Choosing what to do in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, can be a challenge: the place lavistines history, charm and a unique atmosphere that sets it apart from other Caribbean destinations.
So much beauty and hype translate into several tourist attractions and a desire to want it, especially if you only have time for a quick visit.
Added to this is the possibility of a blue-caribbean water bath, characteristic of the region, only a few kilometers from the coast and you will understand why the city falls in love. Although the beaches of Cartagena are not famous for beauty, the city is only an hour by boat from true paradise, such as the Islas del Rosário and Baru.
Read also:
7, 15 and 20 days travel itineraries in Colombia
What to do in San Andrés: tips from the Colombian Caribbean
For all this, go for me: take a few days to see Cartagena calmly, drink coconut water and see the sun behind the wall. No one has ever regretted staying too long there.
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Where to stay in Cartagena
The historic center is the favorite place for tourists when looking for accommodation in Cartagena de Indias. Staying within the boundaries of the walled city, in one of the many hotels that run inside the old colonial mansions has its charm, but it also has its price.
Highlight the beautiful boutique hotel El Marqués. In my last passages through the city, I stayed at the delicious Soy Local, which is within the walled city, and at the Zana Hotel Boutique, in Getsemaní. Both very recommended.
If you haven’t found your favorite option, take a look at all the hosting options there.
See more hosting tips in the post Where to stay in Cartagena de Indias.
Find Hotels in Cartagena de Indias
What to do in Cartagena de Indias: top attractions in the city
Entrance door to the Caribbean, with Cartagena de Indias has no bad weather: the city can be visited all year round.
Growing supply of flights comrades in good prices to Cartagena and Bogota also came to put firewood on the fire. In times of dollars at the time, Colombia stands out even more for its inviting prices.
A good tip to know the main points of the city is to do a free walking tour of the historic center and Getsemaní. You only pay a tip to the guide at the end of the tour and can book your place for free here.
By clicking on the links above, you will be taken to the posts of each of these attractions. Below we have assembled a super guide with what to do in Cartagena de Indias.
Attractions within the walled city of Cartagena de Indias
When choosing what to do in Cartagena, the walled city stands out. If you only have time to do one thing in Cartagena, go straight to the historic center.
Surrounded by 13 km of fortified walls, built from the 16th century to protect the city from enemy attacks (the pirates of the Caribbean!) that were keeping an eye on the growing wealth generated by the port and local commerce, the place is filled with historical mansions, nice bars and restaurants and little streets beyond charming.
One day is enough to have an overview of the walled city, but the magical atmosphere that has already inspired even the writer Gabriel García Márquez is an almost irresistible invitation to stay longer.
So plan to walk through the region calmly, on foot or by bike, explore each of its alleys and be enchanted at every corner.
The main attractions within the historic center of Cartagena are:
- Clock Gate – Main entrance to the walled city.
- Portal de los Dulces: It is in front of the door of the Clock and is a great place to buy typical sweets.
- Plaza de los Coches – Place where, in the times of the colony, there was an old market of enslaved people. It is next to the Clock Door and today gathers sellers of typical delicacies and local handicrafts.
- Palace of the Inquisition: The place where crimes against the Catholic faith were tried in the 17th century. Inside you will find an exhibition on the subject.
- Bolívar Park – A square full of trees, excellent to rest a little or protect yourself from the sun on warmer days. In the center is a statue of the liberator Simón Bolívar.
- Plaza de San Pedro Claver – It is in front of a church of the same name and is circled by bars, restaurants, jewellery and craft shops. There are exhibited some sculptures made of scrap signed by the artist Enrique Grau.
- Heredia Theatre – Theatre built in the European standard of the 18th and 19th centuries. The interior is a luxury only.
- Baluartes of the walls – The wall is a separate attraction. As one of its sides is facing the Caribbean Sea, it is the perfect place to relax and watch the sunset. Be sure to sit there in a late afternoon and relax with the beautiful view.
- Cathedral of Santa Catalina de Alejandría: A visit to this iconic cathedral offers an insight into the religious architecture of the colonial era.
