Cartagena, Colombia

Destination Guide

Cartagena

Colombia

Best things to do in Cartagena

48 curated attractions in Cartagena, Colombia. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

December - April

Average temp

28°C/82°F

Budget

Mid-range

Safety

Very safe

About Cartagena

Cartagena, a city built around its historic walls, is a key port on Colombia's Caribbean coast. The impressive fortifications were constructed in the 16th century to defend against pirates, and they now encircle well-preserved colonial architecture and lively plazas. This UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts tourists looking for both history and beaches, with the old city serving as a backdrop for a cultural scene. Locals and visitors alike flock to the narrow streets filled with colorful buildings where Gabriel García Márquez spent a significant part of his life. While the city is rich in history, it is also a hub for modern art and Caribbean cuisine, making it a destination where you can explore both the past and the present, especially at the Naval Museum of the Caribbean and the Cartagena Modern Art Museum.

Who it's for

Ideal for those who appreciate history, art, and Caribbean warmth. The city might not suit travelers seeking cool weather or modern skyscrapers, as the humidity can be intense and the crowds can be overwhelming, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Getting around

Public transport: Good

  • Cartagena's old town is walkable in about thirty minutes from end to end
  • The airport is about twenty minutes from downtown, and taxis are readily available, though traffic can be slow
  • Buses and shared taxis are also options, but navigating the local routes may take some experience
  • The city walls are a popular spot for sunset, so expect many people there just before sundown
Bocachica Fort

Bocachica Fort

Forts & citadels
El Laguito

El Laguito

Lakes
El Totumo Mud Volcano

El Totumo Mud Volcano

Hot springs & geothermal areas
San Francisco Javier Bastion

San Francisco Javier Bastion

Forts & citadels
Naval Museum of the Caribbean

Naval Museum of the Caribbean

History museums
Getsemaní neighborhood

Getsemaní neighborhood

Streets & neighbourhoods
Cartagena Modern Art Museum

Cartagena Modern Art Museum

Art museums & galleries
Hospedaje La Malva

Hospedaje La Malva

Urban Attractions
Iglesia Santo Toribio

Iglesia Santo Toribio

Churches & cathedrals
Teatro Heredia

Teatro Heredia

Theatres & opera houses
Cartagena Cathedral

Cartagena Cathedral

Churches & cathedrals
La Serrezuela Mall

La Serrezuela Mall

Malls & department stores
Cartagena City Walls

Cartagena City Walls

Forts & citadels
Centro de Convenciones de Cartagena

Centro de Convenciones de Cartagena

Modern architecture & skyscrapers
Clock Tower (Torre del Reloj)

Clock Tower (Torre del Reloj)

Monuments & memorials
San Diego Plaza

San Diego Plaza

Squares & plazas
Santa Cruz de Manga Plaza

Santa Cruz de Manga Plaza

Squares & plazas
Manga Pier

Manga Pier

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
Plaza Fernández Madrid

Plaza Fernández Madrid

Squares & plazas
Baluarte de Santa Clara

Baluarte de Santa Clara

Forts & citadels
Castillo San Felipe de Barajas

Castillo San Felipe de Barajas

Forts & citadels
Las Tenazas

Las Tenazas

Coastal walks & sea cliffs
San Pedro Claver Church

San Pedro Claver Church

Churches & cathedrals
Casa de la Aduana

Casa de la Aduana

History museums
La Boquilla Fishing Village

La Boquilla Fishing Village

Traditional villages
Plaza de los Coches

Plaza de los Coches

Squares & plazas
Mirador de la Popa

Mirador de la Popa

Scenic viewpoints
Santo Domingo Square

Santo Domingo Square

Squares & plazas
Cartagena Gold Museum

Cartagena Gold Museum

History museums
Convento de la Popa

Convento de la Popa

Monasteries
Calle 31 Shopping Area

Calle 31 Shopping Area

Shopping streets & districts
Plaza Bolivar

Plaza Bolivar

Squares & plazas
Casa Museo Rafael Núñez

Casa Museo Rafael Núñez

Historic houses & mansions
La India Catalina Monument

La India Catalina Monument

Fountains, statues & public art
Castillogrande Beach

Castillogrande Beach

Beaches
Centro Comercial Plaza Bocagrande

Centro Comercial Plaza Bocagrande

Malls & department stores
Las Bóvedas

Las Bóvedas

Forts & citadels
Rosario Islands

Rosario Islands

Islands
Crespo Beach

Crespo Beach

Beaches
Playa Marbella

Playa Marbella

Beaches
Tierra Bomba Island

Tierra Bomba Island

Islands
Bocagrande Beach

Bocagrande Beach

Beaches
Palace of the Inquisition

Palace of the Inquisition

History museums
La Boquilla Beach

La Boquilla Beach

Beaches
Biblioteca Pública Piloto de Colombia

Biblioteca Pública Piloto de Colombia

Historic libraries & universities
Bazurto Market

Bazurto Market

Food markets & food halls
House of Gabriel García Márquez

House of Gabriel García Márquez

Historic houses & mansions
Playa Blanca

Playa Blanca

Beaches

Where to eat in Cartagena

The places worth planning a meal around.

Café del Mar

Café del Mar

Caribbean Seafood · $$$

La Vitrola

La Vitrola

Colombian Caribbean · $$

Restaurante La Cocina de Pepina

Restaurante La Cocina de Pepina

El Baron

El Baron

Caribbean Fusion · $$

Restaurante 1635

Restaurante 1635

Demente Tapas Bar

Demente Tapas Bar

Spanish Tapas · $$

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