Is Cartagena Colombia’s most beautiful city? Many say yes. Some even whisper that it’s the most beautiful in the world. With its vibrant colonial architecture set against the turquoise Caribbean Sea, it’s easy to see why.
For independent explorers, this walkable wonderland is a dream come true. With its rich history, Caribbean vibe and delicious cuisine, Cartagena is an ideal destination for those seeking cultural immersion, relaxation and adventure. Beyond the iconic landmarks lie hidden stories and secret spots waiting to be discovered…
Our independent traveler’s guide contains 25 top picks of things to do in Cartagena and in its surroundings. Get ready for an unforgettable Caribbean adventure!
If you love getting to know cities by foot, Cartagena is perfect for you. The “Walled City” (Ciudad Amurallada) in the historic center of Cartagena is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
When strolling through the colorful little streets of the old town within the walls, you can enjoy beautiful colonial architecture, experience the city’s history and take a rest in its nice cafes or gorgeous plazas.
During your walk through the historic center of Cartagena, you will encounter many sights and tourist attractions. Here are a few examples of things to see in the Old Town:
Puerta del Reloj (Clocktower Gate), the historic main gate into the walled city.
Catedral Santa Catalina de Alejandria, a stunning yellow colonial cathedral, one of the landmarks of the historical center.
Teatro Adolfo Mejia (Teatro Heredia), a magnificent neoclassical theatre, boasting a unique Cuban-Caribbean-inspired interior design.
San Pedro Claver church, an impressive church with a façade carved from the stone of the nearby Tierra Bomba island.
“La Gordita” statue: At Plaza Santo Domingo you can admire Fernando Botero’s famous statue “La Gordita” (more or less “little chubby woman”).
Photo by Travelhapp, Old Town, Walled City Cartagena Colombia
The 16th century San Felipe de Barajas fortress was built by the Spanish colonizers on the Hill of San Lázaro to defend Cartagena from attacks by the English, French, and Dutch and by sea pirates. This imposing site overlooks the city and the harbor. Walking along the walls is a must and allows you to enjoy the breeze from the sea and amazing views of Cartagena – especially at sunset.
There are also fascinating underground tunnels to explore.
What happened to Cafe del Mar? This famous open air bar, perched atop the ancient wall, was removed end of 2024 to protect the historical site. (Don’t be sad, many people complained about the price-quality ratio in the past.)
Photo by Elijah Lovkoff, view from San Felipe de Barajas Fortress Cartagena
Photo by Travelhapp, Sunset at San Felipe Barjas Fortress , Cartagena
Enjoy ceviche, fresh fish, lobster with coconut rice, Cazuela de Mariscos or other typical Caribbean dishes in one of Cartagena’s fine restaurants. Here are some recommendations for best places to go. Note that in Cartagena it is often advisable to book in advance.
Passing the Old Town walls, you get to the colorful bohemian neighborhood Getsemani which is known for its impressive street art, great choice of restaurants and bars and fantastic live concerts. In Calle de San Juan you can admire and buy artworks by local artists, many of them featuring a colorful Caribbean style.
Getsemani was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, and later by working-class residents, including former slaves and immigrants. In the 20th century, Getsemani became a popular destination for visitors due to its charm and many accommodation and restaurant options.
Photo by Travelhapp, Getsemani Cartagena
Photo by Travelhapp, Art in Getsemani Cartagena
Parque del Centenario is a green park between the Old Town and Getsemani, inspired by the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris, and honoring Colombian independence fighters. It’s a popular local hang out and a little urban oasis for wildlife spotting. You may catch a glimpse of Andean squirrels, grey titi monkeys, Iguanas, or even sloths.
Photo by Travelhapp, Parque Centenario Cartagena
The beautiful La Popa Monastery, originally built by the Augustinian order around 1610, is located on the highest hill in Cartagena and offers beautiful views of the city and the Caribbean sea. It’s recommended to walk up the hill in a group for safety reasons.
Photo by Elijah Lovkoff, La Popa Convent Cartagena Colombia
Cartagena offers museums to suit every taste, some of them are even free. A museum visit is also a great way to pass the hottest hours of the day, or to do something interesting when it rains in Cartagena. Here is a selection of some of the best museums in Cartagena:
Museum of the Inquisition: Visiting the Palace of the Inquisition and its museum in Cartagena’s Old Town is a must for people interested in history. The museum teaches you about the cruel methods and tools of the Spanish Inquisition and their impact on the Colombian people.