- Gold Museum: This museum houses a beautiful collection of gold and ceramic artifacts from the indigenous peoples of the region.
- Las Bóvedas: Old dungeons that have been transformed into shops, where you can buy handicrafts and local products.
- Calle del Santo Cristo : A street famous for its beautiful colorful facades and floral balconies, perfect for a relaxing walk.
- Santo Domingo Square: One of the main squares of the city, in front of a church of the same name that is a great example of colonial architecture, with an impressive interior. There is the statue “La Gorda de Botero”, an important place in the city.
- Casa de Rafael Nú?ez : The former home of the Colombian poet and politician Rafael Nú?ez, which is now a museum.
- Plaza de la Aduana: The largest square within the walled city, a place to feel the atmosphere of the city and observe people.
- Casa del Marqués de Valdehoyos: A well-preserved colonial mansion that offers an aristocratic view of life during colonial times.
- The University of Cartagena: The historic university of the city, with impressive architecture.
- Baluartes: Explore different parts of the walls and bulwarks, each offering unique views of the city and the sea. Take a day to see the sunset.
If you are a fan of literature, a must-see tour in the city is the free tour Gabriel García Márquez, which tells about the life of the writer in the city and shows the places that appear in his work. You can book your place for free here.
Read also: The Cartagena that made García Márquez dream
What to do in Cartagena: attractions outside the walled city
In addition to the historic center, Cartagena has several attractions scattered throughout the city. Check out some of them.
Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
Fortress built in the 16th century, on the top of the hill of San Lazaro. It was, in the past, a strategic point to combat attackers who arrived by land and by sea.
Due to its complex labyrinth of internal tunnels and a defensive system that made the lives of invaders quite complicated, Castillo is considered the masterpiece of military architecture in Spanish America. It is no wonder that he was never taken by anyone, despite numerous attempts.
To this day, San Felipe de Barajas is one of the buildings that stand out in the old part of Cartagena. Inside, the highlights are the walls and bulwarks, from where it is possible to take good photos of the city, and the visit to some of the tunnels of the defensive system.
They are strategically connected to facilitate evacuations and distribution of supplies, as well as confusing the invaders and giving a good advantage to the castle defenders, since they could hear the footsteps of the enemies – and even see them – long before they realized it.
And by the way, the acoustics of the place worked perfectly. The steps and voices of the attackers reverberated by construction and reached the ears of the guards with a good advantage. Through air vents located in strategic locations, they could quickly warn the companions in other parts of the castle about any intruders approaching.
If you don’t have a guide, I advise you to rent an audioguide (10,000 Colombian pesos, or $3.50) so you get to better build.
Entrance to the castle costs 25,000 Colombian pesos (students pay half).
And pay attention to the tip: between February and November the visitation is free on the last Sundays of the month.
Location and operation: Av. Antonio de Arevalo, San Lazaro – open every day from 8am to 6pm.
Santa Cruz de la Popa
Another building of the colonial era, the Convento Santa Cruz de la Popa is located in the highest point of Cartagena. From there, you can admire – and take good photos – the panorama of the city.
The beautiful flowery cloister and the little church dedicated to the Virgen de la Candelaria are also worth the visit. Entry costs 10,000 Colombian pesos for adults ($5) and 8,000 for children. The convent opens every day from 8:30 to 17:30.
Graffitis colorful and late afternoon in Getsemaní
Formerly considered a marginal neighborhood, residence of fishermen and immigrants from all parts of the country that arrived in the port of Cartagena, Getsemaní is today one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in the city, which still preserves an authentic atmosphere long lost within the limits of the historic center.
Through there the art galleries multiply, and the neighborhood itself looks like an open gallery: in 2013, it became the headquarters of the International Urban Art Festival, one of the most important of its kind. The murals spread through their streets with messages from local artists and the world.
What to do in Cartagena: see street art in the Getsemaní neighborhood
- Plaza de la Trinidad: A vibrant social center where locals gather. It is a great place to try street food and watch live performances.
