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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.

Torre Ciega

"Enrique Escudero de Castro" Municipal Archaeology Museum

National Museum of Underwater Archaeology.

Cartagena Roman Theatre Museum

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Carthaginians and Romans Fiesta

15 September 2024 - 24 September 2024

Cartagena International Film Festival

23 November 2024 - 30 November 2024

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Cartagena Tourist Information Guide: Things to Do & See

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

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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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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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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

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Cartagena: 5-Stop Multi Island & 5 Beach Clubs Tour w/ Lunch

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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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Your Complete Guide to Exploring Cartagena, Colombia from Someone Who Lived There for Over a Decade

Are you planning a trip to Cartagena, Colombia, also known as Cartagena de Indias, Colombia?

Then, you’ve come to the right place!

I’ve put together all of my top tips for planning a trip to Cartagena here.

I spent over a decade living in Cartagena, and even made this entire website dedicated to this wonderful destination on Colombia’s Caribbean coast.

It’s loaded with historical colonial charm, a vibrant culture, fun nightlife, great food, and there are some wonderful islands and beaches nearby that can be enjoyed any time due to the year round warm weather.

What more could you ask for?

So, whether you arrived to this page via internet search or arrived on another page on the site and want a general one stop shop for planning your trip, you’ll learn everything you need to know for planning a trip to Cartagena, Colombia here!

*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.

What You’ll Find in this Complete Travel Guide to Cartagena

Here’s what I’ll cover in this comprehensive guide to Cartagena, Colombia based on my 11 years living there:

• Why Visit Cartagena?
• Things to See and Do in Cartagena
• Where to Stay in Cartagena (for all Budgets)
• How Long to Stay in Cartagena?
• When to Visit Cartagena

What to Pack for Cartagena

What and where to eat in cartagena.

• Where to Enjoy Cartagena Nightlife

Safety in Cartagena

• How to Avoid Common Issues and Scams

Getting Around Cartagena

• Arriving and Departing Cartagena’s Airport
• Some Practical Tips and FAQs
• Other Places to Consider Adding on to Your Trip

As you can see, I’ll cover just about everything you need to know to plan a wonderful trip to Cartagena de Indias!

This post is meant to be an all inclusive guide to learn all of the most important information you need to plan a trip to Cartagena that can be both a starting and ending point to planning your trip. However, I have tons of more detailed posts covering just about anything else you might want to know about Cartagena on the site too.

So, please feel free to use it as a as starting point only!

Where relevant, I’ve linked to those more detailed posts if you’re looking for additional tips. Do also feel free to click around the different sections of the site or use the search function too if you’re looking for more specific information.

Everything here is based on my personal, first hand experience living in Cartagena from 2011 to 2022 and regular return trips since.

I’m confident you won’t find a better guide to visiting Colombia’s crown gem destination anywhere else on the net!

Quick Tips for Visiting Cartagena, Colombia

Both the inner history major combined with the person that made a whole website devoted to the city tend to make it hard for me to not be pretty long winded, detailed, and generally gushing about Cartagena. So I’d love for you to scroll down and read everything in this comprehensive guide to visiting Cartagena de Indias.

However, if you just want some quick tips, here they are:

Can’t Misses in Cartagena:

• Explore the historic Walled City and neighboring Getsemaní whether on your own or perhaps with a walking tour.
• Visit the historic San Felipe Fort (included in this shared city tour and in this private city tour ).
• Escape to the gorgeous crystal clear waters of the Rosario Islands (Consider my favorite place to stay , this catamaran tour , or doing it in style with a private boat rental ).
• Catch the sunset from at least one and preferably both of Café del Mar on the wall and Hotel Movich’s rooftop bar.

Where to Stay in Cartagena:

• Do yourself a favor and stay in the historic city center, or Centro Histórico, which includes the neighborhoods of San Diego and Matuna, or neighboring and equally historic Getsemaní.
• Top 3 High End Hotels: Casa San Agustín , Sofitel Santa Clara , and Charleston Santa Teresa .
• Top 3 Midrange Hotels: Casona del Colegio , Capellán de Getsemaní , and Casa Claver .
• Top 3 Value Hotels: Casa Tere , Casa India Catalina , and Casa Gloria Boutique .
• Top 3 Hostels: Casa Movida , Clock Hostel , and Santuario Hostel .

You can also compare more places to stay in Cartagena on Booking.com , Expedia , and Hotels.com , or see apartment rentals on VRBO .

Read on for lots more details below for all your heart desires to know about planning a trip to Cartagena!

Why Visit Cartagena de Indias, Colombia?

Anthony Boudain said the following when he visited Cartagena in 2008:

“It’s ludicrous that this place exists and everybody doesn’t want to live here.”

There’s another famous quote from a Colombia national tourism marketing campaign that stated, “Colombia: the only risk is wanting to stay.”

It’s hard for me not to echo those sentiments!

I came to Colombia’s Caribbean coast in 2011 just after graduating and spent a year as a volunteer teacher in a small town on the Island of Barú, about an hour south of Cartagena, near the famous stretch of white sand beach known as Playa Blanca.

I spent many of the weekends that year with my fellow volunteers in the nearby city, crashing in hostels and the occasional splurge on a hotel room (especially after I got a girlfriend), enjoying the nightlife but also the historic charm and sites and just general fun vibes of Cartagena.

I fell in love with those vibes and the city, and decided I wanted to stick around (the girlfriend may have had something to do with that too).

I got a job in the city, got dumped by the girlfriend, got a better job, met a new girlfriend, got a better job where I got a few promotions, and got married here.

I even started a side hustle sharing my love for the city that has grown into my main income source!

In short, I spent a good portion of my formative experiences took place in Cartagena. There were times, when I had to stop while walking the narrow streets of the old city along the historic stone walls and remind myself not to take it for granted just how pretty it was.

While we made the decision to move back to my hometown of Columbia, South Carolina (yes, the Columbia with a U; check out southcarolinaexplorer.com , by the way!), for better opportunities for my wife in 2022, I look forward to frequent return visits and feel privileged I get to share my love for the city and the rest of Colombia with others here on this site.

Ok, well, I think I’ve thoroughly covered why I should visit Cartagena.

But, why should you?

Umm, let’s see, it’s charming.

It’s got a vibrant culture, complete with nice, welcoming people, great food, and fun nightlife.

There’s year round beach weather, and some great places nearby to enjoy it.

It can also be a great gateway to some other amazing places in Colombia (do check out some suggestions at the end or click that Other Destinations section by the way).

In short, it’s Colombia’s top tourist destination with good reason!

Exchange rates in recent years have also made it a relatively affordable tropical destination for those coming from the US or Europe, a nice added bonus.

So, maybe the better question is why shouldn’t you visit Cartagena?

Things to Do and See in Cartagena

There’s quite a bit to do and see in Cartagena.

In fact, there’s more to do here than it often gets credit for.

I’ve got a detailed post with more than 75 things to do in Cartagena , but in this post, I’m going to touch on the main highlights to see on a visit to Cartagena along with a few hidden gems.

Explore the Historic Walled City

One of the most iconic images of Cartagena is its almost complete still standing colonial era walls. It’s one of the few examples of such walls remaining anywhere on earth today.

The area encased by the walls is officially called the Centro Histórico in Spanish (Historic Center in English) and is often also referred to as Cartagena’s Walled City, or Ciudad Amurallada, and also sometimes Cartagena’s Old Town or simply Centro.

Doing a shared walking tour or booking a private city tou r that includes Centro and other sites can be a great introduction to the city and chance to learn a bit about it’s history and culture.

My partners BnB Colombia also offer a discount on their more exclusive private city tour with the discount code ExploreColombia10.

You can also explore on your own, and Cartagena’s historic downtown is both easily walkable and very safe (see the section on safety below tips on staying safe in Cartagena).

Whether on a tour or on your own, as you explore, you’ll find narrow streets flanked by colorfully painted colonial era mansions with huge wooden doors.

Be on the lookout for the elaborate door knockers, which were often used as a symbol of status or profession in the colonial era. For example, a lizard marked the home of a member of the aristocracy and a lion that of a military official.

As you wander the streets, be sure to look up to see the many overhanging colorful flowers growing off balconies.

One of the things I always found interesting about the historic center of Cartagena, was that it is still, for the most part the downtown area of the city.

There are several streets, such as the Calle de la Moneda where you’ll find quite the hustle and bustle of with shops ranging from pricey fashion boutiques to discount stores, not to mention the countless street vendors selling everything from fresh fruits and street food to knock off sunglasses and phone chargers that you’ll likely have to dodge on the narrow sidewalks as taxis honk to clear a path in the road.

Around a corner or two, you’ll find quiet, empty streets where you can almost imagine you’re back in the 17th century (don’t worry the heat will keep you from to taking potable water and A/C for granted!).

You’ll want to take some time to walk up along the wall itself as nearly all of it is open to the public.

The walls, which were built as a series of free standing battlements that were later connected stand as evidence of Cartagena’s colonial era glory and wealth. The city was one of the original 4 designated ports of call for the early Spanish treasure fleets along with Havana, San Juan, and Veracruz.

That meant it was at risk of attack from foreign adversaries and pirates.

In fact, it was attacked on 4 occasions during the colonial era, and the walls helped solidify it as a major port in the network of Caribbean trade until independence.

The views of the Caribbean to one side and the charm of the old city on the other and the modern highrises of Bocagrande in the distance are well worth bearing some time in the sun.

Sites of interest inside the Walled City include the majestic San Pedro Claver Cathedral, where Pope Francis gave a mass on his visit in 2017, and the Museo Naval del Caribe Naval Museum , located around the backside of the church. It’s my favorite history museum in the city and has some great depictions of the fortifications and attacks on the city, including Francis Drake’s and Edward Vernon’s .

For more on the city’s history, head to the Palacio de la Inquisición , which was the seat of the Spanish Inquisition for a short time. There are exhibits here on the city’s history as well as the Inquisition, including some torture devices.

Outside the museum, you can enjoy some shade while hanging out with the pigeons in the Plaza Bolívar. Sitting on the benches here and enjoying a cheap tinto (coffee) and loosie cigarette was one of my favorite ways to kill time between classes when I taught nearby.

On the opposite side of the plaza from the Inquisition Museum, you can see some neat examples of indigenous precolonial gold work at the Museo del Oro Gold Museum , which is free to enter.

You’ll also want to wander through the Las Bovedas, the last section of the wall to be built where the barracks that were used as prisons during the independence wars now house tourist shops selling souvenirs.

The Plaza Santo Domingo has a number of tourist trap restaurants with outdoor seating, and the Plaza San Diego is surrounded by a number of good restaurants and cafes.

Finally, the Plaza San Fernandez de Madrid makes for another respite from the sun, and the adjacent Ron y Tabaco is my favorite place to enjoy a cigar in Cartagena if you’re so inclined.

Wander the Eclectic Streets of Getsemaní

If you head outside Cartagena’s walls passing through the iconic Clocktower, you can walk along the promenade displaying statues of Cartagena’s 9 Martyrs , executed just a short distance away during the Spanish reconquest of Cartagena. The city was taken after brutal siege that left much of its population starved.

As you walk close your eyes and picture it being a wooden bridge over mangroves and creeks at the edge of the bay.

You can also walk through the Parque del Centenario, renovated a few years ago, where you can often see iguanas and sloths hanging out.

Either way, you’ll be entering the neighborhood of Getsemaní, which was home to the city’s colonial era artisans, many of them former slaves.

Their support for Cartagena’s Declaration of Independence in 1811 was crucial and was led by the mixed race Pedro Romero, who you can find a statue of in the Plaza de la Trinidad in the heart of Getsemaní.

The neighborhood’s working class heritage lasted into the 21st century.

That little plaza where you can find Romero raising his hand in defiance has a special place in my heart, and I think represents how Cartagena and Getsemaní changed over the 11 years I lived there.

I remember feeling like much of Getsemaní could still be a tad sketchy back in 2011. There were a handful of hostels and some growing nightlife on the Calle de la Media Luna.

By a few years later, the Plaza de la Trinidad had become sort of a melting pot of locals and tourists. You could see kids playing soccer, men playing chess or dominoes, and groups passing around a bottle or enjoying ice cold cheap beers from the corner store.

I spent many a weekend night here in the 20-teens.

Flash forward a few years later, and you’ll find a smattering of more upscale cafes, restaurants, and bars and fancier boutique hotels dominating the neighborhood.

While this is, probably rightly, criticized by some as gentrification, the neighborhood has maintained much of its character. You’ll still find locals slamming dominoes down on worn down plastic chairs down some streets, you’ll still find a few grungier backpacker hostels, and you’ll still find an eclectic mix around the plaza.

The crowd is bigger and the beers aren’t quite as cheap though!

Nonetheless, hanging out here in the evening is a great way to start a night out on the town, perhaps at the popular dance clubs on Calle el Arsenal or Calle de la Media Luna nearby. The brick oven style pizzas at the beer garden at Demente next to the plaza are also some of our favorites in town.

Be sure to wander over here during the day too, where you’ll find some terrific street art down the many narrow streets near the plaza.

You’ll find most of these up and down the streets to the left when facing the church.

However, you’ll also find some neat art for sale and some of the best examples outside the Cafe del Mural wandering off to the right too.

Some particular highlights to make sure you see are the colorful umbrellas that cover the narrow Callejón Angosto, the pretty and colorful pendant flags overhanging the Calle San Andres, more umbrellas over the Calle de la Magdelena and the flags from around the world that hang over the Calle de la Serpiente.

Like Centro, Getsemaní can be explored on your own or you can do the two areas together as part of this shared walking tour or this private city tour .

You can also do a private walking tour of only Getsemaní or this private tour of Getsemaní and Bazurto Market , a great way to get quite literally a complete taste of Cartagenero culture (use code ExploreColombia10 for a discount on either of those one!).

Finally, you could opt to do a shared Getsemaní graffiti tour that takes you to some of the neater photo ops while giving you a chance to learn more about this neighborhood’s history.

Visit the Castillo San Felipe Fort

A visit to the Castillo San Felipe is a near obligatory stop just a short way from Cartagena’s Walled City.

This massive stone fortress began as a small fort atop a hill to prevent enemies from using the hill to lay siege to the city. It was meant to be a last line of defense if an invasion force managed to blast its way past the defenses in the bay. It proved to be just that when a heavily outnumbered force made a valiant last stand against Vernon’s invasion in 1741.

Later, the fort was expanded to essentially encase the entire hill in stone.

Its construction following the slopes of the hill actually gives it a unique asymmetrical design compared to the square and rectangular designs commons for a late 18th century forts.

It is also the largest fort built on mainland South America by the Spanish. It along with the walls remain lasting testaments to the importance of Cartagena to the Spanish colonial trade.

You can wander through the eery tunnel passageways connecting the different sections and get some amazing views of the city from the top of the fort.

I’ve always especially loved seeing the contrasts of the fort, the Walled City, and then the modern highrises of Bocagrande across the bay.

A photo with the huge Colombian flag is one of the best photo ops in the city.

I recommend visiting the fort early in the morning to beat the heat and crowds.

As you exit the fort, be sure to walk around the block to the bronze statues of old shoes, an ode to a famous poem about the city.

You can visit the fort on your own (I recommend going in taxi) or as part of this shared city tour , this private city tour , or the more exclusive city tour with our partners BnB Colombia using that discount code ExploreColombia10.

For true military history buffs, a visit to the lesser known fortifications of Bocachica , located on the far end of the island of Tierra Bomba, is also a worthwhile excursion. Little visited and practically forgotten by time, much less the majority of jet setting tourists, these forts, while a bit difficult to reach, are some of the city’s best hidden gems and stand virtually unmodified from their reconstruction after Vernon’s demolition of them in 1741.

Escape to the Picturesque Rosario Islands

I still remember my first visit to the gorgeous Rosario Islands, about an hour’s boat ride off the coast of Cartagena. It was in 2011, my first year in Cartagena, and my mom and sister were visiting.

A fellow volunteer who worked in the city and her host family had a boat for the day.

At that time, the islands were much less visited than today, and I remember feeling like the tiny rocky islands and crystal clear waters were like something out of a movie.

Today, the Rosario Islands are a common excursion from Cartagena, and I would characterize them as all but obligatory during a visit.

They can be done as a day trip or an overnight stay.

I recommend a day trip for those with fewer than 5 nights total in Cartagena.

An excellent way to do a day trip is with a private boat rental , perhaps stopping to snorkel before having a dance party at the raucous Cholón Island and then enjoying some time on a beach.

We’ve done boat rentals at least a dozen times, and some of my best memories are getting a group together for a fun day on the water.

It can be tough to do the boat without a group or a higher budget though.

A d ay trip on the Catamaran Bona Vida , a day pass at one of the resorts or hotels such as my favorite IslaBela or the more upscale Pedro de Majuaga , or a shared boat tour to various islands are all more affordable ways to do a day trip to the islands.

A quick word to the wise: I generally don’t recommend the cheapest Rosario Islands shared tours sold by vendors on the street.

They are often on overcrowded boats, have limited beach time, and have lots of upsells along the way such as an additional entrance fee for the oceanarium or renting beach chairs. Be sure to book something with good reviews online and/or to make sure you’re clear on the itinerary of the tour and what is and isn’t included.

You can see more options for day trips to the islands from Cartagena in my picks for the best day trips to the Rosario Islands here .

If you’ll be in Cartagena for more than 5 nights, I do think doing an overnight stay in the Rosario Islands can be well worth it.

Uur favorite place, and I think the best overall value, for an overnight stay is at IslaBela . The bungalows are great for a romantic escape or just some time to rest and relax. There’s also a good beach area here that isn’t too rocky. You can read more about it in my review of IslaBela .

For those looking for luxury stays more akin to traditional hotels, the beautiful luxury bungalows at Las Islas offer the finest beach resort experience near Cartagena.

The Isla del Encanto ( read about our stay here ) and especially the Sofitel Calablanca also offer luxury stays in the islands that also have pools and activities that would make them my picks for the most family and kid friendly places to stay in the islands..

If you’re looking for a cheaper option in the islands, consider Secreto Hostel , which offers a nice property at a nice value.

You can see even more options in my picks for the best Rosario Islands hotels here .

You can also learn more about the islands and the merits of spending the night or not in my complete guide to the Rosario Islands .

Other Cartagena Activities to Consider

The sections above pretty much cover the highlights for what to do in Cartagena de Indias.

If you’ve explored the Castillo, Centro, and Getsemaní, and made it out to the islands for at least a day, plus have thrown in some good eating and perhaps a night out on the town, you’ve more or less hit the must sees.

By the way, I will cover my personal recommendations for how long to spend in Cartagena and also where to eat and enjoy the nightlife in sections below.

However, as I mentioned previously I have a post on over 75 things to do in Cartagena , so there’s much more to do than just those highlights already mentioned. Click over there to see lots more details, but I do want to touch on a handful of things in this post that are worthy options to consider adding to your activities in Cartagena.

First off, let’s talk about Cartagena’s oddest attraction, and one that is definitely a love it or hate it. It’s the Mud Volcano or Volcán del Totumo. It’s, well, a mud volcano. You can take a dip, get a funny photo, and reportedly get some good exfoliation for your skin.

I did the mud volcano my first year in Cartagena, and it was, well, an interesting experience, but not one I’d repeat to be honest.

If it sounds fun to you, do it.

If it sounds horrible, skip it.

If you do want to do it, it’s easiest and most cost effective to do with a tour , but you can also hire a taxi. You can also read more about it in my guide to the Cartagena mud volcano here .

The mud volcano combines well with the Pink Sea of Galerazamba since both are located north of Cartagena, and there are tour options that include both.

