Cartagena de Indias is one of the most beautiful cities in Colombia, a must-visit Caribbean destination full of romance, legends, and colonial architecture. If you’re looking for things to do in Cartagena, you’ve come to the right blog!
This travel guide is based on our personal experience, and it will help you discover what to do in Cartagena de Indias. We’ll also share the best areas to stay, the beaches you shouldn’t miss, and the top tours and activities to enjoy.
The best places to visit in Cartagena, Colombia:
1. Explore the Historic Center of Cartagena de Indias
Before diving into this travel guide, we understand it can be tough to decide what to do in Cartagena de Indias. Don’t worry! We recommend starting your tour by exploring the historic center, known as the Walled City, declared a World Heritage Site.
The Walled City was built by the Spanish crown between the 16th and 18th centuries. It’s one of the must-visit places in Cartagena, as it features bastions, walls, and fortifications designed to protect the most important port in the Americas from pirate attacks.
Walking around the Walled City is, without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Cartagena, Colombia. Here you will find the highest concentration of restaurants, museums, and accommodations. It’s also an ideal place for a horse-drawn carriage ride and to immerse yourself in the city’s rich history.
Want to learn more about the history of Cartagena, South America? Join this tip-based free walking tour to discover all the fascinating details, or choose this guided tour, with tickets to San Felipe Castle.
Book the free walking tour now!
Guided Tour of Cartagena de Indias
If you’re still wondering what to see in Cartagena, we suggest starting your tour in the historic center, beginning at San Pedro Claver Square. From there, you can visit the Clock Tower and Plaza de los Coches, where you’ll find the statue of Pedro de Heredia, the city’s founder.
Keep walking to the San Ignacio Bastion and visit Botero’s statue in front of Santo Domingo church. Don’t forget to pass by the Palace of the Inquisition, Simón Bolívar Park, and the Santa Catalina de Alejandría Cathedral. These are some of the top attractions in Cartagena to appreciate the history of “La Heroica.”
Where to stay in Cartagena de Indias: We recommend staying in the historic center to easily explore the Walled City. If you prefer a more authentic local experience, consider staying in Getsemaní. For those seeking luxury and commercial areas, Bocagrande is the ideal choice.
Hotels in Cartagena, Colombia | In the historic center: The Clock Hostel & Suites, Casa India Catalina, República Hostel, and La Passion Masaya. In Getsemaní: Santuario Hostel, Casa Zahri Boutique Hostel, and Casa del Pozo Boutique Hostel. In Bocagrande: Hotel Almirante, Hotel Caribe by Faranda Grand, and Oz Hotel.
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Travel Tip: If you want to explore Cartagena’s historic center but aren’t sure where to start, you can join this free, tip-based tour that runs daily. It lasts 2.5 hours and includes a guided walk through the most fascinating plazas, streets, and sights of the Walled City.
Booking the free walking tour in Cartagena is super easy! Just click this link, choose the date and time that works for you, and indicate how many people are coming along. The free tour is available every day at 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.
Secure your spot for the free tour in Cartagena today!
2. Rosario Islands: Top attractions in Cartagena, Colombia
While you can enjoy the beaches of Bocagrande or Barú within the city, one of the best things to do in Cartagena de Indias is definitely a visit to the Rosario Islands, located in the Corales del Rosario and San Bernardo National Park. This archipelago has over 20 islands, including highlights like Isla Grande, Múcura and Tintipán.
Isla Grande is the closest island to Cartagena. Here, you can enjoy white sand beaches, a large coral reef perfect for snorkeling, as well as a complex of lagoons and mangroves you can explore by kayak, where you’ll also be able to see bioluminescent plankton.
Múcura and Tintipán are neighboring islands that also offer an unforgettable experience. Although getting there requires at least a 2-hour boat ride, visiting these Colombian Caribbean islands is one of the must-see sights in Cartagena. Once you arrive, you’ll be rewarded with some of the top beaches in the country.
Tip: Although one of the most popular day trips from Cartagena is a Rosario Islands day trip, if you have the time and want to experience the magic of the archipelago, we recommend spending at least two nights on one of the islands. Those who opt for a day trip usually return to Cartagena around 2 p.m.
Click here to find your ideal accommodation in Isla Grande
Hotels in Isla Múcura and Tintipán
Check prices and details for Rosario Islands day trip
To get to the Rosario Islands from Cartagena, you need to depart from the Bodeguita dock. From there, boats leave for Isla Grande, Múcura, Tintipán, and other tourist destinations. The price and duration of the trip will depend on which island you want to visit.
