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Cartagena Tourist Information Guide: Things to Do & See

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Cartagena is an important port and city located in the province of Murcia on the Mediterranean coastline in Southern Spain.

In common with many towns in this area of Spain, Cartagena is split in two – the historic town inland with the sights of Veles Castle, La Purisma convent and San Andres Church (famous for its fine Mudejar ceiling) and Puerta del Cartagena on the coast,

Cartagena dates back to approximately 227BC and was founded by the Phoenicians with the Moors and Romans also having a great influence over the city.

The port was also known as Carthago Nova the new Carthage, such was the importance of the port to the Phoenicians.

Puerta de Cartagena (the port area) has a marina with berths for 200 boats. Tourists will enjoy walking along the promenade which has many fantastic restaurants, bars and cafes. This area is crucial to the economy as it is very much still a working area with the fishing boats bring in their fresh catches daily, unlike many resorts in this area which now no longer fish but rely on tourism instead.

Getting To Cartagena

Cartagena is located on the Costa Calida in south-east Spain and is surrounded by the mountain ranges of the Sierra de Almenara and Sierra de Algarrobo.

Cartagena has a long history with the Phoenician, Roman and Moorish civilisations all passing through. Most were attracted here because of the abundance of natural minerals, including lead and iron ore, which can be found in the area.

Cartagena has two airports in its vicinity which are Alicante and Murcia airports of which Murcia Airport is the closest. Residents and tourists are eagerly awaiting the opening of a third airport which is La Covera Airport which will bring even more tourists to the Costa Calida with its golf courses, beaches and theme parks, (Paramount Pictures is due to open in 2015)

Sights and Attractions

Today Cartagena is one of the most important military naval bases in Spain together with Ferrol in the north and has been the capital of the Spanish Maritime Department of the Mediterranean since the Spanish Bourbon dynasty ascended the throne in the 18th century. Cartagena as a naval port has been most important to the country as early as the 16th century.

Because Cartagena was strategically important a number of civilizations have made their presence felt as can be seen from its heritage with landmarks such as the Roman Theatre which is the second largest on the Iberian Peninsula as well as substantial remains dating back to the Phoenicians, Roman, Byzantine and Moorish eras.

Because of its cultural diversity, Cartagena is on the tourist map when it comes to cruise holidays as well.

Cartagena is guarded by two fortresses and one of the must things to do in Cartagena is visit the Castilla de la Concepcion. If you are looking to book a Mediterranean cruise which has Cartagena as a port of call there are four excursions on offer which are Cartagena Port of Cultures, Elche and the Botanical Gardens, Magical Murcia and a Cartagena Bike Tour. These optional excursions start from as little as €40 per person.

Here is a video tour guide of Cartagena:

Accommodation – Where To Stay

Accommodation wise Cartagena has a whole host of hotel rooms to book from as little as €38 a night and the most popular of these include the Carlos III Sercotel, NH Campo Cartagena, Best Western Hotel Alfonso XIII, Los Habeneros and the Posadas de Espana Cartagena.

Best Bars – Nightlife

A Cartagena nightlife experience can best be enjoyed in the bars and clubs where tourists mingle with locals and dance the night away.

Popular Cartagena bars and nightclubs include Stereo, Cayote and Tris Tras.

Cartagena also has some fine restaurants which includes Los Churrascos, Mari Zapata, Mare Nostrum, Techosbajos and Tasca del Tio Andres.

Excursions/Days Out

Cartagena is less than twenty minutes away by car from the La Manga Strip , Mar Menor with its beaches and the famous La Manga Golf Course.

Head for the protected area known as the Sierra Espuna natural park, an area of ouytsanding natural beauty which is a great spot for walking and enjoying the outdoors.

If you have visited Cartagena because of its attraction as a city of museums and historic landmarks then you would also enjoy the town of Lorca which is famous for textiles and ceramics.

Cartagena has a some great beaches within easy reach which includes the Cala Cortina, Islas Menores, El Galua Beach and La Gola beach.

There are  about 35km of coastline featuring many fantastic sandy beaches and small coves for a spot of privacy. If you are looking for the best beaches for nude sun bathing or naturalists Percheles and Los Lobos.

Some of the best beaches are Playa del Casteller, Playa de Bahia and Playa de Nares.

Make sure you head west to the small fishing village of Bolnuevo, famous for the amazing natural rock formations.

Cartagena is well-known for it’s celebrations. The best ones to look out for include:

In mid-March Puerta del Cartagena celebrates the patron saint San Jose. This involves the burning of a giant falla (statue) on the beach ending with the usual spectacular firework display.

In the summer months of July and August there are many events such as concerts and celebrations.

Real Estate Agents

Whether you’re looking for a place to rent or to stay at permanently, you can take advantage of the services from the real estate agents in Cartagena who are more than willing to help you in finding your ideal residence.

You can contact Chersun Properties ( www.chersun.com , Tel. +34 610 914 850) and Elysium Properties ( www.elysiumproperties.com , Tel. +34 968 175 957).

Cartagena Tourist Information Office

Cartagena Tourist Office Address: Calle San Diego 25, 30201, Cartagena (Murcia) Telephone Number: +34 968 128 955 Email Address: [email protected] Website: www.cartagenaturismo.es

Cartagena Tourist Office Address: Palacio Consistorial, Plaza del Ayuntamiento s/n, 30201, Cartagena (Murcia) Telephone Number +34 968 128 955 Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 10:00-14:00 and 16:00-18:00. Saturdays 10:00-13:00.

Related Cartagena Pages…

Cartagena Weather

Towns in the Cartagena Region…

• Costa Calida

About the Author

Mark Eastwood

Main author and owner of SpainMadeSimple.com which was started in 2004 when I first moved to Spain.

Spain Made Simple features expert advice on all aspects of moving to and living in Spain as well as useful tourist information and travel tips.

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Robert Esposito says

December 7, 2023 at 9:06 pm

Will be there on Dec. 24th and 25. at the Grand Hyatt. Are there any good quality vegetarian restaurants open in the center on Christmas Eve?

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Region of Murcia

The port of Cartagena, in the Mediterranean's Costa Cálida, has been prized since Carthaginian times. Thanks to its strategic position on the Murcia coast, it has been inhabited by several cultures which have left their mark on its artistic heritage.

A tour of the place and its museums will draw us into the history of a city closely tied to the sea. This maritime enclave was already known to the Carthaginians and Romans, and its name today comes from the Latin, Cartago Nova . Cartagena was under Arab domination until Ferdinand III 'the Saint' reconquered it and incorporated it into the kingdom of Castile. Its port played a key role in the War of Succession and the Peninsular War.

Historic centre

The rich Carthaginian heritage spreads to the shores of its marina. The Muralla del Mar ('Sea Wall'), built by Charles III (18th century), delimits the old quarter. Overlooking the Mediterranean there is an element which is clearly connected with the sea: the prototype of the submarine by the inventor from Cartagena, Isaac Peral. In addition, the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology ARQUA (at Paseo Alfonso XII, 22) houses the National Centre for Underwater Archaeological Research. The findings on display reveal aspects of naval construction, trade and navigation since ancient times. The entrance to the city centre is dominated by the Town Hall, a gem of modernist architecture dating from the early 20th century. The Old Cathedral is located on the Camino del Parque Torres (behind the Muralla del Mar wall). This is the oldest place of worship in CartagenaCartagena (13th century), and stands on the remains of a Roman theatre discovered in 1987. This construction dates from the first century A.D., and together with the theatre in Mérida, is one of the most important in Spain. The items found on this site can be seen in the Museum of the Roman Theatre. Other examples of Roman splendour to be seen in the city are the archaeological site of El Molinete, the Morería Baja colonnade and the Byzantine Wall, which –despite its name– is also Roman. Particularly worth mentioning are the Augusteum and the Decumanus . The first contains the remains of the old forum, whose importance as a public building can be seen from the luxurious marble floors on display at the site. The second can be visited on the site adjoining the Roman Forum quarter, a key centre for visitors to the city, containing the different rooms in the city's Roman baths. The Casa Fortuna , built in the first century B.C. and belonging to a wealthy family, shows what daily life was like at the time of the Roman Empire. The Torres park is the site of the Concepción castle . Standing atop a hill, it served as a fortress to Carthaginians, Romans, Visigoths, Arabs and Castilians, and now houses the History and Mediaeval Cartagena Visitor Centre. Indeed the city has always had numerous defensive military buildings. A good example is the Navidad Fortress, built in the mid-19th century and today the Visitor Centre for the Defensive Architecture of Cartagena and the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting is the Refuge – Civil War museum , a series of galleries which were used as protection from aerial attack throughout the conflict. (More information at http://www.cartagenapuertodeculturas.com/ ) The best way to learn more about the Modernist architecture of Cartagena is to take a walk along the Calle Mayor, which leads off the Plaza del Ayuntamiento square, and around the surrounding area. Here visitors will find the houses of Cervantes and Llagostera, by the Cartagena architect Victor Beltrí, with their characteristic glassed-in balconies, worked in iron with bronze reliefs of allegorical figures. Other representative buildings of this artistic movement include the Casino, the Gran Hotel, the railway station, and the houses of Maestre and Dorda, all elegant monuments to the bourgeoisie which remain as evidence of the area's economic development, based on mining and industry, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. More aristocratic are the palaces of Aguirre (whose adjoining modernist building is this side of the Regional Modern Art Museum MURAM) and Pedreño, one in the modernist and the other in the neoclassical style. The Punic Wall stands on Monte Aletes, one of the five hills surrounding Cartagena. This is the location of the Visitor Centre for this site, dating from the third century B.C. Adjoining the historic walled centre is the Military Arsenal, whose construction was concluded during the reign of Charles III. The walls here have the only surviving entrance gateway in the city. More interesting items from the history of Cartagena can be seen in the Naval Museum , located in the old Naval Offices in Paseo de Alfonso XII, which contains an exhibition of old maritime navigation instruments, maps and navigation charts, as well as models of ships of all kinds. The fishing quarter of Santa Lucía is also well worth visiting. The city of Cartagena also has a variety of key cultural events each year, such as the world music festival known as the 'La Mar de Músicas' (Sea of Music). Other highlights include the historical festivities of the Carthaginians and the Romans in the second fortnight of September which commemorate the Punic foundation of the city, and the Roman reconquest.

The wide variety of landscapes of the Region of Murcia produces a rich selection of different ingredients from the farmlands, the sea and the interior. In Cartagena , the star dishes are products preserved in brine, fish, rice dishes and paellas. The abundant salt flats of the Mediterranean are used for salt to prepare food in brine (particularly tuna, mackerel and bullet tuna) and fish such as gilthead sea bream baked in salt. The calderos, (casseroles) with grey mullet, monkfish, grouper... consist of rice cooked in fish stock and accompanied by a garlic mayonnaise known as ali-oli. Fig bread is a regional speciality, and Cartagena's typical asiático, made from condensed milk, cognac and cinnamon, is the ideal accompaniment to coffee. To enjoy all the different types of cuisine in Murcia, the best idea is to head for the northwest of the region, in order to visit the Sierra de Moratalla, Caravaca de la Cruz and Calasparra, whose rice is the only one in Spain with its own Designation of Origin . This is definitely the star product in a long list of typical dishes, such as rice with snails, or in a stew with celery and turkey. La Vega del Segura leads to towns and villages such as Cieza, Archena (with a spa centre) and Molina del Segura (with a first-rate golf course), where visitors will find such delicacies as green asparagus, hearty chard soup, and rabbit with chestnuts. The area known as the Altiplano in Murcia (in the north) is home to such monumental towns as Jumilla and Yecla . These towns also have wines with their own Designation of Origin. The typical gazpachos (seasoned unleavened bread crumbs) and pulses are served as accompaniments to game dishes. The area's fertile farmlands produce a wide range of vegetables, which are perfect served with the delicious local sausages and cured meats. The Parador hotel in Puerto Lumbreras, and the towns and villages along the Costa Cálida (Águilas, Mazarrón, San Pedro del Pinatar...) are home to interesting monuments from the area's rich heritage, as well as exceptional facilities for nautical sports, beaches, and a delicious cuisine.

What to visit

Select from the list or hover over the map to find out about points of interest.

Cartagena Roman Theatre Museum

Torre Ciega

"Enrique Escudero de Castro" Municipal Archaeology Museum

National Museum of Underwater Archaeology.

Travel plans for inspiring you

Holidays in Murcia: great things to do at a surprising destination

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Shows, festivals, sports...

View some of the most relevant events you will be able to enjoy at the destination.

Carthaginians and Romans Fiesta

15 September 2024 - 24 September 2024

La Mar de Músicas Festival

19 July 2024 - 27 July 2024

Cartagena International Film Festival

23 November 2024 - 30 November 2024

Choose between thousands of activities to live your best life on holiday.

Tourist offices in Cartagena

Gates of san jose.

Civil War Museum

La manga del mar menor.

All About Traveling in Cartagena, Colombia

 Taylor McIntyre / TripSavvy

Hot, sultry, filled with the sounds of music and bright with color and tradition, Cartagena de Indias in Colombia has been an important port on the Caribbean since it was founded in 1533. Gold and silver left the port bound for Europe, pirates looted the city, and a walled fort grew to protect both shipping and the slave trade.

Cartagena still draws interest, but from tourists who come to enjoy the history, the sights, the weather, and nightlife. Plan to stay several days, to enjoy the colonial period, the modern city and the fashionable seaside resort of Colombia's second port. 

Cartagena's colonial charm and the old walled city, the Ciudad Amarullada , with tiled roofs, balconies, and flower-filled courtyards, beckons visitors to stroll the narrow streets or to enjoy a weekend getaway.

Things to See and Do

• Casa de Marqués Valdehoyos , on Calle Factoría, is a good place to begin your explorations of the old city. This house exemplifies old Cartagena, and the tourist office inside offers maps and information.
• Museo de Oro y Arqueloguía on the Plaza Bolivar has a good collection of gold and pottery of the Sinú culture. Also on the plaza, the Palacio de la Inquisicíon is a fine example of colonial architecture. Behind the charming facade, a museum displays instruments of torture from the Spanish Inquisition, pre-Columbian, colonial and independence-era art.
• Cartagena's Cathedral , with its massive exterior, simple interior, and fortress appearance was begun in 1575, partially demolished by Sir Francis Drake's cannons, and completed in 1602.
• Iglesia de Santo Domingo on Calle Santo Domingo, which is little changed from colonial days, is the oldest church in the city, and like the cathedral, was built to resist invaders.
• Las Bóvedas are dungeons initially built for military purposes and now house boutiques and tourist shops.
• Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas is the largest of a series of fortresses built to protect the city from pirates. A must-see is the tunnel system meant to facilitate supply and evacuation of the fortress.
• Overlooking the fortress, the Convento de la Popa boasts flowered patios and a great view of the city, particularly at sunset. The convent once served as an additional fortress and now houses a museum and the chapel of the Virgen de la Candelaria , Cartagena's patron saint.

Cartagena's newer areas, Bocagrande and El Laguito , on the peninsula facing the Caribbean, have become the fashionable location of upscale hotels, restaurants, and shops. You may be disappointed in the beaches, but dancing until dawn in one of the city's hotspots might make up for it.

Excursions and Day Trips

Outside the city, take time for excursions to:

• Mompós , on the Río Magdalena, was once an important trading river port between the Caribbean and the interior of the country. As the river current shifted, the city was stranded and commercial life ended. Remaining, however, are the curved streets paralleling the waterfront, deliberately designed that way to foil cannonballs and the graceful colonial architecture.
• Santa Marta is a deepwater port, the oldest Hispanic town in Colombia. Its colonial tradition is all but gone, but the attraction of the city is the gateway to the Sierra Nevada and the pre-Columbian ruins of La Ciudad Perdida . Be aware that Santa Marta is the shipping point for contraband and drugs. The Museo Arqueológico Tayrona displays a collection of Tayrona gold and pottery and a good model of the Lost City. The nearby Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino is the estancia where Simon Bolívar died. There is a monument to the Liberator on the grounds. Be sure to see the pictorial history of the Liberator's life.
• Parque Nacional Tayrona is a scenic mix of white sand beaches (rough currents make swimming dangerous,) coral reefs, jungle slopes, and the steep peaks of the world's highest coastal range. Popular with trekkers, hikers, and campers, the park also has an ancient Tayrona village, called Pueblito , under excavation.