Zenú Gold Museum (Museo del Oro Zenú) This free museum, hosted in a colonial mansion, exhibits artifacts spanning 6000 years of pre-Hispanic culture and history in the Colombian Caribbean region. Its highlight is an impressive collection of gold and tumbaga objects, crafted by the Zenú indigenous people who lived in Colombia regions prior to the arrival of the Spanish.
Casa Museo Rafael Núñez: The house of former Colombian president Rafael Núñez, a beautiful historic building in the Cabrera neighborhood, has been turned into a museum and showcases his remarkable life through period furniture, documents, photographs, and personal objects. Admission is free.
Modern Art Museum of Cartagena: The Museo de Arte Moderno Cartagena is an ideal destination to explore Cartagena’s art scene with its emphasis on local artists.
Museo Naval del Caribe: Uncover tales of pirates, naval battles, and seafaring adventures at the Museo Naval del Caribe in Cartagena, which is dedicated to the rich maritime heritage of the Caribbean region.
A free walking tour in Cartagena is a great way to learn a bit about the city’s fascinating history and present day situation, and to meet other solo travelers.
Check out GuruWalks for free walking tours in Cartagena by amateur and professional tour guides. (Personally, I believe that in Colombia, it’s better to support professional tour guides, as they have invested a lot of time and effort into their training and also offer great value for money.)
If you enjoyed the tour, leave a tip to show your appreciation. (The amount is up to you, you could consider something around 20.000 COP for a 3-hour tour.)
Photo by Travelhapp, Walking Tour Cartagena Colombia
The Getsemaní neighborhood is often said to have the best nightlife in Cartagena. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at Plaza de la Trinidad in Getsemani, where locals and visitors gather at night to experience live music and dance performances by local artists.
Dancing is not an option in Cartagena, it’s a must! For Salsa, visit the renowned Cafe Havana in Getsemaní. A Champeta dance class with Black Legacy Experiences (see Instagram) is a great way to dive into Cartagena’s Afro-Colombian culture and a really fun thing to do in Cartagena. Champeta is a vibrant style born in Cartagena’s neighborhoods.
If you are looking for an unusual and a little more upscale evening activity, you could try a Rum and Chocolate tasting. Several hotels and restaurants offer this experience in Cartagena, guided by professional sommeliers. Try Caffe Lunatico (Google Maps).
Please keep in mind that in Colombia it is always advisable to book a taxi or a service like Uber when moving around at night. Do as the Colombians do. If you are staying in the Old Town or Getsemani and want to go out at night you can look for a hostel or hotel in the nightlife area.
A very unique thing to do in Cartagena is taking a cooking class. Discover regional ingredients and learn to prepare delicious local dishes that blend indigenous, African, Spanish and Caribbean influences.
Taking a graffiti tour is a really cool thing to do in Cartagena. Cartagena has a vibrant, socially and politically conscious graffiti and street art scene with Dj Lu being one of its most known exponents. You can admire street art everywhere in the city, but Getsemani and San Diego have an especially high density of quality art works.
Who of you still knows the soccer player on the right in the image below?
Photo by Travelhapp, Getsemani Street Art Cartagena
The neighborhoods Manga and El Cabrero are located close to the Old City and Getsemani, offering a less busy atmosphere. Manga is a colonial neighborhood where you can admire beautiful historic buildings while walking under the shade of trees. There is also a historic cemetery worth visiting and a sailboat harbor (Club Náutico Marina). El Cabrero is a quiet, residential neighborhood featuring beautiful parks.
One of the first things you will notice in Cartagena are the Afro-Colombian women in colorful dresses balancing bowls of fruit on their heads. Their image has become iconic and is often depicted in street art murals. These women are called Palenqueras because they originally came from Palenque in the south of Cartagena, a town founded by escaped slaves and considered one of the first free towns in the Americas. Try their delicious fruits!
Photo by Studio Colombia, Palenqueras in Cartagena Colombia
If you love markets with a lively hustle and bustle, Cartagena’s largest market, Mercado Bazurto, is the place to go for you. You’ll find a great variety fresh vegetables and exotic fruit there! To try local market food, grab a typical lunch approximately between 11AM and 2PM.
