The Best Things to do in Cartagena, Colombia
Colombia has steadily increased in tourism over the years. And if there’s a city in South America that knows how to have a good time, it's Cartagena!! Even if it's partying until the early hours of the morning on a Sunday night!
The walled city of eternal sunshine has so much to offer with a smile! From salsa nights, foodie tours, cute surrounding neighbourhoods, rooftop bars + beaches! You’d be crazy to miss out on Colombia’s most vibrant city.
Fun fact(ish): According to my host, homes in Cartagena's Getsemaní are hot right now. It’s likely to be as expensive as the old town in the next 5-10 years.
Where to stay: Top picks
| Colonial charm in the Walled City | Hotel Bantu by Faranda Boutique |
| In the heart of El Centro | Casa Bugó Centro Histórico Hotel Boutique |
| Budget-friendly in Getsemaní | Life is good |
Looking to know more about Cartagena's neighbourhoods?
Wandering around Cartagena
What to do in Cartagena de Indias
My favourite way to get to know any city is doing a free tour. The city tour leaves from Plaza Santa Teresa at 10 am and 4 pm every day and can get pretty crowded.
Handy tip: Go for the one at 4 pm; the 10 am tour gets hot during the day!
But if there’s one tour I want to recommend… It’s the foodie tour!
I may not remember the names of half the stuff I tried, but it was all pretty great! I’d definitely recommend trying some of the ceviche and fried arepas. Oh, and you’ll also get an introduction to some of the awesome fruit they have in the country!
Fruit in Colombia
I'll give you 5 bucks if you can correctly name everything in there...
Hang out with the sloths
Yes, this is a thing! If you pop over to Parque Centenario and look up you’ll spot a few hanging loose.
Sloth hanging from tree in Colombia
Hangin' in there
Experience the local music Champeta
Rumour has it, Wednesdays are the night for Champeta in Cartagena. A mix of soca, reggae + calypso; you’ll likely wander past the dancers outside the Old Town during the week.
Going out in Cartagena
If you’re on a budget, going out in Cartagena can add up. Especially in comparison to cities such as Medellin. Even so, it’s worth it for a night or two. Watch the sky change into gorgeous hues of dusty pink and orange; it's the perfect location for sunset.
If you’re travelling solo, Media Luna Hostel offers a great way to meet people.
With great live music and a cool atmosphere, head to Cafe Havana for a dose of Salsa. Full of energy and live dancing, it’s the place to be on a Friday or Saturday night.
In Getsemaní, on Sunday nights, you may find yourself lucky enough to find a Zumba class in Plazuela del Pozo. Ask the locals…
Pretty doors!
Wander Getsemaní for some photography
Fun and energetic, my favourite part was joining in with random street parties in Getsemaní and devouring the street food. I loved wandering around the colourful streets lined with umbrellas and discovering quaint corners and coffee shops.
The eye-popping street art in Getsemaní makes for a perfect backdrop. Head there early in the morning to avoid the crowds!
After a dose of Getsemaní, the Old Town is wonderful, but it's best to wander around early!
Tour the Walled City of Cartagena
The Walled City, made up of El Centro and San Diego, is full of beautiful colonial buildings, historic plazas, street food, cafés and plenty of places to eat and explore. It’s easy to spend a whole day pottering around the streets, stopping for arepas, coffee or taking a food tour. My favourite part was the sunset views in the evening.
Late evenings - Horse and carriage in Cartagena street
Other fun things to do
Bazurto market
Not the best idea to go alone if your Spanish isn’t all that. This market is pure chaos, with everything sold from food to electronics. My tour guide recommended taking the public bus to make a few local friends along the way. But if you’re not all that comfortable going outside the tourist zone, it’s best to take a tour guide.
Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
Perched on a hill, the view at the top is stunning!
Islas del Rosario y Playa Blanca.
I didn’t go myself as I had come from Providencia where the beaches were gorgeous! If you're looking for some beach time in Cartagena, this is the place to go!
It’s doable as a day trip if you plan well. There are a bunch of tour agencies in town, so be sure to shop around!
Bocagrande neighbourhood
It’s walkable from Getsemaní and the Old Town, depending on your tolerance to heat. It made me think of Miami, built up with beaches. Although not the best beaches.
If you’re an adventurous soul with some time in Cartagena, the walk along the coastline has some lovely views of the Old Town.
Old town view from Bocagrande
Where to get coffee and food in Cartagena
A trip to Colombia is not complete without coffeeee!
Cafe Mural: My fave coffee place in Cartagena. Their menu’s kind of quirky; I asked a lot of questions! Try the Enyucado cake!
My Colombian host told me they sell the best quality coffee, and he wasn’t wrong! My only regret is not stocking up on more before leaving!
Abacus Books and coffee: I stumbled into this place after spending hours walking in the heat. I was in dire need of a cold drink + air con! I love bookshop coffee shops, and this is a cute one!
Di Silvio Trattoria: If you’re looking for an Italian fix, this place has some of the best pizza + pasta in town.
ColombItalia: This street vendor has some delicious grilled arepas. Sooo good, you’ll get at least two!
Cafe Mural
Mmmm...
Where to stay in Cartagena
Here are some budget and boutique places I’d recommend.
Budget options in Cartagena
Life is good
Cartagena gets insanely hot. So why wouldn’t it have a rooftop jacuzzi?! A great budget option in Getsemaní with a garden, bar, and a shared lounge.
Los Patios Hostel Cartagena
In a prime location in the heart of Getsemaní, this hostel is perfect for exploring the colourful neighbourhood. Rooms have air conditioning, and there are lots of opportunities to meet people.
Boutique options in Cartagena
Casa Bugó Centro Histórico Hotel Boutique
Inside the Walled City, in a beautiful building located in the heart of the historic centre. The property has a pool and air conditioning while maintaining a charming and authentic feel.
Hotel Voilá Pedregal By Huespedia
Based in Getsemaní. Elegantly decorated and right by Plaza de la Trinidad, the hotel is in a quiet location yet close to the buzz of Getsemaní. Modern with traditional Caribbean touches, it’s a gorgeous place to base yourself for a few days.
Apartment options in Cartagena
Bahari Cartagena Suites
With apartment-style rooms, you’re in a prime location near Bocagrande beach while also being within a short drive to the Walled City.
Cartagena wall
Is Cartagena safe?
As a solo female traveller, I wandered alone and had no issues. That’s not to say there aren’t any. Be wary of your belongings, especially at night. But that goes for anywhere.
I went to coffee shops and worked on my laptop. Walked around the city taking photos with my DSLR. Asked locals and even a (very amused) police officer to take photos of me! Locals are friendly and kind :)
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If there’s a city that knows how to have a good time, it’s Cartagena. Colourful and vibrant, it feels like everyone’s in a good mood. And that’s what I love most about Colombia…