Cartagena, the capital city of Colombia’s department of Bolívar, is the most visited city in the country, and for good reason. It’s not only the oldest city in Colombia – established by the Spanish in 1533, but one of the most well preserved, with colorful, colonial-style buildings lining the shores of crystal-clear beaches.
I visited Cartagena along the route of my 32 Departments of Colombia project and, quite frankly, anticipated a bit of a Disney World experience. But I was pleasantly surprised by what I found – despite its huge tourism boom, Cartagena has made a concerted effort to preserve the diverse stories present in the city. Home to a mix of afro colombian, indigenous, and Spanish histories, the city is a living example of the diversity and culture of the Colombian coast.
So is Cartagena worth a stop? To echo every other traveler out there, my answer is a resounding yes! But while the Walled City is certainly worth a visit, there is plenty to explore in this colorful coastal city, which is why I’ve written this ultimate guide to everything to see and do in Cartagena, Colombia. So let’s get exploring!
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A Brief History of Cartagena
Cartagena is the oldest Spanish city in Colombia, founded in 1533. For centuries, it acted as the largest port city in the New World, exporting local crops like sugarcane and tobacco and importing millions of African slaves. Afro Colombian stories are still very much a part of Cartagena’s history, past and present, so when exploring the city, it’s important to be aware and respectful of the hands that built it.
As a major port city on the Caribbean coast, Cartagena was also a hotspot for pirate attacks. In fact, its famous walled city was a result of this unrest, with the large stone walls built as a form of protection from pirates. The city was also a major point of contention amongst colonial forces as well, with the British trying unsuccessfully to conquer the city on multiple occasions.
While Cartagena was a huge Spanish port, it also played a formative role in Colombian independence, as the first major city to gain total independence from Spain in November of 1811 under the leadership of this department’s namesake of Simon Bolivar. November is still a time of major celebration in the city.
WATCH: What to do in Cartagena (and beyond!) – BOLÍVAR – 5/32
How to Get to Cartagena
Cartagena is a major city along the Colombian coast, with direct transport from other coastal cities like Barranquilla and Santa Marta as well as from the Colombian capital of Bogotá. Depending on where you’re starting from, the best ways to travel to the city are via plane or bus.
By Plane
The Cartagena Airport (CTG) has international flights from 7 different countries, including the USA, so it is possible to fly direct to the city without a stopover in the capital of Bogotá. There are also direct flights available from all major cities within Colombia, including Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali.
The CTG airport is a hub for Avianca, so I recommend checking Avianca flights both internationally and direct within Colombia to find some of the best prices.
By Bus
As a major city, Cartagena is a popular route with many bus companies throughout the country. If you’re coming from Medellín or Bogotá, I recommend looking for routes with Copetran or Expreso Brasilia, both of which have routes to Cartagena.
Just be warned, both of these bus routes are long! With Medellín to Cartagena clocking in at ~18 hours and Bogotá to Cartagena at ~22 hours, make sure you’ve packed plenty of snacks and books to keep you company along the way!
Best Tours of Cartagena, Colombia
Don’t want to DIY? Check out some of these unique experiences in Cartagena, Colombia.
🐴 Cartagena Beach Horse Ride – Experience Cartagena on horseback and learn about coastal horse culture!
🍫 Rum and Chocolate Tasting – Experience two of the coast’s most delicious exports on this hands-on tour
⛵️ Cartagena Sunset Cruise – Admire the Cartagena skyline and watch the sunset from a catamaran
The 16 Best Things to do in Cartagena, Colombia
Whether you want to connect with the local history or lounge away under the sunshine, there’s something for you in Cartagena! Here are my favorite things to do in the city.
1. Take a Walk Through the Walled City
Cartagena’s Historic Center is also known as the “Walled City,” thanks to the towering stone walls that surround the Centro Historico. The walls began construction in the 1600s as a means of defense from greedy pirates, and actually took over 200 years – and countless architects – to construct. These days, they’re the most well-preserved fortification in South America and one of the best places to visit in Cartagena.
The historic area within the walls is the oldest part of Cartagena and a beautiful example of colonial architecture. The colorful buildings are lined with flowers and nestled amongst historic churches, making it the perfect place to simply spend a day wandering with your camera in hand. Don’t forget to climb up on the old city walls to see the city from a new perspective!