If your visit falls in November, you might enjoy the celebration of Cartagena's independence. On November 11, 1811, the Declaración de Independencia Absoluta was signed, declaring independence from Spain.

This article was updated by Ayngelina Brogan.

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Cartagena   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Enzo Figueres | Getty Images

Why Go To Cartagena

During the Spanish colonial period, Cartagena functioned as a key foothold for the Spanish empire in Colombia and South America. The coastal city's colonial walls (which began construction in 1586) defended against pirates, who were drawn by Cartagena's status as an economic hub. These walls were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984, and they are now one of Cartagena's most well-known attractions, drawing history enthusiasts from around the world.  

The city boasts an astounding number of historical attractions in addition to its famous walls. Travelers can wander the streets taking in the architecture, or opt to spend an air-conditioned day in one of the many museums populating Cartagena. Plus, with the Caribbean Sea to the west and the Cartagena Bay to the south, this South American city provides a number of playas for even the most selective sun-seekers.

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• # 7 in Best Places to Visit in Central and South America in 2023
• # 18 in Best Places to Visit in Winter
• # 26 in Best Cities in the World to Visit

Best of Cartagena

Best hotels in cartagena.

• in Casa Pestagua Hotel Boutique Spa
• in Hotel Las Americas Torre del Mar
• in Hilton Cartagena

Best Things to Do in Cartagena

• # 1 in Old City Walls
• # 2 in San Felipe de Barajas Castle
• # 3 in Plaza Santo Domingo

Popular Tours

Full-Day Rosario Islands Including Barú, Cholon and Playa Blanca

(1445 reviews)

from $ 90.00

Bora Bora Cartagena Beach Club Full Day Experience

(418 reviews)

from $ 108.11

Cartagena ATV Tour

(709 reviews)

from $ 135.00

Cartagena Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit Cartagena is December to April. The city's tropical climate means that, although temperatures tend to stay around the mid-80s year-round, the amount of precipitation each season varies wildly. The dry season, December to April, coincides with Cartagena's summer and is also when the city welcomes the most visitors. Fighting the throngs of tourists turns out to be worthwhile though, as the winter seasons brings near-constant precipitation, accompanied by overbearing humidity, which makes it difficult to take advantage of the outdoors.

Weather in Cartagena

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

• Be wary of street vendors Aggressive street vendors swarm many of the popular attractions . If you're not interested in their services, clearly say no to avoid awkward confrontations.
• Keep cool Average temperatures in Cartagena typically stay between 75 and 89 degrees year-round. Travelers should be prepared to invest in sunscreen and sunglasses before their trip.
• Learn Spanish phrases Although Cartagena caters to tourists, most of its English speakers are concentrated in the most heavily-trafficked areas (such as the walled city). If you plan to venture outside of the tourist areas, plan to learn a few key Spanish phrases. It makes you a better tourist and (hopefully) helps you avoid scams.

How to Save Money in Cartagena

• Try some street food With food stands perched on every corner, travelers can experience a smorgasbord of culinary options without ever setting foot in a restaurant. What's more, street food is generally cheaper than a traditional sit-down eatery.
• Avoid public transit The Cartagena bus system is inconvenient and hard to navigate. What's more, many of the areas are walkable with some rudimentary planning, while hailing a taxi only costs a small premium.
• Budget for small purchases While lodging, flights and excursions are best budgeted out in advance, set aside a small pool of pesos for small purchases from street vendors and the like.

Culture & Customs

Cartagena features a diverse culture, though visitors will primarily notice the Spanish colonial vibes that permeate the city. Consequently, Spanish is the dominant language of Cartagena; though, as a tourist city, most establishments can recognize the relevant English phrases. That said, travelers are more likely to avoid overpaying for services if they know a few simple Spanish words such as hola (“hello”), por favor (“please”), gracias (“thank you”), cuánto cuesta (“how much is it”) and dónde (“where”).

Visitors to Cartagena ought to recognize the roles that different meals traditionally play in Colombian culture. Breakfast and dinner are auxiliary meals, with small dishes accompanied by coffee or water. Meanwhile, the majority of a Colombian's calories are typically consumed around lunchtime. While the role of each meal is more of a guideline, travelers have no reason not to subscribe to the country's dietary habit during their visits.  

After dinner, music-lovers should plan to spend at least one night out dancing to the sounds of the city. Music plays a particularly significant role in Colombian culture, with an eclectic variety of genres like champeta, cumbia and salsa echoing from the city's bars and clubs.

What to Eat

Cartagena's street food provides a cost-effective and delicious option for full meals or snacks. Travelers can purchase an assortment of tropical fruit from las palenqueras , or local women selling fruit from the carefully balanced bowls on the tops of their heads. You'll be able to easily spot them thanks to their colorful dresses. Alternatively, Colombians and tourists alike enjoy feasting every morning on arepa de huevo , a deep-fried breakfast dish that consists of cornmeal dough and eggs.

The city's coastal perch means that fresh seafood is also abundant. Ceviche, a hodge-podge of fresh seafood and vegetables, delights travelers from around the world. La Cevicheria is the most well-known ceviche eatery, in no small part because Anthony Bourdain once visited and praised the restaurant. Other traveler favorites include La Pescaderia Ceviches y Piqueo, Mangata and Porton de San Sebastian.

A culinary trip to Colombia isn't complete without sancocho , a soup that combines local ingredients like seafood, plantains, yucca, corn and cilantro. Soup isn't the only liquid worth trying though, and a variety of bars, like El Arsenal: The Rum Box and Sinko Bar , wowed recent patrons with their expansive menus of custom cocktails.

Following the Colombian government's 2016 peace accord with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, violent crime in Cartagena has drastically declined. That said, Cartagena is still plagued by many of the same petty crime that you'll find in other major metropolitan areas. Because street crime is the most common threat to tourists, visitors should take common sense precautions: travel with friends, be aware of your valuables at all times, and stay alert for pickpockets and other scams.

Getting Around Cartagena

The best way to get around Cartagena is by taxi. Taxis make it easy to get between distinct points in the city, including Cartagena's Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG), while short jaunts ought to be made on foot. According to area hotels, taxi rides from the airport to the central tourist areas cost about $10. Rental cars are available in Cartagena (an international driving permit is required), but the U.S. State Department advises against driving in Colombia due to lax traffic laws and poor infrastructure.

For the same reasons, travelers should avoid taking the busses from nearby cities into Cartagena. Instead, visitors should opt to arrive by air, which is the most common means of arrival in the city. Local buses are also available at the airport and stops throughout Cartagena, but public transit can be challenging to navigate and is not recommended for tourists.

Entry & Exit Requirements

A valid passport is required for entry into Colombia, and tourists from the United States can stay for up to 90 days without a visa. A yellow fever vaccine is required for travelers entering Colombia from Brazil, Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. For more information on entry and exit requirements, visit the U.S. State Department's website .

The Public Clock Tower is a major attraction in the Old City Walls .

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A Local’s Guide to More than 75 Things to Do in Cartagena, Colombia

Look no further for ideas for things to do in cartagena, colombia after a decade living in cartagena, i’ve got you covered. here i’ll share over 75 things to do in cartagena, split into must dos, should dos, and could dos, including many you won’t read about elsewhere. so, read on to help you decide what to do in cartagena during your visit.

*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I am a member of Amazon Associates, LLC and other affiliate programs and earn from qualifying purchases made after clicking those links. There is never any additional cost to you. To learn more please consult our Disclosure Policy.

Best Things to Do in Cartagena, Colombia – Contents

• Must Dos – The Things to Do in Cartagena, Colombia You Can’t Miss
• Should Dos – More Great Cartagena Things to Do You Should Try to See
• Could Dos – More Fun Things to Do in Cartagena You Might Want to See

Too long; can’t read it all quick overview

Top 5 Things to See in Cartagena:

• Explore the Historic Walled City – Book a tour
• Visit the Rosario Islands – Book a private boat or a tour boat
• Visit the Castillo San Felipe
• Enjoy the Great Seafood
• Catch Sunset at Café del Mar

Want to take the hassle out of planning your trip? Let the experts at our partner BnB Colombia Tours help you! Fill out this form and they will work with you to design a custom made trip just for you!

Things to Do in Cartagena, Colombia Introduction

If you’ve decided to come visit Cartagena, Colombia, congratulations !

If you’re asking yourself what to do, Cartagena has no shortage of fun things to offer!

This slice of Caribbean paradise offers colonial charm and history, beautiful nearby beaches, and a vibrant culture! There are lots of great restaurants, great shopping, and a fun nightlife too. Cartagena is also a perfect gateway to more adventures in Colombia.

So, if you’re wondering what kind of holiday to go on , know you can get a little bit of everything in Cartagena. There’s simply tons of fun things to do in Cartagena, Colombia.

After living in Cartagena for a decade, I’ve hosted friends and family coming to see all the top attractions in Cartagena as well as learning to enjoy the city like a local and getting to know some of the lesser known things to do in Cartagena.

And here I’m going to share them all with you!

To make this list a bit easier to go through, I’ve decided to split it into three sections.

First, you’ll find the must does, the 11 can’t miss things to do in Cartagena, Colombia, at least in my opinion.

Next, I have a list of ought to dos, or things to do in Cartagena you should try your best to fit in your schedule.

Finally, I’ll share my ideas for could dos. These are things you might want to add to your list of what to do in Cartagena, depending on your time and interests.

Before continuing on to this Cartagena things to do list, if you haven’t booked your accommodations yet, do check out my guide to the best areas to stay , or just see my picks for the best luxury hotels , the best boutique hotels , the best beachfront hotels , or the best hostels in Cartagena.

Or, if you just want some quick picks, check out Casona del Colegio for the best high end hotel, Townhouse Boutique for the best midrange, Casa India Catalina for the best cheaper hotel, and Casa Movida for the best hostel.

Now, let’s get to this list of 78 fun things to do in Cartagena, Colombia!

Must Dos – Can’t Miss Things to Do in Cartagena

This first list are my top 11 picks for what you absolutely must do in Cartagena . Consider these the best of the best things to do in Cartagena that you should make sure you plan to include when visiting.

Even if you are only in Cartagena for a few days, you should be able to fit all of these top things to do in Cartagena (although I’d definitely encourage you to add a few more days and enjoy some of the other fun things to do in Cartagena further down too!).

I like to do top 11 lists because, well, every travel blogger has a top 10 things to do in Cartagena list, 11 has a special significance for Cartagena since it declared its independence on November 11, 1811 (11/11/11), and I think you deserve just a bit more.

1. Explore the Historic Colonial Walled City

Hands down, this has to be the top thing to do in Cartagena, Colombia!

Walking around Cartagena’s historic walled city, often times referred to as Old Town, Centro Histórico or the Historic City Center, or just Centro, is a must during your visit to Cartagena.

If you’re wondering what to do in Cartagena, this needs to simply go at the top of your list. It’s also where you’ll find lots of other Cartagena things to do.

There is a wealth of charming colonial architecture to enjoy . The New York Times once compared the Walled City to a Moroccan Medina.

As you walk around, be sure to admire the brightly colored houses, flower covered balconies, and massive wooden doors . As you marvel at those doors, be on the lookout for the elaborate brass animal door knockers .

While you’ll get plenty out of just wandering, some particular highlights include the Calle Cochera del Hobo near the Plaza San Diego (really all the streets in this area are beautiful), the Calle de los Estribos beside the Santo Domingo Church, and the Calle Don Sancho that runs from the wall beside the Teatro Adolfo Mejía (aka Teatro Heredia) and gives gorgeous views of the Cathedral.

For a guided experience consider booking a walking tour or, for the aspiring photographers like me trying to learn how to use their nice camera, consider booking a photography workshop and tour of the Walled City.

There are also free walking tours that meet in front of the Naval Museum with yellow umbrellas.

2. Take a Stroll Along the Wall Itself

Cartagena’s is one of the few places left in the Americas that still boasts nearly its entire city wall.

Once manned by those that guarded the realms of the Spanish colony, most of it was built in the 1600s after the burning of Cartagena by Francis Drake , and the walls themselves have an interesting history .

Today, you can walk along much of the wall, and doing so is another one of the can’t miss Cartagena things to do.

If you’d like to walk the entirety of the walls, head up around the Exito San Diego, not far from the statue of India Catalina near the entrance to Centro.

From there you’ll walk along the Baluartes de Santa Catalina and San Lucas, the second oldest and the tallest sections of the wall, restored after they were heavily damaged during an attack by French Privateer Bernard Desjean aka the Baron of Pointis in 1697.

Then you’ll come to Las Bovedas, the last section of the walls built at the turn of the 19th century, where what were once barracks for the city’s defenders house tourist shops today.

If you continue, you’ll come to the Baluarte Santo Domingo, the first section of the wall built, where the popular Café del Mar sits today (more on it below). This section of the wall has some of the best views of the Caribbean on one side the colonial city on the other and a stop here has to be included on any what to do in Cartagena list.

Continue on and you’ll get some great views of the modern buildings of Bocagrande before coming to the Baluarte San Francisco Javier behind the San Pedro Claver Church, where you’ll find another nice bar atop the walls.

There’s one more short section of walls that can be walked on the other side of the church that gives a good view of the bay.

Finally, be sure to check out the iconic Clocktower.

While the clock was added later, the three archways are original and served, much as they still do today, as the main entrance to the Walled City.

During the colonial era, the promenade in front crossing to Getsemaní was a wooden bridge over a mangrove filled stream, since filled in.

Today, you’ll find the Camellón de los mártires (Walk of the Martyrs), with statues to the 9 Martyrs killed by the Spanish during the wars for independence.

Of course, you could just opt to head up wherever you encounter the wall while exploring the historic city and walk as much as you like. The neatest parts are definitely those that run along the waterfront. If you’re a history buff or just want to know about some neat things to see along the walls, I highly recommend the book The Fortifications of Cartagena de Indias – Strategy and History .

3. See the Sunset from atop the Wall at Café del Mar

Atop a central section of the city’s wall overlooking the sea, Café del Mar is one of Cartagena’s most iconic spots to enjoy a drink .

And the best time to do that is without a doubt at sunset. Doing so is another obligatory inclusion in your plans for what to do in Cartagena.

The sun goes down almost directly out to sea, and the feeling of watching it from atop the wall with Cartagena’s and Colombia’s flags flying overhead is really neat.

Not to mention, the Piña Coladas,Coco Locos,  and  Limonadas de Coco are among the best in the city.

Café del Mar also has decent  picada platters to munch on if you’d like to stick around for a snack or dinner after sunset, although given the fact they are pricey, I’d probably recommend just having a drink or two here then finding somewhere else to eat or have more drinks once you’ve enjoyed the amazing sunset.

The one exception to this is if you see the Fantasía del Mar on the menu, a great platter of seafood in garlic sauce. It’s really good!

I do recommend getting there a bit early, especially on weekends, as the spots with the best views often fill up quick.

*See also:  Top 10 Spots for Sunset Drinks in Cartagena (spoiler: Café del Mar is on the list)

4. Explore Colombia’s Coolest Neighborhood, Getsemaní

Located just outside the Walled City, Getsemaní is the second oldest part of Cartagena.

During the colonial era, it was home to the free black and mulatto artisan working class. For that reason, it is often considered the cradle of Cartagena’s culture. Exploring this unique neighborhood is another required stop amongst the top things to in Cartagena.

The support from the people of Getsemaní and popular artisan leader Pedro Romero for Cartagena’s Declaration of Independence in 1811 was crucial to the bills passage.

Today, this historic neighborhood has become a hip hangout spot, sporting many of the city’s trendiest cafes, restaurants, bars, and clubs. Some highlights include the great brick oven style pizzas at Demente, the pasta at Di Silvio, and the terrific brunch at Caffé Lunático.

There is also lots of great street art . Walking around here and getting lots of photos is without a doubt one of the top things to in Cartagena.

In particular, you’ll want to walk down the Calle San Andrés , famous for its colorful pennant flags hanging overhead a variety of restaurants, hole in the wall cafés, tiny tiendas, and street food. Off of this street, you’ll find the Calle Tripita y Media with its colorful umbrellas overhead.