If you’re traveling in Cartagena de Indias and have limited time, a convenient option to visit the Rosario Islands in one day is to join an organized day tour that includes boat transportation. Here are some recommended tours:
Rosario Islands Catamaran with Lunch and Snorkel
If you decide to visit the Rosario Islands on your own and spend the night, here are some recommended accommodations. In Isla Grande: El Hamaquero Hostal EcoNativo, Hotel Islabela, and Secreto Hostel. In Múcura: Hotel Isla Múcura and Dahlandia. In Tintipan: Santa Lova Eco-hostel and Hotel Puntanorte.
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Tips for booking good, affordable accommodation: The first recommendation is to book your accommodation in advance. If you wait until the last minute, it’s very likely that the best or most affordable places will be fully booked, and you’ll have to settle for the remaining options.
Our favorite website for finding accommodation is Booking.com. If you click here, you can save up to 15% on your stay. By entering your destination and travel dates, you can filter by price and location, and read reviews from other travelers. In many cases, you can also book without a credit card and enjoy free cancellation.
If you frequently book on Booking.com, you can access exclusive discounts, enjoy free breakfasts, and receive better rooms at no extra cost. This will allow you to get more affordable rates and enjoy additional benefits to save on your trip.
Click here to get up to 15% off your accommodation with Late Escape Deals! This promotion is valid until December 4th for travel until the end of 2025.
3. Explore the San Felipe de Barajas Castle
If you’re still wondering what to visit in Cartagena, we recommend including a visit to the San Felipe de Barajas Castle in your itinerary. It’s just a few blocks from the Getsemaní neighborhood and very close to the historic center.
San Felipe de Barajas Castle is one of the main places to see in Cartagena and one of Colombia’s most important historical monuments. Built in the 17th century on San Lázaro hill, it was designed to protect the city from pirates and corsairs threatening Spanish trade routes.
When you travel to Cartagena, remember that San Felipe Castle is a masterpiece of military engineering, with walls forming one of the most significant defensive systems in South America. If you’d like a guided tour of the castle, you can book this tour.
Tip: If you’re planning to travel to Colombia from abroad, with this Holafly eSIM, you’ll have unlimited data and keep your number for calls and WhatsApp without worrying about expensive roaming fees. Also, remember to get international medical insurance.
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How to Find Last-Minute Cheap Flights? While it is important to plan your trip in advance, we understand that it’s not always possible. So, if you are looking for affordable tickets to travel soon and save some money, we recommend using Skyscanner.
Skyscanner.com is a tool that allows you to compare flights from different airlines to find the best rates. To use it, click here, enter the departure and destination cities, and the travel date. With this information, it will search for the most affordable options, and you can choose based on price or layovers.
Is it safe to buy flights on Skyscanner? It depends. After selecting a flight, you’ll see a list of links from various airlines and agencies. The safest way is to purchase your tickets through the airline´s link. If you decide to buy from an agency, you should be a bit more cautious.
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4. Getsemaní Neighborhood: Top Things to Do in Cartagena
Continuing with places to visit in Cartagena, we enter Getsemaní, one of the city’s most traditional neighborhoods. Located just a few blocks from the Walled City, it’s known for its rich history, bohemian vibe, and colorful murals that reflect history and contemporary life.
During Colombia’s struggle for independence, Getsemaní played a key role as a center for protests and revolutionary activities against Spanish rule. If you’re passionate about history, visiting this place is a must-do in Cartagena.
Today, Getsemaní is a symbol of resistance against gentrification and has become a multicultural meeting point where art, gastronomy, and nightlife come together. If you want to explore the neighborhood, you can join this free walking tour.
Hotels in Getsemaní: Casa Relax, Hotel Casa Cytia, Casa del Pozo Boutique Hostel, Santuario Hostel, Hotel Armería Real, Arsenal Hotel, and Casa Ebano 967.
If you’re planning to travel to Cartagena from Bogotá or Medellín, or even from further away like Spain, the United States, or Mexico, remember you can reach the city by plane or bus from almost any Colombian city. Plan your trip ahead to find cheap flights.
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Are you planning a trip abroad? When organizing an international trip, we often focus on choosing destinations, accommodations, and tours, but we tend to forget about the possibility of falling ill, having an accident, being robbed, or needing to return home earlier than planned due to a family member’s hospitalization.
If you want to travel with peace of mind and avoid worrying about unexpected medical expenses or logistical problems, it is essential to purchase international travel insurance. Additionally, in many countries, presenting travel insurance is a mandatory requirement when going through immigration.