The La Matuna neighborhood close to the Walled City of Cartagena is another great place to discover local markets and amazing street food.
If you have a sweet tongue, check out Portal de Los Dulces (Sweets Gate) under the arches opposite of Plaza de los Coches in the Walled City, where you will find a colorful display of local delicacies.
Behind the San Felipe de Barajas Fortress you can find one of Cartagena’s more unusual places to see, the “Old Shoes monument”, a giant shoe sculpture, dedicated to the poet Luis Carlos López’ who compared his love for his home town Cartagena to the warm feelings one has for a pair of old shoes.
Cartagena has no shortage of rooftop venues which allow to enjoy unique views of the city and the sea, from restaurants to bars and clubs. Here’s a small selection.
Movich Hotel Rooftop: A great option for panoramic 360-degree views, including the Old Town, is the Movich Hotel Rooftop. Google Maps
51 Sky Bar: The chic 51 Sky Bar calls itself the highest rooftop bar in Colombia and offers amazing sea views. Google Maps
Mirador Gastro Bar: The Mirador Gastro Bar offers great views over the Old Town and features live music & DJs on weekends. Google Maps
Townhouse Rooftop: Another great hotel rooftop bar with amazing views over the Walled City. Google Maps
Media Luna Hostel Rooftop: The Wednesday night backpacker rooftop parties at Media Luna Hostel are legendary. If you want to dance and drink, that’s your place. Google Maps
Photo (mod.) by Lemaret Pierrick, Movich Rooftop Cartagena Colombia
Experience Cartagena from a unique perspective by embarking on a boat or kayak tour along its coastline and around the historic walled city, passing iconic landmarks. For a romantic activity choose a sunset tour to marvel at the golden hues of the Cartagena Bay against the Caribbean Sea.
Some kayak tours will allow you to venture into the mangroves and the San Lázaro lagoon for bird watching opportunities.
Photo (mod.) by Ernesto Tereñes, Sunset in Cartagena Colombia
An afternoon and sunset walk along Cartagena’s sea promenades is another romantic thing to do, no matter if alone or with someone. You could start at the Los Pegasos Monument, then stroll along the pier of the same name and continue to Muelle de la Bodeguita.
The sea promenade of modern Bocagrande is also a great option to savor the scent of the sea and soak in stunning views. The new stretch starting near Calle 10 # Carrera 4 (see Google Maps) is particularly beautiful, featuring views of Manga bay and lovely vegetation. You can walk all around the Bocagrande insula in about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Photo by Travelhapp, Sea Promenade Bocagrande Cartagena
Cartagena is a point of interest for literature lovers. The great Colombian writer and Nobel Prize-winner Gabriel García Márquez (“Gabo”), attended the University of Cartagena for a while and worked as a journalist for a local newspaper. He is buried in the La Merced cloister in Cartagena. The setting of his iconic novel, Love in the Time of Cholera, is heavily inspired by Cartagena.
Guided tours offer insights into the places resembling the fictional backdrops, along with stories about Gabo’s favorite spots in Cartagena like Plaza de los Coches. You could also do a self-guided audio tour, but guided tours offer really good value for money in Colombia and there are even free Gabo tours available, for example by Beyond Colombia.
Check out our García Márquez travel itinerary to discover other places in Colombia that shaped Gabo!
Photo by Rodrigo Blanco, Plaza de los Coches, Cartagena
There are plenty of more things to do in the surroundings of Cartagena within a maximum 3-hours reach. Here is our selection of potential day trips from Cartagena.
Positioned on a hill above the city and blessed with abundant rainfall, the botanical garden of Cartagena “Guillermo Piñeres” boasts a thriving ecosystem with over 350 plant species, including medicinal plants, palms, and orchids. The garden is also home to a diverse array of wildlife such as howler monkeys and sloths. It’s one of the more unusual things to do in Cartagena, but definitely worth it.
The Botanical Garden is located just outside of the charming colonial town Turbaco. This hidden gem features a stunning central square and beautiful views of Cartagena and the sea from its elevated position. The “Museo Yurbaco” (Casa de la Cultura), located in a gorgeous historic building, is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the indigenous Yubarco people that used to live in the region.
In the surroundings of Turbaco, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as horseback riding, hiking, paddling, and mountain biking. To the northeast, you can discover more than fifty craters of active medicinal mud volcanoes. It’s advisable to explore these rather isolated sites with a guide or tour group.