On the other side of the Calle Media Luna, the street that once was the main colonial entranceway to the Walled City from the countryside, you’ll find the Calle de la Sierpe , a curving street that has some of the most famous street art in Getsemaní with flags from around the world overhead.

Heading towards the Plaza de la Trinidad, you’ll find a number of colorful streets with neat street art, including those on the Calle San Juan across from Café del Mural (on this street you can also find some neat art for sale).

On the other side of the plaza, you’ll find even more tiny streets with colorful art and neat architecture. The most famous is the Callejón Angosto , the first street to start the trend of hanging colorful umbrellas.

However, around every corner here you’ll find cool street art, and some of best photos you can take in Cartagena , so take some time just to wander, and don’t be shy about stopping in for a refreshing juice, cold beer, or even a cup of coffee at one of the many neat cafes. Especially neat is the wooden building of the famous and long standing Tienda de las Tablitas .

Finally, there is another section of wall you can walk along just outside of Getsemaní overlooking an inlet from the bay. Although you usually hear of Centro referred to as the Walled City, in actuality, all of Getsemaní was also protected by a wall, just very little of it remains today.

Undoubtedly, no Cartagena sightseeing trip is complete without also strolling through Getsemaní.

If you’d like a guided experience here, you can book a walking tour through Getsemaní or you could book a walking tour of Centro and Getsemaní . A neat way to see it would also be doing a bike tour that goes through the main sites of Cartagena, including Getsemaní (use discount code ExploreColombia10 to get 10% off these last two tours).

Finally, you can combine a walking tour with rum tasting in a unique tour.

5. Visit South America’s Largest Colonial Fort

It wasn’t only the city wall’s that the Spanish invested in for the defense of Cartagena. Given the constant threat of attack, there were numerous forts built around the city’s bay to fend off any invaders.

The Castillo San Felipe Fortress was built as the last line of defense should an invader actually get past the outer bay defenses, and it’s next on this list of what to do in Cartagena, Colombia.

The fort was built at the top of a hill outside the colonial city in 1657 , and it played a decisive role in the defense of the city from an attack on the city by Edward Vernon in 1741. Beginning in 1761, the fort was repaired and expanded to the massive structure it is today .

The fort was meant to prevent a force that landed from being able to use the hill as a point siege the city. With the renovations in the late 1700s, the entire hill was covered in stone, and an elaborate network of tunnels was built, designed to be blown up to collapse the land around the fort if an attacker ever seriously threatened its walls.

It’s an impressive structure and was the largest fort constructed by the Spanish on mainland South America.

It is also a unique example of colonial fort design as its construction over top of the hill meant it did not follow the the standard perpendicular model of other forts from the time.

At the fort, you can explore on your own or join a tour for an additional fee. It’s really neat to walk along the different sections, and the tunnels between them are cool and a bit eerie.

The views of the bay and the Walled City are really neat from the top, and make sure you get a photo with the giant Colombia flag.

See my visitor’s guide to the fort to learn more about planning a visit. I highly recommend going early in the morning to beat both the heat and the crowds.

For a guided experience, consider booking this half-day tour that includes several of the popular places to visit in Cartagena or this all day private city tour .

If you’d like to learn more about the Castillo San Felipe and Cartagena’s fortifications, I again highly recommend Rodolfo Segovia’s book The Fortifications of Cartagena de Indias.  You can see my review of the book here or check it out on Amazon here .

6. Escape to the Rosario Islands

Ok, this is sixth just because I feel like it fits the best contextually here, but honestly, this might deserve to be higher since I would consider it a Cartagena must see for sure. No list of what to do in Cartagena, Colombia is complete without some time in the nearby islands!

We’ve been talking about all the fortifications built to protect colonial Cartagena from foreign invaders and pirates. Why not visit an area where, according to legend, pirates would sometimes hide out?

The Rosario Islands are a small chain of islands just off the coast of Cartagena and easily reachable by boat in about an hour.

Here you’ll find beautiful crystal clear blue and turquoise waters and some terrific resorts and eco-lodges. Supposedly, somewhere in the waters nearby is also where the treasure ship San Jose was sunk hundreds of years ago.

For those looking for beach excursions in Cartagena, Colombia, this has to be at the top of your list as the islands are just so much prettier than the other beaches in Cartagena .

There are a few options for how to do the islands.

If you can get a group together to make it cost effective or have the budget to do it on your own, a private boat is without a doubt the best way to enjoy the islands and one of the funnest Cartagena activities there is.

If you can’t swing the private, this great day tour on a catamaran that includes snorkeling is one of the best rated Cartagena tours, and there’s also this fun looking option of a tour on a pirate boat .

For those looking to spend some time relaxing on the dry land and beaches in the islands, I recommend Islabela ( read about our experience at Islabela here ). They have great beach bungalows and you can also do a day pass (use the code ExploreColombia 10 for 10% off).

If you have the time to spend a night or two here or at another spot in the islands when visiting Cartagena, I highly recommend it, as it’s perfect to escape it all and live a little slower.

See more suggestions and tips in my complete guide to the islands , or check out my lists of the Best Rosario Island Hotels and the Best Rosario Islands Day Trips .

7. Eat Some Tasty Seafood

The Rosario Islands aren’t just rich in supposed lost treasure.

Their coral reefs also make them great fishing grounds, as do the mangroves around the rest of Cartagena. So it’s not surprising Cartagena has great seafood.

The city’s rich cultural tradition lends itself to a great culinary tradition as well, and the seafood is where it really shines.

You absolutely have to try the traditional fried fish plate, served with coconut rice and  patacones   (mashed fried plantain patties).  It is best enjoyed at the beach and goes great with an icy cold beer.

Other seafood dishes to try include the Cazuela de Mariscos , a seafood stew with coconut milk. Camarones al Ajillo , a shrimp in a garlic sauce that is one of Susana’s favorites (see her recipe for it here), ceviche and shrimp cocktails , any type of arroz de mariscos , or seafood rices, and filete a la marinera , a fish filete smothered in shellfish sauce.

For the land lubbers , some other good traditional dishes from Cartagena and Colombia to try that don’t have seafood are posta negra , a beef roast topped with sweet sauce, arroz con pollo , a mixture of rice, chicken, and vegetables, mote de queso, a cheese soup that can be a bit of an acquired taste but something undoubtedly unique.

As far as for where to eat, here are some of our favorites: La Mulata and Espiritú Santo both have fresh local fare at reasonable prices. La Cevicheria was made famous by Anthony Bourdain and is great for all things seafood. Be sure to try the hot sauce. La Laguna Azul outside the Centro Comercial Getsemaní also has great ceviche is a bit of a hidden gem.

For nice higher end options, check out Alma , Jardín at Santa Clara , and Club de Pesca , located on an old fort with great views of the bay. Marea also has a great deck overlooking the bay. For steaks, check out Quebracho .

The crab nachos at Harry’s at the Santa Teresa are also bomb. Bona Vida Mariquería has nachos with crab and shrimp, not to mention lots of other creative seafood dishes and more traditional favorites to go with a great drink menu. It’s become one of our favorites.

Candé is also really good and serves up nice takes on local traditions. The aforementioned Demente and Di Silvio are two of our favorites for pizza and pasta, respectively, as well. Mistura has a great mix of sushi and Colombian/Peruvian fusion. Cuzco also has a big menu and is a crowd pleaser. And there are tons of other great restaurants.

Learn more about all of these and lots more in my list of 50 Cartagena Restaurants to Try .

For those interested in learning more about Cartagena’s cuisine, check out this cooking class at Café Lunático (which has great food too, include a great breakfast) which I have heard really good things about.

8. And Don’t Forget to Sample an Arepa de Huevo (and other street food)

The  Arepa de Huevo  is Cartagena’s premier street food and snack.

It is also unique to Colombia’s Caribbean coast. With an entire annual festival devoted to it, it is practically an institution!

Made with sweet, yellow corn meal, the  arepa de huevo  is stuffed with an egg and ground beef when it is fried. What comes out is a greasy disc of tastiness that can be enjoyed for breakfast or a snack any time of day. Trying it is another top Cartagena to do!

You can find  arepas de huevo at street fry stalls and vendors all over the city (they are much better fresh, so try to get them from an actual fry stand if you can).

If you want to try some really special ones, check out Donde Magola , located by the Exitó Supermarket in San Diego in Centro. They serve up the traditional egg and ground beef but also a variety of stuffings. My favorite is the one with  chicharrón.

Some of the best stands are also just around the corner and a couple blocks away on the Plaza San Diego.

Donde Magola also serves up some of the best other street foods .

Obviously, you’ll find empanadas but the carimañolas , made with yuca are also particular to the Colombian Caribbean and worth trying.

Hotdogs here and elsewhere in Colombia are unique, topped up with lots of sauces, cheese, and little crunchy shoestring potatoes.

Finally, you could try a patacon con todo , a giant flat patacon topped with a variety of meats and cheese . You’ll find some of the best ones at the Plaza Trinidad in the evening.

If you want to sample several of these, a street food tour can be a neat way to get to know a bit of the city while stopping to munch on some of the best streets foods. Particularly fun might be this night time street food tour .

Or if you prefer to go it alone, check out this full list of other street foods to try at this post on the best street food in Cartagena . Regardless sampling the street food should be on your Cartagena to do list!

9. Enjoy a Night Out on the Town

After the last couple of years putting a damper on nightlife, it’s nice to know you can get your groove on in Cartagena again! Getting your dance on has to be included in your Cartagena what to do list!

Cartagena, like the rest of Colombia and Latin America, has a vibrant nightlife, and going to get your dance on or at least do your best gringo attempt at it is another of the can’t miss things to do in Cartagena, Colombia.

It’s worth noting, Colombians do dress to impress when heading out to the club, so guys make sure you take along a pair of long pants or jeans, nicer shirt, and non-tennis shoes. Some places will let you in wearing more casual clothes but others will turn you away.

Ladies should bring along a nice dress or outfit and not be afraid to show a little skin if they want. Get some ideas for both the guys and gals at my packing list for Cartagena .

As far as for where to go, you’ll find a handful of places in the Walled City like Babar , Tu Candela by the Clocktower, and La Jugada that are all popular.

You’ll also find a number of places on Calle El Arsenal , including Mr. Babilla , probably the most famous Cartagena discoteca. There are also a number of smaller places that can be lots of fun along Calle Media Luna in Getsemaní.

If you’re looking for something more relaxed or too embarrassed in your skills to hit the dance floor, the Clock Pub is a popular watering hole for tourists and expats, Al Químico offers a nice medium between club and lounge bar, Café del Mar has a nightly DJ, Mirador has a great rooftop view, as does the rooftop at Townhouse , Demente has a nice beer garden in the back and plenty of other little bars and restaurants are good spots to hang out and have a drink. Caponera , across from the convention center, has a great local atmosphere and reasonable prices.

See lots more places to go out in Cartagena, including my picks for the best bars and best dance clubs in my Cartagena Nightlife Guide .

10. Learn More About the City’s History at the Naval Museum

The Museo Naval del Caribe is hands down the best of the museums in Cartagena .  That means I have to include it on this list of best Cartagena activities.

For some reason, it tends to be lesser known than some of the other museums, but it is by far the best done and most informative in my opinion. So if you’re only going to visit one, make it this one.

You will get a much better appreciation of the city’s historical importance and why the Spanish invested so much in defending it, as well as the geography and location of the fortifications protecting the city.

Cartagena was attacked numerous times during the colonial era, and the museum has some excellent exhibits with dioramas showing the day by day accounts of the major battles . That includes the attacks by Drake, Pointis, and Vernon. There are also models of the different forts and fortifications around the city.

Upstairs, you will learn about Cartagena’s vital role in Colombian independence and the history of Colombia’s Navy.

There are some cool interactive models of a submarine and warship that make this one of the fun things to do with kids in Cartagena too.

For a guided experience, check out this private walking tour of Old Town that includes a stop at the Naval Museum, one of the must do Cartagena activities for history buffs.

Check out my visitor’s guide to the Naval Museum to learn more about planning a visit on your own.

11. Appreciate the View from atop Hotel Movich

Hotel Movich has the rooftop bar with the best view in the city.

That view can be enjoyed in the afternoon or early evening, and it gives Café del Mar a run for its money as the best sunset spot in Cartagena. Enjoying it yourself has to be on any Cartagena what to do list.

Enjoying this spectacular view rounds out this list of the absolute can’t miss activities in Cartagena, Colombia. Whether you do this your first afternoon to get an idea of the Walled City from a bird’s eye view or you come your last night and reflect on how much fun you’ve had, it doesn’t matter, just make sure you get here.

Of course, you can also come multiple times!

They serve great cocktails and you don’t have to be a guest to enjoy the bar.  It is, however, a very nice hotel and if you stay there , you can take advantage of the bar side pool overlooking the city as well.

You can also enjoy a spectacular view of the sunset from atop Movich , making it the more modern answer to the Café del Mar experience atop the wall. You’ll get some of the very best pictures of the city here to go along with your drinks, and there are tasty appetizers on offer if you fancy a snack.

I would suggest getting here a bit before sunset time to take advantage of the view during the day time as well as making sure you get a good spot. It is occasionally closed for private events but is usually open

Must Do Activities in Cartagena, Colombia Wrap Up

You should be able to do all of these must see Cartagena attractions in just 2 or 3 days, and these are really the highlights of what to see in Cartagena.

In 3 days, you might be able to fit in a few more the ideas for your Cartagena what to do list below as well.

However, I’d really suggest planning on 5 or 6 days in Cartagena so you can see all of these plus do all or most of the should sees below as well as even a few of the could do Cartagena attractions that get your attention.

Should Dos – More Things You Should Try to Do in Cartagena

This next section I’m calling the should dos.

These are activities that, in my opinion, you really ought to do while in Cartagena. However, depending on time, you may not be able to fit them all in, so pick the ones that perk your interest the most.

For example, you might want to have another beach day, or even two, or you may decide the islands was enough sun and sand and want to do a day trip to historic Palenque instead.

Or you may just want to hang out and eat, drink, and do some more dancing. If that’s the case, you shouldn’t feel like you totally missed out if you don’t get to all of these.

Also, the truth is there are lots of things to do in Colombia. Cartagena has a lot to offer, but depending on your time, you might want to opt to add another destination to your trip (see the other destinations sections for ideas!).

However, see if you can fit in the ones you want from this list, and if all else fails, well, you’ll just have to plan another trip (or several!).

12 . Visit the San Pedro Claver Church

Now that I’ve showed off the view from atop Movich, it’s time to talk about that beautiful church in the background that helps make it so special.

Follow in Pope Francis’s steps on a visit to the next place on our list.  Named for Saint Peter Claver, the Iglesia San Pedro Claver is Cartagena’s neatest church.

A visit here is another one of the best things to do. Cartagena was the site of the entry for many African slaves during the colonial era.

Claver was known as the “slave to the slaves” and dedicated his life to ministering to the many slaves brought to and sold in Cartagena and advocating for their humane treatment. He was later made a Catholic saint and is considered the patron saint of human rights, and the church where he spent much of his life was renamed in his honor.

Today, the church and its accompanying museum can be toured by visitors.

There you can see the neat 1600s Jesuit architecture, galleries of indigenous, African, and religious art as well as exhibits dedicated to San Pedro Claver , including his humble living quarters.

You can also marvel at the inside of the church itself, including a 19th century organ, its impressive stained glass window, and its massive marble altar . At the base of the altar you can see San Pedro Claver’s remains.

Check out my visitor’s guide to the church to learn more about planning your visit to this Cartagena attraction.

13. Visit Palenque

San Pedro Claver stayed busy, and while estimates vary, at least 200,000 slaves passed through Cartagena during the colonial era.

Although the area around Cartagena never developed large scale plantation agriculture, many slaves were employed as domestic servants in the city, agricultural work in the country, and many more sent to the mines on the Pacific coast and further inland.

Some, however, escaped.

In Colombia and around Latin America, run away slave communities became known as Palenques. Palenque means fortified in Spanish and these communities got that name because the freedmen surrounded their towns with walls to protect themselves from the threat of attack and recapture.

