llame a la Policía Turística (línea 123) o acuda a los puntos de información del festival en cada sede.

Tickets, Pricing, and Where to Buy

Most literary activities in Cartagena are free or require a voluntary contribution. For special events at bookstores like Ábaco Libros y Café, advance reservation by phone or in person is recommended. Café and book prices range from COP 8,000 to COP 60,000. No tickets are required for bookstore and literary café tours.

Official Schedule and Stage Timetables

The literary program is spread across several venues: Ábaco Libros y Café (Calle de la Mantilla con Iglesia) hosts talks and readings on Thursdays and Fridays at 7:00 p.m.; Librería del Centro (Plaza de la Proclamación) organizes book clubs on Saturdays at 5:00 p.m.; and Café Literario del Mar (Bocagrande) presents author meetings on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. During the two weeks before the event, there will be extended hours and special activities. Check social media for confirmation.

Getting There and Local Safety Tips

The historic center is walkable or accessible by taxi. From the airport, take a taxi (COP 25,000-30,000) or public transport. To reach Ábaco, locate the intersection of Calle de la Mantilla and Iglesia. Walk on well-lit, busy streets, avoid displaying valuables, and use authorized taxis (apps like Uber or InDriver). Exercise caution at night and carry cash for small businesses.