Are you wondering how many days in Cartagena are needed for the holiday of a lifetime? Make sure you set aside at least four days in Cartagena. This way you will experience all the culture, beaches, and fun that the city has to offer.
Four days in Cartagena are enough to experience everything what Cartagena is about.
Book the best tours here:
1. Private walking tour in Cartagena
2. Private city tour of Cartagena
Book the best hotels here:
1. Leones de Alba Hotel Boutique, in Cartagena
2. Hotel Isla del Encanto, in Baru Island
The Walled City in Cartagena, Colombia, is rich with history and preserves astonishing colonial buildings.
The colorful and energetic Getsemani area is a great spot for hipsters. Also, for those looking to party while admiring the vibrant street art culture. And of course, there are the beaches with white sand, blue waters and palm trees.
Day 1 of 4 Days in Cartagena
In the Morning: Walk through the Walled City
Walk through every colorful streets and square of the Walled City.
The Plaza de Santo Domingo takes its name from the church next to it. There are cafes where you can sit and observe people passing by to get your first taste of the city. You can also meet the Gorda Gertrudis. This sculpture of a fat lady was a creation of the late Colombian sculptor Fernando Botero.
The Clock Tower serves as the reference point and entrance gate to the Walled City. The present clock was imported from Switzerland at the beginning of the 20th century.
The Plaza de los Coches has a sad past. It was the place to buy and sell African slaves during colonial times.
The Plaza San Pedro Claver has beautiful buildings around. It also features amusing scrap metal sculptures.
The Plaza de Bolivar is a lovely square surrounded by vegetation. There you can find a shady place to rest on a bench before continuing your walk. The square is named after the statue of Bolivar located there.
The Catedral de Santa Catalina de Alejandria is a beautiful and colorful church that is absolutely worth a visit.
While exploring the Walled City I stumbled upon Abaco Libros y Cafe, a unique bookstore and coffee shop. It is located between the streets de la Iglesia and Mantilla. It has a section with English books, which may not be that large, but it’s a good selection. Don’t miss the chance to sit and read for a while while sipping on a delicious coffee.
Opting for a walking tour is an excellent choice for gaining a deeper understanding of Cartagena’s fascinating colonial past.
Book here a private walking tour in Cartagena
In the Evening: Have Party in Getsemani
Outside of the Walled City, in the evening, head to Getsemani to stroll its lovely and always lively streets. The Calle de las Sombrillas, or Umbrella Street, is the iconic spot for a photo. The Plaza de la Trinidad is another traditional square. It is the heart of this neighborhood, but only comes to life late in the evening.
In this area, you can shop, indulge in traditional Colombian desserts, or simply observe people. There are endless shows of street performers and dance groups. You can choose from numerous excellent dining and drinking options nearby.
Find here more information about the best things to do in Cartagena.
Day 2 of 4 Days in Cartagena
In the Morning: Visit the Castle of San Felipe
On the second day of your 4-day stay in Cartagena, plan your visit to the Castle of San Felipe. I suggest to do it early in the day to avoid the heat of the noon. The Spanish built this castle to protect Cartagena from English pirates. It is located just a 20-minute walk from the Walled City.
Other points of interest include:
- La Popa Convent, a 17th-century convent located at the highest point of the city.
- La Manga, a residential neighborhood with grand republican-style houses and numerous high-rise buildings.
For a more comprehensive experience, I recommend hiring a private tour guide. This will allow you to maximize your limited time without worrying about directions or asking questions.
Book a Cartagena private city tour here
In the Evening: Go Shopping and Dancing
Visit La Serrezuela, the old Cartagena bullring. It was beautifully renovated and transformed into a venue for hosting events, music performances, and other shows. This mall obtained the prestigious Architecture Design 2021 Asia-Pacific Award.
The area surrounding the bullring is dotted with numerous shops, including several renowned national and international brands. It’s an enjoyable stroll, particularly if you appreciate contemporary architecture and design. Additionally, the food court offers more sophisticated and higher-quality cuisine than the typical fast food fare found in most malls.
Getsemani night scene is full of music and dance. You will find easily a place to go dancing. Or you can also take a dance class and make friends in this dance class in a secret rooftop in Getsemani.
Day 3 of 4 Days in Cartagena
On the third day of your four-day trip to Cartagena, you can move to the southern part of Baru Island. The last time I was in Cartagena I spent the last two days of my vacation there.
The beaches around Baru and the Rosario Islands offer the most beautiful views of the Caribbean. In my opinion, the southern part of Baru is the best place to relax on a holiday. Other area of the island, Cholon, is famous for parties. On the other hand, Playa Blanca is no longer recommended due to overcrowding and reports of scams and tourist traps.
Day 4 of 4 Days in Cartagena
When I am asked how many days in Cartagena are needed for a nice holiday, I answer that four days are fine. If you manage your time well, you can strike a good balance between experiencing the city’s history, enjoying its nightlife, and spending time at the beach. This way, you can have the holiday of your life!
Read here my list of the best day trips from Cartagena.
Where to Stay: My Recommended Hotels
In the Wall City
Leones de Alba Hotel is gorgeous in every sense, and its location is perfect. This property was originally owned by none other than the pirate Francis Drake himself. Everything on the list of places to see is within walking distance.
You can book your stay at Leones de Alba Hotel Boutique here.
In the Islands
Hotel Isla del Encanto is located one hour away of Cartagena by boat. It is an ideal place to disconnect and relax on the beach. The hotel also offers a variety of activities, such as kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving and more. The food at the hotel’s restaurant is first class.