Probably the most famous of these Palenques was San Basilio de Palenque, often referred to simply as Palenque, and it’s next on this list of things to do. Cartagena, or better said, the Spanish troops based there, tried for years to defeat San Basilo.

The community not only successfully defended itself from numerous attempts to destroy it, but also led raids to free slaves in Cartagena. Their success led to the Spanish offering them formal recognition as a free town in exchange for a pledge not to continue to raid Cartagena.

In the town, many African traditions continued to be practiced. Many locals also still speak a creole language, the only recognized African-Spanish creole.

Despite its neglect by the state, recent interest in the town has not only helped to preserve its unique culture but also turn it into a popular day trip from Cartagena and a chance to learn about a lesser known part of Colombia’s history.

Tours to Palenque often include not only a great history lesson and tour but also frequently include music and dance, and, in some cases, even workshops on the making of traditional drums.

There is also an annual music festival held in October as well that is well worth checking out if you can.

You can book a tour to Palenque here (use the code ExploreColombia10 to get 10% off). It is undoubtedly one of the Cartagena, Colombia things to do.

The town is several hours away so plan for this to be a full day trip from Cartagena, and while it is technically possible to arrive on your own, it is a difficult trip, and you’ll get a lot more out of it with a guide.

14. Sample the Fresh Fruits…

Speaking of Palenque, you’ll undoubtedly see the women in pretty, colorful dresses around town. They are known as Palenqueras as traditionally they came from Palenque to sell fruit and represent their culture.

Nowadays, I think they may make more money on tips for posing for pretty pictures than selling fruit, and yes, getting a picture with them is one of the all but an obligatory Cartagena, Colombia things to do, but you can also still buy fruit from them!

Or if not from them, then from any of the many other street vendors selling fresh fruits.

Some favorites to try include what you’d expect like watermelon, banana, pineapple, papaya, cantaloupe (known simply as melón in Spanish), berries, guava, and mango. You can also find lots of avocados.

You can get just about any fruit in juice form, and you’ll find juice stands all over. Some of the best ones by the flower market a few blocks from the Clocktower. Most restaurants and cafes will serve a selection of fresh juices as well.

If they happen to be in season, nispero and zapote are two unique fruits to try as juice (get them in milk). I like guanabana a lot as a juice.

Ciruelas, which are sort of like green plums, you can find in season at stand around town and are tasty with some lime juice and pepper. Another unique fruit to try is mamón, which you’ll see sold on branches and have a sort of sweet and savory flesh inside the little fruit.

As is tamarindo , which has a sweet and bitter flavor and is an interesting juice. Susana’s favorite juice by far is maracuyá , or passion fruit.

Another super traditional Cartagena favorite is corozo juice, which you can get at many restaurants. I’m not sure how best to describe corozo , it is like a mix between dark cherry and berry.

Finally, lulo is a really popular fruit in Colombia, and while not quite as common in Cartagena as in the interior, it can be found as a juice.

15. And Sample a Drink in a Coconut…

Wait, I forgot, coconut!

It is the Caribbean after all, so you’ll see plenty of palms and cocos in Cartagena. You can find vendors around town that will put a hole in a coconut for you to drink the juice from (pro tip: after you finish have them chop it open to eat the meat inside).

However, in my opinion, the best drinks in coconuts have two other special characteristics. They are at the beach and they have rum in them!

When we go to the beach, in addition to the traditional fried fish plate, I pretty much always have to get a coco loco or piña colada for desert. In some places the latter actually comes served in a hollowed out pineapple.

16. And Sample a Limonada de Coco

And, while we are on cocos , I have to mention the limonada de coco , or coconut limeade.

Like corozo juice, this is another local favorite, and trying it is another thing to include on your list for what to do in Cartagena, Colombia.

The best ones are creamy and have a perfect balance between sweet and sour. Some places where we’ve always enjoyed getting them are La Mulata, Crepes and Waffles, Di Silvio, and Café del Mar, but most places are likely to serve a good one.

And of course, regular limonadas are really good too!

17. Get an Even Better Tan at Playa Blanca

Located about 90 minutes outside of the city, Playa Blanca is perhaps Cartagena’s most well known beach.

It used to be a bit of a hidden paradise requiring a boat or combination of bus, ferry, and mototaxi to get there.

However, a bridge and paved road has made it more accessible and also more crowded. It also has a bit of a reputation for pushy vendors and overcharging. This is why I recommend the islands over it, otherwise this would be in the must dos section.

Despite the crowds, it still boasts beautiful, clear blue water. There are also a lot of little cabins and hostels on the beach, and spending the night will allow you to enjoy the gorgeous sunset and the beach after many of the day’s visitors have left.

So if you have the time to do more than one day at the beach, include a visit here on your list of what to do in Cartagena, Colombia. Just make it on a non weekend or holiday and get an even better tan than you got out in the Rosario Islands.

You can reach Playa Blanca in a number of ways.

You can head to the town of Pasacaballos and then getting a collective taxi or mototaxi to the beach. You can get boat transportation. You can hire a private taxi. or you can go on a day tour , a tour that includes snorkeling and a tour of the mangroves , or a tour that stops in the islands, Cholón and Playa Blanca .

See my full guide to Playa Blanca here .

18. Visit the Colombian National Aviary

This is one of the more interesting and unique things to do in Colombia and Cartagena.

Colombia’s National Aviary is located just up the road from Playa Blanca. I haven’t been to many aviaries around the world, but I would find it hard to believe Cartagena’s isn’t among the best. 

Stretching over 7 hectares, depicting several habitats, and with over 135 species and 2,000 birds, the aviary is extremely well done!

The highlights are the condors, the harpy eagle, the flamingo pond, and the twice daily “Birds in Flight” presentation . If you have to time to spend a few hours at the aviary, it is absolutely worth doing.

The aviary is located in Barú just up the road from Playa Blanca.

It can be reached by taking a taxi, by bus and collective taxi from the town of Pasacaballos, or by going with a tour (a better option). For bird and nature lovers, it should absolutely be on the list of places to visit in Cartagena, Colombia.

You can check out my complete visitors guide to the Aviary to help plan your trip.  

For guided experiences, check out this private tour (use ExploreColombia for 10% off) or a tour that includes the Aviary and Playa Blanca .

19. Try a Cocada at the Portal de los Dulces

For a neat local market style experience that isn’t out of the way, include the Portal de los Dulces on your list of places to visit in Cartagena, Colombia and try some of the traditional sweets sold here.

Located under the archways of the buildings across from Cartagena’s Clocktower, Portal de los Dulces features a number of stalls vending traditional sweets and candies typical of Cartagena and is next on this list of the top things to see in Cartagena.

You absolutely have to try one of the  cocadas or coconut patties.

They come in a a number of varieties. My favorites are just the plain coconut and panela (unrefined brown sugarcane) ones, but you can also get them with milk, arequipe  (caramel), pineapple, strawberry, and other flavors.

There are a number of booths, but they all more or less sell the same things.

In addition to  cocadas , you can also try the little babies made from sweetened milk, balls made from the bitter  tamarindo , or my other personal favorite the little bars made from sesame seeds.

All of the sweets should cost you no more than the equivalence of about a dollar, making this one of the cheaper things to do in Cartagena.  Gift packs also make an excellent gift to take to friends and family back home!

20. Have a Beer at Donde Fidel

Possibly Cartagena’s most iconic bar, Donde Fidel has (for Centro) fairly reasonably priced beers.  A salsa joint, the inside gets packed and blares old school salsa songs.

However, I prefer the outside seats .

The tables, located beside the Clocktower are a great place for a beer (or 3). The location outside on the plaza is also sweet and offers some great people watching opportunities as well. A great place to meet friends and have some brews, it is popular with both tourists and locals alike!

21. Get Your Salsa On

Donde Fidel is arguably the most famous salsa spot in town, and if you’re game to dance in the crowds there, you are definitely more confident in your salsa skills than me.

Even if you are pretty bad like me though, you still have to at least try to do a bit of salsa dancing while in Cartagena.

The places I mentioned above for where to go out dancing all play a variety of music, so you’ll be able to get a taste of salsa at any of them.

However, for places that specialize in salsa, check out Cafe Havana , where there is almost always live music and where Hillary Clinton got her groove on, Crazy Salsa in Centro near the Clocktower, Vueltabajero or 1968 , two newer places on the Calle Media Luna.

If you’re like me and need salsa lessons, check out this tour that includes afternoon lessons and a visit. to several spots to show what you’ve learned at night or these lessons on a rooftop in the Walled City.

22. Learn to Dance Champeta

Champeta  is a genre of dance and music that was born in Cartagena’s  barrios.

The music was developed in the neighborhood sound systems known as picós (Spanglish version of pick ups). You may notice the posters with brightly colored lettering around town advertising the  picós .

If you want to have a listen to champeta, check out this song (old school) or this one (new school).

Unfortunately, there used to be a great champeta club named Bazurto Social Club in Getsemaní, but it has closed down. There was another champeta place named Awa Coco on Media Luna that also didn’t make it.

So, for the time being, you’ll have to head to places like Mr. Babilla or the other places listed up above in the night out on the town section where they mix in champeta with other popular music.

23. Enjoy the Evening Atmosphere at Plaza de la Trinidad

You’ll want to come back to Getsemaní in the evening.

The neighborhood houses some of the best nightlife in Cartagena . A must stop is the Plaza de la Trinidad.  This historic church and plaza has long been a local gathering spot, and the growth of tourism has only amplified that.

Grab a cheap beer from the store on the corner and hang out here for a bit. The area attracts a motley crowd of locals and visitors alike , and there are often street performers. It’s also a great place to people watch and mingle before going out dancing elsewhere.

As you wander and/or stumble through Getsemaní, do keep in mind the importance of the neighborhood’s history and the reality that it has been subject to extreme gentrification with the growth of tourism. In other words, enjoy, but also respect the local residents.

24. Or Get Some Fancy Cocktails

If road beers at the plaza aren’t really your thing, then there are more and more places that serve up nice concoctions around Cartagena.

Al Quimico has established itself as one of Cartagena’s trendiest bars. They are known for their unique concoctions with flavor infused rums. El Arsenal bills themselves as a rum bar but has a variety of creative cocktails on offer. Townhouse has some great drinks, and their downstairs bar, Members Only has a neat 1920s prohibition vibe. El Barón is also known for good cocktails, and the El Coro bar at Santa Clara has some interesting concoctions as well.

25. Go Rooftop Hopping

If you want some great spots to have a drink, why not do it at one of Cartagena’s many rooftop bars. Taking in the cool breeze and the views of the city with some friends and drinks is another of the best things to do in Cartagena, Colombia.

I’ve already mentioned Movich as a must do, so make sure you do that one. Another nice rooftop bar is the aforementioned Townhouse . Al Quimico does have a rooftop bar, but there’s not much of a view there. Buena Vida Marisquería mentioned above for where to try seafood also has a very cool rooftop bar with a nice view and great drinks.

El Mirador across from the Clocktower has a gorgeous view. Malagana Café in Getsemaní has a tiny rooftop where they serve nice drinks and food to go with one of the more unique views. Selina Hostel also has a nice rooftop bar that is open to the public.

Boticario is a new rooftop bar at the Santa Clara and looks to have a great view. We tried to go a few times and always either hit it when they had a private event or were full. Its spot near the edge of the wall is a privileged one.

Finally, you can also find some great rooftop bars at the two largest buildings in Cartagena in Bocagrande. At the top of Estelar , you’ll find 51 Sky Bar , on the 51st floor with great views of the Caribbean on one side and the bay on the other.

Next door at the Hyatt Regency, there is also a big rooftop terrace that overlooks the bay. The pools overlook the Caribbean, but there is a little deck below them that has one of the best views of sunset in town.

The Estelar and Hyatt are amongst the newest and best luxury hotels in Cartagena . If you are interested in staying in them and getting access to their great pools, you can check prices at Estelar here or check prices at the Hyatt here .

26. Go on a Sunset or Dinner Cruise

Enjoying the sunset is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Cartagena.

If you want to really go all out, you can do a sunset or dinner cruise on the bay .

We did the Sibarita Express once with our mothers and had a good time seeing the sunset and enjoying the open bar of rum and cokes and rum punch (you can read about our experience here or book your own here ). Sibarita also offers and dinner cruise on the Express and both a sunset cruise and dinner cruise on their larger Sibarita Master boat.

We’ve also done the sunset cruise on the Bona Vida Catamaran and thought it was terrific ( read about it here ). Sailing and the neat netting at the front of the boat makes for a unique way to see sunset and some cool photos. It is not open bar, but you do get 2 complimentary drinks and a nice snack pack of empanadas. Book the sunset cruise on Bona Vida here .

For some more unique ways to do a harbor cruise, you could watch the sunset with an open bar on a pirate ship , take a sailing trip at sunset , take a sunset kayak tour of the bay , or do it from a private boat .

27. Perk Up with Some Great Colombian Coffee

If you’re looking for a warmer drink, you can’t visit Colombia and not sample some of its world famous coffee!

Fortunately, there are a number of great places to sample coffee in Cartagena, and doing so has to be on this list of things to do in Cartagena.

With two locations in Centro, Café Epoca is one of Cartagena’s coolest coffee shops.  They offer awesome quality coffee and a variety of different preparations.  I’m a fan of the French press, but you can also get a drip as well as some truly interesting preparations, like the syphon method, which looks like something out of a chemistry lab. They also do a great brunch, good lunch sandwiches, and even have a full service bar . That means you can stop in at any time for a coffee or anything else you might want.

Some other great places to try Colombian coffee in Cartagena include Cafe del Mural , on Calle San Juan in Getsmaní, although they only open in the afternoon.

La Brioche is a French pastry shop with great single origin coffee as well. Another good brunch spot, and they have terrific burgers to boot! They have locations in Centro and Bocagrande.

Cafe Prispri is a nice coffee and gourmet shop located in the heart of Centro near Plaza Bolivar.  Their empanadas are also money. Isabella’s Coffee is an upscale coffee and sandwich shop has a location in Bocagrande and in Mall Plaza. The Tienda Café Sabor de la Montaña in Centro is also pretty good.

Juan Valdez is sort of like Colombia’s Starbucks (seriously don’t go to a Starbucks in Colombia), Juan Valdez has good coffee in a variety of drinks. There are locations in Centro, Getsemaní and Bocagrande.

You can also book a coffee tasting tour or a coffee workshop .

While there aren’t any coffee farms in Cartagena like you’ll find in places like Salento in the coffee growing region or Minca to the north, you can do this day trip out to a coffee farm a couple hours to the south.

28. Get a Photo with the Mujer Reclinada

Located on the Plaza Santo Domingo, this famous Fernando Botero statue is one of Cartagena’s best known landmarks.  Also known as La Gordita, it’s also one of the best photo ops in the city .

So put on your best pose and take a glamour shot with her.  If you’ll be making it to Bogotá as well, be sure to check out the Botero Museum there.

29. And One with the Zapatos Viejos

Located around the corner from the Castillo San Felipe is a statue of two old shoes, known as the zapatos viejos or sometimes also referred to as the botas viejas or old boots.

The statue commemorates a famous poem written by Luis Carlos López about Cartagena. In the poem ( read it in Spanish here ), López compares his love for the city to the love for an old, well worn pair of shoes.

The statue is a bit of a hidden gem tourist attraction and another nice photo op, especially since you can climb in the shoes if you like and the backdrop of the fort is really neat looking.

30. See the India Catalina Statue

On the edge of Centro by the bridge that crosses to the rest of the city, you’ll find the statue of India Catalina.

She is located in a park built just a few years ago, moving from her old perch in the middle of the road coming into Centro.

India Catalina was an indigenous woman that was kidnapped from around Santa Marta and taken to the Dominican. She was taken on by Pedro de Heredia’s crew as a translator.

Similar to someone like Pocahontas, Doña Marina, or Sacajawea, some see here as a tragic figure, others as perhaps a traitor to her people.

When Cartagena declared its independence from Spain, they adopted the symbol of the indigenous woman to help distinguish and separate themselves while adopting symbols that spoke to the pre-Spanish past. She remains on the seal of the city today and a stop and photo op here is another one of the must see places to visit in Cartagena, Colombia.