The Pink Sea is really neat, although not as neat as the Insta photos you might have seen of it make it look. We took our niece once and definitely enjoyed it though. However, I wouldn’t characterize it as a must see.

It is usually only in season for parts of the year though and can be a bit hit or miss depending on if the salt has been mined and if it has rained. Read more about it in this guide to Colombia’s pink sea .

Something I haven’t had a chance to do myself yet but is on my list when we visit again, is a tour in the mangroves of La Boquilla , a small fishing town on the northern outskirts of Cartagena.

It’s a bit of a hidden gem chance to see some nature and a way of life that may not last much longer as well as get some exposure to traditional Afro-Colombian culture.

Tours usually include a boat tour in the mangroves, some fishing, and most include cooking, dancing, or music. This exclusive private tour of the mangroves includes a traditional Afro-Colombian drum performance and workshop, and you can also book a private tour of just the mangroves with our partners BnB Colombia (once again, get a discount on any of their tours with the code ExploreColombia10).

Another neat way to see a bit of the other side of Colombia and learn a lot about Afro-Colombian culture is doing a trip to the town of San Basilio de Palenque, often just called Palenque.

Often hailed as the first free town in the Americas (it was the first to receive royal recognition as such but not the first to be established), residents have preserved many of their ancestor’s traditions.

It is best visited as part of a tour like this shared one due to the distance and the fact that it takes the better part of a day to see. You can also do a private tour with that ExploreColombia10 discount code!

You can learn more about it in my guide to visiting Palenque or learn more about its history in this deep dive on myth and history in Palenque .

Another even better way to see wildlife is with the very unique Howling Trail tour offered by Taroa Adventures, the only tour I know of near Cartagena where you can do a good hike and see monkeys in the wild. I hope to possibly do this on our next trip too.

Increasingly popular in recent years are tours to the Bazurto Market.

It is a somewhat interesting place and worth it for those that are very interested in experiencing it, but I would not call it a must see. Most tours include some fruit tastings, some exploring of the market, and lunch.

The market is a bit dodgy and definitely an assault on your senses, so it’s best not to do on your own. You could do a shared tour or a private tour of the market and Getsemaní (use ExploreColombia10 to get a discount on that one).

Foodies might also be interested in doing a cooking class like this one at Café Lunatico .

Oh, and of course, I’d be remiss not to mention doing a coffee tasting or at least enjoying a cup or three from cafes in town (see the below section on where to eat for some suggestions).

Finally, those that feel they really need some more beach time than what they go in the islands (something I totally support, by the way!), should consider checking out the beaches on the island of Tierra Bomba just across the bay from Cartagena.

Palmarito is our favorite over there and we’ve spent several nights and done a number of day trips there ( read my review here ), but Fenix Beach is also really nice and a bit higher end. So is Blue Apple Beach House ( read my review of it here ), on the far side of the island near the forts of Bocachica.

Playa Blanca on Barú is also another option for more beach time, with a few caveats.

Playa Blanca (and the area known as Playa Tranquila at its far end), is a gorgeous stretch of beach, and you’ll likely see it recommended in a lot of places. My volunteer year in 2011 was spent very close to it, and I have many fond memories from that year and later years there, crashing in hammocks or ramshackle shacks.

Back in those days, it was a bit of an intrepid backpacker paradise that required an adventure to reach and was largely an undeveloped and unspoiled paradise. That’s why you’ll see it recommended on lots of blogs written in the early 2000s and 2000-teens.

Unfortunately, those days are gone.

A bridge and paved road led to a burst of haphazard development without the proper infrastructure to support it. The ecosystem is suffering and the beach has acquired a reputation for pushy vendors, overcharging, and being too crowded.

If you can go on a tour like this one and avoid weekends and holidays, it still is a very pretty beach though. Just be sure to have prices clear.

The Aviary nearby is well done and offers a bit of a unique way to see wildlife near Cartagena too. I’d suggest either going with a tour or hiring a taxi for the day and going early in the morning when the birds are the most active (and it’s not too hot yet!).

Read more about in my guide to the Colombian National Aviary .

If I’m choosing between the Rosarios and Playa Blanca, I’m choosing the Rosarios every time though, unless the Aviary is an absolute must see for you and you don’t have the time to do a day at both.

I personally got to where I tried to avoid most of the beaches in town like the plague.

The nicer beaches of Bocagrande just have way too many vendors, not to mention they pale in comparison to the islands. They are the best beaches if you just want a couple hours without dealing with the hassle of a boat ride though. Just be ready for the hassle of the vendors and massage ladies.

I recommend the area around the Kiosco Bony near the Hotel Caribe (sometimes called Playa Hollywood) for the widest beach. Although, to be honest, I prefer the beach in Castillogrande, which is usually less crowded. While the beach and water are underwhelming, the beaches of El Cabrero and Marbella are also usually less crowded and draw more of a local crowd too.

You can learn more about the different beaches in my full guide to the beaches of Cartagena .

Where to Stay in Cartagena

I’m going to make this easy for you.

Do yourself a favor and stay in the Centro Histórico (which includes the San Diego neighborhood) or Getsemaní, especially if this is your first time visiting Cartagena.

These are the most charming and historic areas, and they are also where many of the best restaurants, cafes, and nightlife is located. You’ll find most of the best boutique hotels in Cartagena and many of the best Cartagena luxury hotels in these areas.

It’s also all very walkable and where you’ll probably want to spend much of your days exploring the city anyways.

I lived for about a year in the Walled City, and I absolutely loved living there, especially for how easy it was to walk to so many places. If I could have afforded to live there my entire time in Cartagena, I would have absolutely done it (Definitely eyeing that for retirement!).

If you absolutely just must have a beach view or a more chain style hotel experience, Bocagrande is also a good option, but as I mentioned above, I’m just not crazy about the beaches in Bocagrande.

If you’re going to get your beach time in the islands, I’d suggest enjoying being in the historic center for your time in the city and really immersing yourself in that historic charm. Then if you have the time, you can complement it with a night or two at one of the places mentioned above in the islands.

I’ve got a whole, long more detailed post comparing the pros and cons of different areas to stay in Cartagena , so check that out if you want a longer discussion of where to stay in Cartagena as well as more hotel suggestions at different budget levels.

Here, I’ll just give you some quick suggestions for good options in Centro and Getsemaní, along with a few for Bocagrande too.

For those with the budget for it the gorgeous Casa San Agustín is absolutely the best high end option. The Sofitel Santa Clara and Charleston Santa Teresa are also great luxury options.

We also thought Casona del Colegio was gorgeous when we stayed there for a staycation and I’d say it’s a pretty good value for a luxury boutique hotel in Cartagena’s Walled City ( read my review of it here ).

For those looking for more moderately priced options, the Bovedas de Santa Clara lets you access the Sofitel’s gorgeous courtyard pool at a more comfortable price. The Hotel Capellán in Getsemaní is also highly regarded and in a great location.

The Casa Claver , offers standard rooms but also unique loft style apartments with multiple bedrooms and kitchenettes that would be a great option for families.

For those looking for a good bang for their buck, the Hotel Casa Tere is a great value. So is the long running Hotel Tres Banderas , the Hotel Santa Catalina , the Hotel Don Pedro de Heredia , and the Casa Gloria .

If you’re looking for hostels because you are on a budget or just want to meet travelers, I’d recommend checking out Casa Movida , the Clock Hostel, or Santuario for nicer digs. For more budget friendly backpacker hostels, check out El Viajero and Media Luna Hostel , two of the longest running hostels in Cartagena.

If you do decide you’d rather be in Bocagrande, then I’d recommend the Hyatt Regency , the Estelar Cartagena de Indias , the Intercontinental , the Hotel Caribe , or Oz Hotel , in that order from high end to value.

To see more options and compare prices, check out all available Cartagena hotels at Booking , Expedia , or Hotels.com .

And, of course see the above section on the islands for some hotel recommendations there if you do have the time, budget, and desire to spend some time at a beachfront hotel to complement your time in town. You can also see my picks for the best Cartagena beach hotels both in the islands, in the city, and at other beaches nearby.

Finally, there is the option of AirBnBs, and there are plenty of options in Centro, Getsemaní, and Bocagrande. See my Cartagena AirBnB tips here . You can also look for apartments and even full vacation homes on VRBO .

How Many Days in Cartagena?

I hear the question, “How many days do you need in Cartagena?” get asked a lot.

I think you need at least 4 days, 3 nights to really enjoy the city.

Maybe if you have a really early arrival and late departure, 3 days, 2 nights can work, but really even the 4 days feels fairly whistle stop, bare minimum to me.

You’ll want at least a full day or perhaps two half days to explore the historic districts and the Castillo, then at least a day in the islands.

Throw in a day trip to a place like Palenque or an overnight stay in the islands, and you’re looking at a 5 day trip.

I do think 5-7 days hits the sweet spot for most people where you can see the highlights, spend some time on the beach, and perhaps do a day trip outside the city or one or more of the hidden gems mentioned above.

By the way, do check out my picks for the best day trips from Cartagena here.

Or, maybe you want 2-3 nights out in the islands.

Or maybe you just want to spend the better part of a day relaxing by the hotel pool.

Or maybe, you want to really get the most out of the nightlife, and you need a day or two to relax by the hotel pool hungover.

Giving yourself 5 or more days lets you have some flexibility to do those things.

Of course, I lived in Cartagena for 11 years, so I’m all for even longer trips too!

However, I do think that if you’ve got, say 7+ days, you can get a lot if you head up the coast or into the interior of the country to see some other places rather than stay in Cartagena the whole time (some tips on places at the end of this guide).

Why It’s a Mistake to Just Spend a Day in (or Skip) Cartagena

I sometimes see people say to just spend a day, maybe 2 in Cartagena, or to skip it all together.

This is especially the case in Facebook groups. This advice usually comes from either backpackers or expats who live in other parts of the country and have a sort of trendier, hippier than thou attitude and see it as a badge of honor to avoid places popular with tourists.

Look, I get it.

There’s no doubt Cartagena is very touristy.

There’s no doubt this means there are plenty of tourist trap places and tours.

There’s no doubt vendors can be pushy and frustrating to deal with and that there are scams and overcharging (some tips on how to handle all this below, by the way).

There’s no doubt that there are lots of other amazing places in Colombia, many of them cheaper and with far less other tourists around (although I’d add anywhere you’re going to visit is by its very nature “touristy”).

However, Cartagena is so touristy for a reason.

I think it’s a mistake and incredibly close minded to decide to shortchange it or skip it just because it’s popular. And, unlike a place like Cancún, which was built as a resort town in the modern era, there is actual history in Cartagena and plenty of chances to have authentic experiences.

If you follow the advice here and elsewhere on the site, you’ll be able to avoid the worst of the frustrating parts of Cartagena being touristy and get the most out of a visit.

I’m very confident that you’ll be glad you planned for more than just a day or two too!

Best Time to Visit Cartagena?

So, to be honest, I think just about anytime is the best time to visit Cartagena.

Cartagena’s climate is hot all year, and there isn’t a ton of change in temperatures or weather in Cartagena throughout the year.

However, if you’re asking me to give you a straight answer to when should I Cartagena, I’d say between February and May is the absolute best time of year to visit Cartagena.

This time of year is usually pretty breezy and, with the exception of Easter Week, usually crowds aren’t bad during these months.

There really isn’t a time of year I’d say to completely avoid Cartagena.

While there can be quick showers in March, April, and May, there usually isn’t a ton of rain either.

This is also the case, but to a lesser extent in late June and early July.

June-August will also see some storms, but these are usually quick as well, so I actually would say June to September would be the second best time to visit.

October is the rainiest month and sometimes the rainy season runs into November. I’ll be honest though, the rainy season can vary widely. I’ve seen years where there were frequent, long, almost all day rains throughout October, but also years where it hardly rained at all. Usually, there are some days where it rains a lot mixed in some sunny days.

So, if this is the absolute only time you can travel, I wouldn’t shy away from traveling then, just be aware it’s likely you’ll get at least one rainy day.

Finally, November sees the city celebrate its annual independence festivities. Similar to Carnival, there are parades, outdoor concerts, and a big beauty pageant. They are held the week of November 11.

I loved these fiestas and some of my best memories of living in Cartagena are during this festival, but they can get rowdy and are not for everyone.

Check out my post on what to expect during the Cartagena November festival to help you decide if the fiestas are something you might enjoy or if it’s best to travel another time (I always publish a schedule as well once its released, so check for a link in that article or search the site if the dates are close).

The one time I’d say to avoid if you can is during the holidays in December and January. It’s a destination city, after all, so it will be crowded that time of year.

Of course, it’s also a period where it’s easier to get time off, kids are off of school, and the like.

So, if this is the best time to travel to Cartagena for you, don’t avoid it, just try to make your reservations for where to stay and any activities, especially beach clubs, early.

I’ve got a much more detailed Cartagena packing list post , that you’re welcome to check out, but here I’ll briefly summarize my top recommendations for what to bring to Cartagena along with a few suggestions.

In terms of useful general travel gear, a good rollerboard suitcase is fine if you’ll be taking taxis to and from the airport and doing minimal or no travel between cities or only flying.

If you are going to be doing some buses to elsewhere or just want to pack lighter, we are big fans of our Osprey Porter 46 backpacks that can also be carried like duffles and that we used traveling around Colombia. I enjoy having a packable backpack for the beach and day trips too.

If you’re coming from many places in Europe, you might need a power adapter (Colombia uses the two and three pronged sockets with 110 V used in the US).

A small surge protector isn’t a terrible idea if you’ll be bringing expensive electronics like a laptop, especially if you’re staying in an AirBnB or cheaper hotel, many of which have old circuitry.

Having a Pacsafe travel safe can be useful if you’ll be carrying valuables or staying in hostels. Having a money pouch , a bra pouch , or a neck pouch can also help minimize the risk of theft of cash or other valuables.

If you take my advice above and hit the islands, a good dry bag and waterproof phone pouch is good to have along.

If you’re looking for a good book when on the beach or bumming around the hotel, 100 Years of Solitude is a great choice as is Love in the Time of Cholera , whose setting is loosely based on Cartagena. No Limits to their Sway about Cartagena’s Independence era privateers is my favorite history book about Cartagena and is a great read for the history buffs like me.

As far as clothing goes, my best recommendation is clothes that are comfortable for the Caribbean heat, your beach gear, and a couple nicer outfits for going out to nice restaurants and bars or clubs.

For the ladies, bright colors, pastels, and whites, especially linens work well for the Caribbean vibes of Cartagena.

Sundresses like these or a romper like this one work well for daily wear and are nice enough to wear out. So could a cute top like this and a skirt like this one .

Comfy t-shirts , a sleeveless top , or a cute blouse along with a pair of capris , some cotton shorts , a pair of jean shorts , or linen pants make for comfortable casual wear when walking around town too.

Floral print and bright colored bikinis or one pieces work great for the beaches of Cartagena and a good beach coverup is also good to have along and can even double as casual wear.

For the man, white and beige linens work great too, but so does just about any other clothes comfortable in the heat.

Guayaberas are popular for semi-formal wear among locals and short sleeve ones are comfortable enough to wear walking around town too. Do note that no, one, or two pocket designs are more common in Cartagena than the Cuban 4 pocket design.

They can be paired with jeans or casual linen pants as well as nicer linen pants for going out.

I’m also big fan of these lightweight Wrangler pants that are perfect for travel and would be fine at most less fancy restaurants and bars. For walking around town I think shorts and T-shrits are also are fine, even if they might identify you as a tourist (it is a tourist town and you are on vacation afterall!).

The guys should note that generally t-shirts, shorts, and sneakers or sandals are not permitted in most nightclubs and nicer restaurants, so be sure to bring along some nicer shoes. If you’re packing light, something like these Rockports work really well for daily and going out wear.

Finally, be sure to have plenty of sunscreen ! Also, if you do stay in the islands, bug spray is useful to have along.

I think this was one of the nicest things about seeing Cartagena grow as a destination in the time I lived there.

More and more great restaurants opened up!

But before I get to some restaurants in Cartagena recommendations, let’s talk about the best foods to try in Cartagena.

It shouldn’t be a surprise that there’s great seafood.

Ceviche makes for a great appetizer or snack. Ordering a traditional fried fish plate along with coconut rice and the mashed fried plantain patties known as patacones in Colombia (called tostones in some other countries) is all but obligatory at the beach.

Anything in the garlic sauce known as al ajillo is also terrific. So are seafood rices or pastas.

Finally, a local favorite, which happens to be one of my favorite dishes, is the cazuela de mariscos stew that combines shellfish in a creamy tomato and coconut broth.

Also, you absolutely have to try an arepa de huevo during your time in Cartagena!

This popular street food is more like an empanada than your standard arepa . It has a corn meal shell and is filled with a fried egg and ground beef (you can get it with only an egg too). It makes for a good, greasy breakfast, afternoon or late night snack, or even an easy grab and go dinner.

Some of the best in the city can be found at Donde Magola, near the Exitó San Diego supermarket. They have some unique takes with different meats too such as shrimp, chorizo, and, my personal favorite, chicharrón. You can find them at street food stalls around the Walled City and Getsemaní too.

A good way to sample some arepas de huevo and other street foods like the yucca fritters called carimañolas plus some of the delicious fresh fruits is with a street food tour .

Ok, now let’s talk about where to eat in Cartagena. I’ve tried to include a variety of different price points for Cartagena restaurants here for al budgets and tastes.

Some of the best fine dining restaurants in Cartagena include Carmen, Restaurante Fuerte del Pastellillo, Alma, La Vitrola and the Jardín Santa Clara. We’ve been to all of these and greatly enjoyed them, and they are among the city’s better high end options. They also generally require advanced reservations.

For nice that won’t break the bank, Candé, Buena Vida Marisquería, and La Cevichería, made famous after being featured during one of Anthony Bourdain’s visits, are great options.

For cheaper eats, La Mulata serves up a fresh rotating menu of local favorites at very reasonably prices. The local favorite and long running Espiritú Santo serves a daily menu at even more reasonable prices. Both make terrific options for lunch.

For those on really tight budgets or just looking to save, many restaurants also do lunch specials, called either menu ejecutivo or corrientes that include a soup, meat, rice, often another starch and salad or vegetables for affordable prices.

La Laguna Azul is a hidden gem for ceviches at cheapish prices.

Terraza Municipal has a number of food truck options with great views of the bay, and the street food stalls around the Plaza de la Trinidad make for a good option for a pre or post party meal.

I mentioned above I’d give you some options for coffee. Juan Valdez is pretty solid for a variety of choices and is sort of a Colombian Starbucks. Café Quindio in the Serrezuela shopping mall is also very good.

Café del Mural is a great choice in Getsemaní and has some of the neatest street art just across the street in front.

For a sit down coffee and breakfast or brunch, my favorite is Epoca, which has a couple locations in Centro. Ely is great in Bocagrande. La Brioche in Centro is also terrific with good food and solid mimosas. In a bit of a surprise for a French style pastry and coffee shop, they also have some of the best burgers in Cartagena. So, if you’re looking for a gourmet burger, it’d be my pick.

For a good steak, Quebracho would be my choice, although Alma has a good steak too if you’re looking for a finer dinning place or something with more choices. Finally, for a large and crowd pleasing menu, Cuzco is a great choice and was my family’s favorite place when they came for our wedding.

You can see lots more ideas for places to eat in Cartagena in my post on 50 restaurants worth trying in Cartagena .

Where to Enjoy Cartagena’s Nightlife

No visit to Cartagena, Colombia, or anywhere in Latin America is complete without a night out on the town!