- Walls and Fortifications: Walk along the walls surrounding Getsemani to enjoy stunning views of the city.
- Graffiti Tour : Getsemaní is famous for its vibrant and significant street art. You can take a guided tour or explore on your own.
- Iglesia de la Santísima Trinidad : This historic church is located in Plaza de la Trinidad and is an important landmark in the area.
- Callejón Angosto: A famous street with stunning street art and colorful houses. Great for photos and soak up the local atmosphere.
- Café Havana: Known for its lively salsa scene, this is the place to dance all night or just enjoy the music and the environment.
- Jardín Del Arte: An open-air square that turns into an art market during the weekend, with works by local artists.
- Centenario Park: A quiet, tree-lined park where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and perhaps spot some of the local wildlife such as iguanas.
All late afternoons, Plaza Trinindad, the neighborhood’s heart, fills with tourists, street artists and locals to throw away conversation and starve at one of the many street food stalls. See our full post about the Getsemaní neighborhood.
the Bazurto Market
The Bazurto Market is certainly the most authentic and different location of Cartagena. It is not a common tourist spot, but rather a dive into local life, where you will feel all the diversity of the food and people of the city.
So, prepare for an explosion of colors, aromas, flavors and sounds. The Bazurto Market is a maze full of vendors, exotic fruit stalls, fresh fish, crafts and much more. He was the favorite place of people as diverse as Gabriel García Márquez and Anthony Bourdain.
The place that sells food is usually the most frequented by tourists. There you can eat typical meals of the Colombian Caribbean, such as rice with seafood, cazuelas and more. The dishes are well served and cost 35,000 pesos.
Talking to salespeople is part of the experience. They are friendly and many have amazing stories to tell.
If it’s your first time, consider hiring a local guide. It will help you navigate and translate if necessary.
And remember that the market can be chaotic and a little dirty in some areas. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes and be careful with your belongings, especially wallets and cell phones.
The Bazurto Market is about a 15-minute drive from the center of Cartagena. Taxis are an easy and affordable option.
Bocagrande Beach
Bocagrande Beach is one of the most well-known and visited areas of Cartagena, Colombia. Located south of the walled city and the historic district of Getsemaní, it is famous for its extensive strip of sand and the skyline full of modern skyscrapers.
The place is easily accessible by car or public transport and offers a long strip of sand, providing plenty of space to relax in the sun. The water is generally calm, although there may be currents, so it is always good to be aware of sea conditions.
The region is full of restaurants, bars and clubs, making it an excellent place to experience Cartagena’s nightlife. However, you need to know that the beach passes far from being a Caribbean paradise as we dream, the water is browny and there is a great flow of tourists and street vendors.
Things to do in Cartagena a Night
The nightlife of Cartagena is famous in Colombia and beyond! See how to enjoy the night in the city!
Rumba en Chiva
A mix between means of transport, city tour and ballad, the Rumba en Chiva is a sensation in Cartagena. The colorful, windowless bus walks around the city while passengers have fun to the sound of rumba and enjoy beers and cuba libre at will.
The tour is commanded by a tour guide whose main objective is to entertain and animate the party. With some quick stops to stretch your legs in the middle of the way, the final destination is, in general, the walled city.
The tour can be booked directly with your hotel, hostel or cruise, purchased at tourist agencies (in the historic center has some) or on this website. Expect to pay about $15. There’s a full post about Rumba en Chiva here.
Salsa in the Cafe Havana
Café Havana is an iconic landmark in the musical scene of Cartagena, Colombia, and is famous for its traditional Salsa night out.
Located in the bohemian neighborhood of Getsemaní, the café captures the essence of Caribbean culture. The entire decoration is based in Cuba of the 1950s, and the place has been frequented by illustrious figures, such as Gabriel García Márquez.
The shows are amazing, both music and dance. But I need to warn you it’s not cheap. Entrance costs 50,000 ($12), and a Moscow Mule reaches an unbelievable 75,000 pesos, or $18. But the beer, despite its face, goes for 20,000 ($5).
