Are you considering a trip to this exciting Caribbean city? You’ve come to the right place! Follow my list of the best things to do in Cartagena and enjoy! Beautiful beaches, colonial architecture, music, dance and a lively nightlife scene are waiting for you.
Best tours for your trip to Cartagena:
1. Walled City of Cartagena Walking Tour
2. Cartagena Private City Tour (Walled City and beyond)
3. Rosario Islands by Rented Boat
4. Bazurto Market Tour and Cooking Class
5. Rum Tasting with Chocolate Experience
6. Dance Class in a Secret Rooftop
7. Freedom Tour in Palenque (a town founded by African slave descendants)
Recommended Hotels in Cartagena:
1. Hotel Casa San Agustin (High-end in the Walled City)
2. Hotel Monaguillo de Getsemani (Mid-range)
4. Casa Zahri Boutique Hostel (Budget)
More tips:
1. Check WayAway for low-cost flights to Cartagena
2. Book an Airport Private Transfer to your hotel
Planning your Trip to Colombia
In this blog, you will find information about things to do in Cartagena, when to go, and whether it is safe or not, along with hotel recommendations.
You can also learn how to fill out the Free Check Mig Colombia Immigration Form, which you are required to complete between 1 and 72 hours prior to your flight.
1. Visit the Walled City
Cartagena is a lovely city with a distinct blend of Spanish, African, and indigenous influences. It was founded by the Spanish in 1533 and was attacked by Francis Drake in 1586. The looting and burning of the city resulted in the Spanish ordering the construction of the walls, which were built in great part by slaves brought from Africa.
Overall, the picturesque streets of the Walled City of Cartagena are worth a photo at every corner. Each house is painted in vibrant colors and adorned with flowers. The area is very lively, with nice restaurants and bars. Street performers, musicians and vendors are everywhere.
Explore the Walled City with this Cartagena Walking Tour, one of the best things to do in Cartagena.
Here are the main spots within the Wall City:
La Torre del Reloj (The Clock Tower)
The Clock Tower serves as a reference point and the entrance gate for visitors arriving in the historical area.
La Plaza de los Coches (The Square of the Carriages)
It is the first square one comes across when going through the Clock Tower and entering the Walled City of Cartagena. The square is surrounded by impressive colonial-era buildings. Earlier on, in colonial times, it was the place for buying and selling slaves.
This area comes alive in the evening and can get quite crowded. Groups of local musicians and dancers offer street shows featuring traditional cumbia and mapalé dances. Additionally, this is the go-to spot for vendors of traditional Colombian sweets. Don’t forget to try some and take them home as souvenirs of Cartagena.
Plaza Santo Domingo
The Santo Domingo Church, built in 1570, gives its name to the square. It is a beautiful example of Colonial architecture and is the oldest existing building in Cartagena. Directly opposite the church, you will find the statue of a reclining fat woman named La Gorda Gertrudis (The Fat Gertrudis), created by Colombian sculptor Fernando Botero. It’s believed that if you rub her belly, you’ll return to Cartagena someday. I did it, so I’m hoping to go back soon!
Plaza San Pedro Claver
The church and monastery of this Spanish-born saint give their name to this square. San Pedro Claver is one of the most popular churches for weddings in Cartagena. Beautiful buildings surround the plaza and it’s a great setting to take pictures. You can see a bronze statue depicting Saint Peter helping a slave. Besides, there are also humorous sculptures made of scrap metal by artist Edgardo Carmona.
Plaza de Bolivar
This is a nice plaza with benches where you can sit and rest for a while under the shade of the trees while watching the carriages pass by. The Museo de la Inquisición of Cartagena is located here (it’s not particularly worth a visit) and in the middle of the square, you will see the statue of Simon Bolivar. You will find sellers of lemonade and other refreshments as well as nice places to have food.
Catedral de Santa Catalina de Alejandría
The Cathedral, dating back to 1585, suffered an attack by pirate Francis Drake the following year. It’s one of the most important landmarks in the Walled City of Cartagena. You will be able to see the bell towers from any corner of the city. When lit at night, they offer a magnificent view. Enjoy the spectacular architecture and artwork inside. Indeed, a visit not to be missed.
2. Visit Getsemani
Surely other of the best things to to in Cartagena is a visit to Getsemani. This is a charming neighborhood with colorful, narrow, and picturesque streets just outside the Walled City.
Getsemani is an amazing cultural experience for lovers of street art. Not only because of the murals, but also because you can meet a large number of artists selling their canvases directly. The streets are full with umbrellas, flowers, and flags, and every house shows a different color.
The busiest area in the evening is the Plaza de la Trinidad, where you can hang out and enjoy art performances or dine at open-air casual dining spots. You can also try local food from the vendors around the plaza.
3. The Castle of San Felipe de Barajas
The Spanish built the castle with the purpose of protecting Cartagena from the incursions of English pirates. The construction of this astounding fortification took more than a century to complete.