There’s a pretty good nightlife scene in Cartagena, but there are some tourist traps, not to mention hooker bars, along with some good bars and clubs locals enjoy alongside tourists.

You’ll want to stick mostly around the Walled City and Getsemaní when going out in Cartagena.

Some of the more popular clubs include La Jugada and the relatively new Seven 7 Times. Café Havana has long been a favorite for those looking to get their salsa on, and the nearby Queibra Canto attracts a more local crowd for salsa too.

Long running favorite Mr. Babilla has been closed for a while with no clear word on if it will eventually reopen or not. It was a favorite of ours and every now and then you’d spot a Colombian celebrity there.

For more relaxed digs to enjoy a drink, the aforementioned Café del Mar and Hotel Movich Rooftop bars are great spots for sunset and early evening drinks.

Townhouse’s rooftop bar also has tasty cocktails and tasty tapa style food to share, and they do a great all you can eat and drink brunch on weekends if you can afford to risk a day you might not get much else done.

Al Quimico and El Barón are known for well crafted cocktails. El Mirador has a great view of the Clocktower, and 51 Sky Bar, located atop the Estelar in Bocagrande offers a unique view of the city and bay from the 51st floor.

Finally, don’t miss having a beer or three and people watching by the clocktower at the tables outside Donde Fidel and also from the corner store by the Plaza de la Trinidad. Both make good spots to start the evening.

Let’s talk for a minute about safety in Cartagena.

While the country has come a long way, and perception seems to be changing as Colombia gets more positive press and featured in big magazines and newspapers as a destination, the country still carries a bit of a reputation.

So, you might be asking yourself, or maybe friends or family might ask you, “Is Cartagena safe?”

The answer is a pretty strong yes!

Cartagena was never really a hotspot for Colombia’s internal conflict. There’s a fairly heavy police presence in the tourist areas, and violent crime directed against tourists is extremely rare.

That being said, it’s still a city with a lot of poverty that is a popular tourist destination, and there is certainly some of the kind of petty crime and issues that you’d expect to come along with that.

In the 11 years I was in Cartagena, I was robbed once, and had one other uncomfortable run in with a guy on the street.

I’ve got a whole longer post on safety tips in Cartagena , but the truth is if you stick to common sense precautions like trying not to be out alone late at night, being aware of your surroundings, not flashing cash or valuables, and trying to minimize the amount of cash and valuables you carry, you will most likely have no issues.

That last point is important, because if you are the victim of a robbery, it’s best to not fight back. Someone waving a knife or gun in your face almost assuredly has a lot less to lose than you do.

Once again having a money pouch , a bra pouch , or a neck pouch can be handy to minimize the loss to any thieves or pickpockets.

Also, drugs of any sort are best avoided while in Cartagena. Buying drugs on the street not only puts you at increased risk of being a victim of crime but also at increased risk of being scammed by police. Not to mention, it also feeds into and perpetuates all the negative stereotypes about Colombia.

Finally, a couple quick notes about safety around dating and hooking up, if you plan to try your luck in either while in Cartagena.

First, prostitution exists in sort of a legal gray area where it’s not prohibited and tolerated, so be aware of that and aware of the fact that there are often working ladies out in clubs and on apps like Tinder.

Second, and more importantly, be careful with your drinks around strangers.

While it’s more common in Medellín, where there has been a spate of incidents involving foreigners that have even garnered international press from publications like the New York Times , the drug known as Scopolamine is not unheard of in Cartagena. This drug basically causes a victim to black out, and scammers, usually women targeting men, will use it to rob their victims’ rooms or apartments.

Again, it’s not super common, and I wouldn’t advise not going out or avoiding talking to strangers or that attractive guy or gal you met at the club, just try to be aware, use the buddy system, and ideally, you should stay at a hotel or AirBnB that has a front desk that checks and registers guests’ IDs. And be sure to use caution with apps like Tinder. It’s preferable to meet for the first time somewhere public.

Other Common Scams and Issues in Cartagena

While not safety issues exactly, there are a handful of other things to be aware of when visiting Cartagena.

First, street vendors can be pushy and sometimes a pain in the you know where.

Honestly, my best advice is to ignore them entirely and give a finger wag and “No, gracias” if you’re not interested in what they are selling.

I say that as someone that even after more than a decade living in Cartagena had trouble doing that. It’s just in my nature to be polite.

However, it’s really the best way of handling them.

If you give them an in, they can be hard to get rid of. I’m pretty sure for some of them their sales technique is pester you until they’ve guilted you into buying something or you just buy something to make them go away.

Now, if you are interested in what they are selling, like, for example, a good sunhat or some knockoff Ray Bans, be aware you can and should negotiate on the price and be extra sure you are in fact on the same page on the price before taking whatever you’re buying in hand.

Similar advice goes for street performers, especially the rappers, which have become more ubiquitous and frankly more of a nuisance in recent years. If you aren’t interested in giving them a tip, you’re best off ignoring them and giving them a finger wag. If you do stop and listen or nod your head or laugh (some of them are not half bad and drop some funny little lines), you will definitely be expected to give them some money.

Now let’s talk about vendors on the beach. Vendors selling knick knacks like bracelets can be dealt with the same as street vendors, ignore if you’re not interested.

Vendors selling oysters or other finger food type things often try to offer a free sample. This is a common scam, where they give you several in quick succession that you might think are part of the “free” sample, and then expect you to pay.

It’s common to see massage ladies do this too. I’ve legitimately had to get straight up rude with massage ladies before who have insisted on putting their hands on me for the “free” sample.

If you don’t want to pay for oysters or a massage, just be insistent with your “No, gracias” and be sure not to accept the so called “free” sample.

For renting chairs, umbrellas or shade tents, drinks or food, always be sure to be clear on the price. Ask if there is a service charge. While there are meant to be standardized prices, they are often not adhered to.

Overcharging and a surprise super high bill, especially on the beach, are other common scams. Try your best to keep a running tally and know that prices of these things are often negotiable, especially if you’re in a group.

Finally, always be sure to agree on price with taxis before entering the vehicle too!

Speaking of taxis, let’s talk about getting around Cartagena.

The easiest way for most travelers is to just take taxis. They are plentiful, easy to flag down, and relatively cheap. While this isn’t always the case in other parts of Colombia, particularly Bogotá, they are also quite safe to flag down on the street in Cartagena.

However, yes, because Cartagena’s taxis do not use meters, they have earned a reputation for overcharging tourists and even locals. So, always, always agree on price before entering and if they number is wildly exaggerated, don’t be afraid to close the door and flag down another.

Speaking of fair prices, generally you’re going to be spending between $10,000 and $15,000 Colombian pesos to get around the main touristy areas.

There is a surcharge to the airport and back, so expect to pay a bit more coming from and going there.

Technically, the minimum taxi fare is $8,800 pesos during the day and $9,600 after 9 pm, but this translates to $9,000 and $10,000 in practice, although every now and then you’ll run across a taxi driver that will give you the change. Try to keep some small bills since taxis often don’t want to make change, especially for $50,000 or $100,000 peso bills.

Do note those are the established minimum prices for 2023.

The new prices for 2024 should come out by March as the taxi union and city negotiate it. I’d expect it to rise to over $9,000, which means in practice you’ll probably be paying $10,000 as a minimum.

Uber exists in sort of a gray area legally in Colombia, but has grown into a popular and reliable option, so if you prefer to know the price ahead of time, you can use it. It’s best to pay in cash rather than card.

I always liked the application InDriver much better, and it is more common in Cartagena and Colombia more generally. Most of the drivers are also licensed taxi drivers, which avoids the weird legal issues with Uber. EasyTaxi (Cabify in the US) is another option, although it’s taken a back seat to InDriver in recent years.

Also, the Hop on Hop Off Bus , while maybe a bit cheesy, is not a horrible way to get around. Especially if you’re solo and will use it for 4+ trips, it can work out to be cheaper than what you would spend on taxis.

There is an ok, not great, public bus system in Cartagena called the TransCaribe, which is meant to function a bit like an above ground metro.

If you’re staying in Centro or Getsemaní, it’s really not worth bothering to use it. Even if you’re staying in Bocagrande, Cabrero, or Marbella, it doesn’t save as much time as it does traveling into the residential areas since the buses don’t have their own dedicated lanes.

They can also get crowded and you have to purchase a card at one of the main stations to use them. The various routes and which stations they do and don’t stop at can also get confusing.

If you’re staying in Bocagrande and will be going back and forth into Centro frequently during the day and will be in town longer than just 3 or 4 days, you can save some money by buying a card and using it though.

There are still some older buses running from before the implementation of Transcaribe that serve parts of the city the newer system doesn’t reach effectively. They are not really worth using for tourists.

Learn more about options for getting around this guide to transportation in Cartagena .

Flying In and Out of Cartagena’s Airport

I’ve got a longer complete guide to the Cartagena airport , that you can check out to find out more about food options and the like, so here I’ll just cover the basics.

Cartagena’s airport is quite small and is located just a short ride away from the Walled City, which is nice and convenient.

When arriving, the time to pass through immigration can vary wildly from a quick few minutes to over an hour wait. I strongly suggest not planning anything like paid tours or must dos within a few hours of your planned arrival time.

Do note that when arriving internationally, you can get a ticket with the correct taxi price from a little kiosk just to the right when coming out of baggage claim. If you arrive on the domestic side, there is a window to the left when you go outside where you can get the ticket.

I recommend avoiding the guys standing around when you exit. You’ll have to walk a block to their car and you rarely will pay any less.

If you prefer, you can also prebook airport pickup .

When departing, Cartagena is usually pretty quick.

It helps you don’t have to take your shoes off for security too!

I still recommend getting there 2.5 to 3 hours before international flights and 2 before domestic flights to be on the safe side, but you can push those a little shorter if it’s not peak travel seasons and you aren’t checking bags.

By the way, you do need to fill out a digital immigration form known as the Check Mig before arrival and departure, so be sure to do it to avoid any issues with not being able to board. I have a complete step by step guide to the Colombian Check Mig Form here .

And, if you still need to buy your flights, you can compare prices at Expedia at CheapOair , and at Kiwi .

You can also often find the best deals looking directly on airlines’ direct sites.

Speaking of that, Avianca and LATAM also frequently run flash sales for non peak season and holiday travel dates. While international flights can be limited in those sales, domestic flights to and from most cities in Colombia are usually included.

Some Further Practical Tips and FAQs

To finish out this extensive travel guide to Cartagena de Indias, I’m going to address some common questions I often see asked and throw in some more practical tips that aren’t addressed above.

Do I need to speak Spanish to travel to Cartagena?

In a word, no.

But, you would definitely benefit from at least having some basics.

In higher end hotels, staff will likely speak at least some English, but most waiters at restaurants, people in shops, and taxi drivers do not.

Not to mention, you will of course get more out of the experience if you can, you know, communicate with the locals.

If you speak very little or no Spanish, don’t let that deter you though!

If you put in some effort to learn at least the basics, including how to order food, say where you want to go, and ask about prices, you can get by just fine. A Spanish phrase book might be helpful to have along too.

I would like to plug our partner travel agency BnB Colombia Tours again here too though!

They offer 24/7 support and work with English speaking guides, generally on private tours with your transportation prearranged, so they can help you get the most out of your experience. Fill out the form here if you’d like to have them help you plan your trip.

Where should I exchange money?/Can I use US dollars in Cartagena?

There are a small handful of places that might take dollars, as might taxis that cater to the cruise terminal, but generally US dollars are not accepted in most places.

Honestly, where they are accepted, you will overpay using dollars and are much better off having Colombian pesos.

So, that begs the question, where should you exchange money in Cartagena?

Should you exchange with your bank before coming?

Exchange at the airport?

Find an exchange house in Cartagena?

In my opinion, the best answer is none of the above.

Bring along a debit card with low or no international fees and withdraw pesos as you go. The banks and ATMs will give you the best exchange rates, and you don’t have to worry about the hassle or risks associated with carrying large amounts of cash.

ATMs are plentiful and easy to find in Cartagena. The greens ones named Servibanca tend to have the highest limits for a single withdrawal.

If you do have to bring cash, I’d recommend exchanging a small amount at the airport to have for the taxi ride, then finding a place in town. There are several around the Clocktower and other areas of Centro. If you want to take the time to shop around for a nominally better rate, you can, but generally you won’t find drastic differences at different exchange houses.

Colombian Currency

Colombia uses the Colombian Peso.

Bills come in denominations of $2,000, $5,000, $10,000, $20,000, $50,000, and $100,000. You still might see $1,000 bill too, although they are being phased out in favor of a coin. Keep in mind the Spanish word for thousand is mil .

50s and especially 100s can be hard to break, so try to take advantage of opportunities to do so at the supermarket or if you’re paying with cash for pricier meals. If you’re getting into a taxi and only have a $50, ask when getting in if they can make change. With a $100, good luck!

Coins come in denominations of $50 (also being phased out), $100, $200, $500, and $1,000.

Can I use credit cards in Cartagena?

Most restaurants, especially those catering to tourists, hotels, and supermarkets take credit cards nowadays.

Smaller, hole in the wall places and taxis do not, so you will need some cash on you at all times, but you can generally use a card to pay for lots of things. For places out in the islands, double check before going and definitely take some cash for thinks like drinks and food on boat tours.

One quick note if you do use a card: If you’re given the option, pay in pesos and/or decline the conversion. You’re better off letting the bank settle the conversion for you.

By the way, I love my Capital One SavorOne card . It’s got no international transaction fees, and gets cash back at restaurants and supermarkets, considerable regular expenses, not only on vacation, so you can bet more use out of it than some travel cards.

Can you drink the tap water in Cartagena?

The tap water in Cartagena is treated and safe to drink. I drank it for over a decade and am perfectly fine!

However, although it’s treated and won’t give you parasites or anything, I have heard of some people getting an upset stomach from it. I guess, it just has different minerals/trace things than other tap water?

So, this really comes down to personal preference.

If you are only going to be in Cartagena for a few days, or you tend to have sensitive stomach, bottled water is very cheap. You can also buy big jugs, or even big bags and refill as you go. Spending a few extra dollars might be worth it and is actually what I generally recommend to friends and family, to be honest.

It’s never a bad idea to have some Pepto and Immodium with you, just in case. Even if drinking bottled water and avoiding street fruits and food, traveler’s diarrhea is a thing.

Oh, and do keep in mend outside of Cartagena, for example, the Rosario Islands, Barú, La Boquilla, up the coast, or really in any small town, the water is usually not safe to drink.

Some Places to Go After Cartagena

One of the things that’s great about Cartagena, is it makes for a great gateway and staring point to explore some more of Colombia. I feel very lucky I was able to spend so much time and get to see so many places in such an interesting and incredibly diverse country.

So, I’d like to close this guide to Cartagena, by sharing a handful of places that you might consider adding on to you trip if you have more time than 4-7 days suggested above.

Or, maybe you might consider them for trip number 2, or number 3, or number 17!

If you have just a few extra days, the easiest destinations to include will be north up the Caribbean coast. They can be reached overland easily and don’t require an additional flight.

Most of these places are close to the city of Santa Marta, which you’ll need to reach first from Cartagena. See how to get from Cartagena to Santa Marta here .

Good places north of Cartagena that can be reached within a half day include the famous Tayrona Park , one of Colombia’s most famous natural areas, Minca , a small town in the mountains that is a nice break from the beach destinations elsewhere on the coast and one of our favorite places near Cartagena, and Palomino , a small beach town that has a hippy, backpacker vibe.

For the adventurous, trekking up to the desert peninsula of La Guajira is really neat. You’ll need to reach the tiny town of Cabo de la Vela and then you can head to the most northern point of South America across the desert at Punta Gallinas .

With just a few extra days, the other easiest addition to a trip to Cartagena is flying to see Medellín, the so called city of eternal spring, or Bogotá, Colombia’s sprawling capital city. Both have plentiful flights from Cartagena as well as internationally, so they can be easy to tack on.

See how to get from Cartagena to Medellín here and see how to get from Cartagena to Bogotá here as well as some ideas for things to do in Bogotá and where to stay in Bogotá .

For the real beach lovers, the island of San Andrés is another good addition for a few days.

Now, if you have a longer period of time to travel Colombia (say 10 days or more) or you are planning a return trip, there are tons of places to consider including in addition to those mentioned above.

The coffee region is gorgeous, and Salento is one of my favorite places I’ve been in Colombia. Villa de Leyva and Barichara are two other small towns that are absolutely worth visits as well.

Nature, hiking, and adventure lovers should also consider the lesser traveled Guaviare , in my opinion, Colombia’s best kept secret. The gorgeous “liquid rainbow” of Caño Cristales , which inspired the magical river in the film Encanto , is also a special experience.

While we saw more wildlife in those two places, the Amazon outpost of Leticia is a great way to explore the Amazon River. The best wildlife spotting is on the plains of Los Llanos where you can do wildlife safaris though.

Finally, one of my most memorable travel and nature experiences was seeing the humpback whales on Colombia’s Pacific coast near the tiny town of Nuquí .

I’ve got tons more content on all the places we were lucky enough to get to see in Colombia in the Other Destinations section by the way, but I hope these places give you something to consider adding on once you’ve thoroughly enjoyed Cartagena!

Ready to plan your trip to Cartagena?

I sure hope this post covered everything you need to plan a wonderful trip to Cartagena de Indias!

Do keep in mind that there is tons of other content on the site, so be sure to browse around or search for anything else you want to know.

If you do want some expert help crafting a customized trip, do keep in mind the services of my partner agency. Click here to start planning a trip with them.

And if you read this entire guide, I sure hope it was helpful!

More importantly, I hope you have a wonderful time in Cartagena and anywhere else you go in Colombia. I am so happy to have the chance to share my love for this place with others!

Cheers and Happy Exploring!

Getty Images/Robert Harding World Imagery

Cartagena's fabulous natural harbour has been used for thousands of years. Stand on the battlements of the castle that overlook this city and you can literally see layer upon layer of history spread below you: the wharf where Phoenician traders docked their ships; the street where Roman legionaries marched; the plaza that once housed a mosque where Islamic Spain prayed to Allah; the hills over which came the armies of the Christian Reconquista; the factories of the industrial age; the Modernista buildings; and the contemporary warships of what is still an important naval base.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

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…

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Latest stories from Cartagena

Festivals & Events

Aug 18, 2023 • 5 min read

The annual Festival of Carthaginians and Romans celebrates the city’s ancient roots each September.

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Book popular activities in Cartagena

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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Home » Travel Guides » Spain » 15 Best Things to Do in Cartagena (Spain)

15 Best Things to Do in Cartagena (Spain)

With one of the world’s great natural harbours and rich mineral mines, Cartagena has been a prized location for millennia. The Carthaginians played a big role in its evolution as an ancient trading hub in the 3rd century BC before it was conquered by the Romans.

You can purchase a multi-ticket to get access to Cartagena’s numerous Roman sites to understand the complicated ancient history of the city. In the 19th century there was a mining boom, bringing a lot of wealth to Cartagena and transforming the historic centre with art nouveau architecture.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Cartagena :

1. Roman Theatre Museum

Of all the marvellous Roman landmarks in Cartagena, the 2,000 year-old theatre should be your first port of call.

It was discovered as recently as 1988 beneath the ruins of the Old Cathedral, which had been destroyed during shelling in the Spanish Civil War.

About two thirds of the theatre’s building material was still on site, which made possible the very detailed restoration you can see now.

In the museum you’ll study the fantastic artefacts discovered during the excavations, among them an altar to Jupiter, a statue of Apollo, inscribed lintels, plaques and also Islamic ceramics from the middle ages.