The park her statue sits in is very pretty, although it has very little shade, meaning you’ll probably just want to take a photo and enjoy the view of the water and Castillo San Felipe for a few moments.

31. See the Convent and Views of La Popa

The large hill overlooking Cartagena is known as La Popa.

According to legend, a Friar saw a vision of the Virgen of Candelaría (the patron saint of Cartagena) that called on him to build a church on the hill and throw a goat inhabited by a supposed evil spirit off the hill. That’s why you may also hear the cliffside referred to as the Salto del Cabrón.

There were worries that the cliffside may be unstable, and the convent was closed for a while, but it is now reopen. The monastery itself is neat, but the view of the city is even better, making this another one of the nice things to see in Cartagena.

You can hire a taxi to take you up the hill and wait for you while you visit. Stops at La Popa are also part of this city tour that also stops at the Castillo San Felipe, the zapatos viejos , and a tour of the Walled City.

32. Hang Out in the Plazas and Parks

Like most colonial town, you’ll find a number of plazas and parks around Cartagena’s Walled City. Checking them out is another one of the nice things to do in Cartagena.

Perhaps the most famous are the Plaza de los Coches, just inside the Clocktower where you’ll always find lots of people. Adjoining it is the Plaza de la Aduana , which unfortunately houses almost entirely banks.

Beyond it, you’ll find the Plaza San Pedro Claver in front of the church of the same name. There are several places to have a drink here, and you can also get a shaved ice, aka raspao , or feed the pigeons.

A couple blocks away, you’ll find the Plaza de Bolívar . A mainstay in basically every town in the cities he helped liberate, here you’ll find a statue of Bolívar with many devoted pigeons and some benches around the shaded park. If you just want to sit quietly and relax a bit or have a street coffee or tinto , this is the best plaza for it. ou’ll also find the Inquisition Museum and Gold Museum here (more on those below).

Other plazas and parks worth checking out include the Plaza San Diego , where you’ll find some souvenirs for sale and a number of bars and restaurants, the Parque Fernandez de Madrid , where there are some more restaurants with outdoor seating, and the neat nighttime atmosphere Plaza de la Trinidad in Getsemaní mentioned above.

Finally, be sure to check out the Plaza de Santo Domingo , where you’ll find the fat lady statue and be able to take in views of the church. The restaurants here are a bit touristy trappy though.

33. Marvel at the Other Historic Churches

A colonial center of wealth, there are a number of beautiful, colonial era churches in Cartagena. The San Pedro Claver Church is the most impressive and the only one that has a formal entrance and tour. The other churches can be seen from outside and are sometimes open for mass where you can pop your head in respectfully.

The other two most impressive are the Santo Domingo Convent located a few blocks up from San Pedro Claver, and the Cartagena Cathedral or Cathedral of Santa Catalina de Alejandría , located by the Plaza de Bolívar.

Some other neat, smaller churches to see include the Iglesia de Santo Toribio , next to the Parque Fernandez de Madrid, the Convent of San Diego , which today houses a fine arts school, the Convent of Santa Clara, across the plaza of San Diego and today the home of a swank hotel . You will find the University of Cartagena housed in the former Convent of San Agustín and the Hotel Charleston in the Convent of Santa Teresa .

Outside of the Walled City, the Plaza de la Trinidad houses the Iglesia de la Santísima Trinidad . Near the end of Calle Media Luna, you’ll find the neat Iglesia de San Roque .

On the other side of Centro, you can find the uniquely designed Iglesia Nuestra Señora de la Mercedes in the Parque Apolo just outside wall in El Cabrero across from the Casa Rafael Nuñez.

34. Enjoy (and/or watch out for) the Street Performers

One of the things I love about Cartagena is sitting outside for drinks or even dinner in the plazas. Particularly good for those are the aforementioned Plaza San Diego, Parque Fernandez de Madrid, and the Plaza de la Trinidad.

You’re likely to encounter both street vendors and street performers when doing so.

Honestly, the vendors can be annoying, and you’ll want to practice your best finger wag and “No, gracias” before coming. If you are interested in buying something, always negotiate, and always be clear on prices.

Some of the street performers can also be a bit frustrating.

This is most often the case with the rappers that cold approach you while walking. However, some are really good. The best are the funny ones.

There is a “ fat Shakira” guy as well as a Michael Jackson impersonator that are absolutely hilarious. Occasionally, you’ll get a really good singer as well. So enjoy those, and do consider giving a bit of change or a small bill tip.

35. Visit the Ábaco Bookstore

There is always something quaint and interesting about visiting book stores, especially in charming historic places like Cartagena.

The neatest bookstore in Cartagena is Ábaco Libros y Café. Located a couple blocks from the Plaza Santo Domingo, it is a neat little store where you can also enjoy a coffee or even a beer or cocktail.

The books stacked to the ceiling between the brick archways are really neat to see even if you’re not looking for a book. You can, of course, find some neat finds here, include a selection of books in English on Cartagena and Colombia’s history and culture.

Also, they sell some really neat art, posters, and maps that make for unique souvenirs. The stuff by Cartagena Gráfica sold here is really neat.

While visiting a book store might sound like one of the more unusual things to do in Cartagena, stopping in here for a drink and some browsing is a nice way to take a break from exploring the Walled City.

36. Get Yourself a Nice Souvenir

No vacation is complete without taking yourself something nice home.

Oh yea, and some stuff for your friends and family too!

While you’ll find lots of street vendors selling things like bracelets, T-shirts, and hats, there are three places I recommend looking for souvenirs.

First, in Las Bovedas , housed in what used to be the colonial barracks, you’ll find a number of tourist shops today. There are lots of good finds here, including art and handmade artisan crafts. You can find some neat stuff here, and likely can take care of all your souvenir shopping in these shops.

Second, there is a store on a corner a block up from the Clocktower, caddy corner the Cathedral named Almacén Un Centavo Menos . Here you’ll find lots of standard souvenirs like shot glasses, some books, and some crafts like ceramics and decorations.

Finally, be on the lookout for pop up crafts markets .

These are seasonal and are often located in the Parque del Centenario (big park diagonal from the Clocktower), around the Clocktower itself, or around the corner from the Naval Museum.

During peak tourist seasons around Easter and New Years, you’ll definitely see some set up. You can often get much better deals on handmade goods here than you’ll get in stores, so if you see one, check it out.

As far as what to get, I think the handmade bags are really neat. You can get lots of different designs made from straw, or get one of the elaborate bags made by the indigenous peoples. The nicer handmade ones will be a bit pricey (expect to pay upwards of $100,000 COP), but are really ornate and last a long time. If you want to get something really unique, get a handmade hammock.

Other things I think are neat are the kitchen utensils and dishes. Often mistaken for coconut, many of these are made from Totumo, a large round fruit that isn’t edible.

A couple things to avoid in tourist shops are the coffee and the Colombia team jerseys, at least if you want a real one.

The coffee is often packed in cool little bags, but it is usually the cheap Sello Rojo brand, which is really bad. If you want to take coffee home for yourself or someone else, head to a supermarket. Some of my favorite brands are Cafe Salento, Cafe Qundio, and 4 Elementos, which sells a great variety pack.

For the Colombia team shirts, what you’ll find in tourist shops are likely to be fakes. Now, I have happily bought fakes, and fakes can be just fine and look nice as they are often very close to the real thing. Just make sure you’re paying fake prices. And, if you want to get an authentic one, do it at an Adidas store in the mall not a souvenir shop.

Ah, and one more great thing to take home as a souvenir is art .

You’ll find some cool art in some of the shops in Las Bovedas. Also, check out the art for sale on the corner outside the Cathedral next to Plaza de Bolívar, and that sold on the street of Calle San Juan in Getsemaní , near Café del Mural.

Finally, if you want something a bit unique, check out the booksellers outside Parque del Centenario .

Ok, so now we have covered the must see things in Cartagena as well as a number of other things to do in Cartagena you really should try to fit in to your visit.

Next up are could dos. These are activities to do in Cartagena that, in my opinion, are going to be appealing to some, and to others not as much, hence the could do moniker.

In other words, don’t consider think of these as less fun things to do or things to see in Cartagena that aren’t really worth you time (and definitely don’t stop reading here!).

More so, c onsider this list things that you might include if they get your attention but are more than ok to leave out if they don’t seem that interesting to you.

Ok, here we go, a lot more fun things to do in Cartagena that you could do if you find them appealing and you have the time!

37. Tour the Bazurto Market

I have to be honest, my first year in Colombia back in 2011, I never would have imagined this becoming one of the popular activities in Cartagena, and would have most certainly considered it one of the most unusual things do in Cartagena as a tourist.

The Bazurto Market is the somewhat chaotic, pretty, umm, interesting smelling city market, located about 20 minutes down the Avenida Heredia (commonly just called Avenida). There you can find all sorts of stuff, including fresh seafood and produce.

I used to walk by here most Sundays on my to catch the bus back out to the town I volunteered in my first year in Colombia, and I even ventured in to buy some stuff every now and then.

However, the last few years have seen this place increasingly become a sort of off the beaten path attraction in Cartagena.

There’s no doubt you can get fresh seafood at incredibly cheap prices here . In fact, Susana would sometimes go and get fish or shrimp or lobster here.

I would say that unless you have a pretty good handle on Spanish and getting around Cartagena, I would not come here on your own as it can still be a big dodgy.

But, you are in luck, because there are a variety of tours that visit the market now!

I think the neatest ones are where you go to the market to source ingredients to have a cooking class . Although, a tour that includes lunch at the market itself would also be pretty interesting. Also, I highly recommend this combination Getsemaní and Bazurto private tour offered by our partners BnB Colombia.

If you do feel comfortable with your Spanish, I would still encourage you to go here with a local you trust, but the market can be reached easily by taxi or bus.

38. Party on a Chiva

If you want a unique dance and party experience , hop on a Chiva party bus.

You’re sure to see, and definitely hear these go by in the evening. Open air, brightly colored buses, Chivas used to be the principal means of public transportation in much of Colombia.

Now, they combine nostalgia and Colombians’ love of a good party to be party buses. It is possible to do a day time tour on a Chiva as well, but the funnest way to do it is a night time party bus tour. Most include all you can drink rum, make a few stops, and include entry to a disco at the end.

There are some newer ones that have an open dance floor in the center and chairs around the edges, while the more traditional have rows of seats with a band in the back. Regardless, expect to shake your booty a bit.

The truth is, Chivas really depend on the crowd . I’ve been on some that have been a lot of fun and some that have been pretty meh.

So, if you can, try to go with a group or group up with some fellow travelers and make sure it’s a fun time.

39. Get an Even Better Tan and Bum it at the Beaches of Tierra Bomba

If you don’t want to make the trip all the way to Playa Blanca or the Rosario Islands, the beaches of Tierra Bomba are closer to the city (a 10 minute boat ride) .

Tierra Bomba is an island at the entrance to Cartagena’s bay, and there are a few nice beaches located on the island.

The easiest to reach is Punta Arena . There you can get a good fish lunch, lounge chairs, and drinks.  You can get boats there from the behind the hospital in Bocagrande.

However, I think the best way to do this is by booking a day pass or even an overnight stay at one of the beach clubs here.

Our favorite is Palmarito Beach , which has its own private beach area and is the best value in my opinion. You can check prices for an overnight stay at Palmarito here or book a day pass here .

Other nice spots include Fenix Beach for a higher end experience( check prices for overnight stays here ) and Namaste Beach Club ( check prices for bungalows here ).

Finally, if you’re willing to go a bit further, check out Blue Apple Beach Club on the far side of the island past Bocachica ( read about our visit here ). A former vacation home turned lodge and beach club, they have a nice pool and quiet beach area to go with nice drinks and food. Check prices for a day pass at Blue Apple here .

40. Visit the Lesser Known Forts of Bocachica

If you do head all the way out to Blue Apple, or even if you don’t and you’re a history buff, you should include a visit to the forts nearby on your list of things to see in Cartagena.

At the far end of Tierra Bomba is a narrow channel that is the entrance to Cartagena’s bay known as Bocachica (literally little mouth) . Defending that entrance was key to the city’s defenses during colonial times.

There are 3 forts in Bocachica , 2 on the island itself, and one on the other side of the channel.  They are all open to the public with free admission.  They are also very well preserved and are great examples of late 18th century fortifications. Lightly visited, they really are one of the hidden gems in Cartagena and a can’t miss for history buffs.

You can easily get water taxis out to Bocachica from the docks by Centro (go in through gate 3 to get the cheaper boats locals take).

After visiting the forts, you can hang out at the beach for a bit and enjoy lunch or a beer. It is best to know some Spanish and feel comfortable getting around if you go on your own, which you can read more about in my full visitors guide .

For a guided experience and a unique activity in Cartagena, consider doing this bike tour around Tierra Bomba that goes to the forts .

41. Get Your Exfoliation on at a Mud Volcano

Located about 45 minutes outside of Cartagena, you’ll find the Volcán del Totumo . An active mud volcano, El Totumo rises about 50 feet (15 m) in the air, and its crater is filled with thick mud that is supposedly very good for your skin.

After climbing up the staircase, you can spend some time chilling in the mud (don’t worry, the thickness of the mud makes it impossible to sink below about shoulder height).

If you like, the locals will give you a massage for a tip, and there are always guys on hand willing to snap a few photos with your phone or camera as well.

When you get out, you can wash the mud off in a small lagoon nearby. There you can also optionally have some ladies wash you for a tip. It’s entirely up to you if you want to or not, but do be aware they can be a bit forward.

The truth is, this is one of the more weird things to do in Cartagena.

The question is do you think it sounds like fun weird or I want to avoid that weird. If it’s the former, go, if it’s the latter, skip it.

While it is theoretically possible to go here on your own via some combination of bus and mototaxi, or paying a lot for a taxi, it’s best to go with a tour to the Mud Volcano . If you prefer to go at your own pace, consider booking a private tour to the Mud Volcano (use the code ExploreColombia10 for 10% off!).

Learn more about the Mud Volcano in my complete guide to it .

42. Marvel at the Pink Sea of Galerazamba

Located near the Mud Volcano is the pink sea of the salt mines in the town of Galerazamba , also about 45 minutes north of Cartagena.

This is a relatively recent attraction, and it’s quickly become popular. You’ve almost certainly seen photos of it on Instagram.

One thing to keep in mind is that the phenomenon of the pink sea is due to a species of micro-algae that interacts with the high salt content of the sea .

The natural cycle of the algae dying off once the salt is harvested along with the onset of rains causes the sea to return to its normal color.

There are differing reports on the season to see the pink sea. Many sources say it’s best to go from December to April or in August or September as those are months when it usually doesn’t rain much, so you should see plenty of pink.

That being said, we went in July and saw lots of pink!

Supposedly sunny, windy days are best. Since it has become an attraction, they also appear to rotate the sections they harvest. For example, when we went, there was a large area they had just harvested and wasn’t pink.

So, my best advice is to ask around if you go outside those times listed above and if it hasn’t rained for a few days, you should be able to see the pink sea.

See my complete guide to the pink sea to learn more.

43. Explore the Mangroves Outside the City

The mangroves ( manglares  in Spanish) that grow around the inlet known as the Ciénaga de la Virgen just north of Cartagena are a vital part of the ecosystem .

Not only do they help prevent erosion but their dense root systems serve as nurseries for fish, making them incredibly important for local fisherman.

Doing a tour of the mangroves outside of the community of La Boquilla is one of the neat off the beaten path things to do in Cartagena. All will take you on a canoe ride through the mangroves, where you’ll pass from the dense forests out into wide lagoons.

It’s a neat experience, and many of these tours also include a chance to learn a lot about the of history of the community and often times fishing or music workshops.

You can book a tour of the mangrove that includes lunch or combine it with the Mud Volcano in a shared tour or private tour .

44. Go Hiking in the Montes de María

If you want to get out even further into nature, then consider including this hike on your list of Cartagena, Colombia things to do.

Located about 3 hours south of Cartagena, the Montes de María was an area where run away slaves settled and created walled communities like San Basilo del Palenque.

There, their African culture blended with that of the indigenous peoples there.  That rich cultural tradition has led to the area being a center for music, folklore, and artisan goods.