Its impregnable walls resisted the attack of the English Navy in 1741. The Colombian Navy, with only 6 ships and no more than 4,000 men, easily defeated the English Navy, who had around 30,000 men, 2,000 cannons, and 200 ships. This is one of the most spectacular feats in military history.
It’s located not far from the Walled City, from where you can take a taxi or go by foot. There is not much information inside, so it would be best to take a guided tour to learn the amazing history of the fort.
Book this Private City Tour of Cartagena which will take you not only to the Castle but also to other iconic landmarks of Cartagena.
4. Take a dance class
Colombian people love dancing. And Cartagena has her own dance genre called Champeta. In the past, this term was used to disparagingly refer to the residents of marginalized neighborhoods in Cartagena. It’s a fusion of Caribbean and African rhythms. Cumbia, salsa, merengue, and vallenato are also very popular. Just enjoy, learn some steps, and make friends in a Dance Class in a Secret Rooftop in Getsemani.
5. Visit San Basilio de Palenque
San Basilio de Palenque, is about one hour from Cartagena. It was founded by escaped slaves in the 16th century who formed a community that was able to resist and fight against Spanish colonial forces.
The people of San Basilio de Palenque are known for their unique language, called Palenquero, which is a mix of Spanish, Portuguese, and various African languages. Their music and dance incorporate elements of African and indigenous traditions.
The women of San Basilio de Palenque are known for their brightly colored dresses and headscarves, which are made using traditional weaving techniques. Known as Palenqueras, they travel to Cartagena every day to offer their goods.
Explore the first free town in the Americas with this Freedom Tour of Palenque.
6. Enjoy a Rum Tasting Experience
Cartagena has a rich history of rum production that dates back to the colonial era when sugarcane was first introduced to the region. Additionally, its warm and humid climate is ideal for growing sugarcane and aging rum.
Participate in a Rum Tasting with Chocolate Experience. Taste some of the best rums and chocolates of Cartagena and learn that some Colombian rums are exclusively distilled for other countries. And prepare your own rum-based cocktail at the end of the workshop.
7. Bazurto Market Tour and Cooking Class
Anthony Bourdain once mentioned Bazurto, the well-known market in Cartagena, as his favorite one. However, it’s not recommended to visit it alone, as few people speak English and it may not be safe for foreigners. Then, why not join a chef on a shopping trip there and let them guide you in choosing the best ingredients for a delicious lunch? Later, in a local family kitchen, you will learn to prepare typical dishes like empanadas and coconut rice.
Book the Bazurto Market Tour and Cooking Class for an unforgettable experience. This tour is highly rated, so it’s best to book in advance. And if you’re a vegetarian, don’t worry – there will be a dish for you.
8. Playa Blanca and Islas del Rosario
The beaches in front of Cartagena are not very nice to visit. Vendors and beggars will accost you all the time, and you won’t be able to enjoy anything.
Playa Blanca stands on Baru Island, 45 minutes south of Cartagena. You can take a one-day tour to this popular destination, famous for its white sandy beach and crystal-clear waters. Besides visiting this paradise beach, other of the best things to do in Cartagena is to try here their traditional fried fish with coconut rice.
Islas del Rosario is a charming archipelago of 28 islands that you can reach by boat in less than an hour from Cartagena. These islands are home to a number of coral reefs and are popular destinations for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Rent a private boat to explore the entire coast of Cartagena and the Rosario Islands for nine hours, together with your friends or family. Up to 10 passengers.
Where to stay in Cartagena
HIGH-END HOTELS
Hotel Casa San Agustin is the most famous luxury hotel in Cartagena, set in a beautiful historic building in the heart of the Walled City. It offers a free airport shuttle, two swimming pools, a spa center, and the best food at its renowned restaurant Alma.
Sofitel Baru Calablanca This is the most luxurious hotel in front of the Caribbean Sea in Cartagena, featuring 5 swimming pools and a private beach. It offers amenities for the whole family and is located one and a half hours from the airport.
MID-RANGE HOTEL
Hotel Monaguillo de Getsemani This is a very charming and elegant hotel, close to every important attraction as well as bars and restaurants. It is located in the heart of Getsemani and in a very safe area. It features an outdoor swimming pool.
BUDGET HOTEL
Casa Zahri Boutique Hostel Located in Getsemani. With garden, shared lounge, terraza and bar.
When to Go to Cartagena
The best time to visit Cartagena is from December to April. During this period, the temperature is around 82°F (28°C) and can reach up to 88°F (31°C). Occasional light rain may occur. The coolest month is January, with a minimum temperature of 75°F (25°C), and the hottest is July, with a maximum of 89.6°F (32°C). The water in the ocean is warm all year round.
Is Cartagena Safe?
While Cartagena is a popular tourist destination and is generally considered safe, it’s important to be aware that like any other city, it has its own set of safety concerns. To ensure a safe and enjoyable trip, it’s crucial to exercise caution and take common-sense safety precautions.
It’s a smart idea to remain vigilant of your surroundings and keep your valuables secure. Additionally, be mindful of pickpocketing and purse-snatching, which can occur in crowded areas.
For more information on Colombia check my blogs about Bogota and Medellin.