One of the best ways to learn the stories of the Old Town is on a walking tour. This private walking tour will introduce you to the major sites of the Walled City as well as the nearby artsy Getsemaní neighborhood, or this group walking tour is a one of the best ways to get to know Cartagena, Colombia, as well as other travelers!
2. Eat Cocadas at the Portal de los Dulces
You can’t take a trip to Cartagena without trying some of its famous dulces, or sweets! The most famous is cocadas, a traditional sweet made from a mix of panela and shredded coconut, often flavored with pineapple, guava, or arequipe. And by far the best place to try them is at the Portal de los Dulces.
El Portal de los Dulces lines Cartagena’s Plaza de los Coches. The plaza has a long and complicated history, formerly serving as the slave market of the city of Cartagena. In the end of the 19th century, following abolition of slaves across the country, the plaza was transformed into Plaza de los Coches, where visitors can now hire horse-drawn carriages to explore the historic city and shop for the traditional sweets of Cartagena.
While cocadas are certainly the most popular sweet on display, there’s plenty to choose from! My favorite were the tamarind balls – a decadent mix of sweet and sour. Whatever you’re craving, a visit to El Portal de los Dulces is a must on any trip to Cartagena.
3. Admire Street Art in Getsemaní
The most colorful neighborhood in Cartagena, Getsemaní is covered head to toe in murals, flags, and brightly-colored umbrellas. It’s a short walk from the historic center and probably the most Instagrammed neighborhood in the city!
However, this neighborhood wasn’t always this way. Historically, Getsemaní was home to much of Cartagena’s enslaved population, many of whom worked in construction on the historic buildings in the Old Town. By the 20th century the neighborhood had fallen into crime, and in an effort to reclaim the space, local artists took to the walls of the neighborhood to create art as a social movement. What resulted was a growing movement of art as a means of social change and resistance, with the story of the neighborhood similar to that of Medellin’s well-known Comuna 13.
These days, Getsemaní is an eclectic, bohemian neighborhood filled with backpacker bars and hostels, and certainly worth a visit! However, I encourage you to learn about the neighborhood’s history and significance as a major point of social change as you explore. One of the best ways to do so is by joining a walking tour, such as this private tour by Nexperience, or this group tour by Gran Colombia.
4. Experience the Nightlife at Plaza de la Trinidad
Getsemaní’s Plaza de la Trinidad is the heart and center of this colorful neighborhood, where locals and visitors alike gather every evening outside La Iglesia de la Trinidad to dance, chat, and of course enjoy a few cold polas. Thanks to its popularity it also draws a number of street vendors, so you’ll have your choice of some of the best street food in Cartagena!
Besides it’s reputation as a hang-out spot, La Plaza de la Trinidad is also a notable historical site in the city of Cartagena. The plaza was home to a major demonstration in 1811, where neighborhood residents gathered to protest continued Spanish rule as well as advocate for the abolition of enslaved persons. Ever since, the plaza has colloquially been referred to as “La Plaza de La Libertad,” or “The Plaza of Freedom.”
5. Try Bandeja del Pescado at Coroncoro
Personally recommended to me by my local friend Mercedes as “delicious but inexpensive,” Coroncoro sits right in the middle of the Getsemaní neighborhood and whips up some of Cartagena’s most iconic for extraordinary prices.
A must try is the bandeja del pescado, a platter filled with Cartagena staples such as patacones (fried green plantains), coconut rice, and of course, tender red snapper, deep fried to perfection. Served alongside fish soup and a cold cup of guarapo costeño (juice made with panela and lime) this makes for the perfect lunch, costeño-style.
Recommended Reading: The Best Things to do in Salento – Colombia’s Coffee Town!
6. Spot Sloths in el Parque Centenario
In between the neighborhood of Getsemaní and the Centro Historico is El Parque Centenario, a relaxing city park that’s a nice nature break from the bustling neighborhoods that surround it. In fact, the park is so tranquil it’s actually home to a number of friendly creatures – we’re talking squirrels, monkeys, and even sloths!
You heard me right – the park is actually home to eight three-toed sloths, who enjoy hanging out in the trees and admiring the people walking below. Grab an empanada from a local vendor and keep an eye out for friendly faces lounging in the branches, but be sure to grip that empanada tight, the monkeys can be sneaky!
