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Cartagena, Colombia - Things to Do in Cartagena

Things to Do in Cartagena

Cartagena, Colombia - Complete Travel Guide

Cartagena, Colombia's crown jewel on the Caribbean coast, is a mesmerizing blend of colonial grandeur, vibrant culture, and tropical paradise. The city's UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, known as Ciudad Amurallada, enchants visitors with its perfectly preserved 16th-century architecture, colorful colonial buildings adorned with cascading bougainvillea, and ancient stone walls that once protected this strategic port from pirates and invaders. Beyond its historical significance, modern Cartagena pulses with infectious energy through its world-class dining scene, bustling plazas filled with street performers and vendors, and nearby pristine Caribbean islands perfect for day trips. The city seamlessly weaves together its rich Afro-Caribbean heritage, Spanish colonial legacy, and contemporary Colombian culture, creating an intoxicating atmosphere where salsa rhythms drift from rooftop bars, world-renowned chefs serve innovative cuisine, and every sunset paints the ancient ramparts in golden hues.

Top Things to Do in Cartagena

Explore the Walled City and Colonial Architecture

Wander through the enchanting cobblestone streets of Ciudad Amurallada, admiring the impeccably preserved Spanish colonial architecture with its iconic wooden balconies, vibrant facades, and flower-draped courtyards. Visit the historic plazas like Plaza de Armas and Plaza de San Diego, where street artists, musicians, and vendors create a lively atmosphere against the backdrop of centuries-old churches and mansions.

Booking Tip: Free to explore on your own, but guided walking tours cost $15-25 per person and provide valuable historical context. Early morning (8-10am) or late afternoon (4-6pm) offer the best lighting and fewer crowds. Look for certified local guides who speak your language and have good reviews.

Island Hopping to Rosario Islands

Escape to the pristine Rosario Islands archipelago, just 45 minutes by boat from Cartagena, featuring crystal-clear Caribbean waters, white sand beaches, and excellent snorkeling opportunities. Visit Playa Blanca on Barú Island or explore the smaller islands like Isla del Sol, where you can relax in beach clubs, swim in turquoise lagoons, and enjoy fresh seafood with your toes in the sand.

Booking Tip: Day trips range from $30-60 per person including boat transport and lunch. Book through reputable operators with good boats and safety equipment. Avoid overcrowded tours - look for smaller groups (max 15 people) and check if snorkeling gear is included.

Sunset from the City Walls

Experience one of the world's most romantic sunsets by walking along Cartagena's ancient fortification walls, particularly the stretch from Baluarte de San Francisco Javier to Café del Mar. As the sun dips into the Caribbean Sea, the golden light illuminates the colonial city while waves crash against the 400-year-old stones below, creating an unforgettable magical hour experience.

Booking Tip: The walls are free to access during the day, but Café del Mar charges a cover fee ($10-15) for sunset viewing with drinks. Arrive 30 minutes before sunset to secure a good spot. Consider booking a sunset cocktail tour ($25-35) that includes drinks and appetizers.

Discover Local Cuisine and Street Food

Embark on a culinary journey through Cartagena's diverse food scene, from street vendors selling fresh arepas con huevo and empanadas to upscale restaurants serving innovative Caribbean-Colombian fusion cuisine. Sample local specialties like ceviche, patacones, and coconut rice while learning about the African, Spanish, and indigenous influences that shape the city's gastronomy.

Booking Tip: Food tours cost $40-70 per person and typically last 3-4 hours with 6-8 tastings. Choose tours that include both street food and restaurant stops. Evening tours often include drinks and are more atmospheric. Ensure the operator follows food safety standards.

Visit Castillo San Felipe de Barajas

Explore South America's largest and most impressive Spanish colonial fortification, this massive 17th-century fortress that dominates Cartagena's skyline. Navigate through the complex network of tunnels, chambers, and ramparts while learning about the military strategies used to defend the city from pirates and foreign invaders, all while enjoying panoramic views over the modern city and Caribbean coast.

Booking Tip: Entrance fee is about $8 for foreigners. Visit early morning (8-10am) to avoid heat and crowds. Audio guides cost extra $5 but are worthwhile for historical context. Wear comfortable shoes as there's significant walking and climbing involved.

Getting There

Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) serves Cartagena with direct flights from major Colombian cities like Bogotá (1.5 hours) and Medellín (1 hour), as well as international connections from Miami, Panama City, and other Caribbean destinations. The airport is located about 20 minutes from the Old Town, with official taxis costing around $15-20, while ride-sharing apps like Uber offer slightly cheaper alternatives. For overland travel, luxury buses connect Cartagena to other Colombian cities, though the journey from Bogotá takes about 20 hours through scenic but winding mountain roads.

Getting Around

Cartagena's compact Old Town is best explored on foot, as most attractions, restaurants, and hotels are within walking distance of each other along charming cobblestone streets. For longer distances, official yellow taxis are readily available and affordable ($3-8 for most trips), though always agree on the fare beforehand or ensure the meter is running. Uber operates in the city and is often preferred by tourists for transparent pricing, while the local bus system (Transcaribe) serves mainly residential areas and is less useful for visitors staying in the historic center.

Where to Stay

Old Town (Ciudad Amurallada)
Getsemaní
Bocagrande
Laguito
El Centro
Manga

Food & Dining

Cartagena's culinary scene ranges from world-class fine dining establishments helmed by internationally acclaimed chefs to authentic street food vendors serving traditional Caribbean-Colombian specialties. The Old Town houses elegant restaurants like Alma and Carmen, where innovative chefs blend local ingredients with international techniques, while the trendy Getsemaní neighborhood offers hip cafés, craft breweries, and casual eateries perfect for younger travelers. Don't miss the street food experience - try arepas con huevo from morning vendors, fresh fruit from colorful palenqueras (fruit vendors in traditional dress), and late-night empanadas from local hole-in-the-wall spots that come alive after dark.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Colombia

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Vapiano Colombia Restaurante Italiano

4.7 /5
(9177 reviews) 2

Storia D'Amore zona T

4.7 /5
(7615 reviews) 3

Takuma Cocina Show

4.9 /5
(5235 reviews) 2

Trattoria de la Plaza | 7 de agosto Bogotá

4.6 /5
(5210 reviews) 2

Osaka Bogotá

4.7 /5
(5075 reviews) 4
bar

Piazza by Storia D'Amore Calle 93 Bogotá

4.7 /5
(3327 reviews) 3

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Cartagena is during the dry season from December to April, when you'll enjoy sunny skies, minimal rainfall, and comfortable temperatures around 80-85°F (27-29°C) with refreshing Caribbean breezes. This peak season coincides with North American winter, making it ideal for beach activities and outdoor exploration, though expect higher prices and larger crowds. The shoulder months of November and May offer good weather with fewer tourists and better deals, while the rainy season (June-October) brings afternoon showers and higher humidity but also lush landscapes, dramatic skies, and significantly lower accommodation prices for budget-conscious travelers.

Insider Tips

Exchange money at official casas de cambio rather than street vendors for better rates and security, and always carry small bills as many vendors don't accept large denominations
Book dinner reservations in advance for popular restaurants, especially during high season, and remember that Colombians typically dine late (8-10pm)
Be cautious of overly friendly strangers offering tours or drugs, stick to licensed tour operators and guides, and keep valuables in hotel safes rather than carrying them while exploring

Explore Activities in Cartagena