12 Best Things to Do in Cartagena

Cartagena is a riot of color, heat, and Caribbean energy wrapped in centuries-old fortress walls. The Old City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where pastel colonial buildings draped in flowering vines line cobblestone streets, salsa music drifts from open doorways, and fruit vendors balance enormous bowls on their heads. Beyond the walls, modern Bocagrande offers beach towers and nightlife, while the nearby Rosario Islands provide a Caribbean escape.

1. Walk the Walled City at Golden Hour

Cartagena’s Old Town is one of the most beautiful colonial districts in the Americas. Walk along the top of the city walls at sunset for views over terracotta rooftops and the Caribbean Sea. The ramparts connect to several bastions with cafes and views.

2. Explore the Street Art of Getsemani

Once a rough neighborhood, Getsemani has transformed into Cartagena’s coolest district. Every wall is covered in good murals and street art. Wander freely or join a guided walking tour to understand the stories behind the art. The nightlife here is excellent too.

3. Visit Castillo San Felipe de Barajas

The largest Spanish colonial fortress in the Americas sits on a hill with a maze of underground tunnels designed for defense and escape. Explore the dark passages, then climb to the top for panoramic city views. Go early before the heat becomes intense.

4. Island-Hop the Rosario Islands

A 45-minute boat ride brings you to this archipelago of tiny coral islands with crystal-clear water. Snorkel, swim, eat fresh seafood, and relax in a hammock. Day trips are affordable and widely available from the port. Isla Baru has the best beaches.

5. Eat Caribbean Street Food

From arepas de huevo at the Portal de los Dulces to fresh ceviche sold from carts in the plaza, Cartagena’s street food is legendary. Try cocadas (coconut sweets), patacones (fried plantains), and the famous fruit salads from palenquera women.

6. Dance Salsa at Cafe Havana

The most famous bar in Cartagena hosts live salsa bands that pack the dance floor nightly. Get there by 10 PM to grab a seat, order rum, and let the music take over. Even if you cannot dance, the energy is infectious and locals are happy to teach.

7. Watch Sunset from Cafe del Mar

Perched on top of the old city walls, this famous bar serves cocktails with unobstructed views of the sunset over the Caribbean. Arrive an hour before sunset to grab a spot. It is touristy but the setting is genuinely spectacular.

8. Explore the Palace of the Inquisition

This grand colonial building now houses a museum documenting the Spanish Inquisition in Colombia. The courtyard is beautiful and the exhibits are fascinating if dark. Located right on Plaza de Bolivar, the heart of the Old City.

9. Take a Mud Bath at Volcan del Totumo

About an hour from the city, this small mud volcano lets you float in warm volcanic mud said to have healing properties. The experience is bizarre, hilarious, and surprisingly relaxing. Local women wash the mud off in the nearby lagoon.

10. Shop for Emeralds and Handicrafts

Colombia produces the world’s finest emeralds, and Cartagena is one of the best places to buy them. Visit the Emerald Museum for education before shopping. For handicrafts, Las Bovedas, the vaulted dungeons in the city walls — house artisan shops with wayuu bags and local crafts.

11. Day Trip to Playa Blanca

The most famous beach near Cartagena sits on Isla Baru, accessible by boat or road. White sand, turquoise water, and fresh fried fish for lunch. It gets busy on weekends but midweek visits are more relaxed. Negotiate prices for chairs and umbrellas upfront.

12. Stroll Through Santo Domingo Plaza

One of Cartagena’s liveliest squares features Botero’s sculpture, open-air restaurants, and some of the best people-watching in the city. The golden-hour light hitting the colonial facades is photographer’s heaven. A perfect spot for a cold Club Colombia beer.

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