7. Lounge the Day Away Peninsula Bocagrande
Despite its location right on the Caribbean Sea, most of Cartagena’s most popular beach destinations are located outside the city limits. However, if you’re looking for some beach time just a short walk or taxi from the city center, the best place to find it is along the Bocagrande Peninsula.
This long stretch of beach lined with highrises more so resembles Miami Beach than the tranquil palm-tree lined beaches you might be picturing, but it’s still a great place to get some beach bummin’ in if you don’t want to go far from the city. Rent an umbrella and some chairs and enjoy a fresh cup of ceviche right along the shoreline.
The Bocagrande Peninsula is home to a number of beaches to choose from, though the most easily accessible is Playa Bocagrande itself. If you’re willing to travel a little further down the peninsula, Playa Castillo Grande is located towards the end, therefore is often a bit more tranquil with a wider beach.
Recommended Reading: The Ultimate Guide to San Andres Island – Colombia’s Island Paradise
8. Visit El Castillo de San Felipe
Located just outside Cartagena’s Walled City, El Castillo San Felipe de Barajas is not just considered the most extraordinary fortress in Cartagena, but in any of the Spanish colonies. Constructed in 1536, it’s an incredible feat of architecture and one of the most well-preserved fortresses in the New World.
The fortress itself towers over the city and is basically indestructible – trust me, the British tried and failed! It was constructed with a layered fortress system, meaning that even if an enemy were to conquer a fortress, they’d still have plenty more to go! These fortresses were connected by underground tunnels, many of which are still open to the public to explore today. It felt very Pirates of the Caribbean to wander through the dimly-lit halls, and I couldn’t help but imagine Captain Jack Sparrow himself trying to conquer El Castillo de San Felipe.
The fortress is open daily from 8AM-6PM, with tickets costing 25,000 COP (~$7 USD) for visitors. You can visit independently, or join a guided tour like this one to learn more about the fortress and its history.
9. Admire the Sunset from the Old City Walls
Cartagena is filled with epic spots to watch the sunset (see Castillo San Felipe above!) but perhaps no spot is better than from the Old City Walls themselves.
Cafe del Mar is a popular spot serving up tapas and cocktails located right on top of the city walls themselves. Due to its location it can be a little pricey on a backpacker budget, but certainly worth the splurge for the best sunset views in town.
However, if cocktails are outside your budget, you can always grab a beer from one of the shops in the Old Town (Aguila is king on the Colombian coast) and enjoy it from the Old City Walls. You’ll likely notice plenty of locals doing the same!
10. Take a Sunset Cruise
Another one of the best ways to view the Cartagena sunset is from the ocean itself! Imagine watching the sun set over the city skyline while sipping a glass of wine or a refreshing limonada de coco – sounds like the ultimate beach vacation to me!
There are a number of boat operators that offer sunset tours from Cartagena, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from whether you’re looking for a yacht party or a world-class dinner. Here are some highly recommended options:
Sunset Cruise with Dinner and Wine | Looking for an all-inclusive night out, with world-class cuisine and wine? This sunset cruise along the Cartagena coast comes with a 4-course dinner, wine pairings, and some of the most stunning sunset views in the city. Need I say more?
Pirate Cruise with Open Bar | Want to embrace your inner pirate? This sunset cruise takes place on a pirate ship, and we’re talking full Pirates of the Caribbean style! Along the way you’ll learn the history of piracy in Cartagena, all while sipping Limonada and admiring stunning views of Cartagena.
Speedboat Sunset Party | Looking for the best party in Cartagena? This sunset speedboat party is one of the best ways to party with fellow travelers and locals alike. The price comes with an open bar as well as club entry afterwards, so the party doesn’t have to end when the sun goes down!
11. Visit the Bazurto Market
There’s a reason Anthony Bourdain himself visited el Mercado Bazurto – it’s a bustling, chaotic, and delicious piece of the story of Cartagena.
This local market is often described as “not for the faint of heart” or “for adventurous travelers only.” However, as a lover of local markets myself, I think it’s the perfect way to get outside of Cartagena’s curated historic center and experience a more local side of the city.
