Getsemani Public Arts Walking Tour (Self Guided), Cartagena

Long known as the "neighborhood of the poor" ill-reputed for criminal activity, the district of Getsemani has recently undergone massive gentrification to become Cartagena's hippest area and one of Latin America's newest hotspots. The local plazas, once occupied by drug dealers, have been reclaimed, and the derelict buildings turned into boutique hotels.

But most importantly, the enormous Cultural Renaissance of the early 2010s saw the district, historically inhabited by servants and low-class workers, turn into a magnet for artists and creative folk from around the world, prompting many a visitor to shift their attention here as a more affordable and authentic alternative to Downtown Cartagena.

One of the most striking (and obvious) attributes of this rebirth is the Getsemani graffiti, the mesmerizing array of colorful murals created by local and international artists, seen almost everywhere. Most of them depict life scenes such as street vendors and children playing, iconic figures like Nobel laureate Gabriel García Márquez and national hero Pedro Romero, or even abstract paintings.

Among the most frequented locations – included in the obligatory walking trail for tourists – is the "serpent-like" Calle de la Sierpe (Serpent Street), the epicenter of wall art in the city. The curvy alley of Calle de San Juan (St. John's Street), connected to La Sierpe, is also easy to spot as a tempting option to socialize in its cozy eateries amid the artistic beauty adorning the walls.

Another colorful destination not to miss is Calle de las Chancletas (Flip Flops Street); here, the vivid colors on the facades are richly complemented by the natural beauty: the jungle gardens and vines sprouting from the walls, combined with the intense sunlight. Calle de las Sombrillas (Umbrellas Street), formerly known as Callejón Angosto (Narrow Alley), is a picture-perfect location overhung with colorful umbrellas that light up at night.

No trip to Cartagena would be complete without visiting Getsemaní, the artistic heart and soul of the city. But even if murals are not the reason enough to come here, there is always something else to discover. The streets of Getsemaní speak of the history of Colombia. They exude magic, life and charm, and are good for touring any time of day, especially if you're self-guided by the GPSmyCity app!