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Hola from the colorful, charming, and unforgettable city of Cartagena, Colombia! This city has been on my bucket list for years and I am SO happy to be here exploring for a few days before heading to Bogota for my friend’s wedding! Cartagena is located in the very northern part of the country, along the Caribbean Sea. Its Walled City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and there are centuries of history here, along with pristine white beaches to explore. This guide is going to cover the top things to do in Cartagena during your trip!
Don’t have time to read the full guide? This 2 hour walking tour is the BEST way to get the highlights of the history, see the top sights in the Old Town, and learn about Cartagena. Plus, it’s literally $11.
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Know Before You Go: Colombia Edition
Here are a few simple facts about traveling to Colombia to help you prepare for your upcoming visit!
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Language
Colombians speak Spanish. Although the country fought for and won its independence from Spain in 1811, the country’s primary language is Spanish.
Some English may be spoken, but compared to other countries in Latin America, I have found less English speakers. Most of our Uber drivers, waitstaff, bartenders, and even tour guides spoke just Spanish. It would help to learn a few phrases before your visit!
Currency
The local currency in Colombia is the Colombian Peso. You will definitely need cash during your time in Cartagena, specifically for tips and at markets. Most restaurants accept credit card, but take out some cash at the airport before you arrive. Your $$$ will go far here. 1 Colombian Peso is 0.00024 US Dollar, so don’t be alarmed if your dinner costs 80,000. It’s really just $20 USD.
Weather (Best Time Of Year To Visit Cartagena)
The weather in Cartagena is hot and humid year-round. It’s a tropical climate, so expect strong sun and temperatures in the low 80s – mid 90s, depending on the season. The dry season, and best time of year to visit Cartagena is from December – April. The rainy season starts in May and runs through the fall with October and November being the wettest months.
The locals joke that there are only two seasons here: “hot” and “very hot”, so pack accordingly! You’ll want lots of sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, etc.
WiFi / Phone Service
Most restaurants and hotels in Cartagena have wifi you can use during your stay. Additionally, if you have an international phone plan, it should switch on when you land no problem for data and phone calls. My favorite phone carrier for travel is T-Mobile’s Magenta Plan!
Pro-tip: We even had service while visiting the Rosario Islands outside of Cartagena! Phone service shouldn’t be a problem for you on this trip.
Water
It is not recommended to use or drink the tap water in Colombia. In Cartagena, I recommend brushing your teeth with bottled water, only drinking ice if it’s from a trustworthy restaurant, and ordering bottled water. Since the climate is so hot here (we are very close to the equator!), you will want to stay very hydrated. I’ve been drinking Pedialyte most days to get electrolytes.
How Long Should I Stay In Cartagena?
Assuming you are flying into the Rafael Núñez International Airport outside of Cartagena from an international destination, I recommend staying in Cartagena for about 3-4 days. This way, you can give yourself some time to adjust to the heat, time change, and not feel rushed while exploring the historic sites. Also, you MUST set aside one full day to see the Rosario Islands during your trip here! Visiting these islands off the coast is one of the best things to do in Cartagena.
How To Get Around Cartagena
The historic city of Cartagena is extremely walkable and quite small! You can definitely explore on foot. When getting from the airport to your hotel or to a tour, I recommend using Uber! Do NOT use the taxis here. They often scam tourists, overcharge, and overall aren’t very safe. Even the locals say not to use them. Uber is efficient is really affordable. Most of our drivers arrived within 1-2 minutes of ordering the ride and cost just a few dollars to get to our destination.
Where To Stay In Cartagena, Colombia
Boy, do I have the perfect accommodation recommendation for you! My friend Bri found this apartment located just outside of the Walled City and it’s been AMAZING! The location is really great. We do have to Uber everywhere, but the rides have been just 5-10 minutes, and plus — it’s a lot safer to Uber here than walk, especially at night.
The apartment building has a small market downstairs, 24/7 security in the lobby, and amenities for guests to enjoy, including a rooftop infinity pool, gym, coworking space, and terrace. We’ve been hanging out up here every night at sunset and it seriously is one of the best views I’ve ever seen while traveling.
Plus our two bed, two bath apartment costs ONLY ~$100 USD per night. Split among my friends and I, that’s less than $40 per person per night.
If you ever find yourself in Cartagena, I highly recommend staying here! Honestly this pool alone has been one of the best things to do in Cartagena!
Things To Do In Cartagena
And now for the fun part of this Colombia travel guide — let’s dive into the top things to do in Cartagena!
What To See
You will most likely spend the bulk of your time in Cartagena exploring the Walled City, a vibrant historic city dotted with cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, colorful buildings, and charming plazas. The entire Walled City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site — perfect for walking tours and photos.
The best way to explore the Walled City is on a guided walking tour! I always recommend booking one of these for your first full day (ideally in the morning!), so you can get the highlights of the history and geography, and also ask your guide for local recommendations!
The Walled City / “Old Town”
While here be sure to see the following sites:
- Plaza Santo Domingo: Home to the famous reclining “fat lady” sculpture by Botero and great outdoor dining spots.
- Plaza de Bolivar: The main plaza in the Walled City. It usually has vendors and local dancing!
- Ábaco Libros y Café: Charming bookstore and coffee shop where you can grab a latte, special souvenir, or do some work! I sat here for many hours during a rainstorm during my trip.
- Torre del Reloj: This beautiful yellow building is the “Clock Tower” in the city. It’s the main city gate and is a common starting point for walking tours. Grab some pics here during your time in Cartagena!
- Catedral de Santa Catalina de Alejandria: Main church in Cartagena with one of the most beautiful steeples and interiors. The view down Calle de la Iglesia (Carrera 4) leading up to the church is one of the most iconic photo spots in Cartagena.