A neat way to experience this area is by going on a hike with Taroa Adventures on their “Jaguar’s Footprint” tour.

You’ll spend the morning hiking through the forest along a creek bed before reaching some ancient indigenous petroglyphs. In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy lunch and a presentation of Gaita music in the nearby town of San Jacinto. This music is unique to the region and combines indigenous and Aftrican influences. You’ll even get a mini lesson in playing the instruments yourself!

We did this tour and enjoyed it ( see a write up here ). You should expect to get wet, and if you go in the rainy months of October-December you will probably get muddy as well.

Check out Taroa Adventure’s website to learn more about the tour.

45. Rent Bicycles and Cycle the Walled City

This is a great way to spend a morning or afternoon and another of the best outdoor activities in Cartagena, Colombia.

There are a number of places that rent bikes inside the Walled City , usually for fairly cheap prices . You can also do a half-day bike tour of much of the city . There’s also a free bike tour of the Old City .

Only word of advice I’d give is cars are not always the most accommodating to bikes so do make sure you watch out for any passing cars.

And definitely do cycle up on top of the wall itself!

46. Or Ride Around on the Hop on Hop Off Tourist Bus

I know, I know, a big red double decker bus, what could be more touristy?

Actually, the Hop on Hop Off Red Bus is a great value .  That means I had to include it on this list activities in Cartagena.

The bus makes a big loop around the main tourist areas of Cartagena , including Bocagrande, Centro, and Manga. It makes 14 stops in total , and the bus runs every 45 minutes between 9 am and 7:30 pm .

It stops at a number of the tourist attractions in Cartagena, Colombia on this list, including the Castillo San Felipe, Rafael Nuñez Museum, and Fort of San Sebastián del Pastelito where there is a great restaurant. The bus also stops at several entrances and exits to Centro as well as at the Hilton , and Hotel Caribe .

Just on taxis alone, you can save some pesos taking the bus around town, especially since the ticket is good for 2 days.

You can prebook the bus here or pick up tickets at McDonalds in Bocagrande.

47. Take Home Some Great Memories with a Photo Session

With all the beautiful and colorful sights in Cartagena, you’ll get plenty of great photos!

If you want some really special ones though, consider doing a photo session with a professional photographer.

I have to be honest, after buying a nice camera myself and starting to dabble in touching photos up in post production, I have a new found respect for professionals. Not only getting the photos right when snapping them but then touching them up to be perfect is a real skill, and it’s remarkable what a talented person can do.

I recommend doing your session with Marina Maldonado, aka Your Local Photographer in Cartagena . We did a session with her a while back and she was terrific ( read about it and see some photos here ). Check out her website here .

48. Visit the Inquisition Museum

A beautiful colonial building that was the seat of the Spanish Inquisition during the colonial era, the  Palacio de la Inquisición doubles as a historical museum and museum of the Inquisition .

Located just off the Plaza Bolívar, it makes for another one of the best things to do around Cartagena for history buffs.

Upstairs, you’ll learn about the history of Cartagena.

Downstairs, you’ll learn about the Spanish Inquisition and see some freaky torture devices and a model of a guillotine and gallows outside in the courtyard.

More well known than the Naval Museum, I think there’s less to be learned here, but it’s still a neat way to spend an hour or two.

Note that admission is free the last Sunday of every month .

See my visitors guide to learn more about planning a visit.

49. Visit the Gold Museum

Cartagena’s Museo del Oro displays some neat examples of the expert gold work of the Zenú indigenous people .

Looting of their gold helped build Cartagena’s early colonial prosperity. Luckily, some of it still survives today so we can see it on display at the museum. There are also exhibits on the Zenú’s culture and history at the museum.

While it isn’t as impressive as the larger Gold Museum in Bogotá , Cartagena’s is a nice way to spend an hour or so.

Best of all, it’s always free!

See my complete visitors guide to the museum to plan your visit.

50. Visit the Modern Art Museum

While we are on museums on this list of Cartagena what to dos, the Cartagena Modern Art Museum is also a good way to spend a bit of time. The museum is located in a neat old colonial building just across from the San Pedro Claver Church.

In the museum, visitors can see works by artists from Cartagena, Colombia, and the world.

There are some neat pieces on display here and for those who enjoy art, it should absolutely be included on their list of things to do in Cartagena.

51. Visit the Casa Rafael Nuñez Museum

One last museum for this list of places to see in Cartagena.

Rafael Nuñez is the only Cartagena native to have served as Colombia’s president.  He helped to write a new constitution for the country and his presidency brought much needed infrastructure investments to Cartagena.

His home just outside the wall in Cabrero is a museum today. It is located across from the Iglesia Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes.

It also has free admission , and visitors can enjoy the neat architecture and furniture on display in the home.

See my complete visitors guide to the museum to help you plan your visit.

52. Try a Kola Roman

Speaking of Nuñez, he has a connection to a soda native to Cartagena too.

His wife’s family invented Kola Roman in 1865. It is actually one of the oldest sodas in the world (Coca-Cola wasn’t invented until 21 years later). Her family is also credited with inventing the the local favorite boli popsicles.

You can find Kola Roman with its bright red color in any store and most restaurants in Cartagena. It is very sweet with a taste almost like a vanilla cream soda.

If you want to try to look like a true Cartagena local, drink it with an arepa de huevo !

53. Or Enjoy a Craft Beer

Craft beer has become increasingly popular in Colombia, and there are a number of good Colombian craft beers worth trying, especially if you’re a beer nerd like me.

Beer Lovers in Getsemaní has the best selection of national and international craft beers. Two I’d suggest trying are any of the beers from the brewery Chelarte and the Happy Colibrí Coffee Stout brewed just up the coast in Minca (the Happy Tucán from the Sierra Nevada Cervecería is also good).

You can also try perhaps Colombia’s most well known craft beer at the Bogotá Beer Company in the Serrezuela Mall in Centro . hey have the best IPA in Colombia in my opinion, called the Septimazo.

You can also increasingly find craft beers on menus at restaurants and bars around town ( cerveza artesanal ).

54. Enjoy a Boozy Brunch

If you’re looking to enjoy a nice brunch in Cartagena and are willing to sacrifice half a day to eating and drinking, check out the Boozy Brunch at Townhouse . They have it on Saturdays and Sundays and the price includes all you can drink and all you can eat. If you have a few drinks and 2 or 3 plates (they are tapa sized), it’s actually a pretty good deal, and well, you are on a rooftop in Cartagena.

Other good brunch spots in Cartagena include the aforementioned Cafe Epoca , Caffe Lunatico , which has a bottomless mimosas option, and El Barón .

Sibarita has also started to sometimes offer a brunch on the bay that has all you can drink mimosas, beers, and all you can eat tapas. The picture below is from the Sibarita brunch.

55. Smoke a Cigar

If you’re looking to enjoy a stogie while on vacation, you can find some decent cigars in Cartagena, including Cubans.

You’ll see vendors selling them on the street, but I would avoid those if you want something authentic (of course if you don’t care, they smoke fine, but are probably fakes).

My favorite place to go for a smoke is Tabaco y Ron by the Parque Fernandez de Madrid. They usually have a pretty decent selection of Cubans as well as some Colombian cigars that are a decent deal. They have tables outside, but I like to go to the comfortable plush chairs upstairs. There’s also frequently live music in the evening here.

Other spots to try a cigar include Mr. Cigar in Centro and the Cava del Puro, where you can buy some to take home. You can usually negotiate prices in all of these places, especially if you’re buying multiple cigars and/or will have a couple drinks with them.

56. Enjoy an Authentic Brat at Leon de Baviera

German food on a Cartagena what to do list?

Maybe, I’m just trying to include one of my favorite places, but if you’re looking for a nice chill bar where you can hear rock music, including occasional live music, check out Leon de Baviera near the end of Calle El Arsenal in Getsemaní.

The brats here are great and you can also get Paulaner on tap. This is also a great place to go for Colombian or Champions League matches as well as if you happen to be in town during a World Cup or big match.

57. Perfect Your Tan at the Beaches in Town

While Cartagena is well known for its beaches, I’ve got the beaches in town proper so far down on this list because they just don’t compare to the 3 beach areas mentioned above.

They are, of course, more convenient than those others out of town.

So if you just want to spend a couple hours on the beach, or spend a 4th day and get a truly impressive tan, you could opt to include some time on the beaches in town during your time visiting Cartagena.

I would rank the beaches in town in the following order: Playa Azul aka La Boquilla near the airport, the beach of Castillogrande, the beaches of Bocagrande, the most famous but also crowded, and finally, the beaches of Cabrero and Marbella, which have a more local vibe.

Learn more about these and how they compare to the better beaches in the islands in my complete guide to Cartagena’s beaches .

58 . Make Your Own Chocolates in a Chocolate Workshop

Colombia might be more well known for its coffee, but its chocolate ain’t bad either.

A visit to the ChocoMuseo is one of the more unique things to do in Cartagena.  I honestly had no idea what a cacao tree or pod looked like before going here.

There’s also a great gift shop with tons of tasty treats and unique products made with chocolate like chapstick and even pasta. A great place to get something for yourself or take home to friends and family.

But the real neat attractions are the make your own chocolate workshops. They offer a shorter one as well as a complete bean to bar explanation. You can read about when we took our niece to do it here . It’s definitely a neat activity for all ages. Plus, you get to take some chocolate home!

59. Take a Cooking Class

I mentioned this above, but Caffe Lunatico has a cooking class that I have heard many people rave about.

A true locally run establishment, it’s a nice chance to learn more about Cartagena’s culinary traditions and take home the ability to recreate some of the food you try while here.

Another great option would be doing a tour that combines a visit to the Bazurto Market and cooking class where you source the ingredients to make your meal, a true immersive experience. This 4 course cooking class also would be an interesting choice.

60. Go Emerald Shopping

Colombia is well known for its plentiful emeralds.

In fact, it accounts for as much as 90% of the world’s emeralds. While they still are not exactly a cheap souvenir to take home, you can get emeralds for a much better price in country than abroad. My mom has bought several pieces of emerald jewelry when visiting.

You’ll definitely be approached by salesmen trying to take you into the emerald shops.

Honestly, I’m not sure if there are any places better than the others. My advice would be to take a look in several and compare based on price and which pieces you really want.

Here’s a detailed guide to emerald quality (I guess the detail forgives them for spelling Colombia Columbia!). You can also go on an emerald tour that includes a history lesson as well as a hands on jewelry workshop.

Do note, prices in these shops are very much negotiable , so put on your best haggling poker face or bring someone with you who knows some Spanish.

You will almost always get a better deal if you pay in cash as well (in Colombian pesos; you won’t get as good a deal paying in dollars).

61. And/Or Hit the Boutiques to Shop

Like most vacation destinations, Cartagena has some good shopping.

There are a number of nice boutique shops that offer everything from world renown brands to things made by local designers. The best shops are located around the Walled City and along the Avenida San Martín in Bocagrande .

Especially nice might be this tour that includes a tour to the highlights of the city as well as emerald and boutique shopping or this one that includes stops at several emerald shops as well as souvenir shops.

Guys might enjoy grabbing a cigar or doing a rum tour while their ladies shop, or if they are in the market for a great guayabera, check out Edgar Gomez Estevez aka EGO in the Walled City who has hand made them for many a celebrity including Gabriel García Marquez, Bill Gates, and Colombian presidents. I actually had him make a vest for my wedding. While not cheap, for something hand made and tailored, his prices are fairly reasonable.

62. Learn More About the Life of Gabriel García Marquez

Gabriel García Marques, affectionally called Gabo by many Colombians, is Colombia’s most famous author. While he is most well known for his Nobel Prize winning 100 Years of Solitude , one of his other famous works Love in the Time of Cholera is loosely set in Cartagena, and he always loved Cartagena.

Gabo attended the University of Cartagena for a short time, owned a home here, and is buried here. There’s little doubt that much of his writing was inspired by Cartagena and the rest of Caribbean coastal or costeñol culture.

Today, you can learn more about Gabo as well as his personal and the literary connections to Cartagena in his books on an afternoon guided tour . You can also do a self-guided audio tour .

63. Improve Your Spanish with Some Classes

If you will be in Cartagena for more than just a few days and want to truly immerse yourself, you’ll want to have a good handle on Spanish.

The Spanish spoken in Cartagena is distinct from most of the rest of Colombia as people speak quickly and use lots of slang. It is closer to the Spanish you might hear in Cuba and Puerto Rico than Bogotá.

If you’re looking for Spanish classes, I recommend Gustavo Valiente at Letra Caribe , who also offer online classes if you’d like to brush up before coming. You can also look into taking classes on Lingoda or Rocket Languages before coming.

64. See the Bioluminescent Plankton

If you’re looking for one of the unique things to do in Cartagena in nature, consider going to see the bioluminescent plankton.

It’s a neat natural phenomenon. According to this explanation , these tiny animals light up as a defense mechanism, using the light to distract or frighten predators or attract even larger predators of the predators.

You can see the plankton off the coast of Barú not far from Playa Blanca. It’s possible to arrange a plankton tour or if you plan to spend the night on the beach, arrange it there.

You can also book an all day tour that includes the beach, mangroves, snorkeling, and the plankton. We have not actually done this in Cartagena, but we did do it in the San Bernardo Islands. It’s best to move around a lot, kicking and splashing to get them to light up more.

65. Go Kayaking in the Bay

These next few things to do in Cartagena are all water sports that would be fun for those interested as well as make some of the best outdoor activities in Cartagena.

First up is going kayaking in the bay. The views of the Walled City, the Castillo San Felipe, and the modern port and Bocagrande are all really neat from the bay. It’s possible to do a kayak tour of the Walled City to see the areas along the water and get a unique perspective of the city. It’s also possible to go kayaking at sunset .

66. Or Paddle Boarding

Like standing when paddling over the water? You can also do a paddle board tour on the bay . Especially neat is the boards have LED lights so you can do it during the day or around sunset time.

67. Go Surfing

While not super well known for its waves, there is a small community of surfers in Cartagena, and the more moderate waves actually make it a good spot to learn if you’ve never surfed before. You can do a surf lesson on the beaches of Laguito in Bocgrande.

If you enjoy surfing, you can also give eSurfboarding a go, commonly known as eFoiling . I’m not aware of any providers for this in Cartagena yet, but maybe there’ll be some down the road.

I have seen wing foiling, which is sort of a happy medium between surfing and the next thing on this list of things to do in Cartagena.

68. Or Get Extreme and Go Kitesurfing

Kitesurfing has become more popular everywhere and is a pretty neat and growing extreme sport. While there are better waves for this up around Cabo de la Vela or in San Andres , it’s becoming increasingly popular in Cartagena.

You can do a kitesurfing lesson in the Laguito area and there are also some kitesurfing schools and rental houses around La Boquilla just north of town as well.

69. Or Paratriking

For an even more unique extreme water sport, you could try paratriking over the beach .

It’s a neat alternative to hang gliding, sky diving, or the paragliding you can do near a place like Barichara . Plus, the views you get of the city and beach must be pretty amazing.

70. Go Diving

As mentioned above, the Rosario Islands and Barú are gorgeous, and they make for a good place to go diving.

Particularly for those that have never been diving before, doing it here with a mini-course can be considerably cheaper than doing it elsewhere.

For those who already have some experience, you can also complete a PADI Certification or even an Advanced PADI Open Water course while in Cartagena, again at considerably better prices than you’ll find in many other places.

71. Go for a Cruise on the Chambaculeras

Modeled after the boats of Mexico City’s Xochimilco, the Chambaculeras are a fairly new and neat community run attraction in Cartagena. They take you out on the bay and mangroves, giving you a unique view of Cartagena.

You can choose whether to include food or drinks too. This is one of the things on my need to do in Cartagena list.

Learn more about them at their Instagram .

72. Go Beach Horseback Riding

Want to do something fun on the beach that doesn’t involve flying high above it, riding on boards, or going below the water?

You could also opt to go horseback riding. There’s not much more romantic or charming than a ride down the beach.

You can go horseback riding in Manzanillo north of town, an experience that includes some learning about horse breeds and lunch at the beach.

73. Munch on Chicharrón in Turbaco

If you’re looking for something off the beaten path in Cartagena, consider going out to try the Chicharrones de Turbaco.