2. ARQUA, Marine Archaeology Museum

It’s fitting that this institution should be set in one of the western Mediterranean’s great ancient harbours, where new finds are made almost every year.

ARQUA is a national centre for marine archaeology: A place to can see remarkable historical artefacts from underwater sites, but also a research facility for experts and scholars in the field.

Find out how archaeologists analyse their discoveries at the laboratory area, which has interactive displays for kids.

Among the many artefacts to check out are Carthaginian ivory tusks and the treasure of Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes, a frigate that was sunk in the early 19th century with 14.5 tons of gold and silver coins.

3. Modernist Architecture

In the late-1800s the mining industry made a handful of people very rich, and the most obvious expression of this wealth can be seen in the historic centre of Cartagena and nearby La Unión.

Cartagena’s centre already needed rebuilding in the late-19th century, after a federalist insurrection in 1874 wiped out half the city.

So towards the end of the century some gorgeous art nouveau buildings went up.

You could fit the best ones into a walking tour and they include the Palacio Pedreño, the Casino de Cartagena, the Casa Cervantes, the Palacio de Aguirre and the Gran Hotel.

4. Palacio Consistoria

You can enter one of Cartagena’s most impressive modernist wonders, the 100 year-old town hall on Plaza del Ayuntamiento.

This triangular palace was also a response to the mining boom in the late-19th century, as Cartagena had outgrown its former town hall.

After suffering from structural problems in the 90s the building was restored to its Belle Époque glory days ten years ago.

Take a few minutes to study the facade, composed entirely of white marble and topped with domes that are coated with local zinc.

Get closer and you’ll even see a few bullet holes from the Civil War.

There are English-speaking guided tours, showing you around the marble balustraded stairways and an exhibit of period tapestries.

5. Municipal Archaeology Museum

Furthest north of Cartagena’s ancient sites is a late-Roman necropolis, which was set on the shore of an ancient lagoon that has since disappeared.

It’s an enthralling site, because it contains some of the latest evidence of Roman settlement, dating from 300 to 700AD – a time of transition to Christianity.

The museum has plenty of items excavated from this site, but has also gathered a wealth of artefacts from around Cartagena.

You’ll get a full chronology of the area, from Neanderthal remains, through Phoenician ceramics to the tools discovered in the Roman mines in the mountains on the edge of the city.

6. Calle Mayor

Linking the Plaza de San Sebastián in the north with Cartagena’s town hall is a ravine-like pedestrian street paved with distinctive blue marble tiles.

It’s a typically Spanish “Paseo”, where families and couples will take a stroll together or meet friends.

The street is kept spotlessly clean and boasts many of Cartagena’s best modernist buildings.

By day you can drop by for a cup of coffee or some high-street shopping, and in the evening you’ll be tempted by the various restaurants and tapas bars in this handsome location.

7. Batería de Castillitos

An eerie time can be had at the tip of Cape Tiñoso, 30 minutes from Cartagena and reached via dirt roads.

At 250 metres you’ll be able to gaze back at the extraordinary mountainous landscape of this natural park.

But also here is an installation that mixes frivolous architecture with meaty and sinister artillery guns.

It was built in the mid-1930s during the rule of Primo de Rivera as part of a series of batteries defending Cartagena’s coast.

Whimsical medieval-style turrets blend with the mountainside and look strange next to the menacing, black Vickers-Armstrong guns.

Use the torch on your phone to investigate the tunnels in the fortified area.

8. Military Museum

Cartagena has had a large military presence for thousands of years, and in modern times a number of Spanish army units have been based in the city.

You can see a great deal of this heritage in one place, and it’s an attraction that will blow your mind if you’re into military hardware.

The museum building was constructed in the late-18th century and in the courtyard you’ll spot an undetonated shell wedged in a wall from the insurrection in 1874. On show are tanks, missiles, field telescopes, light arms, a number of heavy-duty guns and all kinds of other military equipment.

The museum also has the largest collection of hand-made military models in the world, with the Guinness certificate to prove it!

9. Spanish Civil War Museum

The war from 1936-39 was one of the darkest moments in Spain’s history, and Cartagena didn’t escape the destruction.

The city was a Republican military stronghold, and as you may have noticed it was well-defended from sea.

This made it a target of bombing raids by the Nationalist forces (with help from the Nazis) so shelters like this one were built around the city.

Down here you’ll appreciate what people had to do to survive, and will also see original signs, propaganda posters and other artefacts.

There are moving first-hand accounts about the conflict, and you’ll learn of the ingenious ways the city attempted to trick the Nationalist forces into bombing the wrong locations.

10. Casa de la Fortuna

You’ve seen the necropolis, the theatre and the history of the port; now’s your chance to find out how Roman Cartagena’s wealthy citizens lived.

This domus’ name comes from a Latin inscription on its back entrance: “Fortuna Propitia”, meaning “good luck” and it would have greeted all visitors.

It’s easy to get a feel for the site as there’s so much of the walls and decoration remaining, as well as a stretch of the roman road outside.

You can make out the hallway (atrium), bedrooms (cubiculum), dining hall (triclinium) and the owner’s office (tablinum). There are surprising features everywhere, including wall paintings and mosaic floors.

11. Naval Museum

Right on the port is this museum that covers Cartagena’s maritime military past.

It’s in a dignified 18th century waterside building that until recently was a college for marine personnel joining Spain’s navy.

The museum showcases memorabilia, weapons, navigational tools and offers detailed accounts of the turmoil on the 1870s.

An absolute must is the Peral Submarine, the world’s first battery-powered underwater vessel, that was launched in 1888. This prototype was tested for two years but never developed, despite being a great technological step forward and possibly the world’s first “U-boat”.

12. Castillo de la Concepción

Cartagena had long been in decline by the time the Moors arrived in Spain.

And for centuries it was believed that they hadn’t made their mark on the city at all, but excavation of the walls of this fortress in Parque Torres have shown that it was an Alcazaba, an Islamic fortified palace in the middle ages.

Long before that it had been a Roman temple to Asklepio, and the cisterns from that time are still intact.

Most of what remains now is from the 13th century, following the Christian “re-conquest”, with small pointers to this period visible in the carvings of eagles and rosettes.

Catch the lift to the top for supreme panoramas of the harbour and coastal mountains.

13. Playa de Calblanque

For a day of sun and sand you won’t regret going the extra mile to this unspoiled beach half an hour from Cartagena.

Playa de Calblanque is on the road to Cabo de Palos, the headland at the southern end of La Manga.

Take the exit for Calblanque and the road runs south towards the coast through farmland traced by the low arid mountains of the Calblanque Regional Park.

Beyond these peaks is a secluded 300-metre beach with sands the shade of burnt gold.

On quieter days you’ll have the beach almost to yourself, but don’t forget to bring refreshments as there’s hardly a sign of civilisation here.

14. Licor 43 Tour

A grown-up rainy day option is a tour of one of Spain’s most-exported liqueurs, Licor 43, distilled right in Cartagena.

Book ahead and you’ll take a two-hour trip around the facility, picking up loads of factoids from your multi-lingual guide.

For the uninitiated, Licor 43 is a 31% abv spirit, made with 43 different citrus fruits and spices, and goes best with ice and milk.

On the visit you’ll see the production process up close, from mixing to fermentation, ageing and bottling.

Try to avoid being the designated driver, because the tour concludes with cocktails!

15. Local Mines

As with many things in Cartagena mining was introduced to the area by the Romans.

The Sierra Minera is rich with an assortment of metals including silver, copper, zinc, lead, tin, manganese and iron.

Anyone who gets a kick out of industrial heritage will a closer look at the two mining attractions in the area: the La Unión Mining Park and the Las Matildes Mine.

At La Unión the Agrupa Vicenta mine will blow you away; it plunges 80 metres beneath the surface and has huge, navelike spaces and an underwater lake with reddish waters.

At both attractions you’ll see gear and infrastructure like miner’s quarters, compressor rooms, 19th-century derricks and carts for carrying minerals.

15 Best Things to Do in Cartagena (Spain):

• Roman Theatre Museum
• ARQUA, Marine Archaeology Museum
• Modernist Architecture
• Palacio Consistoria
• Municipal Archaeology Museum
• Calle Mayor
• Batería de Castillitos
• Military Museum
• Spanish Civil War Museum
• Casa de la Fortuna
• Naval Museum
• Castillo de la Concepción
• Playa de Calblanque
• Licor 43 Tour
• Local Mines

34 Things to do in Cartagena, Spain – 3 Day Itinerary

By Author Paulina

Posted on Published: June 3, 2020  - Last updated: July 7, 2023

A travel guide to the best attractions in Cartagena, Southern Spain: the perfect Cartagena Itinerary

Looking for things to do in Cartagena ? Cartagena is one of the most amazing places to visit on the Mediterranean coastline, especially for those interested in ancient history. The city has ample Roman ruins and a rich maritime background.

Nowadays the city in Murcia province is one of the most important harbours in Spain for cruise ships, thus the starting point for many to explore Southern Spain.

Following this 3-day itinerary for Cartagena, Spain will allow you to fully explore this historical gem, and if in a hurry, it’s easy to adjust it by simply skipping a few locations – or just take your time, and enjoy the long holidays in Cartagena!

You, dear reader, support this blog. If you purchase through a link, we earn a small commission. As an Amazon Affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Top Things To Do In Cartagena, Murcia Region – Our Cartagena Itinerary For 3 days

• Visiting the Old Town and nearby monuments
• Exploring ancient Roman ruins 
• Trying Andalusian cuisine and tapas
• Relaxing on the best beach in Cartagena
• Discovering wildlife from Southern Spain

Useful Travel Information About Cartagena

✈ Book cheap flights to Cartagena with  Skyscanner ⚘  Avoid tourist traps  and get the customizable “ Andalucia Like a Local ” itinerary. – Get it  here ✔ Book tours in Cartagena with GetYourGuide ➳ Find the best hotels in Cartagena with Trivago ❖ Rent a car at the best rates with Discover Cars ✎ Never leave without  travel insurance ! I get mine at  HeyMondo . It is easy to set up, cheap and reliable. $ Withdraw money without hidden fees and avoid exchange charges with  TransferWise (Free Mastercard debit card to spend money abroad)

Where is Cartagena?

Cartagena is located right by the Mediterranean coast in the Region of Murcia . You’ll find it only 50 km south-east from Murcia and next to the wildlife resort Sierra de la Muela, Cabo Tiñoso y Roldán.

How to get to Cartagena

How to get from Murcia to Cartagena:

Bus: Take a direct bus from Murcia Central to Cartagena bus station (45min).  Train: Take a direct train from Murcia del Carmen train station (50min).

Get tickets in advance here

How to get from Almeria to Cartagena:

Bus: Take a direct bus from Almeria main bus station (4h).  Train: There are no train connections between Almeria and Cartagena..

How to get from Alicante to Cartagena:

Bus:  Take a direct bus from Alicante main bus station (1:50h).  Train: Take a direct train from Alicante-Termino train station (2:12h).

Day 1: 1 day in Cartagena

Visit cartagena old town.

One of the best things to do around Cartagena city is to visit the old town of Cartagena. It’s one of the richest and full of character places in the city. It was constructed in 223BC, and was Hannibal ‘s capital city on the Iberian Peninsula, making it an area with plenty of historical monuments, squares, and buildings for you to discover!

It’s an amazing example of the beauty of Andalusian architecture, built within grotesque, little streets, lively tapas bars, and the overall Spanish atmosphere and chatter!

Make sure to stop at Plaza Ayuntamiento with the gorgeous town hall for a photo! The square is absolutely breathtaking!

In order to explore all hidden gems, take a guided tour . – Check the best prices here

Discover the Roman theatre and Roman heritage of Cartagena

When walking around the Old Town, you simply cannot skip the Roman theater in Cartagena Spain! Built between the 5th and 1st centuries BC, the theater has been one of the best things to see in Cartagena and is a truly magnificent site to explore! 

A great place for all interested in re-discovering the ancient history of Spain and a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the archeological remains and development of Spanish architecture. 

Check rates for guided Roman tours here

Opening times:

Oct – April: Tues – Sat: 10:00-18:00/ Sunday: 10:00 – 14:00 May – Sept: Tues – Sat: 10:00 – 20:00/ Sunday 10:00 – 14:00

Head over to ARQUA, Marine Archaeology Museum

If you’re looking for museums in Cartagena, Spain, this museum is one of your best options.

Spending at least an hour in the Marine Archaeology Museum is simply a must! Known to be one of the best places to visit in Cartagena, the ARQUA facility is true underwater life and marine history wonderland set in a modern and well-designed building for you to relax and enjoy the tour! 

Great exhibitions about the city’s development and marine life history are here for all travelers to marvel at and discover more about Cartagena, España! You can enter for free if you decide to visit on a Saturday after 2 pm!

Oct – April: Tues – Sat: 10:00-18:00 May – Sept: Tues – Sat: 10:00 – 20:00

Learn about history at the Punic Wall

The Punic Wars between the Carthaginians and the Romans are known to be the most important moments in Cartagena’s history, and it’s a great idea to learn a bit about that period!

The legendary Qart Hadast founded by Hasdrubal in 229 BC and one of the few remaining Carthaginian relics – the wall – is a must-see when visiting Cartagena, Murcia. – Check guided Roman tours here

Lunch in La Catedral

After a busy morning, it’s time to sit down and relax, surrounded by the aromas and flavors of Southern Spain!

For an unforgettable experience head down to La Catedral ( Plaza Condesa de Peralta ) – one of the best restaurants in Cartagena, where you’ll be able to dive into the world of Spanish cuisine. 

Try their delicious Tuna Tartare , Cod, and Baked Sea Bream if you’re seeking for the best quality seafood dishes in town!

Explore the Modernist architecture of Cartagena

Architectural discovery does not only mean visiting museums and ancient ruins of Cartagena. Head down to Calle Mayor to discover the Art Nouveau buildings alongside the best shopping area in Cartagena. 

You’ll find here plenty of local bars and restaurants as well as monumental sites and squares to marvel at! 

There are plenty of hidden gems in Cartagena, that’s why we recommend booking a guided tour . – Check prices here

Visit the military museum of Cartagena

The Museo Militar is a true gem in terms of capturing Cartagena’s military history, and holds the world’s biggest collection of military models!

You’ll find here endless weapon collections and a great representation of the defense tactics of the city during its many years of war and conflicts!

The museum is free of charge and is a must-see when discovering the Murcia coast.

Opening times: Mon – Fri: 10:00 – 13:30

Take a picture at Palacio Consistorial

The City Hall is, without doubt, one of the most outstanding buildings in Cartagena. It was built between 1900-1907 by Tomás Rico and Francisco de Paula Oliver and will definitely catch your attention with its eclectic French style. 

A truly stunning place, not only to enjoy while wandering within its ornamented halls and corridors but also a beauty to marvel at from the outside square, while enjoying a sunny afternoon!

Tues – Fri: 10:30 – 13:30/ 17:00 – 19:00 Sat: 10:30 – 13:30/ 17:00 – 20:00  Sun: 10:00 – 13:30

Marvel at Casa de la Fortuna

Visiting Casa de la Fortuna will take you back in time to the domestic ways of the Roman Cartagena. A great place to learn and discover the traditional household settings from the 1st century, and a very interesting way of presenting a museum within Roman remains.

You’ll find here plenty of personal objects, ancient dishes, murals, mosaics, and more, which will allow you to relive the history of the first settlements in Southern Spain .

Opening times: Tue – Sun: 10:30 – 15:30

Go shopping in Calle Mayor, Cartagena

The main shopping street, Calle Mayor , runs from the Cartagena port area into the center.

Filled with local markets, lively bars, restaurants, and petit cafes, here you’ll be able to enjoy some good old shopping and grab a delicious coffee if you need a break from retail therapy! 

A great place to enjoy the Carthaginian lifestyle and get to know the ways of the locals. – Check guided tours here

Enjoy tapas in Cartagena 

The best way of ending your first day in Cartagena is definitely going out for tapas! Close to Calle Mayor , you’ll find plenty of original and unique places to grab a delicious Tinto de Verano and try some Andalusian delicacies!

In order to find the best tapas in Cartagena, have a look at the guided tapas tours . – Check prices here

Check out one of the best tapas bars in Cartagena and fill your belly with amazing treats:

• La Fortaleza (Calle Canon 7) – best for crispy Spanish croquettes
• Las Termas Del Pincho (Calle Honda 9) – great variety of pinchos
• Tasca Tio Andres (Paseo Alfonso XIII 46) – delicious seafood

Visit Spanish Civil War Museum

Visiting this museum is surely one of the most interesting things to do in Cartagena. The museum is extremely well organized, and will definitely make an impact on your perception of the Civil War while showing the harshness and difficulties of life during the bombardings. 

You’ll be led through a channel of tunnels with audio-visuals and very well restored sets – making it truly an intense learning experience!

Opening times: Tue – Sun: 10:00 – 19:00

Visit Naval Museum

You’ll find the Naval Museum just next to the Puerto de Cartagena . It’s a fascinating place where you can discover the underwater world of the navy, and explore the machinery and weapons of  Carthaginian ships.

The museum is excellently prepared for visitors and holds plenty of large scale models of warships, showing their evolution through the ages.

The general entry is free of charge, but you will be able to leave a donation and support the local museum!

Opening times: Tues – Sun: 10:00 – 14:00

Climb Castillo de la Concepción

For a breathtaking view of the city, make your way up the castle of Cartagena! It’s located on a hill in the city center, where it has served as a Roman temple, a Muslim fortress, a medieval castle, and the watch out point during the Civil War.

Feel free to climb the lengthy staircase, or take the comfortable lift up to the top, and enjoy the incredible panorama of Cartagena and the port.

Opening times: Tue – Sun: 10:00 – 17:30

Lunch in La Alacena de Maria

When visiting the Murcia coastline you must try the delicious and fresh seafood dishes this region has to offer.

La Alacena de Maria (Calle Real 24) is known to be one of the best restaurants in Cartagena for lunch, and will take you on a delicious exploration of fresh and tasty seafood, prepared in the most traditional way! 

Try their Merluza con Parmentier de jamón y crema , and allow the chefs to surprise you with not only flavors but also a gorgeous presentation!

Mon – Sat: 9:00 – 11:00/13:00 – 16:00 Sun: 13:00 -16:00

Explore the town’s only beach: Cala Cortina

If you’re researching Cartagena beaches, there’s actually just one. Beaches in Cartagena are not as common as in other coastal cities, but you’ll find a beautiful little cove located a few minutes outside of the city – Cala Cortina !

A lovely sandy beach with clear water is a perfect spot to rest from the city hustle and bustle, and enjoy some sunbathing or snorkeling.

Right next to Cartagena beaches you’ll also be able to grab some tapas and enjoy a delicious sunset drink, thanks to many bars and restaurants just across the street!

Do a sailing cruise in Cartagena

If you’re looking for a unique and exciting way to spend time in Cartagena why not hoping on a cruise boat to explore the coastline!

Cartagena’s port has many sailing trips and cruises to offer, and it’s a great way to enjoy a magical sunset from the sea waters.

Seeing the Roman city from a distance will definitely become a strong and beautiful memory of your trip to Spain. – Check sailing tours here

Finish the day with a food tour in Cartagena

Taking part in a food tour is one of the best plans for the evening! Spanish cuisine is famous all around the world and with such tours, you’ll be able to discover hidden restaurants and delicious treats of Cartagena.

You’ll be able to try one of the most traditional Cartagenian dishes, such as Mojarra or Cazuela de Mariscos !  

• Street Food Tour of Cartagena
• Cartagena Tapas and Culture

To learn more, please visit our ultimate guide about the best Andalusian food .

