La Bottega de Fitz & Co. — Literary Cafe

Cafes

Although Colombia exports some of the world's finest coffee beans, it is only as of recently that these have become increasingly available to country natives, rather than shipped off to be sold abroad. Beans that don't reach export quality continue to get brewed as the ubiquitous 'tinto' (which translates to "ink water"): a popular brew that's sold at every cafe and street corner, and often needs plenty of sugar to camouflage the bitterness. Colombia's budding coffee culture, spearheaded by young entrepreneurs, aims to introduce Colombians to unique flavour profiles originating in their own lands. Colombian beans are famously on the acidic side, with pronounced citrus notes (although coffee that comes from Colombia's north is known to be relatively less acidic, with more body). In Cartagena, one of the best places for an in-depth acquaintance with modern Colombian coffee culture is Café San Alberto, which offers a number of thematic workshops and courses (including tours of the plantation in Quindio, where all of their beans come from); for something quick and easy there are also multiple outlets of Juan Valdez Cafe (dubbed "the Colombian Starbucks").

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Café San Alberto

San Alberto serves brews made from beans with the highest number of awards in the country, which come from a plantation in Buenavista, Quindío. Their coffee is brewed using a variety of fascinating methods, from classic to highly modern, such as molecular cupping. The Cartagena location of San Alberto (all branches are ceremoniously referred to …

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Epoca Espresso Bar

Epoca Espresso Bar makes outstanding artisanal coffee from beans roasted in-house. Apart from the standard espresso based drinks you ought to try one of their coffee cocktails. Epoca is great for breakfast and brunch, just make sure to come early — eggs Benedict in the mornings are a crowd favourite. Check out the second floor …

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La Bottega de Fitz & Co. — Literary Cafe

La Bottega de Fitz & Co is an excellent little with two air conditioned floors, great coffee and pastries, cold cocktails and warm atmosphere. Probably the best place in Cartagena to relax with a book or read a …

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Cafe del Mural

Cafe del Mural excels at serving some of Cartagena's best brews, and this given tough competition in a country hailed for its beans. Stop by for a solid espresso or try one of their more extravagant takes on coffee-based beverages; for those willing to dive deeper, attending a coffee appreciation class held regularly by …

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La Paletteria

The quaint ice cream shop in Cartagena's historic centre is a feast for the eyes: its colourful popsicle display will have anyone spoilt for choice, left to take their (impossible) pick from an abundance of original flavours ranging from Caribbean fruit such as soursop (guanábana) to western-style Oreo …

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Ábaco Books and Coffee

One doesn't need to be a bookworm to appreciate this quaint locale's attractive concept, although being one would certainly add purpose to the visit. A cross-breed between book shop and cafe, Ábaco allows patrons to combine the joy of reading with that of savoring a great cup of joe, with the option of freely …

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Juan Valdez Café

The country's most recognised brand of coffee has multiple outlets throughout Cartagena, which is part of the reason it's been dubbed 'the Colombia's Starbucks'. Each coffee shop is a casual affair with a comprehensive coffee menu; bagged beans and various merchandise can also be purchased straight at the …

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