The market is located about 15 minutes from Cartagena’s historic center and is home to everything from tropical fruit to fresh seafood, bicycle parts to aphrodisiac herbs. It’s a shock to the senses, full of colors, smells, and tastes all worth exploring.
You can visit the Bazurto Market on your own via a short taxi ride from the center, but one of the best ways to get a feel for the place (and try all the foods!) is by visiting with a local guide. This three-hour tour with a local will introduce you to the real Cartagena – Anthony Bourdain style!
12. Get a Photo with a Palenquera
The Palenqueras are a staple of Cartagena, recognizable for their colorful dresses and baskets of tropical fruits. They are a legacy of Afro Colombian tradition, their stories stemming from the nearby town of San Basilio de Palenque. These days, they’ve become emblematic of Cartagena, posing with tourists in the streets of the Old Town as a symbol of Colombia.
Historically, the palenqueras would travel the 31 kilometers from Palenque to Cartagena to sell fruit in order to support their communities. As direct descendents of escaped slaves, they would often dress in colorful clothing, representative of their African traditions. Their colorful dresses and delicious fruits gained them recognition throughout the city, and these days, palenqueras have evolved into a major part of the cultural and historical identity of Cartagena.
You can’t visit the city without posing for a photo op with a palenquera. However, it’s important to remember that this is their livelihood, so please tip appropriately after posing for a photo. I recommend a minimum of 5,000 COP per palenquera if you are able.
By the way – San Basilio de Palenque is not only a great day trip from Cartagena, but my favorite thing I did in the department of Bolívar. It’s absolutely worth a visit to learn more about the history and legacy of this extraordinary town.
13. Enjoy the Cartagena Music Festival
If you’re visiting Cartagena in January you’re in luck! Every year, Cartagena hosts the Cartagena Music Festival, a huge international music festival bringing artists from around the world to create music together on the shores of the Caribbean. With a number of paid and free events, it’s worth a visit if you’re in town at the right time.
Every year, the festival has a different theme, bringing together the musical talents of artists from around the world. Although the festival leans towards classical music, you’ll also be able to find folk music from around the world with a focus on drawing cultural connections.
I was lucky to visit during the 2024 festival, the theme of which was “Sounds of Nature.” I visited a free concert at the Centro de Convenciones and can honestly say it was one of the most fabulous events of my life. If you have the chance – go!
14. Visit the Museo del Oro Zenú
Long before Spanish ships arrived bringing slaves from Africa, the shores of Cartagena were occupied by the Zenú indigenous people. These days, much of their culture has been erased – many visitors to Cartagena may never even hear of the Zenú! However, there are still a number of ways to connect with Zenú culture on a visit to the city, beginning at the Museo del Oro Zenú.
Dedicated to the collection of Zenú goldwork and preservation of indigenous history, the Museo del Oro Zenú is one of the best places in Cartagena to learn about indigenous tradition. Home to a number of unique exhibitions as well as opportunities for conversation and learning, this museum is a must-visit for those interested in learning more about Cartagena’s untold stories.
The museum is open from 9AM-5PM Tuesday-Saturday, 9AM-2PM on Sunday, and is closed on Mondays. Admission is free.
If you want to learn more about Zenú culture on the Colombian coast, check out this sustainable tour from Impulse Travel to a weaving workshop, or better yet, check out my videos from the departments of Sucre and Cordobá to learn more about the famous sombrero vueltiao!
15. Hop on a Chiva Party Bus
If you’re looking for the most unique party in Cartagena, there’s only one day to do it – a Chiva Party Bus!
These large wooden buses are a typical form of transport in Colombia, Ecuador, and Panama, but in many Colombian cities have taken on a new life as a unique means of nightlife. With party lights flashing and champeta blasting, you’ll hear it coming from far away!
Yeah it might be goofy, but now is time to embrace the kitschiness! So hop on board, grab a beer, and get ready to dance the night away!
Looking for nightlife? Check out this nighttime Chiva party through some of the major highlights of the city, ending at a nightclub where you can continue to dance the night away! Want to ride a Chiva but nightlife isn’t your thing? Check out this daytime tour of Cartagena highlights, all on the back of a chiva!
16. Dance the Night Away
Colombia is the country of salsa, but the Colombian coast is also known for its champeta, merengue, and bachata. Whatever style of music and dance you’re looking for, you can find it in Cartagena, so strap on your dancing shoes and get ready to dance the night away!
