Cartagena is colorful colonial walled city on Caribbean coast – colonial Spanish history + salsa + beach gateway. 3 days perfect.
Top Things to Do in Cartagena
1. Walk the Walled City (Ciudad Amurallada)
Cost: Free.
16th-century Spanish walls + colorful buildings. UNESCO.
2. Castillo San Felipe de Barajas (Spanish fort)
Cost: COP 25,000.
Built 1657. 4 hours.
3. Walk Getsemani neighborhood (street art + nightlife)
Cost: Free walking.
Most photogenic + best food.
4. Day trip Rosario Islands (Caribbean beach)
Cost: USD 50-80 boat.
45 min from Cartagena. Snorkeling.
5. Eat at La Cevicheria (Tony Bourdain visit)
Cost: USD 15-25.
Best ceviche in Cartagena.
6. Sunset on the Walled City walls
Cost: Free.
Walk the walls 5-7pm. Cafe del Mar bar nearby.
7. Plaza Santo Domingo + Fernando Botero sculpture
Cost: Free.
Best plaza for people watching.
8. Salsa lesson at Donde Fidel
Cost: USD 10-20.
Real Colombian salsa. Locals friendly.
9. Cathedral of Cartagena
Cost: USD 6 entry.
16th-century. Sunset over walled city.
10. Eat arepas + bandeja paisa
Cost: USD 5-10.
Colombian breakfast + Antioquian lunch.
11. Day trip La Boquilla (fishing village)
Cost: USD 30-50 tour.
Mangrove canoe + local seafood.
12. Eat at Carmen or Alma (modern Caribbean)
Cost: USD 60-120/person.
Best fine dining in city.
13. Drink Aguardiente (Colombian liquor)
Cost: USD 5-8.
Anise-flavored. Try at La Vitrola.
14. Visit Palacio de la Inquisicion (history museum)
Cost: USD 5.
Spanish Inquisition + dark history.
15. Sail catamaran sunset cruise
Cost: USD 50-100.
3-hour cruise. Open bar.
Practical Tips for Cartagena
Currency: Local currency essential. USD accepted in some tourist areas at worse rates. Carry small bills.
Transport: Use Uber/Cabify/local apps (not street taxis). Public transport is cheap but watch belongings.
Safety: Don’t flash phones/cameras in crowds. Use hotel safes. Use Uber not taxis at night.
Tipping: 10% at restaurants. Round up taxis. Tips welcome from porters + drivers.
Where to Stay in Cartagena
Stay in safe tourist neighborhoods. Mid-range boutique hotels offer best value. Book 4-6 weeks ahead for peak season.
FAQ
Is Cartagena safe?
Cartagena is generally safe in tourist areas. Standard travel precautions apply – watch valuables in crowds. Use trusted taxi apps. Avoid certain neighborhoods at night.
How many days do I need in Cartagena?
Cartagena deserves 3-5 days for first-timers. Add days for surrounding regions + day trips.
What’s the best time to visit Cartagena?
Avoid wet/hurricane seasons. Dry season + spring/fall offer the best balance of weather + crowds + prices.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
Basic Spanish helps enormously. Locals appreciate the effort. Google Translate works in a pinch. Some staff in tourist hotels speak English.
What about altitude sickness?
Cusco (11,000 ft), Quito (9,300 ft), La Paz (12,000 ft) cause altitude sickness for 10-30% of visitors. Acclimate 1-2 days, drink coca tea, take diamox if needed.
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