Located about 15 minutes outside of the edge of Cartagena (about an hour outside of the city center), Turbaco is a small town.

At the edge of town, you’l find the Chicharrones de Turbaco.

This is a popular spot for locals to go for a late weekend breakfast. It reminds me of the little barbecue pork spots you can find around the rural areas of my home state of South Carolina.

If you have a half day of downtime and want to sample some of the most famous chicharrón (and great yuca to boot!) in Colombia, head out here with an empty stomach.

74. Visit the Botanical Gardens in Turbaco

If you do make it out to Turbaco, you could consider visiting the Botanical Garden.

It’s not the most amazing or largest, but it’s a nice place for a stroll or a little picnic. In fact, this was one of our first dates.

If you find yourself with some free time and want to get out of the city and be in nature but not go too far, you could opt to head out here. Keep your eye out and you might catch a glimpse of monkeys or sloths.

75. Visit the Sunflower Farm in San Jacinto

This is one of the newer and neater attractions in Colombia’s Caribbean.

The town of San Jacinto in the Montes de María is well known for artisan crafts like hammocks and furniture.

Just outside of town, you’ll find a sunflower farm that was established fairly recently. It’s become a bit of a popular Instagram spot as you can get some really pretty photos.

But better than getting some nice Insta shots, a visit here also supports a local, sustainable business in an area that was one of the worst conflict zones for a long time.

Places like this provide a potential future that replaces the violence and drug trade of Colombia’s past with neat attractions that leverage its biodiversity.

San Jacinto is located a few hours south of Cartagena. There are not many organized tours that go here for the time being, but it is possible to reach San Jacinto by bus from the bus terminal in Cartagena. You could also likely negotiate a day trip with a taxi.

76. Party it Up During the November Independence Festival

If you’re even considering visiting Cartagena later during the year, then try to plan your trip around the week long  fiestas   preceding November 11, the anniversary of Cartagena’s Declaration of Independence .

With a massive parade, and lots of free concerts and dancing in the streets , the November festival is a lot of fun in my opinion.

However, they are not for everyone , and if you don’t like big crowds, then you may want to avoid them. See this guide to the parties to have an idea of what to expect.

If you do want to party with the locals , and can swing timing your trip to coincide, then add this to your list of things to do in Cartagena!

77. Enjoy the Christmas Lights and New Years Fireworks

If you are considering coming to Cartagena during the end of year holidays, you’re in luck. Colombia is one of the best places to travel in December .

The city always has nice Christmas lights up, and usually lights them around the time of the Noche de las Velitas on December 7.

Especially seeing the walls lit up and different light decorations around town are really pretty. You will usually find the best decorations around the Clocktower.

The lights stay up through New Years, which is also a lot of fun.

For both Christmas Eve and New Years Eve, many restaurants in the Walled City set up tables in the streets and offer fancy dinners. These can be pricey and need to be reserved in advance.

If you don’t want to shell out for one of those dinners, just head to the wall a bit before midnight, where you can see the fireworks, which are always spectacular.

And of course, there’s plenty of places to go out and get your dance on well into the early hours of the new year!

Do note that this is one of the most crowded times of year, so make reservations early and expect crowds.

78. Use it as a Gateway to Explore More of Colombia’s Caribbean Coast

If you can spend more than 7 days on vacation, I highly recommend including some other places along Colombia’s Caribbean coast in your trip. There are some great destinations for beach lovers and nature lovers.

South of Cartagena, you’ll find the gorgeous beaches of the San Bernardo Islands , which make a great stop if you plan to bus to Medellín from Cartagena and can also be reached by speed boat from Cartagena.

You can also stop in to the lazy beach town of Rincón del Mar for an escape from the beaten track in Colombia, and it also offers easy access to the San Bernardos.

However, north of Cartagena, you’ll find even more nice destinations.

Around the city of Santa Marta, you’ll find some of Colombia’s neatest natural areas, including the famous Tayrona National Park and its unspoiled beaches and beautiful scenery of mountains running into the sea. You’ll also find the pretty mountain town of Minca where you can hike to waterfalls and enjoy some of the best coffee grown in Colombia.

A bit further north there are fun beach hangouts spots at Costeño Beach and the town of Palomino . If you’re looking for a real adventure, consider heading to the desert covered Guajira Peninsula and the town of Cabo de la Vela or to the very most northern point of South America at Punta Gallinas .

Or, you could head to the island of San Andres farther north if the beaches of the coast aren’t enough for you.

79. Or as an Entry or Exit Point to Exploring Colombia’s Interior

One of the things I’ve found so fascinating about living in Colombia is its varied regions.

Going to other parts of the country can feel like an entirely different county, with everything from culture, accent, food, and weather varying greatly. As one of its top destinations, Cartagena makes a good entry or exit point for a trek through the rest of Colombia.

Some of our favorite places in the interior include the gorgeous town of Barichara , Salento in the coffee region, the Amazon , the sprawling capital of Bogotá , the nearby gorgeous town of Villa de Leyva , and Medellín.

For the truly adventurous, whale watching on the Pacific coast is an unforgettable experience. We also recently had the chance to travel to Guaviare, great for nature lovers and fairly newly opened to tourism as well as the famous multicolored river of Caño Cristales .

You could also opt to see the fascinating landscape of the Tatacoa Desert or the neat archaeology and pretty countryside in San Agustín . Or visit the Las Lajas Sanctuary , on the border with Ecuador, that looks like it belongs in the Lord of the Rings.

Finally, you could go on a safari in Casanare, which instantly became one of my favorite places in Colombia when we went!

There really is a wealth of places to visit in Colombia, so be sure to check out the other destinations section to learn which ones you might want to visit whether it be during your first trip or your seventh!

Things to Do in Cartagena, Colombia Conclusion

There you have it, 79 things to do in Cartagena! You should have no shortage of fun experiences to fill your time on a trip, and even for many return trips now!

I hope they helped you plan your visit to Cartagena and that you absolutely enjoy any and all of them you do!

Cheers and Happy Exploring!

8 thoughts on “A Local’s Guide to More than 75 Things to Do in Cartagena, Colombia”

Hello. Nice informative site. I’ve just opened a new place on Bocachica. See http://www.bocachicabeachclub.com . We are making promotions to attract tourism there and to discover all the interesting historic monuments and culture. I’d like to invite you gratis to see it for yourself. My name is Henry Brady and my local partner there is German Castro. Cheers Henry

Hi Henry. Thanks for the kind words! We were actually out in Bocachica a couple months ago, and I think we saw your place, although it may not have been open yet. I would definitely be interested in checking it out. Send me an email at [email protected] so we can arrange a visit. Cheers!

Hi, our group is spending only a week there, and so I was wondering – which day(s) of the week of best for visiting Cholon? Also, what’s the current covid experience on the beaches?

Hi Jason. I think it’s best on a weekday so there will be less crowds. Technically, you are still supposed to make a reservation for beaches in town but it’s not really being enforced. On the beach, you can take masks off and at places like Cholón or elsewhere in the islands there are food and drinks.

Hi, I read a lot of your articles and all the articles are very informative. I too would like to contribute an article on your web page. I have been writing a lot of articles and would like to publish them on your website. Hope to get a positive response from you. Thanks

Any ideas of what you might like to write about? Feel free to email me some ideas at [email protected] .

Your info was truly fabulous !!!! Cannot wait for my visit there for a month mid January 2022. Just love your could do’s !! Makes me want to start at bottom of the list !!!! Thank you so much !! Anne from Ontario, Canada.

Hi Anne! Thank you so much. You are going to love Cartagena, and I hope you fit in lots and lots of could dos!

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Essential Guide to Cartagena

On colombia’s caribbean coast, cartagena is a vividly-painted walled city filled with 400-year-old houses. you could just spend your days there walking around, snapping photos of the historic center. nobody would question that desire. but there’s so much more to do, from exploring the street art of the getsemaní barrio to touring the teatro heredia and daytripping to islas del rosario. some of colombia’s best cocktails and finest seafood dishes are served in this port city. don’t miss the sautéed snapper in coconut-shrimp sauce at restaurante donjuán..

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18 Best Things to Do in Cartagena You Can’t Miss

Out of all of the amazing Colombian cities we visited, Cartagena was the one that really stole my heart. Having spent just a few days there, I can totally understand why this spot is the most visited part of the country.

That’s not to say that you shouldn’t set aside a few days in Medellin or Bogota , which you absolutely should, but you simply can’t skip Cartagena!

There are dozens of exciting attractions in Cartagena, and it felt like the perfect blend of history and culture, along with a touch of luxury. 

Although the city is known for its well-preserved defensive walls and hip neighborhoods, that’s just a taste of what this tourist hub offers. Some of the other top things to do in Cartagena include trips to nearby islands, excursions to mud-filled volcanos, and countless coffee shop visits.

If all this information is sending you into a frenzy, fear not, as I’ve put together this complete list of what to do in Cartagena to help you pick and choose activities to add to your must-see list.

For a little more detail, check out my 3-day itinerary and my guide to the best places to stay.  

With this in mind, let’s dive into the best things to do in Cartagena.

* Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link. *

Table of Contents

Are you planning a last-minute trip to Cartagena?

If your trip is coming up soon and you still haven’t booked anything, we have you covered! Below you can find our top picks when it comes to hotels, tours, getting around, and more.

Best Tours and Experiences in Cartagena

• Rosario Islands Catamaran with Lunch and Snorkel (the best day trip from Cartagena)
• Totumo Mud Volcano Experience (the coolest experience ever)
• Historic Center and Getsemani Shared Walking Tour (top-rated walking tour, perfect for first-timers)
• Playa Blanca Full-Day Trip (the most beautiful beach in Cartagena)

Best Places to Stay in Cartagena

• Movich Hotel Cartagena (amazing luxury hotel in Centro with an epic rooftop pool and bar)
• Hyatt Regency Cartagena (best luxury hotel on the beach)
• GHL Hotel Armeria Real (great mid-range option with rooftop pool and bar)
• Hotel Blue Concept (budget-friendly hotel with a great restaurant in Bocagrande)

Can’t speak Spanish very well?  As people in Cartagena (and in Colombia in general) don’t really speak English, our best tip is to download Spanish on Google Translate so you can use it offline! Trust us, you’re going to need it.

Best Things to Do in Cartagena

1. explore the historic walled city and getsemani on a walking tour.

If you know me, then you’ll know I’m a sucker for a walking tour whenever I land in a new city.

What I love about this one is that it doesn’t just stick to one area, as it covers both the historic center, where you’ll find the iconic Spanish-era city walls, as well as the beautiful and colorful Getsemani district.

Both areas are full of gorgeous colonial buildings and are oozing with history and culture. Your guide will give you all you need to know about the Spanish and Caribbean influences on this north-coast city and how the indigenous Colombian people lived.

Street art, centuries-old churches, and lively walkways are just a taste of what you can look forward to as part of this walking tour, which runs for just under 3 hours.

2. Visit Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas

I can’t talk about the best-loved attractions in Cartagena without mentioning the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas .

This almost 500-year-old fortress is an emblem of Cartagena and was used by Spanish forces to protect the city from potential attacks. The tunnels that wind through the castle are super cool, too, and they are a welcome relief from the heat if you’re visiting during midday.

As the area around the castle has limited shade, aside from the tunnels, your best bet is to arrive here as early as possible. From 7 am onwards, the fortress is open, and tickets are available at the entrance for 30,000 COP ($7.5 US).

If you’re keen to get a bit more background on the castle, I highly recommend hiring a guide when you arrive, as there’s little information on display here.

3. Go street art hunting in Getsemani

The Getsemani district is possibly the most photogenic place in all of Cartagena, and that’s largely due to the incredible street art that has brought the whole area to life.

Getsemani is bursting with color from the adorable colonial buildings and famous hanging umbrellas, but it’s the graffiti and street art that give it its hipster edge.

This is a neighborhood that helped to kickstart the movement that aimed to abolish slavery in Cartagena, so much of the artwork represents people’s yearning for freedom and change. 

In addition to this, Getsamani also had a reputation as an unsafe and crime-riddled part of town, and expression through art has played a major role in redeveloping the area.

Plaza de la Trinidad is a great place to start, as many of the streets branching off from here are filled with striking and inspirational works of art. My favorite streets are Calle de la Lomba and Calle de Las Sombrillas so definitely don’t miss these!

4. Join a tour to Playa Blanca

Playa Blanca is one of the best places to go in Cartagena to soak up some sun and experience a little slice of island life.

This dreamy white sand beach is situated around a 90-minute drive from Cartagena on the island of Baru. Historically, Baru was a peninsula, but it was cut off from the mainland when the Canal del Dique was formed.

Unfortunately there’s no public transport or shuttle services to Playa Blanca, so the easiest way to get there is by joining a tour .

You can also get there by yourself by taking a taxi but I would honestly not recommend doing this. We made the mistake of wanting to go by ourselves and we ended up having a really sketchy journey and quite a stressful day.

We were constantly being followed by “vendors” selling us things, constantly saying no to them and they were not taking no for an answer. Even after paying for a sunbed in a fenced-off area they were still coming up to us and trying to sell us things.

But the worst part was definitely the journey. On the way to Playa Blanca, our taxi was stopped by a group of men trying to block the road and starting to hit the car and demand for us to pay.

And when we wanted to go back to Cartagena, we realized that there were no taxis or Ubers in the area so we had to arrange transport with our broken Spanish and had to get into a car with two complete strangers which was quite stressful. Luckily, we made it back safely but it wasn’t a pleasant experience overall.

So please learn from our mistake and visit Playa Blanca on a tour as it’s much safer and more convenient that way.

Unlike most day-long excursions, this tour gives you lots of free time to chill out on the beach, so you can swim and sunbathe as you please for most of the morning. Each trip is inclusive of a local lunch, and there are usually plenty of vendors around if you’re looking for a drink or snack.

5. Take a boat trip to the Rosario Islands

Another fabulous (and I personally think a much better) way to spend a day in Cartagena is to set sail on a luxurious catamaran around the Rosario Islands .

This archipelago of tiny islands looks like it came from the front of a postcard. The untouched beaches and rustic vibe make these islands feel like they’re totally isolated despite being just an hour away from the city. For sure, these islands are some of the best places to see in Cartagena.

As you cruise around these idyllic islands, you’ll have opportunities to hit the water to snorkel with tropical fish and swim past colorful coral reefs. If you’d prefer, you can always lounge on the catamaran and take in the views for the day.

The tour includes lunch and light snacks, as well as an open bar with beer, wine, and rum cocktails. It was honestly one of the best days we had in Cartagena, and I would highly recommend it.

6. Head out on a sunset cruise

If you don’t have time in your itinerary for a day-long boat trip, a sunset cruise is a brilliant alternative. It’s also one of the most romantic things to do in Cartagena if you’re on the hunt for a date night idea.

Cartagena is blessed with some wonderful sunsets, and this cruise gives you uninterrupted views of both the shimmering sea and the city skyline.

These tours usually only run for around two hours and include a beer or wine to sip as the sun goes down, making them the perfect way to wind down after a busy day of sightseeing.

7. Enjoy the sunset at Café del Mar

No Colombia itinerary is ever complete without watching the sunset at Café del Mar at least once!

Strategically perched upon the city walls overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Café del Mar is regarded by many as one of the best places to go in Cartagena to catch the sunset.

All of the tables are outside, so there’s not a bad seat in the house. In saying that, this restaurant gets busy quickly around dusk, so I definitely suggest getting here early or making a reservation.

We stopped by for a drink and the cocktails were amazing and the view was just incredible. In saying that, I’d been eager to sample some of their seafood if we made it back here, as everything we saw looked absolutely delicious.

8. Discover the history of Cartagena at the Museum of Cartagena de Indias

No matter where you find yourself traveling, it’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the local history, and the Museum of Cartagena de Indias is just the place to do it here.

Set in a stunning building in the heart of the Walled City, this museum gives a pretty good overview of the hardships that Cartagena has been through over the centuries. From the struggle of slaves to the Spanish Inquisition, you’ll find artifacts from all the key moments in Colombian history here.

One downside to this exhibit is that not all of the displays are translated into English, so you’ll likely feel a little lost unless you come equipped with a translator app on your phone.