One of the most well known spots in the city is Media Luna in the Getsemaní neighborhood, and with a huge party on the rooftop terrace every Wednesday night, it’s a great place to meet other travelers while putting your dance skills to the test.
However, if you’re looking for a more local joint, Bazurto Social Club is a great spot, home to tasty food, delicious drinks, and some of the best champeta in the city. But hey, it’s also in Getsemaní, so why not turn the night into a bar hop?
Recommended Reading: The Best Things to do in Cali, Colombia – The Salsa Capital of the World!
Where to Stay in Cartagena
Whether you’re looking for a world-class accommodation or a hostel bunk bed, Cartagena offers a little bit of everything! From tranquil ocean views to party hostels, there’s a little bit of something for everyone in this city.
Check out all lodging options in Cartagena on Booking.com
Hostels in Cartagena
Life is Good Hostel | Located in Cartagena’s colorful Getsemaní neighborhood, this hostel is located just steps from most backpacker hotspots while still offering a quiet, tranquil place to relax. Mingle with other travelers in a cooking class, or relax on the rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city.
AcuaVista Hostel | Is beachin’ your top priority on your trip to Cartagena? It’s in the name – AcuaVista Hostel is located walking distance from Marbella Beach. It’s also a short walk from all of Cartagena’s top sites in Getsemaní and the Walled City, making it the perfect best of both worlds!
Casa Movida Hostel | Located within Cartagena’s Walled City, this colorful hostel also features and restaurant, bar, and an indoor pool. So after a long day exploring historic Cartagena, a cold beer and a relaxing swim are only a short walk away!
Hotels in Cartagena
Casa BuGo | With a complimentary massage for all new reservations, Casa BuGo is the ultimate relaxing stay while in Cartagena. Located within the Walled City, it’s walking distance from many of Cartagena’s major tourist attractions, but the perfect place to unwind after a day spent exploring.
Hotel Boutique Las Carretas | Home to Spanish-style courtyards and intricate Caribbean balconies, Las Carretas might just be the most beautiful hotel in Cartagena. Located within the Walled city, it also offers delicious breakfast, an outdoor pool, and a number of day trips organized right through the front desk.
Casa Pizarro | With private jacuzzis and rooftop terraces, Casa Pizarro offers all the little luxuries to make your trip to Cartagena memorable. With a location in the heart of Getsemaní, it’s also the perfect distance from all of the city’s major attractions.
The Best Time to Visit Cartagena
No matter when you visit Cartagena, expect the weather to be hot and sunny – we are in the Caribbean after all! Peak tourist season is generally considered between December and April, so during this time you’ll likely find larger crowds.
However, Cartagena does experience two distinct seasons, a dry season from December to April and a wet season from May to November. Wet season does not necessarily mean constant rain, but you can expect afternoon showers with a higher likelihood of overcast skies, so it’s important to pack accordingly. However, this season is also less popular with tourists, so if you’re looking for more peace and quiet this is a good time to travel!
I visited Cartagena during January and had a great time in spite of it being peak season. I found waking up early was a great way to avoid both the heat and the crowds, so set those alarms for sunrise and enjoy Cartagena to yourself!
Why Visit Cartagena?
Cartagena has certainly made a name for itself on the tourist trail, but for good reason. It’s a city filled with some of the best-preserved history in Colombia, not to mention beautiful beaches to boot. History buffs and beach bums alike will find plenty to explore in this colorful city.
As the gateway to the Colombian coast, Cartagena is also a great jumping-off point for a number of unique day trips around the region in order to connect more deeply with coastal culture. It’s also a great base for a number of adventures along the Caribbean Coast – nearby Barranquilla is home to the country’s largest Carnival and the islands of San Andres and Providencia are just a short flight away.
If you want to learn more about Cartagena, I highly recommend watching my video about the department of Bolívar from my 32 Departments of Colombia series. Let me know in the comments below, what did I miss in Cartagena?
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Virginia Taylor (Ginna) is a travel writer and photographer exploring the world until her boots wear through. She’s currently on a mission to explore all 32 departments of Colombia, though she formerly called the Middle East home. Want to know more? Visit the About Page.
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