Check food tours in Cartagen, Spain here

Enjoy dinner in the best restaurant in Cartagena

La Marquesita is known to be one of Cartagena’s best restaurants, and is a perfect choice for an elegant dinner in a friendly atmosphere!

A lovely interior, together with the very helpful staff and talented chefs will make your evening a memorable and delicious experience.

Try the famous Arroz y Bogavante or Bacalao Encebollado , and don’t forget to order their delicious dessert – Corazon de Mousse de Chocolate Negro ! 

Day 3: 3 days in Cartagena

If you’ve seen all the parts of Cartagena that you’d like to, day 3 can be spent visiting places near Cartagena like Murcia and Mar Menor.

Day trip from Cartagena to Murcia

Murcia is located just 50 km north from Cartagena and is a perfect destination for a day trip, especially if you’d like to change from Cartagena’s Roman-style to a more modern, yet still authentic, Spanish city.

Not to mention the famous Murcian cuisine you’ll be able to discover when rumbling through tapas bars in town!

Best places to see in Murcia:

• Cathedral de Santa Maria
• Jardin de Floridablanca
• Plaza Cardenal Belluga

For more information on Murcia, please visit the following guide with the perfect 3-day itinerary for Murcia . For now, why not try our Murcia salad recipe or even our Puntillitas Fritas recipe .

Day Trip to Mar Menor from Cartagena

Another great idea for a day trip would be visiting the extraordinary areas of Mar Menor – a beautiful saltwater lagoon surrounded by Spanish port towns.

It’s a great place to enjoy the wilderness of the Murcia coast, and explore the beauty and roughness of the Mediterranean cliff sides. Best places to see around Mar Menor:

• Puente de la Risa
• Puerto Deportivo Tomas Maestre
• Cala Del Pino
• Las Charcas Mud Baths

Day Trip to La Magna from Cartagena

La Manga is located a 30-minute drive away from Cartagena. The ALSA – L20i Puebl bus also runs frequently between La Magna and Cartagena and takes 1 hour, 5 minutes.

Also known as La Manga del Mar Menor, the area is a seaside spit of Mar Menor.

The area is famous for its beaches, especially Playa de Paradiso and Playa de La Cala . Playa de Paradiso is one of the best beaches in Southern Spain .

Mar Menor is Mar Menor is the largest saltwater lagoon in Europe and is even known to have therapeutic properties. There are many watersports available to try including sailing, kayaking and paddleboarding.

Also in the area is Calblanque Natural Park , where there are plenty of hiking options and stunning coves for swimming.

If you plan to stay late, the area is famous for its nightlife. The ‘La Magna Strip’ has many bars and restaurants as well as shops open late.

Day Trip from Cartagena to Alicante

Alicante is located 1 hour, 32 minutes drive North of Cartagena. The city is the capital of the Alicante region. It’s best to drive or book a private transfer; otherwise, you will have to travel by bus via Murcia.

Alicante is a beautiful city with ample beaches, a stunning marina and is home to Santa Barbara Castle, which towers over the city. Alicante is also one of the best places in Spain for good-value tapas.

Here are the best things to do in Alicante on a day trip from Cartagena:

• Walk along the Explanada de España
• Visit the MACA Contemporary Art of Picasso
• Walk around the Basilica of St. Mary
• Discover Mercat Central d’Alacant
• Walk along Deportiva del Puerto de Alicante

Go Horseback riding near from Cartagena

Thanks to the incredible beaches and natural resorts all around Cartagena, you can also decide on going on a Horseback riding trip !

Whether you’d like a romantic ride on the beach or relaxing forest retreat, you’ll be able to experience a thrilling and bonding experience with nature and horses. – Check guided rides here

At the beginning of this article, we mentioned how to get from Almeria to Cartagena, but we didn’t mention the things to do in Almeria . Be sure to check it out since it is only a short trip from Cartagena.

Best Hotels in Cartagena, Southern Spain

Below you’ll find the 3 top spots from luxury to cheap accommodation in Cartagena , which will provide you not only with a good night’s sleep, but also great commodities and location.

Hotel Sercotel Alfonso XIII **** – Luxury

One of the best hotels in Cartagena Spain, located close to the Punic Wall, is a great choice for the most demanding travelers.

The rooms are very spacious and well designed, allowing you to really make yourself comfortable and feel at home! 

The Sercotel Alfonso XIII offers additional services such as free wifi, restaurant, bicycle, and car rental, free parking and conference rooms – all to make your stay a pleasant experience! – Check rates & reviews here

Sercotel Carlos III *** – Mid-Range

Located just 500m from the main bus station, and very close to the marina, Sercotel Carlos III is a great place to enjoy your stay! A very friendly, colorful decor and tidy rooms are all that you need to feel good and rested. 

The hotel offers additional services such as free wifi, restaurant, and breakfast buffet, bicycle rental, indoor workout room, and parking. – Check rates & reviews here

Hotel Los Habaneros *** – Budget

Hotel Los Habaneros is located near the Roman Theater and the Port of Cartagena, and is known to be a great choice for budget travelers!

Decorated in a traditional Andalusian style, you’ll find clean and tidy rooms attended by very helpful staff on site. 

The hotel offers additional services such as: free wifi, bar, bicycle rental, paid parking and meeting room. – Check rates & reviews here

Getting Around Cartagena

Biking and walking are definitely the best ways to discover Cartagena! The city is very well connected by cycling and walking paths and it’s a joy to explore it on foot.

Not to mention that the distances between the main tourist attractions are very small, and you’ll be able to reach them in no time!

Best Attractions in Cartagena, Spain Map

A short FAQ about Things to do in Cartagena, Spain

What are things to do in cartagena, spain with family.

Discover the Roman theatre and Roman heritage of Cartagena are great things to do in Cartagena with a family.

What are free things to do in Cartagena, Spain?

Visiting the ARQUA – Marine Archaeology Museum, the military museum of Cartagena, and the Naval Museum are some free things to do in Cartagena, Spain.

What are unusual things to do in Cartagena, Spain?

Doing a sailing cruise in Cartagena is quite an unusual thing to do in Cartagena, Spain.

What is Cartagena, Spain, known for?

Cartagena is renowned for its rich maritime history, impressive Roman Theatre, and Modernist architecture. It is also famous for its natural harbour and beautiful old town.

Is there good nightlife in Cartagena, Spain?

There isn’t a huge nightlife in Cartagena. However, there are plenty of bars open late, some with live music.

is Cartagena Spain worth visiting?

Yes, there are lots of amazing things to do in Cartagena from exploring the old town to discovering more about Murcia’s Roman heritage. Cartagena is also home to Cala Cortina beach!

Where do cruise ships dock in Cartagena, Spain?

Cruise ships dock at Cartegena cruise port which is called Pier Alfonso XII Cruise Terminal. From here you can walk to the city centre. There is also a terminal slightly further away from the Cartagena centre called Muelle de la Curra. From here, there is a shuttle bus to the centre.

Can you walk around Cartagena, Spain?

Yes, Cartagena is a very walkable city. You can walk between all the main attractions. There are also lots of hikes you can do from Cartagena.

Hola, I’m Paulina! Together with my team, we are passionate about Southern Spain. Here we share all you need to know for great times in Southern Spain with the best places to visit, stay and, of course, the best food to eat.

Let’s dive in and explore Southern Spain’s outdoors, food and culture con pasión!

Thursday 8th of June 2023

Thank you for this itinerary! hoping to explore Cartagena next Tuesday, can't believe there's a beach too!

Kim Ratcliff

Monday 12th of October 2020

I have a Silver & Clothing shop in Calle San Fernando called Mystic Sol could I advertise with you ?kind Regards Kim .

Thursday 3rd of December 2020

Hi Kim, I sent you a mail! Can't wait to hear from you!

The Ultimate Cartagena Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Are you looking for a Cartagena travel guide that covers everything you need to know about this amazing city? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’ll show you why Cartagena is one of the best destinations in Colombia and the Caribbean, and how you can make the most of your trip.

Cartagena is a beautiful and historic city on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. It has a rich and diverse culture that blends Spanish, African, and indigenous influences. It also has stunning beaches, natural wonders, and vibrant nightlife. Whether you’re interested in history, art, food, or adventure, Cartagena has something for everyone.

In this guide, I’ll share with you some of the best things to do in Cartagena, when to visit, how to get there, what to do, where to stay, and what to eat. By the end of this travel guide, you’ll be ready to plan your ultimate Cartagena trip.

Are you ready to discover the magic of Cartagena? Let’s get started!

Cartagena Best Time to Visit

One of the first things you need to consider when planning your Cartagena trip is when to visit. Cartagena is a tropical city that enjoys warm weather all year round. However, there are some variations in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and sunshine hours that can affect your travel experience.

Cartagena Weather

Cartagena has two main seasons: dry and rainy. The dry season runs from December to April, and the rainy season runs from May to November. Specifically:

– The average temperature in Cartagena is around 28°C (82°F), but it can vary from 24°C (75°F) in January to 31°C (88°F) in June.

– Rainfall in Cartagena is around 1,000 mm (39 inches) on average per year. However, it can vary from 10 mm (0.4 inches) in February to 200 mm (7.9 inches) in October.

– The average humidity in Cartagena is around 80%, but it can vary from 75% in March to 85% in September.

– Sunshine hours in Cartagena are around 6 hours per day on average. Yet, they can vary from 5 hours in October to 8 hours in January.

Here is a table that shows the average temperature, rainfall, humidity, and sunshine hours for each month in Cartagena:

As you can see, there is no bad time to visit Cartagena. The weather is always warm and sunny. However, depending on your preferences and goals, some months may be better than others. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of each season:

The dry season is the most popular and expensive time to visit Cartagena, as the weather is ideal for enjoying the beaches and outdoor activities. The city is also full of life and color, as there are many festivals and events that take place during this time, such as the Carnival of Cartagena in February, the International Film Festival in March, and Holy Week in April. However, the downside of the dry season is that it can get very crowded and hot, especially in January and February, when the temperatures can reach up to 31°C (88°F). You may also have to deal with higher prices and limited availability for accommodation and flights.

Rainy Season

The rainy season is the least popular and cheapest time to visit Cartagena, as the weather can be unpredictable and wet. The city is also less busy and more relaxed, as there are fewer tourists and events. However, the upside of the rainy season is that you can enjoy lower prices and more availability for accommodation and flights. You can also experience a different side of Cartagena, as the rain brings out the lush greenery and freshness of the city. The rain also doesn’t last all day, so you can still enjoy some sunny spells and explore the attractions and features of Cartagena.

Based on this Cartagena travel guide information, my personal recommendation on when to visit the city is between March and May or between September and November. These are the shoulder seasons when the weather is still pleasant and dry, but not too hot or crowded. Additionally, you can find some good deals and discounts for accommodation and flights during these months. Plus, you can still enjoy some of the events and festivals that take place in Cartagena. For example, the International Music Festival in March, Independence Day in November, or the Jazz Festival in September.

Of course, this is just my opinion, and you may have different preferences and goals for your trip. Ultimately, you should choose the best time to visit Cartagena based on your own criteria and expectations.

How to Get to Cartagena?

One of the questions you may have when planning your Cartagena trip is how to get there. Cartagena is a major city and a popular tourist destination, so it has good connections with other cities in Colombia and abroad. You have three main options to get to Cartagena: by air, by bus, or by boat. In this section, I’ll compare these options and give you some details on each one, such as cost, duration, frequency, availability, etc. I’ll also provide you with some links or resources where you can find more information or book your tickets.

The fastest and most convenient way to get to Cartagena is by air. Cartagena has an international airport called Rafael Nunez International Airport (CTG), which is located about 5 km (3 miles) from the city center. The airport receives flights from many cities in Colombia, such as Bogota, Medellin, Cali, San Andres, etc. It also receives flights from some international destinations, such as Panama City, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, New York, Lima, etc.

You can check the flight schedules and prices on websites like WayAway . For example, a flight from Bogota to Cartagena takes about an hour and costs around $50-$100 USD one way. A flight from Miami to Cartagena takes about 2.5 hours and costs around $200-$300 USD one way.

Then, you can take a taxi or a bus from the airport to the city center. A taxi costs around $10-$15 USD and takes about 15 minutes. A bus costs around $1 USD and takes about 30 minutes.

The cheapest and most eco-friendly way to get to Cartagena is by bus. Cartagena has a main bus terminal called Terminal de Transportes de Cartagena (TTC), which is located about 11 km (7 miles) from the city center. The bus terminal receives buses from many cities in Colombia, such as Bogota, Medellin, Cali, Barranquilla, Santa Marta, etc. Indeed, the bus is the main transportation that can be your companion in any Colombia itinerary.

You can check the bus schedules and prices on websites like 12Go . For example, a bus from Bogota to Cartagena takes about 20 hours and costs around $30-$40 USD one way. A bus from Medellin to Cartagena takes about 13 hours and costs around $20-$30 USD one way.

You can take a taxi or a bus from the bus terminal to the city center. A taxi costs around $10-$15 USD and takes about 20 minutes. A bus costs around $1 USD and takes about 40 minutes.

The most adventurous and scenic way to get to Cartagena is by boat. Cartagena is a port city and a gateway to the Caribbean Sea. It has several harbors and marinas where you can find boats that go to and from other destinations in the Caribbean, such as Panama, San Blas Islands, Rosario Islands, etc.

It’s a little more complicated when going to Cartagena by boat. You have to look for a ship operator in your nearest boat and then deal with the trip. Usually, a boat from Panama City to Cartagena takes about 5 days and costs around $750 USD one way. On the other hand, a boat from Rosario Islands to Cartagena takes about an hour and costs around $20-$30 USD one way.

These are the main options for getting to Cartagena by air, bus, or boat. Depending on your budget, time, and preferences, you can choose the one that suits you best. No matter how you get there, you’ll be amazed by the beauty and charm of this Caribbean city.

Things to Do in Cartagena Colombia

Cartagena is a city that offers a lot of attractions and activities for travelers of all interests and tastes. You can enjoy the history, culture, nature, and nightlife of this captivating city. In this travel guide, here are some of the best things to do in Cartagena :

Cartagena Attractions

One of the main attractions of Cartagena is its Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage site that preserves the colonial architecture and charm of the city. You can explore the Old City Walls, the Plaza Santo Domingo, the Museo del Oro Zenú, and other monuments and museums in the area.

Another attraction in Cartagena is the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, a massive fortress that was built by the Spaniards in the 17th century. You can climb to the top of the castle and enjoy panoramic views of the city and the sea. You can also explore the complex system of tunnels that run through the base of the castle.

If you want to learn more about the history and culture of Cartagena, you can visit some of its museums and churches. Some of the most popular ones are the Palace of the Inquisition, the Naval Museum, the San Pedro Claver Church and Museum, and the Cathedral of Cartagena.

Cartagena Beaches

Cartagena is located on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, which means it has some beautiful beaches to enjoy. You can find beaches within the city or outside it, depending on your preference.

• Some of the beaches within the city are Bocagrande Beach, La Boquilla Beach, and Marbella Beach. They are convenient and accessible, but also crowded and commercialized.
• Some of the beaches outside the city are Playa Blanca, Isla Grande, Tierra Bomba, and Rosario Islands. They are more secluded and natural but also require a boat ride or a car ride to get there.

Cartagena Activities

Cartagena has a lot of activities to offer for travelers who want to have some fun and adventure. You can try some water sports, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, jet skiing, or sailing. In addition, you can go hiking, biking, horseback riding, or zip-lining in the nearby natural parks and reserves.

If you want to experience some local culture and traditions, you can join some tours or workshops that will teach you about Cartagena’s history, cuisine, music, dance, art, or crafts. You can also visit some nearby villages or communities that have a unique heritage and lifestyle.

Cartagena Nightlife

The city has a lively and diverse nightlife scene that will suit any mood or taste. You can find bars, clubs, lounges, and pubs in different areas of the city, such as the Old City, Getsemaní, Bocagrande, or Manga. Besides that, you can enjoy a variety of music genres, from salsa and cumbia to reggaeton and electronic. You can also find some live music venues, karaoke bars, or comedy clubs for some entertainment.

If you want to have a more romantic or relaxing night, you can opt for some rooftop bars or terraces that offer stunning views of the city and the sea. Moreover, you can take a night tour or a carriage ride around the Old City and admire its illuminated beauty. You can also watch a sunset or a moonrise from the Old City Walls or the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas.

If you want to have a more cultural or festive night, you can check out some of the events and festivals that take place in Cartagena throughout the year. You can join the celebrations of the Hay Festival, the Barranquilla Carnival, the International Film Festival of Cartagena de Indias, or the Cartagena Independence Day. You can also watch some performances of theater, dance, music, or art in some of the city’s venues or plazas.

Cartagena Boat Tours

Cartagena has a lot of boat tours to offer for travelers who want to explore the surrounding waters and islands. You can choose from different types of boats, such as yachts, catamarans, speedboats, sailboats, or kayaks. Furthermore, you can choose from different durations and destinations, such as half-day or full-day tours, or tours to Playa Blanca, Isla Grande, Tierra Bomba, or Rosario Islands.

Some of the benefits of taking a boat tour in Cartagena are:

• Enjoy the scenic views of the city and the coast from a different perspective.
• Escape the crowds and the heat of the city and relax on a boat with a fresh breeze and cold drinks.
• Discover some hidden gems and secluded spots that are only accessible by boat.
• Snorkel or swim in some of the best coral reefs and marine reserves in Colombia.
• Have some fun and adventure with some water sports or activities that are included in some boat tours.

Cartagena Food

Cartagena is a city that has a lot of food to offer. It has a rich and diverse cuisine that reflects its history and culture. It also has a variety of restaurants and street food stalls that cater to all kinds of palates and budgets. Whether you’re looking for a traditional dish, a fusion dish, or a vegetarian dish, you’ll find something that satisfies your taste and hunger in this city.

Traditional Dish

A traditional dish that you must try in Cartagena is the bandeja paisa. This is a hearty and filling dish that consists of rice, beans, plantains, avocado, arepa, egg, sausage, pork belly, and steak. It’s a typical dish from the Antioquia region of Colombia, but it’s also popular in Cartagena. You can find this dish at many restaurants and street food stalls in Cartagena.

Costs : around $10-$15 USD per person and serves one or two people.

Fusion Dish

A fusion dish that you must try in Cartagena is the ceviche. This is a fresh and tangy dish that consists of raw fish or seafood marinated in lime juice, onion, cilantro, and chili. It’s a typical dish from the coastal regions of Latin America, but it’s also influenced by Asian cuisine. You can find this dish at many restaurants and street food stalls in Cartagena.

Costs : around $5-$10 USD per person and serves one or two people.

Vegetarian Dish

A vegetarian dish that you must try in Cartagena is the arepa de huevo. This is a crispy and fluffy dish that consists of a corn cake stuffed with egg and cheese. It’s a typical dish from the Caribbean coast of Colombia, but it’s also enjoyed by vegetarians and vegans. You can find this dish at many street food stalls in Cartagena.

Costs : around $1-$2 USD per person and serves one or two people.

These are some of the main food that you can try in Cartagena and how they can make your trip more delicious and enjoyable. You can try one or more depending on your mood and preference. You can also find more food online or at one of the many kiosks near the port. Let’s take a food tour and see what dishes are there waiting for you in Cartagena.

Cartagena Food Tour

If you’re a food lover, you’ll love Cartagena. Indeed, the city is a food lover’s paradise that has a rich and diverse cuisine that reflects its history and culture. Cartagena’s cuisine is influenced by the Caribbean, African, and indigenous flavors and ingredients that create a unique and delicious blend of dishes. Some of the best food and restaurants in Cartagena are seafood, arepas, sancocho, coconut rice, and more.