Café Havana opens from Tuesday to Thursday from 8pm to 1am. And on Fridays and Saturdays from 8pm to 03am.
What to do near Cartagena de Indias
The surroundings of Cartagena de Indias also have many interesting places that yield a round trip, or even a few relaxing days on the beautiful beaches of the Caribbean.
Baru
Want to escape to a little piece of paradise? Barú, located just an hour by boat from Cartagena, is your place.
To get there, you can take a boat at Muelle de La Bodeguita in Cartagena or opt for a taxi or bus to the peninsula. If you want something more organized, several excursions offer day trips that include transportation and lunch. You can book one that includes a VIP place in Playa Blanca here.
A tip from a Colombian friend is that the beaches fill too much on the weekends, so it is better to take the tour in the middle of the week and check if it is not a holiday in Colombia. Also, it is worth sleeping there, because no one does it, so you can pick up the beach only for you in the late afternoon or in the morning.
For lodging, you will find everything from foot-in-a-sand hostels to luxury resorts. For an authentic experience, consider staying at a local guesthouse.
Don’t miss Playa Blanca, famous for its white sand and crystal clear waters. It is the ideal place to swim, sunbathe or simply relax with a cold drink in hand. For adventurers, there is diving and snorkeling on the nearby reefs.
Be sure to explore the local culture, visiting the villages and perhaps even participating in a local dance class. The community in Barú is friendly and would love to share some of its culture with you.
Oh, and a friendly tip: bring enough money, because some places do not accept cards.
Islas del Rosario
If you have the time and patience to travel further, you will find one of the largest paradises in the Colombian Caribbean. And, the best, much more desert and paradisiacal than Baru.
The Islas del Rosario are a stunning archipelago of 27 islands located 35 km from Cartagena. To get there, your boat will pass Baru and follow for another 45 minutes by the sea.
You can take a boat at the Muelle de La Bodeguita in Cartagena. There are also options for one-day excursions or weekend packages that include everything you need. You can book your place in one of them around here.
The Islas del Rosario are known for their turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs, making them perfect for diving and snorkeling. If you prefer to stay on the surface, try the kayak or just relax on the beach with a colada pi?a. Read what to do in the Islas del Rosario.
From rustic huts to luxury resorts, there are options for all tastes and budgets. Some islands have unique accommodations, so book in advance. You can find great tips in our post Where to Stay in Islas del Rosario.
Basil of Palenque, the first free city of the Americas
Welcome to the first free city of the Americas! San Basil of Palenque is a village founded by runaway African slaves in the 17th century, which is still a testimony of resistance and black tradition in Colombia.
Just two hours from Cartagena, this unique village is a piece of Africa in the Americas, as its inhabitants proudly say.
How to get there: You can take a bus or taxi from Cartagena, or opt for a guided tour that will give you a deeper insight into the local culture.
What to do : Palenque is famous for its rich Afro-Colombian culture. Music, dance and palenquera language, a mixture of Spanish and African languages, are something you won’t find anywhere else. Join a dance class or try the delicious local cuisine.
I strongly recommend that you take a tour with a local guide to truly understand the importance and history of Palenque. In addition to supporting the community, you will still have access to unique experiences and talk to the inhabitants there.
Read our full post about San Basílio de Palenque or watch the video below to find out what the visit is like.
If you are lucky, you can witness one of the cultural festivals that celebrate the African heritage, such as the Tambores Festival, which takes place every year in the middle of October.
Bring water, sunscreen, and be prepared for a hot day. Respect for the local culture is key, so ask before taking pictures.
What to do in 4 days in Cartagena de Indias
See now a itinerary ready for 4 days in Cartagena de Indias
Day 1: Exploitation of the Walled City
- Morning: Tour through the historic center, including Clock Gate, Palace of the Inquisition.
- Afternoon: Walk through the walls and sunsets in the bulwarks. Consider having a drink at the Café del Mar.
- Night: Dinner at the Plaza de San Pedro Claver.
Day 2: Getsemani and Bocagrande
- Morning: Explore the artistic district of Getsemaní.