This international insuranceoffers you comprehensive coverage and 24/7 assistance via phone, email, or WhatsApp. To purchase it, click here, select your trip’s start date and duration. It is valid for any destination, and you can buy it even if you are already traveling.
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5. Visit Santa Marta and Tayrona National Park
Another thing to do in Cartagena is to take advantage of its relative proximity to the city of Santa Marta to visit the beautiful beaches of Tayrona National Park, one of the most fascinating national parks in Colombia.
Santa Marta is about a 4-hour drive from Cartagena. Although there is an option to fly between the two cities, the road is in good condition, making traveling by land a good alternative. You can buy bus tickets here and quote a rental car here.
We suggest spending 3 nights in Santa Marta to see the main attractions. On the first night, you can stay in the historic center, where you can visit the Tairona Gold Museum, stroll along the boardwalk, and take this free walking tour. For the following nights, you can stay inside or near Tayrona.
Recommended accommodations: In Santa Marta: Oasis Fresh Hotel, Masaya Hostel, and Casa Gaitana Hotel Boutique. Inside Tayrona: Ecohabs Playa Cañaveral, Camping Tequendama Playa Arrecifes, and Hotel Jasayma. Nearby: Origen Hostel, Viajero Tayrona, and Quetzal Dorado Eco-Lodge.
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Tip: If you don’t want to miss the most impressive places in Santa Marta’s historic center, we recommend taking this free walking tour. It’s available every day, lasts approximately 2 hours, and includes a guided tour of fascinating spots such as Parque de los Novios, the Basilica Cathedral, and the surroundings of the Tairona Gold Museum.
Booking the free tour in Santa Marta is quite easy! Just click here, choose your preferred date and time, and specify the number of people attending. Remember that the tour has no fixed price, but it is expected that you support the guide’s work with a tip based on the service provided.
Book the free walking tour in Santa Marta now!
Other Tours & Experiences in Cartagena de Indias:
National Aviary of Colombia + Beach Tour
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What to Do in Cartagena in 3, 4, and 5 Days
Now that you know the best activities to do in Cartagena, here is a suggested itinerary for 3, 4, and 5 days that you can adjust to your preferences. The most important thing is to make the most of your trip and include the tourist attractions that interest you the most.
What to Do in Cartagena in 3 Days: First day: Take a free walking tour of the historic center and Getsemaní. Second day: Visit the Rosario Islands. Third day: Explore San Felipe de Barajas Castle.
Cartagena de Indias 4-Day Itinerary: First day: Explore the historic center and Getsemaní neighborhood. Second day: Visit Isla Grande and spend the night there to enjoy the place on the third day. Fourth day: Explore San Felipe de Barajas Castle.
What to Do in Cartagena in 5 Days: If you have an extra day, you have more options. You can extend your visit to the Rosario Islands, take a trip to Santa Marta and Tayrona Park, or spend an entire day exploring the most important museums, such as the Zenú Gold Museum and the Palace of the Inquisition.
We hope your trip is a success! In the meantime, here are some other travel guides that might interest you:
Palomino Colombia: Where It Is, How to Get There, and What to Do
Ciudad Perdida: The Best Trek in Colombia
Rincón del Mar, Colombia: Where It Is, and How to Get There
Some Organized Trips You Might Be Interested In:
Recommended Tour: La Guajira, Cabo de la Vela, and Punta Gallinas - 3 days / 2 nights
On this tour, you will visit Cabo de la Vela and Punta Gallinas, have time to swim at the beaches of Mayapo, Punta Arcoiris, and Pilón de Azúcar, explore the Taroa dunes desert, the lighthouses, and enjoy the viewpoints of Bahía Honda and Bahía Portete.
The trip starts in the city of Riohacha at 8 a.m. and the package includes transportation in a 4x4 vehicle, accommodation in a typical ranchería, full meals, activities, and travel insurance.
Trip available every day from Riohacha!
Price per person from: $832,000 COP
Recommended tour: Ciudad Perdida from Santa Marta - 4 days / 3 nights
This 4-day trip to Ciudad Perdida includes 4x4 transportation from Santa Marta. We can pick you up in the historic center, El Rodadero, Taganga, or downtown Minca, and drop you off at the entrance of Tayrona on the way back.
The tour also includes accommodation in local campesino and indigenous camps, all meals, hydration, a bilingual guide (English and Spanish), a guided tour, entrance fees, and medical assistance insurance.
Guaranteed departures every day!
Discounted price per person: $1,800,000 COP
Sale valid for travel until December 31, 2024. After that, the regular rate will be $2,150,000 COP.
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