Cartagena Seafood

Cartagena is a coastal city that has a lot of seafood to offer. Thus, seafood is one of the main ingredients of Cartagena’s cuisine and it’s prepared in different ways and styles. You can find seafood dishes such as ceviche, fried fish, seafood rice, seafood soup, seafood stew, and more. You can also find seafood restaurants that serve fresh and local fish and shellfish that you can choose from a display or a menu.

Cartagena Best Restaurants for Seafood

One of the best places to try seafood in Cartagena is La Cevicheria. This is a small and cozy restaurant that specializes in ceviche, which is a dish made with raw fish or seafood marinated in lime juice, onion, cilantro, and chili. You can choose from different types of ceviche, such as shrimp, octopus, tuna, salmon, lobster, etc. You can also choose from different sauces, such as coconut milk, passion fruit, mango, etc. The ceviche is served with plantain chips or popcorn and it’s fresh and tangy.

Another great place to try seafood in Cartagena is El Boliche Cebicheria. This is a modern and elegant restaurant that also specializes in ceviche, but with a fusion twist. You can find ceviche dishes that combine Peruvian and Japanese flavors and techniques. For example, tiradito (thinly sliced fish with sauce), nikkei (fish with soy sauce and sesame oil), or leche de tigre (fish with lime juice and spices). Moreover, you can find other seafood dishes such as grilled octopus, tuna tartare, or scallop carpaccio.

Cartagena Arepas

Cartagena is a city that has a lot of arepas to offer. Arepas are one of the most typical and popular dishes of Cartagena’s cuisine and they’re prepared in different ways and styles. Arepas are corn cakes that are grilled or fried and stuffed or topped with different fillings or toppings. You can find arepas such as cheese arepas (with cheese inside), egg arepas (with an egg inside), meat arepas (with meat on top), etc. You can also find arepa restaurants or street stalls that serve hot and crispy arepas that you can customize with your favorite fillings or toppings.

Cartagena Best Restaurants for Arepas

One of the best places to try arepas in Cartagena is La Esquina del Pandebono. This is a small and simple restaurant that serves delicious cheese arepas that are made with corn flour and cheese. The cheese arepas are grilled until golden and melted and they’re served with butter or sour cream. The cheese arepas are soft and cheesy and they’re perfect for breakfast or a snack.

Another great place to try arepas in Cartagena is Arepas Pues. This is a street stall that serves amazing egg arepas that are made with corn flour and egg. The egg arepas are fried until crispy and fluffy and they’re served with different sauces, such as garlic, cheese, or spicy. The egg arepas are crunchy and savory and they’re perfect for lunch or dinner.

Cartagena Sancocho

Cartagena is a city that has a lot of sancochos to offer. Sancocho is one of the most traditional and hearty dishes of Cartagena’s cuisine and it’s prepared in different ways and styles. Sancocho is a soup or stew that is made with meat, vegetables, tubers, herbs, and broth. You can find sancocho dishes such as chicken sancocho, beef sancocho, fish sancocho, etc. You can also find sancocho restaurants or street stalls that serve hot and filling sancocho that you can enjoy with rice, avocado, or bread.

Cartagena Best Restaurants for Sancocho

One of the best places to try sancocho in Cartagena is La Cocina de Pepina. This is a cozy and colorful restaurant that serves authentic and homemade sancocho that is made with fresh and local ingredients. You can choose from different types of sancocho, such as pork sancocho, goat sancocho, or seafood sancocho. The sancocho is served in a clay pot and it’s rich and flavorful.

Another great place to try sancocho in Cartagena is La Mulata. This is a modern and trendy restaurant that serves fusion and creative sancocho that is made with exotic and gourmet ingredients. You can find sancocho dishes such as coconut sancocho, curry sancocho, or mango sancocho. The sancocho is served in a bowl and it’s light and refreshing.

Cartagena Coconut Rice

Cartagena is a city that has a lot of coconut rice to offer. Coconut rice is one of the most common and delicious dishes of Cartagena’s cuisine and it’s prepared in different ways and styles. Coconut rice is a dish that is made with rice, coconut milk, water, salt, and sugar. You can find coconut rice dishes such as plain coconut rice, mixed coconut rice, or sweet coconut rice. You can also find coconut rice restaurants or street stalls that serve fluffy and aromatic coconut rice that you can pair with different dishes or eat by itself.

Cartagena Best Restaurants for Coconut Rice

One of the best places to try coconut rice in Cartagena is La Casa de Socorro. This is a traditional and family-owned restaurant that serves classic and tasty coconut rice that is made with fresh and natural ingredients. You can order plain coconut rice or mixed coconut rice that comes with raisins, carrots, peas, and corn. Coconut rice is served with different dishes, such as fried fish, chicken stew, or meatballs.

Another great place to try coconut rice in Cartagena is La Paletteria. This is a cute and colorful ice cream shop that serves sweet and creamy coconut rice that is made with condensed milk and cinnamon. You can order sweet coconut rice or sweet coconut rice with cheese. The sweet coconut rice is served in a cup or a cone and it’s a perfect dessert or snack.

Where to Stay in Cartagena?

Choosing the right accommodation can make a big difference in your trip to Cartagena. You want to find a place that suits your budget, style, and location preferences. There are many factors to consider when booking a hotel or resort in Cartagena, such as:

• The proximity to the attractions and activities you want to do
• The amenities and services offered by the hotel or resort
• The reviews and ratings from previous guests
• The safety and security of the area
• The availability and cost of transportation

To help you narrow down your options, we have selected some of the best hotels and resorts in Cartagena that you can consider for your stay. These are:

• Casa India Catalina – A budget-friendly and comfortable hotel located in the Old City, with simple and colorful decor. It offers a pool, a terrace, and a breakfast area.
• Casa Movida Hostel – A fun and social hostel located in Getsemaní, with a graffiti art theme and a rooftop bar. It offers dorms and private rooms, a kitchen, a lounge, and a terrace.
• Hotel Capellán de Getsemaní – A charming and romantic hotel located in Getsemaní, with a colonial style and a tropical garden. It offers a pool, a terrace, a bar, and a restaurant. Airport shuttle included too.
• Casa Claver Loft Boutique Hotel – An apartment-style hotel located in the Old City, with spacious and modern lofts that have kitchens and living rooms. It offers two pools, a terrace, and a breakfast service.
• Hotel Casona del Colegio – A luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of the Old City, with a rooftop pool, spa, restaurant, and art gallery.
• Movich Hotels Cartagena de Indias – A modern hotel with a colonial charm, featuring a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city and the sea, a spa, a gym, and a restaurant.
• Casa Lola Luxury Collection – A chic and eclectic hotel located in Getsemaní, with a mix of colonial and contemporary decor. It offers two pools, a spa, a bar, and a restaurant.
• Hotel Casa San Agustin – A historic hotel that blends contemporary design with original features, such as frescoes and wooden beams. It offers a pool, a library, a bar, and a restaurant.
• Hotel Boutique Casa del Coliseo – A cozy and elegant hotel located in a colonial house near the Coliseo Theater. It offers a pool, a terrace, a bar, and a restaurant.
• Hyatt Regency Cartagena – A luxurious and modern hotel located in Bocagrande, with direct access to the beach. It offers a spa, a gym, three pools, a bar, and a restaurant.

Have a Great Trip To Cartagena!

Cartagena is a captivating city that offers a rich and diverse travel experience. Whether you are interested in history, culture, nature, or nightlife, you will find something to suit your taste in Cartagena.

You can also take advantage of the many events and festivals that take place in Cartagena throughout the year and immerse yourself in the local culture and traditions.

We hope this guide has helped you plan your trip to Cartagena and given you some useful tips and recommendations. Cartagena is a city that will surprise you and enchant you with its beauty and charm. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this amazing destination and create unforgettable memories.

Are you ready to book your trip to Cartagena?

Note: This post contains affiliate links from which I can earn commissions if you use services or buy products from the blog’s partners. If you love the blog, please use the services or buy the products. In that way, you give me support for the blog’s maintenance and development. I appreciate it a lot and thank you for that!

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Khoi Nguyen

Khoi Nguyen builds The Broad Life with a desire to inspire people go exploring the world and live a more interesting, experience, and adventurous life. This blog shares the stories, pictures, and experiences at destinations where he has traveled to.

28 Comments

The Old City and the beaches in Cartagena described in this article have piqued my interest! Thanks for offering some budget lodging options for those of us who like to travel without breaking the bank.

I hope this article helps you to well plan your trip to Cartagena.

I am planning A trip to colombia this year and i love the RECOMMENDATIONS in this post. I am still in between cartagena or medellin. Thanks fir sharing these great tips. Cant wait to visit.

Enjoy your trip! Don’t forget to come back and share with us your experience.

Alita pacio

Wow, I will visit cartagena soon and everything I wanted to know is here. What a detailed and helpful guide.

Thanks a lot for your comment! I hope you will like your trip to Cartagena.

Rose Ann Sales

I really love to go and vi this wo and awe place! Ever that I need to know is ALREADY here!

OMG the colour of that sea! Spectacular. lovely photos and great info, thank you

Thanks for your comment!

I enjoyed reading your Cartagena travel guide! The details about the city’s history and culture were fascinating, and your tips for food and activities were spot-on. Keep up the great work!

Thanks for your comment! I hope the detail brings enough info for travelers to well-plan their trips.

WE considered visiting Columbia about 20 years ago, but there was too much political unrest. Cartagena looks like a great place to explore!

Colombia in general and Cartagena in particular are now good destinations to travel to.

Jocelyn @ Hip Mama's Place

Wow, what a comprehensive guide on Cartagena. All the photos are lovely, and your guide is super helpful. Thank you for sharing!

I hope this guide inspires you to doing a trip to Cartagena.

Eileen M Loya

This is a really great travel guide. everytime we plan to travel somewhere, our first research on the place is about the weather and the best time to visit. Thanks for including that information in your travel guide.

I’m glad that the info included in the article helps you to plan your trip carefully. Enjoy your journey!

Ntensibe Edgar

Aaaahhhhh…so, this is the cartagena I am always hearing about? i am definitely keeping this blog on bookmark for reference when i visit there, for my first time. thanks for sharing about it.

I’m glad that the info in this blog is useful for you. Enjoy your trip to Cartagena! And don’t forget to come back and share with us your experience.

Kristy Bullard

I WOULD LOVE TO SPEND ALL DAY AT A BEACH IN CARTAGENA! tHAT WATER IS UNBELIEVABLY GORGEOUS! I GUESS I WOULD DEFINITELY NEED TO VISIT IN THE DRY SEASON! AND THE FOOD – I WANT TO EAT IT ALL!

Enjoy your trip!

Oh wow, it sounds like a lovely place to visit. I would head over in June as that’s just the right temperature for me. Hope it decides not to rain lol. Sign me up for a break holiday as I am overdue one!!!

Sounds like you are very excited to visit Cartagena. Enjoy your trip!

I have never been to Cartagena. Your post is an informative and engaging read for anyone planning a trip to Cartagena. The beautiful photographs included in the article also capture the city’s vibrant colors and unique charm

Thanks a lot for your comment! I hope the post inspires you to visit Cartagena.

Jennifer Prince

i was just in cartegena and loved it! the food was amazing, and i loved all of the colors. so lovely!

Wow, sounds like you had a great trip!

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Cartagena Spain

Visitor & Tourist Information

Cartagena, Spain, is located in the southeast of the country bordering on the Costa Blanca and the Costa de Azahar. Often overlooked by visitors to Spain, it is a city brimming with history, culture, and Mediterranean charm.

One of the must-see attractions in Cartagena is the Roman Theatre Museum , a remarkable archaeological site that takes you back in time to the days of the Roman Empire.

Explore the well-preserved ruins of the ancient theatre and marvel at the intricate architectural details. As you walk through the museum, you'll learn a lot about the city's rich Roman heritage.

Another fascinating historical site is the Concepcion Castle and Fortress , perched high on a hill overlooking the city. This medieval fortress offers panoramic views of Cartagena and its surroundings.

You can explore the castle's various rooms and exhibits, and imagine what life was like within its walls centuries ago. Don't miss the chance to stroll along the castle's ramparts and soak in the breathtaking vistas.

For those seeking a beach escape, head to Cala Cortina , a pristine stretch of coastline that offers tranquillity and natural beauty. If you prefer a livelier beach atmosphere, Playa de la Manga is a bustling strip of sand lined with bars, restaurants, and water sports activities.

When it comes to cuisine, Cartagena is a gastronomic delight. Indulge in the region's fresh seafood delicacies, such as the famous Caldero, a traditional rice dish with fish and spices. Don't forget to sample the local Spanish tapas , small plates bursting with flavour and showcasing the best of Spanish cuisine .

Head to the bustling Calle del Carmen, known as the "Gastronomic Street," where you'll find an array of charming restaurants and bars serving up delectable dishes.

Cartagena's vibrant city center is a hub of activity, with its picturesque squares, lively plazas, and bustling markets. Explore the pedestrian-friendly streets, browse the shops for unique souvenirs, and soak up the lively atmosphere.

Don't miss a visit to the fascinating Military Museum and Artillery Park, a green oasis in the heart of the city, where you can relax amidst lush gardens and admire ancient cannons.

As you wander through Cartagena's charming streets, you'll encounter architectural gems like the City Hall and the iconic Modernist Casino. These buildings reflect the city's rich architectural heritage and offer glimpses into its past.

Best Things To Do In Cartagena

Roman Theatre Museum :

Explore the well-preserved ruins of an ancient Roman theatre and learn about Cartagena's rich Roman history.

Concepcion Castle:

Visit this medieval fortress for panoramic views of the city and immerse yourself in its fascinating history.

Playa de Calblanque:

Relax on this pristine beach with crystal-clear waters and stunning natural beauty.

Playa de la Manga:

Enjoy a lively beach atmosphere with water sports activities, bars, and restaurants.

Calle del Carmen:

Discover this gastronomic Street, lined with charming restaurants and bars serving delicious local cuisine.

Admire the beautiful architecture of this historic building located in the city center on a guided tour of the city .

Artillery Park: 

Relax in this green oasis amidst lush gardens and ancient cannons.

Modernist Casino:

Marvel at the intricate design and architecture of this iconic building.

Guided Walking Tour:

Take a guided walking tour to get to know the local gastronomy of Cartagena. Taste some delicious local tapas and drinks, and visit the city's ancient Roman Theater as part of your tour.

Bateria de Castillitos:

Visit this coastal fortress for panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Cartagena Naval Museum:

Learn about the city's maritime history through fascinating exhibits and artefacts.

Cartagena Cathedral:

Admire the grandeur of this impressive cathedral, a blend of Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical styles.

Augusteum Roman Forum:

Explore the remains of a Roman forum and discover the city's ancient past.

Museum of Underwater Archaeology:

Dive into the fascinating world of underwater archaeology and discover sunken treasures.

Port of Cartagena:

Take a stroll along the bustling harbour, lined with restaurants, bars, and shops.

Cartagena City Walls:

Walk along the historic city walls and enjoy panoramic views of the city and the sea.

Castillo de la Atalaya: Climb to the top of this hilltop castle for breathtaking views of Cartagena.

Punic Walls:

Discover the ancient Punic defence walls and learn about Cartagena's Carthaginian heritage.

El Faro de Cartagena:

Visit the lighthouse for stunning views of the coastline and the city.

Calle Mayor:

Wander through the charming streets of the old town, lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings.

Santa Maria de Gracia Church:

Admire the beautiful architecture and artwork of this historic church.

The Roman Theatre Cartagena

One of the most iconic places of interest to visit in Cartagena is the Roman Theatre, which is a remarkable archaeological site that provides a glimpse into the city's rich history.

Located in the heart of Cartagena's historic centre, the theatre stands as a testament to the Roman influence in the region.

It is a well-preserved structure that dates back to the 1st century BC and was rediscovered in the late 1980s. Since then, it has become one of the most significant attractions in Cartagena, drawing history enthusiasts and curious visitors alike.

The Roman Theatre offers you a fascinating insight into the architectural marvels of the Roman Empire. Its impressive size and intricate design showcase the grandeur of Roman construction techniques.

Here you can marvel at the well-preserved semicircular seating area, the stage, and the stunning backdrop that once provided a backdrop for performances.

The theatre also houses an informative museum that provides further context and historical details about the site. The museum displays various artefacts and objects found during archaeological excavations, giving visitors a deeper understanding of the theatre’s significance in the Roman era.

The site is open to the public, but the opening hours may vary depending on the time of year, so it is advisable to check the official website or inquire locally for the most up-to-date information.

Guided tours are available , providing insightful commentary and enriching the visit with historical anecdotes.

The Consistorial Palace

The Consistorial Palace is another stunning landmark in Cartagena. Located in the heart of the city, this magnificent building serves as the seat of the local government and stands as a symbol of historic cultural heritage.

The Consistorial Palace is a striking example of neoclassical architecture, with its grand façade and imposing presence. The building's design reflects the influence of various architectural styles, including baroque and neoclassical elements, which add to its unique charm.

Constructed in the 19th century, the Consistorial Palace has been meticulously preserved, showcasing its architectural splendour. The ornate details, such as the intricate carvings, elegant balconies, and grand staircase, exemplify the craftsmanship of the era. The interior of the palace is equally impressive, featuring beautifully decorated halls, grand meeting rooms, and historical artefacts.

You can visit the exterior of the Consistorial Palace which lets you admire the grandeur of the building. The central location of the palace makes it easily accessible for visitors to appreciate its architectural beauty and take photographs. While the interior is not open to the public, the exterior alone is worth a visit.

Historic Gun Batteries

Cartagena has a fascinating military history, and one of the attractions that showcase this heritage is the gun battery placements.

Scattered throughout the city, these historical sites offer visitors a glimpse into the strategic defence systems that once protected the harbour and the city from potential threats.

The gun battery placements in Cartagena are remnants of the city's fortified past, where cannons and artillery were strategically positioned to safeguard the coastline.

These sites played a crucial role in defending the city and its valuable naval port, highlighting the military prowess of the region.

Notable gun battery placements in Cartagena include the Batteries of Castillitos and the Batteries of Cenizas.

The Batteries of Castillitos , located on a hilltop overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and provide an immersive experience of the coastal defence system.

The Batteries of Cenizas, situated on a stunning cliffside, offer a glimpse into the military history of the region and offer breathtaking views of the sea.

Cartagena Port & Marina

The historic port of Cartagena is a captivating destination that beautifully blends its rich maritime history with modern amenities. This ancient port city boasts a strategic location that has attracted seafarers and merchants for centuries.

Cartagena's historic port showcases a fascinating collection of ancient ruins, including Roman and Carthaginian remains.

Here, you can explore the impressive Roman Theatre, which dates back to the 1st century BC and was discovered in the 1980s. The theatre's grand amphitheatre-like structure stands as a testament to the city's ancient past.

In addition to its historical significance, the port of Cartagena also features a bustling marina that offers a vibrant atmosphere for both locals and visitors.

The marina is home to a wide range of yachts and sailboats, creating a picturesque scene against the backdrop of the city's historic architecture.

Strolling along the marina promenade, you'll find a multitude of charming cafes, restaurants, and shops where you can relax and enjoy the maritime ambience.

The marina is not only a place to admire beautiful vessels; it also serves as a gateway to various maritime activities.

Here you can enjoy boat tours to explore the stunning coastline, embark on fishing trips, or even charter a yacht for a luxurious sailing experience.

The marina is also a hub for water sports enthusiasts, offering opportunities for jet skiing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

Whether you're interested in delving into Cartagena's maritime past or simply soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of the marina, the historic port of Cartagena provides an enchanting experience that combines history, culture, and a love for the sea.