You can reach Turbaco in less than 30 min by taxi or bus from Cartagena.
If you are looking for more adventurous things to do near Cartagena, you may consider going diving or snorkeling in the El Rosario archipelago which is composed of several small islands, the Islas del Rosario. On these paradisiacal islands you can find stunning white beaches, and a sea full of marine life, making it a spectacular diving and snorkeling destination. The islands are located just outside of Cartagena and can be reached in an hour by boat.
Very close to Islas del Rosario National Park is another island with a fantastic beach: Isla Barú. On Barú island you can also admire colorful birds in the National Aviary of Colombia.
Photo: Islas del Rosario near Cartagena
This small volcano is very unique since it is full of thick, warm and mineral-rich mud, which is said to have healing properties (including skin improvement, pain and stress relief). You can take a therapeutic bath and then clean off the mud in the nearby lagoon. The volcano is about an hour away from Cartagena. It can get crowded on weekends and holidays, so it’s best to go during the week in the morning or later in the afternoon. (The volcano site is usually open from 8 AM to 4:30 PM.)
South of Cartagena, you can discover some of Colombia’s finest beaches, still relatively unknown to foreigners.
Rincón del Mar, situated approximately 2.5-3 hours south of Cartagena, is a tranquil fishing village boasting pristine sand beaches. You can take boat tours to the Rosario islands and swim with bioluminescent plankton at night or visit the fascinating Mangrove forest, full of birds, sloths, raccoons and other wildlife.
Adjacent to Rincón del Mar is the breathtaking Sanguaré Nature Reserve, offering a variety of adventurous outdoor and nature activities such as scuba diving, windsurfing, and wildlife watching. Visit their Website for more information (in Spanish).
If you are heading north towards Barranquilla and Santa Marta, you might consider stopping at some of the off the beaten path beaches between Cartagena and Barranquilla. For example, Caño Dulce or Santa Veronica (about 1,5 hours from Cartagena), with the latter also emerging as a kite surfing destination. Read more about Santa Veronica in our article on things to do near Barranquilla.
Photo by Travelhapp, Rincón del Mar beach
La Boquilla features a crucial location between the Caribbean Sea and the “Virgin Swamp” (Ciénaga de la Virgen, Ciénaga de Tesca). This unique ecosystem is home to several endangered plant and animal species. It’s possible to explore the flora and fauna by boat and by foot. The local Afro-Caribbean communities have a deep connection to the mangroves and local guides can tell you more about their traditional significance.
By the way, Boquilla is also known for a totally different activity: kitesurfing!
The small town Palenque (50 km southeast of Cartagena) is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage site. It was founded by escaped slaves in the 16th century and is considered the first free town in the Americas. Palenque (San Basilio de Palenque) gave birth to several influential music styles in Colombia, including Son Palenquero, Bullerengue and Mapalé. A popular tour from Cartagena is the Palenque Freedom Tour.
Yes and yes – Cartagena is both worth visiting and touristy. A bit like Rome in Italy. (I lived in Rome for a long time, and I believe even the most touristy cities don’t lose their unique local character if you truly let yourself immerse in them.)
In my eyes Cartagena is a must-see place in Colombia due to the sheer beauty of it’s old town and setting by the sea, providing an unbeatable scenery for sunset lovers.
If you prefer off-the-beaten path destinations, you may consider a quick 2 or 3-day stopover in Cartagena before heading on to more quiet places.
Find out for yourself if you belong to Team Cartagena! I only switched over in 2024 when I visited the city again for the first time since 2011. I think it’s much nicer now, partly because the street vendors have become more reserved.
With Filmaciones Cartagena’s YouTube Video and Carlos Vives’ anthem “La Fantástica”, you can already get in the mood for your trip to Cartagena. “Dios bendiga Cartagena, La Fantástica. Viva el África!”
YouTube-Video by Filmaciones Cartagena, La Fantástica – Carlos Vives
Photo by Travelhapp, Sunset Cartagena Colombia
Here’s a selection of great areas to stay for solo travelers in Cartagena de Indias:
Ciudad Amurallada (historic center): Staying in the colonial old town may be the easiest choice for solo travelers, since you are close to many sights, restaurants, cafes and bars. It can get loud at night, though, since there are a lot of parties. (You may consider joining them rather than trying to sleep, especially if they are on the rooftop of a beautiful colonial building.)
