Candy Kitchen
About
Candy Kitchen is a delightful sweet shop in Cartagena's historic center where kids can watch candy being made right before their eyes. This charming spot combines interactive candy-making demonstrations with delicious ice cream and playful, colorful decor that captures children's imaginations. It's a perfect air-conditioned break from sightseeing that doubles as entertainment and treats.
Highlights
- ✓Live candy-making demonstrations showing traditional Colombian sweet-making techniques
- ✓Colorful, Instagram-worthy decor with oversized candy props perfect for photos
- ✓Artisanal ice cream in tropical flavors like coconut, lulo, and guanabana
- ✓Traditional Colombian sweets and candies that make great souvenirs
- ✓Air-conditioned respite from Cartagena's tropical heat
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit during the morning or early afternoon when demonstrations are most frequent and the shop is less crowded with tour groups
- 2.The shop is located in the walled city (Ciudad Amurallada), so plan it as a sweet stop during your walking tour of the historic district
- 3.Bring small Colombian pesos for purchases, as not all vendors readily accept credit cards or large bills
- 4.Take photos with the colorful candy displays and whimsical decor, kids love posing with the oversized candy decorations
- 5.Ask staff when the next candy-making demonstration will start so you don't miss the show
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings between 10am and 12pm are ideal, before cruise ship groups arrive and when demonstrations are regularly scheduled. Avoid late afternoons when it gets busiest with day-trippers.
What to Know
This is a budget-friendly stop with treats starting around a dollar. The shop is located within walking distance of major Old Town attractions, so no special transportation is needed if you're already exploring the historic center.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round. Cartagena's dry season from December to April is peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds during these months. The shop may have special displays during Colombian holidays and Christmas.
Nearby Eats
Plaza de San Diego and Calle del Arsenal nearby offer numerous family-friendly restaurants serving Colombian classics like arepas and empanadas. For a sit-down meal with kids, try La Cocina de Pepina for traditional Caribbean cuisine in a casual atmosphere.
More Activities Near Cartagena
Café del Mar
Café del Mar offers families a relaxed beachfront dining experience along Cartagena's stunning Caribbean coast. With a dedicated kids' menu, casual atmosphere, and family-friendly pricing, it's the perfect spot to refuel after exploring the historic city while kids enjoy ocean views and the sea breeze.
Teatro Adolfo Mejía
Teatro Adolfo Mejía is a stunning historic theater in the heart of Cartagena's walled city that brings families together through captivating children's performances, folkloric dance shows, and cultural productions. The beautifully preserved colonial architecture creates a magical atmosphere where kids can experience Colombian culture through age-appropriate theater, music, and dance performances in an elegant yet welcoming setting.
Museum of Gold (Museo del Oro Zenu)
The Museum of Gold showcases a stunning collection of pre-Hispanic gold artifacts created by the indigenous Zenu people, presented in child-friendly exhibits that bring ancient cultures to life. Kids are captivated by the shimmering gold pieces, intricate jewelry, and interactive displays that explain how these treasures were made centuries ago. The museum's compact size makes it perfect for families with younger children who might not have marathon museum stamina.
Playland Family Fun Center
Playland Family Fun Center offers a welcome escape from Cartagena's tropical heat with air-conditioned indoor entertainment perfect for families. This multi-activity complex combines classic arcade games, bowling lanes, billiards, and an on-site food court, making it an ideal rainy day destination or afternoon break from sightseeing in the historic city.