Best Beaches in Cartagena

Whether you're seeking relaxation, water sports, or simply a day under the sun, here are some of the best beaches in Cartagena and its surroundings:

Cala Cortina:

Located near the city center, Cala Cortina is a picturesque beach with calm waters, making it perfect for families with children. It offers fantastic views of the port and the iconic Castle of San Julián.

Situated within the Calblanque Natural Park, this unspoiled beach is renowned for its untouched beauty. With its pristine coastline, dunes, and crystal-clear waters, it's an ideal spot for nature lovers and those seeking a tranquil escape.

Playa de Cala Reona:

This small, hidden gem is nestled within the stunning landscape of Cabo de Palos. Surrounded by cliffs, it offers a secluded and peaceful atmosphere, making it a favourite among locals and snorkelling enthusiasts.

Playa de Levante:

Located in La Manga, a narrow strip of land that separates the Mediterranean Sea from the Mar Menor lagoon, Playa de Levante boasts a vibrant atmosphere and a range of water sports activities. It's an excellent choice for those seeking excitement and a lively beach scene.

Playa de la Almadraba:

Situated near the charming village of Portman, this beach is renowned for its rugged beauty and clear blue waters. It's a popular spot for snorkelling and diving due to its abundant marine life.

Playa de Cala del Pino:

Tucked away within the Calblanque Natural Park, this secluded beach offers a serene setting and pristine waters. Surrounded by cliffs and pine forests, it provides a picturesque backdrop for a relaxing day by the sea.

Best Festivals Held In Cartagena

Carnival of Cartagena (February/March):

This colourful and lively carnival takes place in the weeks leading up to Lent. It features parades, music, dancing, and elaborate costumes, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the city.

Holy Week (Semana Santa) (March/April):

Like many other Spanish cities, Cartagena commemorates Holy Week with solemn processions and religious events. The streets come alive with religious statues, music, and the scent of incense as the city honours its religious heritage.

Carthaginians and Romans Festival (September):

This week-long festival reenacts the historical conflict between the Carthaginians and Romans. Locals dress up in elaborate costumes, stage battles, and recreate historical events, providing a unique glimpse into the city's ancient past.

Cartagena Jazz Festival (November):

Music enthusiasts flock to Cartagena for this renowned jazz festival, which attracts both national and international jazz artists. Concerts, jam sessions, and workshops take place in various venues across the city, delighting jazz lovers of all ages.

Virgen de la Caridad Festival (September):

This religious festival celebrates the patron saint of Cartagena, the Virgen de la Caridad. Processions, religious ceremonies, and fireworks honour the revered figure, bringing together the community in a display of faith and devotion.

The Gastronomy of Cartagena

The cuisine of Cartagena, Spain, and the surrounding region of Murcia is a delightful blend of Mediterranean flavours and local ingredients. Known for its fresh seafood, aromatic spices, and vibrant produce, the gastronomy of this area is a true treat for food enthusiasts.

One popular local dish in Cartagena is "Caldero del Mar Menor," a rice dish similar to paella but with a distinct regional twist. It is prepared using fish from the Mar Menor lagoon, which infuses the dish with unique flavours. Another must-try is "Zarangollo," a traditional Murcian dish made with scrambled eggs, courgettes, onions, and olive oil. It offers a simple yet delicious taste of the local cuisine.

Typical Dishes from Cartagena & Murcia

"Caldero del Mar Menor": This iconic dish is a rice-based stew made with fish from the Mar Menor lagoon, such as grouper or sea bass. The rice is cooked in a rich fish broth infused with saffron and served with a side of "alioli" (garlic mayonnaise).

"Pastel de Cierva": This savoury pie is a local speciality made with puff pastry, tender pork meat, and aromatic spices. It is often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer.

"Migas Cartageneras": This traditional dish consists of fried breadcrumbs combined with garlic, peppers, chorizo, and other ingredients. It is a hearty and flavorful option, often enjoyed as a main course.

"Tortilla Cartagenera": A local variation of the classic Spanish omelette, this version includes additional ingredients such as peppers, onions, and sometimes even seafood. It is a popular choice for a light meal or tapas.

"Habas con Jamón": This dish features fresh broad beans sautéed with cured ham, garlic, and olive oil. It is a simple yet delicious combination that highlights the flavors of the ingredients.

When it comes to authentic local dining experiences, here are three recommended restaurants in Cartagena:

Restaurante El Batel:

Situated by the harbour, this waterfront restaurant combines stunning views with exquisite cuisine. They are known for their fresh seafood dishes, including grilled fish and seafood paella, all prepared with top-quality ingredients.

Webiste: auditorioelbatel.es/

Restaurante El Churra:

While not located in Cartagena itself, this restaurant in nearby Murcia is worth a visit for its exceptional regional cuisine. They focus on traditional Murcian recipes, such as "Michirones" (a hearty bean stew) and "Paparajotes" (lemon tree leaves coated in batter and fried).

Website: elchurrarestaurante.com

These restaurants showcase the flavours of Cartagena and the Murcia region, providing a genuine taste of the local culinary heritage. Whether you're a seafood lover or eager to try traditional Murcian dishes, these establishments are sure to satisfy your palate and leave you with a memorable dining experience.

Recommended Places To Stay In Cartagena

The Hotel Cartagonova , centrally located in the heart of the city, provides a perfect blend of modern amenities and historic charm.

For those seeking a luxurious experience, Hotel Cartagena Puerto boasts stunning views of the Mediterranean, offering a refined atmosphere and impeccable service.

If boutique charm is what you desire, Hotel Los Habaneros is an excellent choice, combining personalized attention with stylish decor.

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25 Cartagena Travel Tips: What to Know Before You Go

In this post, I’m sharing some top Cartagena travel tips – read on for details !

Cartagena is in so many ways a Caribbean paradise. The lovely old town combined with the sea views and proximity to beautiful beaches made Cartagena one of my favorite places we visited during our two weeks in Colombia.

Of course, whenever you’re visiting a new city or new country, there are lots of little things to know or be aware of, and Cartagena is no different.

In this article, we’re sharing all of our tips for visiting Cartagena to help you be prepared for your visit. Without further ado, let’s dive in!

25 Cartagena Travel Tips – Things to Know Before You Go

1. cartagena truly is absolutely stunning.

The beauty of Cartagena is 100% real – it’s definitely one of those places where it’s hard to believe it’s real life. The buildings are painted in vibrant, colorful hues of red, blue, pink, and tan. Vines, bushes, flowers, and bougainvillea weave their way up and around the buildings.

The architecture from colonial times means that you’ll stumble upon massive, ornate churches, unique door knockers, rooftop terraces, lovely balconies, and doors all over the city. It’s absolutely enchanting.

Suffice it to say, there are plenty of great photo spots around Cartagena .

2 . . .. But There Are a Lot of Crowds

Thanks to its charm and beauty, Cartagena has grown in popularity immensely over the past 5 years. Today, the city can get BUSY. Don’t expect to be admiring Cartagena’s charming streets alone.

3 . … Unless You Wake Up Early

In fact, I 100% would recommend waking up early one morning of your trip to enjoy the streets empty and quiet. Not only will you avoid crowds, you’ll also be up before all the street vendors are out.

The sun rises around 6 a.m. year round and the city doesn’t really come to life before 8:30 or 9 a.m. Those hours in-between are magical.

4. Where to Stay in Cartagena

The Walled City is the most historic and central part of Cartagena, and where most of the attractions are located. The neighborhood of Getsmani is just outside the Walled City, and has an artsy, Bohemian vibe.

The vast majority of visitors stay in these two locations, I would highly recommend you do too. It’s a gorgeous area, and it’s also within walking distance of practically everything you would want to see and do.

When booking accommodations in Cartagena, double-check that your hotel has good AC – you’re definitely going to want it!

Here are a few of my top recommended places to stay:

✔️ Maloka Boutique Hostel (Budget): Despite the use of “hostel” in the name, this location offers a variety many private rooms, which are clean and have a trendy yet classic feel. A 24-hour reception, English-speaking staff, strong wifi, and complimentary breakfast are some other perks of this high-value hotel.

✔️ La Passion by Masaya (Mid-Range): This boutique hotel combines old-style architecture and furniture with modern amenities. The main areas are absolutely lovely, with marble floors, grand stone stairways, tall ceilings, and a rooftop pool.

✔️ Casa Del Arzobispado Boutique Hotel (Luxury): This hotel is a luxurious colonial-era hotel with marble floors, cast-iron decor, and attention to detail. The courtyard pool is a little slice of paradise, with a tiled pool area, greenery, columns, and lights, and the hotel offers a lot of extra amenities and comforts.

5. How Many Days Do You Need?

I’d recommend 1-2 days in Cartagena itself, and then another 1-2 days to spend on the Rosario Islands (and surrounding beach areas). We spent 3 days in Cartagena and it was the perfect amount of time.

6. Electricity

Colombia uses 110 voltage and type A or B plugs. This is the same voltage and plugs as the USA, so if you are coming from the States, you won’t need any type of travel adaptor.

If you’re coming from the UK or Europe, or anywhere that uses type C plugs, you will need an adaptor ( like this one) to plug in your devices.

The currency is the Colombian peso, which uses the sign “$” and is abbreviated as COP. At the time of writing, about 4200 pesos equal 1 USD.

Cash is king in Colombia – while occasionally you will find a restaurant or hotel that takes credit card, the vast, vast majority of the time we had to pay in cash. ATMs are plentiful around the city.

Whenever I’m visiting a new country, I always just pull cash out at an ATM at the airport when I arrive. I have found this is the simplest and cheapest way to get local currency. Definitely don’t stop at the currency exchange counters – those places are a rip-off!

8. Language

Spanish is the main language in Colombia, and most people in the country do not speak English. Do not plan on speaking to locals in English in Colombia. We do not speak Spanish at all (just a few words) and we got along okay by relying heavily on Google Translate.

I would highly recommend downloading the Google Translate app; with a downloaded language, you can translate even without good data. There are also options like talk-to-text translation as well as a camera translation feature.

The camera translation is a nifty little feature. In the app, point the camera at a paragraph of text and the translation will appear over the words on the screen. This feature is very helpful for reading restaurant menus and placards in museums.

9. Plumbing

Do not flush your toilet paper in Colombia – the plumbing pipes are old and not set up to handle the TP in the system. Just toss your toilet paper in the bin next to the toilet.

10. Arriving in Cartagena

Most people arrive in Cartagena via the international airport – Cartagena de Indias Airport (CTG). This airport is only about 15 minutes from the walled city and is very easy to get to.

11. Street Vendors

Cartagena’s streets are filled with vendors selling trinkets, food, and services. Be prepared to be approached very frequently throughout the day by people (mostly men), who will either approach to sell things they are carrying, or will call out to you from their stands.

Cartagena relies heavily on tourism as part of the economy, so remember that everyone is just trying to make money for their families. The people of Colombia are very nice, though, and they will generally move along without further pushing if you just shake your head, or say “no gracias.”

If you do want to buy something from a vendor, definitely consider haggling the price. Generally, the price quoted to you will be exorbitantly inflated – try to get it down to about 50% of their initial quote.

12. Notes on Taking Taxis

Taxis in Cartagena do not have meters, so definitely remember to agree on the price before getting in the car. Taxis will usually try to overcharge you for a ride, so I’d recommend haggling on the price before getting in the car.

Unless you speak Spanish very well, I would recommend using the calculator on your phone to write out the price, so you both are on the same page for what you are agreeing to.

For reference, a cab ride to/from the airport and the walled city will run between 15-20,000 pesos (4-5 USD)

13. Is Cartagena Expensive?

Cartagena is definitely more expensive than the rest of Colombia, and we noticed higher prices on taxis, hotels, and food in our Colombia travel budget here.

I would say that entrance fees are similar to other places in Colombia, such as Bogota , Medellin , or Salento , with a range of prices for different attractions.

14. How to Interact with the Palenqueras Fruit Ladies

All over Old Town, you will see women in bright-colored dresses, balancing bowls of fruit on their heads and smiling for a photo-op.

 If you want a picture, you will need to tip the Palenqueras ladies for the photos. Make sure you settle on a price per person before taking any pictures (and if they offer to bring someone else in while you’re taking pictures, be prepared to pay double).

If they say they just take tips, 20,000 pesos is a good place to start.

15. The Islands Are SO Much Better Than the Beaches in Cartagena

The beaches in Cartagena are… not that nice. For a true tropical beach experience, you’ll want to head out to Isla Baru or the Rosario Islands.

The beach of Playa Blanca on Isla Baru is one of the most easily accessible beaches in the area, with soft sand and glittering turquoise water. However, it does also have a LOT of vendors trying to sell you food and trinkets.

I would actually recommend going on a boat tour of the Rosario Islands. This tour leaves from just outside the Walled City, and you will zip around to 5 different islands on a sports boat, having time to relax on beaches and snorkel in the blue Caribbean waters.

👉 Check availability for this Boat Tour to Rosario Islands here

16. Water is Safe to Drink

Tap water in Cartagena is safe to drink. We used the tap water without a problem in Cartagena.

17. Getting Around Cartagena

Cartagena is an extremely walkable city! Almost every single attraction is within walking distance and the old town is set up for pedestrians – we really liked this about Cartagena.

The only places not in easy walking distance are the Convent, the airport, and the beaches. Here, you’ll need to take a taxi or arrange other transport.

18. Consider a Photoshoot

Have you ever considered doing a vacation photoshoot? This is one of our favorite things to do when Matthew and I travel together, and we’ve now done 6 photoshoots on 4 different continents. Cartagena not only has Instagrammable places but it is also an incredible location for a romantic photo session.

We did a shoot with  July and Gilbert  and they were the nicest, sweetest, photographer couple. We found them on Instagram, but you can also easily search for photographers on websites like Flytographer .

19. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance !

Securing some travel insurance is an important part of prepping for any international trip – you never know when something might happen, and your regular insurance generally won’t cover you overseas. Costs for a medical emergency on vacation can add up extremely fast, so it’s just better to be safe than sorry.  I like booking insurance at  Insure My Trip , as they offer a variety of plans with different coverages to choose from, so you can find the right option for you. Plus, they have great customer support if you need help before, during, or after your trip.

👉 Check rates at Insure My Trip here! 👈

20. E-Sim for Data

I always get an e-sim card when I visit a new country. This gives me fast data while I’m there, which is important to me. I love e-sim cards because they are super easy to use and install (you literally just scan a QR code when you land, follow a few prompts, and away you go), and they are very inexpensive.

I’ve used several e-sim companies, but my favorite is SimOptions.com – Check prices here!

21. Eating in Cartagena

While you can find a lot of traditional Colombian food in Cartagena, you will also see a heavy emphasis on dishes like coconut rice, fresh fish, and ceviche.

There are also plenty of restaurants that have a more international flavor. This variety creates a really delicious culinary scene in the city. Check out my guide to where to eat in Cartagena for more information.

22. Tipping

A 10% gratuity is often automatically added to your bill at restaurants. If it’s not, leaving an approximate 10% tip on your own is considered polite.

23. Weather in Cartagena

The weather in Cartagena is HOT, EXTREMELY HOT. It’s actually the most uncomfortable place I’ve visited, weather-wise. This is because while on paper the temperatures in Cartagena don’t seem that bad (average highs year-round are approximately 87 F/30 C), the relative humidity stays right around 80%. The air is practically dripping.

December to April is the dry season, and you can expect sunny days and low rain. Fall is the rainy season, so if you travel then, expect more precipitation, although usually not all-day downpours.

We visited in July, and had rain several of the days we were there, but it only rained for about an hour each day.

If you travel during the rainy season in the fall, you’ll see lower prices and fewer tourists.

24. What to Wear in Cartagena

Because of the heat and humidity in Cartagena, you’ll want to wear light, loose, breathable outfits with fabrics like linen or cotton. I’d recommend planning to wear your hair up and/or bringing a hat.

25. Is Cartagena Safe to Travel ?

While you may encounter petty theft in Cartagena, the tourist areas of Cartena (The Walled City, Getsmani, Playa Blanca, etc) are generally very safe. The city is alive day and night, often late into the night, with people out and about on the streets.

Of course, I still would exercise walking alone late at night, and keep a close eye on your belongings to prevent pickpocketing, but in general, Cartagena is a very safe place to visit.

You can check any current travel advisories for Colombia here (though it is currently considered a safe place to visit!

Tips for Traveling to Cartagena – The Wrap Up

Cartagena is an absolutely delightful city to visit, and knowing some of these tips before you take off will help your trip immensely.

Stephanie is the author of The Unknown Enthusiast. She's visited 21 countries and 37 of the 50 US states (but her first love will always be France). When she's not traveling, she enjoys reading, taking naps, playing games, eating popcorn, and spending time with her husband (Matthew) and 4 daughters. Stephanie lives in Alabama, USA.

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• 3 Days in Cartagena: The Perfect Cartagena Itinerary for First-Timers

Cartagena was easily my favorite city we visited during our 2-week trip to Colombia . The colorful colonial buildings, tropical beaches, and modern, glamorous neighborhoods make the city a perfect blend of old and new.

You could easily spend a week here strolling through the colorful streets, exploring the unique districts, and indulging in mouthwatering Colombian food. However, I think that 3 days in Cartagena is ideal for first-time visitors who want to get a flavor of a few different cities in one trip.

If you’re planning on visiting Cartagena for the first time, this incredibly detailed 3 day Cartagena itinerary will help you make the most out of your time in this stunning city. It also includes a free map, lots of insider tips, and of course, a bunch of restaurant recommendations!

* 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.

Overview of Your 3 Days in Cartagena

Breakdown of your 3 days in cartagena.

• Day 1: San Felipe de Barajas, the Walled City, Getsemani, Cafe del Mar
• Day 2: Rosario Islands, rooftop bar
• Day 3: Playa Blanca or Totumo Mud Volcano Experience, Bocagrande

Map for your 3 day Cartagena itinerary

Below you can find a customized map that includes all the locations you’re going to visit on this Cartagena itinerary.

I marked your 3 days in Cartagena with different colors – I used blue for the first, green for the second, and red for the third day, so you can easily see which places you’re going to visit each day.

How to use this map: This map is fully interactive, so you can move around, zoom in/zoom out, and click on the icons. If you want to see a larger map, click on the bracket in the upper right corner. To see more details and the different layers, click on the tab in the upper left corner. If you want to save it for later, click on the star icon next to the name of the map. Then simply open Google Maps either on your desktop or phone, go to ‘Saved’/’Maps’, and open the map whenever you need it.

Day 1 of Your 3 Day Cartagena Itinerary

Visit castle san felipe de barajas early in the morning.

The first port of call on your Cartagena itinerary is an early morning trip to Castle San Felipe de Barajas, the city’s most iconic historical landmark.

This fortress is just a few years shy of its 500th birthday and is one of the most impressive remnants of the Spanish Empire in Colombia. 

Positioned on a hill overlooking Cartagena, Castle San Felipe de Barajas was once a vital defense fort, but it’s now an insight into the country’s turbulent history and a fantastic viewpoint.

My favorite time to visit is just after sunrise when the castle first opens at 7 am. At this time, the grounds are usually peaceful, and you can soak up the views without interruption.

Another advantage of arriving early is that you’ll beat the heat and humidity. The castle doesn’t offer much shade and Cartagena’s weather can be intense, so it’s best to explore outdoor attractions like this one in the morning.

Beyond the amazing views, there’s plenty to keep you occupied inside the castle itself. You can climb through the many tunnels and staircases and explore the different levels.