Getsemaní: This bohemian neighborhood just outside the walls of the Old Town is full of live music, and diverse accommodation options. While it used to be a backpacker favorite with a focus on cheap hostels, it now features also quite a lot of upscale hotels.
El Laguito: El Laguito may be your choice if you want to stay close to the beach but prefer a more relaxed and quiet vibe than the one you can find in popular Bocagrande.
Cartagena can be considered reasonably safe for solo travelers if you take the usual precautions. Tourist police is present in popular areas such as the Walled City, Getsemaní, and Bocagrande. As in other big Colombian cities, it’s better to do your explorations by foot before the night falls and stay in populated and well lit areas. Hailing a taxi from the street is not recommended, rather book your transport service by app. Taxi alternatives like Uber often provide better service in Colombia. Check out our Safety Tips for Solo Travelers in Colombia and Solo Travel Guide.
Some activities, like hikes and expeditions in the nature, are better done in a group. Join our Colombia Solo Travelers Facebook Group to find other solo travelers near you that share your interests. (Our focus is on female solo traveler needs and interests.)
Unfortunately, Cartagena has a bit of a reputation for ripping off tourists, but at least they don’t discriminate between Colombian and foreign travelers, haha. It’s always advisable to check prices carefully before making a purchase or placing an order in a restaurant or bar, and to double-check your bills. Of course, as always, these are just a few bad apples, and most people are great.
Cartagena features a tropical climate characterized by rather consistent temperatures throughout the year, with day temperatures ranging roughly from 28°C to 32°C (82.4 °F and 89.6°F) and night temperatures from 22 to 26°C (71.6-78.8°F). The month with most rain in Cartagena is typically October and the driest months are December to March. The air in Cartagena may get quite humid during rainy season.
The biggest music event in Cartagena is the International Music Festival (Cartagena Festival de Música – Website), which is usually held in January. It features different musical styles, from traditional and modern Colombian music to jazz, classical music, and more.
High season in Colombia is primarily during the Christmas period (approximately from December 15 to January 15) and Easter (the week before Easter Sunday). Additionally, there are many long weekends and bank holidays, which are usually set to Mondays in Colombia. If you prefer to avoid large crowds, it’s better to visit Cartagena during mid and low season. You can find more information in my article on the best time to visit Colombia.
Here are some potential easy to reach destinations from Cartagena.
Mompox (Mompós): Mompox is a truly unique cultural and historical destination and features some of the best examples of colonial architecture in Latin America. This laid-back town is built on an island in the Magdalena River and is surrounded by rich vegetation. A bus from Cartagena will take you to Mompox in about 6 hours. (Check details about the bus connection on Rome2Rio.) From Mompox you can get to beautiful Valledupar (see below) in just 4 hours.
Barranquilla and Santa Marta: From Mompox you may take another bus up North to Barranquilla (6h) or Santa Marta (8h). You can also go directly from Cartagena to Barranquilla (2,5h) or Santa Marta (4-5h, see Rome2Rio). Santa Marta is a great base for exploring the fascinating North of Colombia where you can find everything from dream beaches, to jungle, mountains and desert. Check out our suggestions for top things to do in Barranquilla and best things to do in Santa Marta.
Valledupar: There is a direct bus from Cartagena to hidden gem Valledupar which takes a little more than 7 hours (see connection on Rome2Rio). Valledupar is a charming off-the-beaten-track destination in Colombia’s North, featuring a beautiful old town and stunning surroundings. From Valledupar you can continue by bus to Riohacha to explore the extraordinary beautiful La Guajira peninsula. Discover what to do in amazing Valledupar.
Capurganá/Sapzurro: It’s possible to get from Cartagena to the little known Caribbean paradises Capurganá and Sapzurro, located at the border to Panama, without passing through Medellín. It requires some planning and several transits. You first have to get to Necocli or Turbo by bus (via Monteria), mini-bus or collective taxi, and then take a ferry or boat to Capurgana. Find out more about things to do in Capurganá and Sapzurro.
San Blas Islands (Panama): Sailing boats leave from Cartagena to the iconic San Blas islands in Panama (5-day one-way trip, or round trip). A unique experience!
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Last Update: February 27, 2025
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