- Almacen El Centavo Menos: Indoor market in the center of Cartagena that sells prints, magnets, coffee, handwoven bags, and more. It’s the perfect place to buy a souvenir!
- Portal Del Los Dulces: Literally translates to “portal of sweets” and is a walkway in the old town full of vendors selling local desserts and candies.
- Centenario Park: We walked through this park on our walking tour from the Old Town to Getsemaní. You MUST stroll through here. You can see iguanas, sloths, and monkeys in the wild that the government cares for. Pretty cool to see right in a city!
Pro-tip: As a bonus top thing to do in Cartagena, you should take pictures with Palenqueras, aka the ladies in colorful dresses! They come to Cartagena everyday from a historic town about 1 hour away. Usually they are seen with fruit on their heads. If you want a photo, be sure to settle on a price PER person BEFORE. It normally costs 5,000 Colombian Pesos (about $1) per person for a picture.
Castillo San Felipe De Barajas
If you’re interested in history, be sure to set aside time to visit Castillo San Felipe de Barajas. Located about a 5-10 minute car ride from the Walled City or a 15 minute walk, this 17th-century fortress is one of the top things to do in Cartagena. Towering above the city, this massive fort is one of the greatest military structures built by the Spanish in the Americas. Its maze of tunnels and fascinating history make it a must-visit.
Pro-tip: Go early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and afternoon rain showers. This top-rated guided tour includes entrance into the castle, a tour of the Old Town, and a trip up to the tallest point in Cartagena!
Getsemaní Neighborhood
Located adjacent to the Walled City is Getsemaní. This was where the merchants and sailors used to live (lower class), but is now a popular residential and tourist neighborhood.
Known as Cartagena’s bohemian quarter, these blocks are filled with street art, hip cafes, live music, and a youthful energy. Its murals and colonial charm make it a favorite for photographers and creatives. Carrera 10c and Carrera 9 are some of the most colorful streets here!
Don’t miss Plaza de la Trinidad, a buzzing square where locals and travelers gather every evening for dancing and entertainment.
What To Do
Aside from enjoying a walking tour to get the highlights of the history, here are some other ideas for excursions I recommend doing during your time in Colombia.
Visit The Rosario Islands
The Rosario Islands are an archipelago of 27 private & public islands located about 1 hour away from Cartagena on speed boat. These islands are all made up of coral and have white-sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and are the perfect day trip!
Here, you can visit the Oceanarium (aquarium), see Pablo Escobar’s party mansion from the 80s, enjoy various beach clubs, and snorkel in the reefs. I recommend this full-day tour through GetYourGuide to do all of these activities & to make the most of the Caribbean’s natural beauty. We visited Fuerte de San Fernando de Bocachica on Tierre Bomba, had time at the beach on IslaBela Island & Isla Grande, and also had lunch at Playa Blanca on Baru.
Take A Colombian Cooking Class
Discover the flavors of the Colombian coast by learning how to make traditional dishes like ceviche, arepas de huevo, or coconut rice. Many local chefs offer hands-on cooking classes that include market tours and fresh ingredients.
See Sunset
Strolling along the Las Murallas (the old city walls) is a quintessential Cartagena experience. As the sun sets over the Caribbean, the warm light paints the colonial buildings golden and the ocean glows. It’s romantic, atmospheric, and perfect for photos.
Pro-tip: Grab a cocktail at Café del Mar for front-row sunset views. This bar is up on the historic walls!
Where To Eat & Drink
Colombian food is delicious! The food here has been so flavorful. While I’ve been straying away from trying street vendors, I have been eating local cuisine. Here are my restaurant recommendations, plus one of the coolest cocktail bars in the world for nightlife.
Carmen Restaurant
This place has been in almost every other blog post I read and was highly recommended. It did NOT disappoint. Carmen Restaurant blends Colombian cuisine with international twists, and is located in beautiful garden setting. The service here is impeccable — our waiter brought us many little bites & treats to try!
Pro-tip: I would grab a reservation to eat here in advance. It’s definitely a popular spot!
Inkanto Prime Cartagena
Known for being one of the top 25 best restaurants in South America, Inkanto Prime Cartagena is a stylish Peruvian restaurant located inside the Santa Catalina Hotel in Cartagena’s historic center. The restaurant has a vibrant atmosphere, live music, creative cocktails, and tons of ceviche!
Candé Restaurante
Candé Restaurante in Cartagena offers a vibrant and immersive dining experience that celebrates the city’s rich cultural heritage. The menu is all local cuisine (I recommend the whole dish with coconut rice!), and the rooms look like they belong in a magazine! The atmosphere here is also lively with music from a band and dance performances; dancers quite literally dance around the room!
Nia Bakery Coffee Shop & Cocktails
In terms of aesthetics and menu, this is hands down my favorite restaurant in Cartagena! Nia Cafe is a must for speciality coffee, brunch, a cocktail, or sweet treat. The team behind this cafe perfectly blends Colombian flavors with Scandinavian baking techniques, and the colorful decor makes for a very Instagrammable, beautifully designed space. Plus, the cafe gives back to local communities! We went here twice during our trip!
Alquímico Bar
This is one of the coolest cocktail bars I’ve been to in the world. It’s a 3 floor bar, housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century mansion.
Each floor offers a different menu and unique experience: the ground floor features cocktails crafted with ingredients sourced from local agricultural communities, the second floor has classic cocktails with Colombian twists, and the rooftop terrace serves drinks highlighting produce from the bar’s own farm.
Pro-tip: There is really fun nightlife in Cartagena, however, be careful walking around in the dark. It’s best to stay in a group!
That brings us to the end of this guide covering the top things to do in Cartagena! I hope I’ve inspired you to visit this vibrant South American city for a few days… it really is a gem!
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