Tickets will set you back 30,000 COP ($7.60) and can be bought in person at the ticket desk or online ahead of time.

Something to be aware of is that most of the information on site is in Spanish, but there are always guides available at the entrance if you want to do a deeper dive into the history of this fortress.

Breakfast at Época Café Bar

After visiting the castle, it’s finally time for breakfast! Around a 20-minute walk from Castle San Felipe de Barajas, you’ll find Época Café Bar , one of my favorite breakfast spots in Cartagena.

Between the decor, the staff, and the food, there’s nothing about this spot that I don’t love. This is Colombia, after all, so the coffee is also a stand-out feature!

The baristas here are incredibly knowledgeable and brilliant at explaining the entire coffee-making process, making it a must for all my fellow caffeine addicts.

I recommend trying the Calentado Época or the Chilaquiles for breakfast, both of which are absolutely delicious. You’ll also find lots of other items on the menu such as huevos shakshuka, acai bowls, pancakes, and waffles.

If you fancy something light or want to finish your breakfast with something sweet, their pastries are exquisite, too.

Explore the Walled City

After breakfast, you’ll be in the perfect spot to explore the rest of the walled city, the charming historic district of Cartagena.

Because pirates frequently attacked Cartagena, the walls were constructed to protect the city and are still standing today as the best preserved in all of South America.

The walls run for 11 km (6.8 miles) and are a sight in and of themselves. Within the ruins are some of Cartagena’s most beautiful and brightly colored colonial buildings, many of which have been transformed into gorgeous bars and restaurants.

I strongly encourage you to stick to comfy shoes for the first of your 3 days in Cartagena. From walking along the old stone walls to admiring the architecture and picking up cute souvenirs, you’ll spend most of your time in the Walled City on your feet. 

Some of the must-see spots you’ll want to check out are the beautiful Catedral de Santa Catalina de Alejandría and Santuario de San Pedro Claver, the iconic Torre del Reloj, and the lively Plaza de Santo Domingo featuring a sculpture by the famous Botero.

You can also visit several museums and art galleries along the way if you’re interested in learning more about Cartagena’s history and culture, such as the Museum of Cartagena de Indias or Museo Naval del Caribe.

Last but not least, make sure to stroll along at least a part of the wall that surrounds this part of the city. It offers stunning views of the ocean and the city!

Insider tip: You will come across many women dressed in colorful traditional clothing carrying fruit baskets on their heads while touring the Walled City. While it’s a fun photo opportunity, be aware that they will expect you to pay for the photo. Negotiate the price beforehand to avoid any misunderstandings.

Afternoon stroll at Getsemani

Another part of Cartagena that I absolutely fell in love with is Getsemani, the hip and trendy neighborhood on the edge of the Walled City.

If you take the colorful buildings and narrow walkways of the Walled City and give it a youthful, hipster-like spin, you’ll have a pretty good idea of what to expect from Getsemani.

On the way to Getsemani, you can also walk through Centario Park, a green space with plenty of palm trees and benches to relax on.

Once you arrive in Getsemani, it’s worth taking some time to just wander around. It’s a relatively small neighborhood, so you can easily explore it on foot.

One of the highlights is Plaza de la Trinidad, a lively square with music playing and street vendors selling food and drinks. It’s also a popular spot for locals to hang out and socialize in the evenings.

Getsemani is also known for its vibrant street art scene. Keep an eye out for colorful murals on the buildings and walls as you wander through the neighborhood.

Street art hunting was one of my favorite things to do in Cartagena and my favorite streets were Calle de la Lomba and Calle de Las Sombrillas, so definitely don’t miss these.

When you see how much this neighborhood thrives today, it’s difficult to believe that it was once downtrodden with crime and violence not so long ago.

Despite its remarkable overhaul, Getsemani has still managed to retain its local vibe and charm, making it a must-visit on your 3 days in Cartagena.

Sunset at Cafe del Mar

Before your feet give in after a busy day of exploring, make the 20-minute stroll to Cafe del Mar in time for sunset.

Cafe del Mar lies on the western edge of the old city walls and it’s one of the most popular spots to watch the sunset in Cartagena. It offers breathtaking views over the ocean and the city skyline, and the atmosphere is unbeatable as well.

The drinks list here feels almost never-ending, but you can’t go wrong with a glass (or jug!) of sangria or a margarita.

Although we didn’t try the food ourselves, the dishes coming out of the kitchen looked pretty tasty too, so it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re feeling hungry. The menu is mostly focused on seafood but there are also a couple of other options if you’re not a fan of fish.

In case you decide to eat elsewhere, check out the end of day 2 of this Cartagena itinerary for restaurant recommendations inside the Walled City.

Insider tip: Cafe del Mar gets quite busy during sunset, so make sure to arrive early if you want to snag a good spot. It’s also a good idea to make a reservation on their website in case you visit at an especially busy time.

Day 2 of Your 3 Day Cartagena Itinerary

Catamaran tour to the rosario islands.

Considering Cartagena is blessed with a seaside location alongside the glistening Caribbean waters, you have to spend at least one of your 3 days in Cartagena checking out the nearby Rosario Islands.

There are a number of tour companies that offer different packages, but most include snorkeling gear, lunch, and drinks onboard the boat.

We personally went with this top-rated Rosario Islands Catamaran Tour , and it was one of the highlights of our trip. You seriously can’t miss this experience!

The tour starts early in the morning at Muelle de la Bodeguita port, where you’ll hop on board the sleek catamaran that’ll be your transport for the day. On the way to the islands, you’ll get some amazing views of Cartagena’s skyline, so make sure to have your camera ready!

The boat will stop at different places along the way, where you can take a dip in the crystal clear waters or go snorkeling to explore the underwater world.

It’s important to note that the boat won’t take you to the islands themselves, it will only stop at different spots around them. This is the same on every tour, so don’t be disappointed if you don’t get to set foot on the actual islands.

The tour also includes a welcome drink, free non-alcoholic drinks during the day, and a delicious buffet lunch. There’s also a bar with alcoholic drinks available for purchase on board.

Sunset drinks at Hotel Movich Cartagena De Indias

Your boat trip will wrap up at the same port you departed from, which is around a 15-minute stroll from the fabulous Hotel Movich Cartagena De Indias .

If you’re still not sure about where to stay in Cartagena , make sure to take a look at this amazing hotel! It’s located in the heart of the Walled City and features a gorgeous rooftop pool with panoramic views over the city.

The good news is that the rooftop bar of the hotel is open to non-guests as well so even if you decide to stay somewhere else, make sure to head here for sunset drinks and some epic views.

This was hands down my favorite spot for sunset in Cartagena. There’s something magical about watching the sun go down over the colorful buildings and the ocean while sipping on a refreshing cocktail!

Talking about cocktails, the ones at Hotel Movich are delicious and they also have a great selection of local craft beers. It’s definitely one of the best places to end your second day in Cartagena!

Dinner in the Walled City 

Now that the sun’s gone down, it’s time to head for dinner, and I have a couple of places that I think you’ll love. Each of the spots I’ve mentioned below is also within a 5 or 10-minute walk from Movich Cartagena De Indias.

First up is La Cevichería , a traditional eatery that serves up some divine Colombian food even Anthony Bourdain approves of. Both the indoor and outdoor seating areas are regularly packed with foodies tucking into coconut ceviche, paella, and crispy tostones made from fried plantains.

A stylish restaurant within an enchanting old building, San Mateo specializes in a blend of Italian and Caribbean foods. As a result, the menu is huge, and you’ll have a hard time trying to decide between pizza, pasta, steak, and seafood. Stay a little later to catch some live music.

The sleek El Burlador Gastrobar is another personal favorite of mine, as it also combines live entertainment with top-quality food. Not only is the menu packed with delectable Spanish fare like gazpacho, carpaccio, and octopus, but you’ll also witness an old-school flamenco performance.

Day 3 of Your 3 Day Cartagena Itinerary

Option a: beach day at playa blanca.

For your final day in Cartagena, I will give you two options to choose from.

The first option is a beach day at Playa Blanca, which is considered one of the best beaches near Cartagena.

To be honest with you I debated whether I should mention this option at all or just stick to option B, but I figured as this is one of the most famous attractions near Cartagena, I will give you my honest opinion about it.

I’m planning to write a whole other post about why I don’t recommend visiting Playa Blanca but the short answer is that it’s a struggle to get there, it’s overpriced and overly touristy.

Playa Blanca is truly a beautiful beach, but unfortunately, it’s become some sort of a tourist trap in recent years. The beach can get incredibly crowded and it’s always full of vendors constantly pushing their products. The restaurants along the beach are also not the best and the food is crazily overpriced.

Also, getting to Playa Blanca is not that easy either. Basically, there is no public transportation option and there used to be a shuttle bus from the city to Playa Blanca, but it’s not in operation anymore. So if you’re planning on going, your only option is to take a taxi or join a tour .

We decided to call an Uber and I really wish we didn’t. It was a really long and expensive drive to get there but the real problem was that on the way back, we couldn’t find an Uber or a taxi to take us back to the city.

We ended up having 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.

All in all, while Playa Blanca may seem like a beautiful and convenient option for a beach day, I don’t think it’s worth the hassle and frustration.

If you really want to go, I would 100% recommend joining a tour that will take care of all the logistics for you and make the experience much more enjoyable. Or just go with Option B, but definitely don’t try to make the trip on your own.

Option B: Totumo Mud Volcano Experience

If you would like to stick to a safe option, you can join one of the most unique experiences in Cartagena.

Around an hour north of the center sits Santa Catalina, a small city that boasts a tiny volcano called El Totumo. Not what you typically picture when you imagine a volcano, El Tutumo releases mounds of warm, soft mud rather than lava.

This Totumo Mud Volcano Experience is a quintessential Cartagena excursion and is something you simply can’t leave off of your 3 day Cartagena itinerary.

Lasting around 4 or 5 hours, depending on how busy it is on the day of your tour, you’ll be whisked away to Santa Catalina in the morning and given a brief overview of the area and its history.

You’ll then do the 50-step climb to the volcano and dive into the thick mud that allegedly takes years off your skin, according to legends!

If you want to go all out, treat yourself to a massage for a small extra fee before washing off the mud in the nearby lake. Once everyone in your group has cleansed themselves in the water, you’ll start your journey back to Cartagena.

Explore Bocagrande

When you’re exploring Cartagena in 3 days, I definitely recommend saving a few hours of your time to visit Bocagrande, an affluent neighborhood that wouldn’t look out of place in Miami.

Countless high-rise hotels and lavish restaurants are nestled along the palm tree-lined beaches, where you can spend the rest of the day lounging on the sand or cooling off in the sea.

In fact, I think Bocagrande is one of the best places to stay in Cartagena if you are looking for a beautiful beach vacation and would rather stay out of the busy and loud Walled City.

Playa de Bocagrande is the main beach in the area and is less than 10 minutes from Walled City by car. There are plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas available for rental, and you’ll also find some cabanas for something a little more comfortable. 

As Playa de Bocagrande is closest to the city, naturally, it’s one of the busier beaches. For somewhere on the quieter side, head to the far end of the peninsula and check out Playa Castillo Grande instead.

If you’re still feeling energized or want to do some shopping, Bocagrande has plenty of high-end and boutique stores to keep you occupied for a few hours. 

Dinner at Bocagrande

As I’ve previously mentioned, Bocagrande has a wealth of top-class eateries to its name, so staying in the area for dinner will be well worth your time.

Leña y Carbon restaurante is among the finest spots in town for premium cuts of meat and local classics like bandeja paisa, a flavorful mix of meat, beans, and rice. For the ultimate experience, dine on the outdoor patio and take in the lively Colombian music.

If you’ve stuck to mostly traditional food during your 3 days in Cartagena, Di Silvio Trattoria is a wonderful alternative. This restaurant also gives you the option to dine al fresco, which is the perfect setting to enjoy your bruschetta, thin base pizza, or creamy gnocchi.

Ely Café Bocagrande has an eclectic and wide-ranging collection of dishes available when you’re not quite sure what you’re craving. Some popular dishes include the overloaded nachos, juicy cheeseburgers, and poke bowls, but I also really loved their salad bowls.

If you happen to be staying in the area, this cafe was also my favorite for breakfast and their coffee is top-notch as well. Overall, Bocagrande has a little bit of everything for everyone, making it a must-visit destination during your 3 day trip to Cartagena. So be sure to add it to your itinerary!

Useful Info for Spending 3 Days in Cartagena

Where to stay in cartagena .

Cartagena has so many gorgeous neighborhoods and districts to stay in, but there are a bunch of different factors that will dictate which one is a fit for you.

When you’re spending 3 days in Cartagena, you won’t want to be too far from the action, but being in a busy or expensive area isn’t for everyone. 

I think two of the best areas to stay in Cartagena are Centro and Bocagrande.

The Centro district, otherwise known as the old walled city, is the best place for first-time visitors to stay, and you’ll likely find your hotel built into a picturesque colonial building. This is the beating heart of Cartagena, so it can get crowded and costly at peak season.

If you fancy a taste of luxury and beachfront living, Bocagrande will surely fit the bill. Bocagrande is an upmarket, coastal neighborhood packed with modern, high-rise hotels and swanky restaurants.

It’s also a lot quieter than the old walled city, but it’s still not too far away should you want to explore. 

If you’re in a rush, here are my recommendations for these two areas for different budgets.

Best places to stay in Centro

• Luxury | Movich Hotel Cartagena
• Mid-range | La Passion by Masaya
• Budget | Casa India Catalina

Best places to stay in Bocagrande

• Luxury | Hyatt Regency Cartagena
• Mid-range | Hotel Almirante Cartagena
• Budget | Hotel Blue Concept

Best time to visit Cartagena

The best time of year to spend 3 days in Cartagena is usually between December and April. These months make up Cartagena’s dry season, which means you’ll avoid the heavy downpours and stifling humidity that the rainy period brings. 

Temperatures here are very consistent and rarely go below 76°F (24°C) or above 89°F (32°C), but it often feels much hotter during the wet season because of how heavy the air is.

As is the case with any city, when the weather is at its best, this is when most visitors plan their trips, so it can get crowded at times.

If you’re not keen on sharing your space with your fellow travelers, shoulder season months like November or May will be your best option.

Keep in mind that although these months are transitionary in terms of the weather, there’s a decent chance you’ll experience a handful of intense showers during your visit.

How to get around Cartagena

How you’ll get around Cartagena will differ based on where you’re going and how much time you have to play with, but I’m going to run through your different options below.

When you’re exploring the old walled city and neighborhoods like Getsemaní, walking will do just fine and is for sure the best way to discover these enchanting areas.

Cartagena’s primary form of public transport is its network of buses, and you’ll notice two types when you visit. The orange TransCaribe buses are great for getting out of the center to neighboring districts, while the minibuses are more like public taxis that don’t follow a set route.

The minibusses are a fun, local way to get around and are definitely worth trying out at least once. However, as they stop at various spots depending on where everyone on board is headed, they’re not the most convenient for seeing Cartagena in 3 days.

I found Uber to be the fastest and most hassle-free way to explore Cartagena. Finding cars was usually pretty simple, and it meant that we could hail a ride from anywhere for a reasonable price. If you find yourself without internet, the local yellow taxis are the next best thing.

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
• 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

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Winter is here! Check out the winter wonderlands at these 5 amazing winter destinations in Montana

• Travel Destinations

Hidden Gems And Must-Do Activities In Cartagena’s Old Town

Published: August 24, 2024

by Cathe Candelario

Cartagena's Old Town is a vibrant mix of history, culture, and charm. Walking through its cobblestone streets feels like stepping back in time. But what are the hidden gems and must-do activities in this enchanting place? From exploring ancient forts to savoring local cuisine, there's something for everyone. Visit the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas , a fortress with stunning views. Wander through the colorful streets of Getsemani , where street art tells stories of the past. Don't miss the Palace of the Inquisition , a museum filled with intriguing artifacts. Whether you're a history buff or just love beautiful places, Cartagena's Old Town has plenty to offer.

Discovering Cartagena's Old Town

Cartagena's Old Town is a vibrant mix of history, culture, and charm. With its cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, and lively plazas, there's always something to see and do. Here are some hidden gems and must-do activities to make the most of your visit.

Explore the Historic Sites

Cartagena's Old Town is rich with historical landmarks that tell the story of its past. These sites are not just educational but also visually stunning.

Castillo San Felipe de Barajas : This fortress stands as a testament to Cartagena's strategic importance during the colonial era. Wander through its tunnels and enjoy panoramic views of the city.

Palacio de la Inquisición : Once a tribunal for the Spanish Inquisition, this palace now houses a museum. Learn about Cartagena's darker history while admiring the colonial architecture.

Convento de la Popa : Perched on a hill, this convent offers breathtaking views of Cartagena. The interior is equally impressive, with beautiful religious artifacts and a serene courtyard.

Stroll Through the Colorful Streets

The streets of Cartagena's Old Town are a photographer's dream. Each corner reveals a new splash of color and a unique story.

Calle de la Sierpe : Known for its vibrant murals, this street is a canvas of local art. It's a great spot for photos and to appreciate the creativity of Cartagena's artists.

Calle de los Coches : This bustling street is lined with horse-drawn carriages and lively vendors. It's the perfect place to soak in the local atmosphere and maybe pick up a souvenir.

Calle San Juan de Dios : With its charming balconies and colorful facades, this street captures the essence of Cartagena's colonial charm. It's a peaceful place for a leisurely walk.

Savor the Local Cuisine

Cartagena's Old Town offers a culinary adventure with flavors that reflect its rich cultural heritage. Don't miss these local favorites.

La Cevichería : Famous for its fresh seafood, this restaurant is a must-visit. Try their ceviche, a local specialty that's bursting with flavor.

Café del Mar : Located on the city walls, this café offers stunning sunset views. Enjoy a cocktail while watching the sun dip below the horizon.

La Mulata : This cozy eatery serves traditional Caribbean dishes. The coconut rice and fried fish are particularly delicious.

Enjoy the Vibrant Nightlife

When the sun sets, Cartagena's Old Town comes alive with music, dance, and festivities. Experience the city's vibrant nightlife at these spots.

Café Havana : Known for its live salsa music, this bar is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Dance the night away or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Alquímico : This trendy bar offers creative cocktails in a stylish setting. Each floor has a different theme, making it a fun place to explore.

Donde Fidel : Located in Plaza de los Coches, this bar is perfect for people-watching. Grab a drink and enjoy the lively street performances.

Relax in the Plazas

Cartagena's plazas are the heart of the Old Town, offering a place to relax and soak in the local culture. Each plaza has its own unique charm.

Plaza Santo Domingo : This lively plaza is surrounded by restaurants and bars. It's a great place to sit and watch the world go by.

Plaza de la Aduana : The largest plaza in the Old Town, it's home to the city's customs house. The open space and historic buildings make it a picturesque spot.

Plaza de Bolívar : Named after the famous liberator, this plaza features a statue of Simón Bolívar. It's a peaceful place to relax under the shade of the trees.

Embrace Cartagena's Charm

Cartagena's Old Town offers a mix of history , culture , and adventure . Stroll through cobblestone streets lined with colorful buildings . Visit historic sites like the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas and Palace of the Inquisition . Enjoy local cuisine at Plaza Santo Domingo or Café del Mar . Don't miss the vibrant nightlife at Getsemaní . For a relaxing day, head to the Rosario Islands for some beach time. Whether you're exploring museums , shopping for souvenirs , or simply soaking in the atmosphere , Cartagena's Old Town has something for everyone. Make sure to capture the moments and immerse yourself in the local culture . This city is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered. Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in one of Colombia's most enchanting destinations.

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