Old town Cartagena shopping?

I have never been to Cartagena and we are booked for a 10 day Panama Canal cruise.I have read a lot of recommendations for in shopping Old Town.What exactly is Old Town and is it safe to go on our own?

We went on a guided tour through Cartagena and always felt safe. I would take the guided tour.

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Cartagena is covered extensively on the Colombia board, here:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=500

We've been there on numerous occasions and have always felt safe. With and without a guided tour.

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/colombia/cartagena/attractions/old-town/a/poi-sig/454795/363310

Without doubt, Cartagena's old city is its principal attraction, particularly the inner walled town, consisting of the historical districts of El Centro and San Diego. It is a real gem of colonial architecture, packed with churches, monasteries, plazas, palaces and mansions with their overhanging balconies and shady patios.

I have never been to Cartagena and we are booked for a 10 day Panama Canal cruise.I have read a lot of recommendations for in shopping Old Town.What exactly is Old Town and is it safe to go on our own?

Safe and their are actually two or three ships that gave authentic native arts at reasonable prices.

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Just off the New Years Eve Panama Canal. Cartagena was beautiful and safe. We were concerned before we left also, but took cab outside port area to old/walled city. Driver wanted to stay with us, but we refused. Area was safe, patrolled, and so very nice and interesting. Very easy to get cab back to the port. No need for tour, unless you are interested in the history there. We were intermingled with the tour groups at times, as they are also just walking around the old city. Very easy and safe to do yourselves.

Safe sailing

PS-Wonderful shopping. Everything is there

We will be there in a Sunday. Does anyone know if all the shops will still be open?

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Is the old town close enough to walk from the Ship?

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It's about 2+ miles each way. While that is not a huge hike, I have no idea of the character of the neighborhoods that you will pass through. On the surface they don't look bad, but.....???