Your tickets can be purchased on arrival, and they go for 24,000 COP ($6 US) each.

9. Spend the day on Playa del Bocagrande

As heavenly as both Playa Blanca and the Rosario Islands are, sometimes something a little closer by is just what you’re looking for.

Bocagrande is Cartagena’s most upscale neighborhood and is all about beaches, high-end hotels, and premium restaurants.

Playa del Bocagrande is the main beach here and is only around a 15-minute drive from the Walled City. Many of you might find yourself staying in this neighborhood for your trip, meaning the beach will likely be within walking distance from your hotel.

The beach itself is great, but there are a ton of vendors here offering snacks, drinks, and massages, which can become a little overwhelming at times.

10. Get muddy on the Totumo Mud Volcano Experience

One of the most peculiar but unmissable activities in Cartagena is to make the half-day trip to El Totumo , a tiny mud volcano.

El Totumo is among the world’s smallest volcanoes, and it produces thick, mineral-rich mud rather than lava!

Making the hour-long drive out to El Totumo is a quintessential Cartagena experience and typically involves making a quick climb to the top of the volcano, where you’ll then immerse yourself in warm mud amongst your fellow travelers.

While you’re busy rejuvenating your skin, you’ll likely be offered a massage for a small extra fee, although it’s pretty packed in there, so it may not be the most comfortable encounter!

When you’ve had your fill of bathing, simply walk down the steps and into the lake to wash off the mud before you start the journey back to the city with your group.

11. Have a cocktail at the rooftop bar of Movich Hotel

Another place to rest up during golden hour is the rooftop at the Movich Hotel .

This lodging is tucked away in the center of the Walled City and is home to an elegant rooftop with sweeping views of the old and new Cartagena. Best of all, you don’t have to be a resident here to enjoy dinner or drinks on the rooftop.

The menu has plenty of classic and signature cocktails available, and my lychee martini went down a treat!

Bookings aren’t required here, but it’s always best to call in advance and make a reservation to be safe.

12. Join a street food tour

Eat like the locals do and tuck into some traditional Colombian dishes as part of a street food tour .

As is the case in most countries, the best way to experience authentic and tasty food is to leave it in the hands of a local guide.

In addition to giving you the lowdown on the must-try local eats, your guide will know exactly where to go to find the absolute best version of every dish, so it’s a win-win.

This particular tour takes you on a culinary adventure through 9 different tastings of various Colombian foods and drinks, from fresh juices to savory snacks.

13. Cafe hop in the Walled City

While the Walled City is, of course, especially famous for its captivating history, I also loved it for its fantastic cafe scene.

We stopped by so many gorgeous cafes while we were there, and I had a tough time narrowing it down, but I have a few top picks that I’m confident you’ll love.

Época Café Bar was our go-to spot for brunch (huevos divorciados was a personal favorite), while Ábaco Libros y Café had such a great setting. Hidden in an old-school bookstore, this is such a relaxed little haunt with the most delectable coffee.

Café La Manchuria was another cafe that we kept going back to, and it’s perfect for when you fancy a quick pitstop for coffee and a pastry.

14. Visit the Museo Naval del Caribe

If you’re looking for things to do in Cartagena with kids, the Museo Naval del Caribe is an excellent option, but it’s just as interesting for the grown-ups, too.

The museum is home to a collection of scale models, artifacts, and navy equipment, which come together to recount the history of Cartagena and its status as a maritime city.

I think the little ones will have a blast exploring the likes of the submarine simulator experience and the life-sized replicas of helicopters and coastguard boats, and there are also plenty of interactive exhibits.

Unfortunately, not all of the display boards are in English, so it can be hard to get a clear understanding if you don’t have a guide or translation app.

15. Take a walk in Centenario Park

When you want to slow the pace down a little, go for a wander around Centenario Park and spend a few hours taking shelter from the sun and spotting wildlife.

Centenario Park is not just your average green space; it has quite a unique bunch of residents, including sloths, monkeys, and iguanas. Considering that this park is relatively small, it’s astounding to think that it’s home to such a variety of animals.

It’s also a superb place for anyone interested in bird-watching, as parrots and parakeets are known to make an appearance from time to time.

The park was built as a symbol of Colombia’s independence, though the wildlife often tends to overshadow the historical significance!

16. Explore the Museo del Oro Zenú

A free, small, but informative museum, the Museo del Oro Zenú focuses on Cartagena’s pre-Columbian era and is packed with ancient relics from the Zenú people, an indigenous community from northern Colombia.

Goldsmithing, ceramics, and pottery were the traditional crafts of the Zenú community, and a wealth of examples of each make up most of the museum’s exhibits.

Also on display inside are a number of short films that give a bit more detail on the way the Zenú people lived and how they developed the skills to craft such ornate pieces.

17. Walk along the city walls

Café del Mar isn’t the only place along the city walls that are open to the public. In fact, most of the walls are perfectly walkable and offer some of the most breathtaking views over Cartagena.

As you can probably imagine, there aren’t exactly a great deal of shaded patches along the walls, so the late afternoon or early evening is most definitely the best time to amble your way around the area and admire the vistas.

You’ll likely notice that some parts of the walls are in much better condition than others. There are plenty of steps along the way connecting the walls to the main streets below, should you stumble upon some inaccessible areas.

18. Take in the views from Convento de la Popa

When talking about the best viewpoints in Cartagena, you can’t go without mentioning Convento de la Popa , which might just have the best views of them all.

Convento de la Popa is an enchanting convent positioned at the top of Cartagena’s highest hill, meaning some of the most staggering views in the city can be seen from the terrace.

Be sure to give yourself enough time to explore the beautifully kept cloister and small chapel before going to the observation area, as I felt these both made the convent grounds even more impressive.

The entrance fee is 11,000 COP ($2.8 US) and you also have the option to hire a guide which would make the experience much more worthwhile and put everything on the grounds into context.

Planning a trip to Colombia?

Then you might want to take a look at all our other travel guides about Colombia. I promise, they are just as awesome as this article was!

• The Ultimate 2 Weeks in Colombia Itinerary
• 3 Days in Cartagena: The Perfect Cartagena Itinerary for First-Timers
• 18 Best Things to Do in Cartagena You Can’t Miss
• Where to Stay in Cartagena: 6 Best Areas & Hotels
• How to Spend 3 Days in Bogota: The Ultimate Bogota Itinerary
• Where to Stay in Bogota: 5 Best Areas & Hotels
• 10 Unmissable Things to Do in Salento, Colombia (+ Tips for Visiting)
• 3 Days in Medellin: The Perfect Medellin Itinerary for First Timers
• Top 20 Things to Do in Medellin You Absolutely Can’t Miss
• 13 Best Things to Do in Guatape, Colombia
• Luxury Glamping in Guatape: Bosko Hotel Review
• Glamping in Colombia: 17 Stunning Bubbles & Luxury Tents to Book

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Must-see attractions in Cartagena

Museo Nacional de Arqueología Subacuática

This excellent, attractive space delves into the depths of the fascinating world of underwater archaeology. It starts off by explaining the work of those…

Museo del Teatro Romano

This impressive complex was designed by top Spanish architect Rafael Moneo. The tour transports visitors from the initial museum on Plaza del Ayuntamiento…

Barrio del Foro Romano

Set alongside the Molinete hill are the evocative remains of a whole town block and street linking the port with the forum, dating from the 1st century BC…

Casa de la Fortuna

The Casa de la Fortuna consists of the fascinating remains of an aristocratic Roman villa dating back to the 1st century BC, complete with some well…

Castillo de la Concepción

For a sweeping panoramic view, stride up to Castillo de la Concepción, or hop on the lift. Within the castle’s gardens, decorated by strutting peacocks,…

Museo Refugio de la Guerra Civil

Cartagena, as base of the Republican fleet and with an important arms industry, was the target of heavy bombing during the Spanish Civil War. This…

Muralla Púnica

The Muralla Púnica, built around a section of the old Punic wall, concentrates on the town’s Carthaginian and Roman legacy. It also contains the…

Museo Arqueológico Municipal

Built above a late-Roman cemetery with a rich display of Carthaginian, Roman, Visigoth and Islamic artefacts. To get here, head northwest of the city…

Parque Arqueológico Molinete

The central Molinete hill has archaeological remains ranging from the Phoenicians to Republicans in the civil war. Strolling over and around it reveals…

Palacio Consistorial

Without too many whimsical flourishes, this Modernista town hall, set back from the waterfront, imposes itself on the heart of town. Drop into the…

Casa Llagostera

The Modernista Casa Llagostera is one of several works in town by the architect Víctor Beltrí. At time of writing the facade was covered while the…

Casa Clares

Among Cartagena's Modernista buildings, the strawberries-and-cream confection of Casa Clares is particularly magnificent. It now holds a cafe and offices,…

Casa Cervantes

Cartagena is rich in Modernista buildings such as Casa Cervantes, which was designed by Víctor Beltrí in the last years of the 19th century. It's now a…

The zinc-domed Modernista Gran Hotel is particularly magnificent. Only the facade remains of this 1917 classic, but it's impressive.

Palacio Aguirre

The splendid Palacio Aguirre is now an exhibition space for modern art (known as Muram).

Lift to Castillo de la Concepción

This lift zips you up to the castle hill, with views.

More destinations you need to see

The Ultimate Cartagena Travel Guide

When it comes to vacationing in Colombia, there are endless things to do in Cartagena. You’ll see in this Cartagena travel guide just why this bustling city is the darling of South America’s coastline.

After spending five days in the walled city, it was easy to fall in love. The culture is vibrant — music is playing everywhere. Brightly painted walls, bougainvillea pouring out over balconies, and plenty of drinks to stay refreshed paints a picture perfect postcard. Cartagena has turned into a traveler’s hotspot and for good reason. The city is walkable, beautiful beaches are nearby, and a whole culinary world waits to be discovered. Pair this with the locals’ friendly welcome, there has never been a better time to visit Cartagena.

What to Know Before Traveling to Colombia

Safety. Of course this is a topic I cannot avoid so I will address it according to my time in Cartagena only (Medellín will be addressed in that guide). I felt safe the entire time there — it’s a widely visited place, with many tourists. Yes you need to be careful as always when traveling internationally. Safety precautions like not going out solo at night and not showing off valuables is still encouraged. With all of this in mind, we went out at night, danced, and enjoyed the liveliness of Cartagena. I always encourage to check local news before arrival and during trips as well as any US announced travel precautions.

Money . You will need cash on hand for some of the restaurants. Credit cards are accepted at most places as well. I would pull out cash at a trusted bank’s ATM and not exchange at the airport.

Transportation . It’s important to book transport you can trust. I recommend having your hotel call a taxi and using the taxi line at the airport. Uber also works here and is great for getting around locally. Getting between major cities in Colombia itself, flying is the best option. I flew from Medellín for around $60 USD one way on Avianca. Cartagena also has an international airport with direct flights to major cities in the US in Florida, New York, and more.

Travel Insurance . I recommend having it for all international travel. My preferred insurance is World Nomads. 

Amount of Time Needed . It completely depends on what you plan to do in the Old City and nearby day trips. Three nights in the Old City was nice with one night out on an island. You could easily spend a week here if you plan to visit more nearby.

Packing . I did the trip in a carry-on — here’s a look at what I packed for Colombia.

Cartagena Weather

When it comes to weather in Colombia, Cartagena, the temperature is average year round. You’re not going to get snow in Cartagena for instance, but you may get wind and precipitation during certain months. With sunny and cloudy days, you tend to have  humidity all year round.

The hottest months of the year are June-September where severe heat is at its highest. The forecast rarely varies and it feels pretty hot out.  The coolest months are January – March, but it is also the time of year that can be most crowded.

I went in February and found the temperature to be just right, especially coming from the United States where it was freezing. I checked the forecast before arrival and though it predicted storms, when I arrived it was clear skies. Be sure to take a look at the weather networks before travel.

Where to Stay in Cartagena

• Casa Pombo : No doubt one of the most beautiful buildings in Cartagena, Casa Pombo is an oasis tucked behind grand doors. Staying here for two nights was the highlight of the time — the design is stunning. Booking a three bedroom apartment, I loved the airy space. Spending most afternoons at the rooftop pool, it was the perfect place to escape the heat of the day.

• Hotel Las Islas Barú : For one night, we took a boat out to this luxury eco-hotel. Near the Rosario Islands, it has a great location for time on a small, private beach. The rooms are well appointed and the high price point is worth it for the seclusion. I only wish we would have stayed a few more nights.

• Casa San Agustin : My second choice hotel in the Old Town that I would have booked would be Casa San Agustin. The design-forward hotel is in a central location, making for a great base for discovering Cartagena.

Best Restaurants in Cartagena

What took me most by surprise in Cartagena was how international the cuisine was. Yes you can find great local food here, but there is a ton of restaurants that specialize in other food. For the top places, you will want to reserve in advance.

• El Kilo: Arguably this was our favorite meal. Their ceviche is incredible (try the El Kilo) and they had wonderful cocktails. This was one of those gems that we stumbled upon and would take this over some of the other popular ceviche spots.
• El Barón: We originally came here for cocktails (amazing!) and they also have good food as well for a quick bite.
• Zaitún Cartagena: Another one of those meals that took us by surprise was Zaitún. Firstly the cocktails are incredible and then they had Lebanese food which blew my mind. I would definitely eat here if you’re looking for something different . 
• Coffee at Epoca Espresso Bar (their breakfast is also delicious).
• Demente: One dinner here was great for lighter bites that were Spanish tapas style.
• Restaurant Palenqueras Getsemani: This space was really fun and good, classic dishes like whole fish and plantains. It gets really lively at night as well with their second floor and patio.
• Alma: This is an awesome venue for upscale Colombian food. *Reserve in advance.
• Restaurante Bar La Vitrola : If you’re craving Italian food, come here.

Things to Do in Cartagena

Days in Cartagena are rather relaxed. It gets pretty hot so most of the time you’ll want to spend time near the water. I would highly recommend having a hotel with a pool at the very least. Here’s a few things to do in Cartagena:

• Explore the Walled City: This is the highlight — exploring the endless streets and discovering gems.
• Shop local designers : There are some incredible design shops here so much so I wish I had brought a bigger suitcase. Favorite shops included Mercedes Salazar, Silvia Tcherassi, Loto del Sur (candles), Chiqui House Boutique (local designers), St. Dom, and Colombia Artesenal.
• Visit Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas : Head here early to beat the crowds and visit this enormous castle from 1639.
• Walk through Mercado de Bazurto : For an opportunity to get a look at local life, the market is one to walk through.
• Discover Getsemani : One of the other neighborhoods to explore is just outside of the walled city. The neighborhood is filled with incredible street art, great bars, and good local eats.
• Take a free walking tour with Free Tour Cartagena.
• More things to do in Cartagena in this post .

Possible Day Trips from Cartagena

Though I stuck to staying in the Old Town and the overnight to Barú, I wanted to provide some other day trips available. Researching a few of these before hand, they all looked wonderful for a day out of the city.

• Take a boat ride to the Rosario Islands. (most Tourism Agencies can arrange a boat tour or ask your hotel)
• Spend a day at Playa Blanca. (taxi or Uber here)
• Tayrona National Park

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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!

These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you . If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here .

1. Book Your Flights

Use Skyscanner to find the best flights. It searches 100s of airlines and websites across the globe to ensure you’re not missing out on any route options or deals.

2. Book Your Accommodations

Use Booking.com for hotels and guest houses. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.

3. Book Your Tours & Experiences

Use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check both as their inventory varies depending on the destination.

4. Book Your Car

Use Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com to find the best car rental deals. I recommend comparing rental agency reviews on Google to ensure you are booking with the best company in that destination, as the reviews are often more accurate than the car rental search engines.

5. Don’t Forget Airport Lounge Access

Get a Priority Pass membership to gain access to 1,400+ VIP lounges and airport experiences worldwide. The Priority Pass app is the first thing I check when I have a layover. I’ve been a member for over a decade, and having a comfortable place to relax before and between flights makes air travel so much more enjoyable.

6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, and cancelations, etc.). I use it frequently for my travels to stay protected.

My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:

• World Nomads (best for all-around)
• Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)

Xx, Jessica

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