No trip to Colombia is complete without a visit to colourful Cartagena. Here are my top things to do in Cartagena for an unforgettable getaway.
Beaming with colour, culture, and history, Cartagena is one of the best places to visit in Colombia. You’ll find bright colonial facades and ancient churches contrasted by the futuristic skyscrapers adorning the horizon.
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Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly getaway or travelling without the kids, there are countless activities in this exciting port city. Below are the best things to do in Cartagena to help you plan the perfect trip.
Ever wonder what it is that draws millions of tourists to this Colombian city every year? For one, its tropical climate — and cuisines — make it the perfect getaway spot during the cold months. But, this city is also filled with beauty and history wherever you look.
From the beautiful Palenqueras women in their colourful dresses to Spanish colonial architecture, beauty abounds in Cartagena. You’ll also find a rich culture and a thriving arts scene accompanied by plenty of exciting music and film festivals. It’s no wonder why this city appears in my Colombia travel guide.
One of the more popular ways to get to Cartagena is by cruise ship. This port city sees over 3000 ships passing through its harbour each year, many of which are filled with tourists.
If you’re looking to get there faster, the city is a mere 25 minutes drive from Rafael Nuñez International airport. This airport has direct flights to New York, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami. For UK-based travellers, flights depart from Heathrow and usually stop over in one of the aforementioned US airports.
Check flight prices for Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena is quite safe, so the best way to get around the city is by foot. This will allow you to savour all the small details you might miss while in a taxi.
However, a taxi is a great way to get around the city fast, especially on those blazing hot days. They’re relatively affordable, with a 3km ride (about the distance from El Centro to Getsemani) costing less than £6.
From the picturesque streets of the Old City to thrilling day trips to nearby islands, there are plenty of fun things to do in Cartagena.
Cartagena de Indias was founded in 1533. It became one of the most frequented and wealthiest ports in South America — with its main export being gold. It was also one of the largest slavery ports and markets in the world.
With such a rich and evident history, it’s no surprise that the Old City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are many groups offering free and paid walking tours. These tours are the perfect way to get a sense of the city, its history, and its culture.
Most of these walking tours kick off at Plaza Santa Teresa. Be on the lookout for the Church of San Pedro Claver and the greenery of Plaza de Bolivar. Also, be sure to bring your camera along to take some snapshots of colonial architecture.
Book: Private Walled City & Getsemani Tour
Until the early 2000s, the Getsemani neighbourhood was one of the less frequented parts of Cartagena. But the district has since been transformed from a not-so-safe area to a vibrant and welcoming “free gallery”.
Local artists took it upon themselves to improve the neighbourhood, transforming it into their own canvas. The colourful murals that grace these walls are more than just pretty artwork. They serve as protests against gentrification, symbols of ancient heritage, and social commentary pieces.
A walk through these vivid streets is not only a feast for the eyes but a look into the soul of Cartagena and its people.
Book: Getsemani Street Art Walking Tour
Due to this port city’s affluence during the colonial period, Cartagena faced many pirate and enemy attacks. In addition to the defence walls surrounding the city, the Spanish decided to build a fort — one of the greatest Spanish colonial fortresses ever created.
The Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas was strategically built on 40m-high San Lázaro hill as a lookout point and defence fortress. The original fort, commissioned in 1630, was much smaller than the one you’ll find today. The upgraded version is a complex, steadfast construction that has survived many battles and decades.
Take a hike up to this National Monument and explore the grounds. And don’t forget your camera, as the hill provides unmatched views of the city and shore.
Book: City Tour inc. San Felipe Fortress
While there are multiple excellent restaurants serving rooftop views of the city, the views from Cafe Del Mar can not be matched. For this reason, you’ll often find a line forming outside this restaurant perched on the Old City walls.
Be sure to book ahead or get there before 4:30 pm to secure a seat. If you do happen to end up in line, it usually moves quite fast. Unwind with a refreshing mojito while watching the sun dip below the horizon, and savour the live music and buzzing crowd.
No list of things to do in Cartagena, Colombia, is complete without a trip to the Rosario Islands. One of the closest Islands to Cartagena is Isla Grande. The island offers water activities like snorkelling, kayaking, and swimming.
One of the best places to enjoy this island’s turquoise waters is at Hotel San Pedro De Majagua. You can book a day tour directly with the hotel. This trip includes boat transfers from Cartagena and back, a welcome cocktail, and a generous, fresh seafood lunch. The lunch options include whole fried fish or Grilled lobster accompanied by coconut rice, salad, and plantains.
You’ll also have all-day access to the hotel’s two peaceful private beaches, dressing rooms, and bathrooms.
Book: Rosario Islands inc Snorkel & Lunch
This mustard yellow cathedral with its dome-shaped clock tower is even more beautiful on the inside than its intricate exterior. The cathedral was dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria, and the construction of this architectural beauty took 84 years to complete.
Construction was interrupted 11 years in, after the famous attack by Francis Drake, an English Privateer, in 1586. The basilica, designed after similar cathedrals in Andalusia and the Canary Islands of Spain, was only completed in 1612.
The inside of this cathedral is decorated with towering pillars and arches, a marble pulpit, and an elaborate 18th-century gilded altar. The cathedral is especially spectacular at night when its yellow facade is illuminated with lights.
The brightly dressed fruit ladies, or Palenqueras, have become icons of Cartagena. These ladies come from a small town, San Basilio de Palenque, located an hour outside the Old City.
This town has an incredible history. After the village, run by enslaved Africans who escaped, signed a royal decree for independence, it became the first free community in the Americas. Their location and lack of support from the Spanish government left the village poor. The Palenque women saw a solution and started travelling to the walled city to sell the tropical fruits growing in their forest surroundings.
This means of income has persisted to this day, and you’ll now find them selling traditional palenque treats along with their fruits. Be sure to buy a few fresh fruits to help support their community. And, if you ask to take a picture with the ladies, consider offering a tip.
Tip: Don’t miss trying fresh fruit juices, from Lulo, Corozo to Granadilla. Fruits that you would never have heard of but taste mighty fine in the heat.
Book: Best Street Food with Local Chef
Nestled in the heart of the Old City, this bookstore is the perfect retreat if you’re looking to escape the city crowds and Colombian heat. You’ll find books stacked on the floor-to-ceiling shelves, packed with an assortment of (mostly Spanish) books.
You’re sure to find a few English books to purchase, but you’re more than welcome to order a Colombian coffee and unwind in the charming space. This spot also offers a few tasty cakes, lemonade, and alcoholic drinks like wine.
Book: City Tour & Coffee Tasting
Book: Full-Day Coffee & Cocoa Farm Tour
Hopefully, this list has given you plenty of ideas on what to do in Cartagena, Colombia. The vibrant city offers a range of fun sights and activities, and this list only covers the tip of the iceberg.
Whatever you choose to do in Cartagena is sure to leave a lasting impression on you. If you’re extending your trip to other parts of Colombia, consider checking out the best things to do in Bogota – the country’s capital.
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Please note, this site contains affiliate links whereby I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps with the costs of running my blog so I can keep my content free for you. Thanks as always for your support!
See my full disclosure here.
Here are some great accommodation options in Cartagena for every budget.
Please note, this site contains affiliate links whereby I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps with the costs of running my blog so I can keep my content free for you. Thanks as always for your support!
See my full disclosure here.
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