If you’re just visiting the wonderful port town of Cartagena in Spain for a quick half day then make the most of your time with this handy mini-guide.
Bus Turístico – Tourist Bus
Starting off in the port area catch up with the tourist bus. The open-top tourist bus takes 45 minutes to whizz you round the sites and to and from the port. Get to see all the sites whilst having a sit down on the modern double-decker bus equipped with audio guides in different languages ??(Spanish, English, French and German).
Tourist vouchers can be purchased that give substantial discounts. Reduced prices apply to children under 12, students, retired people, disabled people and the unemployed. Take a look here for prices www.cartagenapuertodeculturas.com. Or buy the Cartagena Card. Both tourist offices sell the Cartagena Card; price €18, which is valid for two weeks and covers admission to eight cultural sites as well as free travel around the city on the tourist bus and the harbour ferry. Check the website for timetables and prices.
Tel: 968 500 093, www.cartagenapuertodeculturas.com
Mercado Gisbert – Indoor Market
This is a good food and veg market in danger of closing due to reduction in stall holders, but it’s till worth a visit if you’re passing by in the morning. Pick up some fresh fruit to enjoy as you walk around the teatro.
Address: Calle Gisbert, Opening hours: Mornings, Telephone: +34 968 128 800
Museo del Teatro Romano – Roman Ampitheatre
The theatre was discovered by pure chance. The northern side of the hill known as La Concepción was the location where stands were erected. The commemorative inscriptions indicate that construction began in the late first century BC in the heyday of the Roman Colony’s urban development. Right on the Roman Theatre and making up part of it lie the ruins of the Ancient Cathedral.You can walk around the walls, up the stands and get a great view across the whole of the city. I don’t think Health and Safety were consulted when they opened it up to the public, so take care on some of the steep walkways. Take a seat, enjoy your fresh fruit and imagine life in Roman times.
It’s well worth a visit, there are often art displays in the many salons of the museum, a small shop selling souvenirs and the bar next door is nice too.
Address: Plaza del Ayuntamiento, 9, Opening hours: Every day except Mondays in off peak, 10:00 – 14:30 and 16:00 – 19:30, Telephone: +34 968 500093 +34 968 525149, Web: www.cartagenapuertodeculturas.com www.teatroromanocartagena.org
La Mejillonera – Restaurant
Finally stop off at La Mejillonera and have some lunch or tapas. This is a mussels bar – they sell mussels! Of course, there are other things to eat, but their speciality is mussels. It’s in a very central location (very close to the Museo) and great for people watching if you sit outside in the street.
Address: Calle Mayor 4, Telephone: +34 968 521 179
Kindle Cartagena City Guide from MyNativeGuide.com
For more information on Cartagena get the Cartagena City Guide:
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