- Afternoon: Beach in Bocagrande and relax.
- Night: Salsa at the Havana Café.
Day 3: Baru
- Full day: Baru tour, including diving or snorkeling, if you wish.
Day 4: Bazurto Market and Museums
- Morning: Visit to the Bazurto Market, with lunch on site.
- Late: Gold Museum and Naval Museum.
- Night: Dinner at a restaurant in Getsemaní and Trinindad Square.
Where to eat in Cartagena de Indias: bars and restaurants tested by us
Check out some of my favorite places to sample the authentic cartagenera food in the city.
A good tip to know the local flavors is by doing a free gastronomic tour of the city. You can reserve your place for free here.
El Santísimo Restaurant
Bequeal decoration and a varied menu that seeks to contemplate the Caribbean flavors, especially fish and seafood. It has full meal plans at unique prices. Ask the waiter for the “Milagro” plan.
Address: Calle 38, Historic Center of Cartagena Indias
The Coro
The bar of the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara hotel is located in the historic center of the city. The building was, in the past, a former convent, which had its facade and preserved spaces. Right under the place where the bar is, a crypt was discovered and incorporated into the environment.
Gabriel García Marquez went in person to cover this discovery for the newspaper of the city, where at the time he acted as a young reporter. The incident inspired him to write the book of Love and Other Demons.
It has a great beer and drinks list, as well as live music playing almost every night. It is true that it is not the cheapest places, but drinks always come with small tapas to accompany.
Address: Calle del Torno 39-29
Café del Mar
For the end of the day in Cartagena, Café del Mar is certainly one of the points with the most beautiful sunset. Located on the walls of the historic city, with panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea, sitting there is a true experience in the city.
However, I need to warn that prices are expensive and, when I asked for, the drinks were much or more and the beer came hot. Still, from the sight I believe it was worth it, because we were not much.
Address: Baluarte de Santo Domingo, El Centro
the House of the Tunel
Located in the beautiful courtyard history of the Getsemaní neighborhood, it has a pleasant atmosphere and serves happy hour drinks in the afternoon. Highlight for the mandarin Mojito.
Address : Carrera 10b, Cl. del Pozo ?26-22, Getsemaní
the La Cocina de Pepina
This is one of the busiest restaurants in Cartagena, famous for fish. Chef Lucy de Brigard is known for her passion for traditional cooking and her commitment to preserving regional recipes.
Her approach in the kitchen is a tribute to the cultural heritage of Cartagena, and she is often seen interacting with customers, sharing the history behind the dishes.
Address: Cl. 25 9th–06 local 2, Gethsemaní,
I want Arepa
For delicious and cheap food, Quero Arepa serves the best Venezuelan arepas in the city. There are several filling options (which come in abundance, by the way). To accompany, order fruit juice typical of Colombia.
Address: Calle Quero Calle 37
Also read: Guide to the Street Food of Cartagena de Indias
What is the best time to visit Cartagena de Indias
The high season in Cartagena, runs from December to April, with dry and sunny weather. It is ideal for exploring the city and the beaches, but expect more tourists and higher prices. If you like culture, don’t miss Carnival in February.
The rainy season runs from May to September, but the rains are usually brief. You can still enjoy sun and you’ll find fewer crowds and lower prices.
Stay tuned for local and international holidays, when Cartagena can be overcrowded. If you prefer a more serene experience, plan your visit outside of these periods.
The city is hot and dated all year round. Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and light clothes.
How many days stay in Cartagena de Indias
Most people stay 2 to 3 days in Cartagena, which allows you to explore the walled city, Getsemaní, visit some museums, try the local cuisine and maybe take a jump on a nearby beach, such as Bocagrande.
With 4 or 5 days, you can enjoy a more relaxed visit to the city and take a trip to Barú.
A week in Cartagena allows you to really immerse yourself in the culture, history and natural beauty of the region. You will have time to visit San Basilio de Palenque, explore the Bazurto Market, relax on the beaches of Isla del Rosario and enjoy several magical must-sees in the city.
