Things to Do in Cartagena: The Ultimate Guide for First-Time Visitors
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Cartagena was my introduction to Colombia and my first trip to South America, and it’s a city I’ll never get tired of. Over the years, I’ve visited Colombia eight times, and I’ve revisited Cartagena three times. Each visit gives me the chance to revisit my favorite spots while also discovering new bars, restaurants, and experiences. Having revisited multiple times, I’ve figured out how to enjoy Cartagena’s highlights without falling into the usual tourist traps. Whether you have 3 days in Cartagena or an entire week, there are so many things to do.
This guide brings together the best things to do in Cartagena, Colombia from island day trips and food tours to live music and historic sites. Whether you’re here for the beaches, culture, or nightlife, you’ll find practical tips on where to go, what’s worth your time, and how to make the most of your visit.
Things to do in Cartagena
Visit Cartagena’s Walled City
The very first thing I like to do when I arrive in a new city is join a walking tour, and Cartagena is no exception. Taking a walking tour is the best way to get oriented and hear local insights from someone who actually lives there.
Cartagena’s old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its colorful buildings, lively plazas, and centuries of layered history. On a walking tour, you’ll get context on how the city was shaped over time while also learning about daily life in the city today. Guides often share tips on where to eat and drink, which neighborhoods are worth exploring, and how to avoid overpriced tourist traps.
By the end of the tour, you’ll feel comfortable navigating the Walled City on your own, with a list of local recommendations that go far beyond the guidebooks. It’s the perfect introduction to Cartagena.
See Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
Cartagena’s Castillo San Felipe de Barajas is one of the city’s most important landmarks. Built in the 1500s and expanded over the following centuries, the fortress was designed with tunnels and lookout points that made it nearly impossible to capture. It played a key role in defending Cartagena from attacks, including the massive British invasion of 1741.
Today, you can walk through the tunnels, climb the ramparts, and take in some of the best views of the city. The fortress is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and admission is about 25,000 COP (around $6–7 USD) for foreign visitors.
Go early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the hottest part of the day and the biggest crowds.
Walk through Getsemaní
Just outside Cartagena’s Walled City, Getsemaní is a neighborhood with deep cultural roots blending Indigenious, African and Spanish influences . Once the home of working-class families and a key gathering place during Cartagena’s independence movement, it’s now known for its vibrant street art, lively plazas, and an amazing food and nightlife scene.
You can easily explore Getsemaní on your own by wandering through its streets. Look out for murals that cover entire building facades, sip coffee at small cafés, and stop by Plaza de la Trinidad, where locals gather day and night. It’s a spot that feels less polished than the old town but is so full of character.
For a deeper look, consider joining a walking tour of Getsemaní. Local guides explain the stories behind the art, highlight the neighborhood’s historical significance, and point out the best places to eat and listen to live music. It’s the kind of context that makes the area more than just a colorful backdrop and shows how Getsemaní helped shape Cartagena’s identity.
Take a Day Trip to the Rosario Islands or Isla Barú
You’ve traveled to Colombia’s Caribbean coast, so of course you want a beach day. While Cartagena itself doesn’t have the most picturesque beaches, taking a day trip to the nearby islands is the perfect solution. Just offshore are the Rosario Islands and Isla Barú, known for white sand beaches and clear Caribbean waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
You’ll find no shortage of tours, but you definitely get what you pay for. On my first trip, I booked one of the cheaper options, which meant a smaller, crowded boat that felt rushed and uncomfortable. The second time, I spent a little more for a tour on a catamaran. The experience was completely different with spacious seating, better service, and a much more relaxed day.
If you’re after a lively party vibe, Isla Barú’s Playa Blanca is the most popular beach, though it can get busy especially on weekends and holidays. For a quieter escape, a tour that includes stops at smaller Rosario Islands usually is less crowded.
Visit Palenque
A day trip to San Basilio de Palenque, often called simply Palenque, gives you a deeper understanding of Colombia’s Afro-Caribbean heritage. Palenque was the first free town founded by formerly enslaved Africans in the Americas.
Visiting Palenque goes so much deeper than just sightseeing. It’s an opportunity to learn from the community. You’ll hear stories about how residents preserved African languages, music, and traditions, and how those influences are still alive in Cartagena today. Local guides will introduce you to traditional music, cooking, and even medicine, offering perspective you won’t find elsewhere.
While you can get there on your own, I recommend opting for a guided tour. It not only helps with transportation, but also ensures you’ll get the historical and cultural context that makes Palenque so significant.
Join a Food Tour and Market Visit
If you want to see the real side of Cartagena beyond the historic center, a local market tour is the way to do it. I joined a tour of Bazurto Market, and it ended up being one of my favorite experiences in the city.
Bazurto is loud, crowded, and a little chaotic at first glance, but that’s exactly what makes it fascinating. On the tour, you’ll walk through the market with a local guide who will explain the market’s role in everyday life, introduce you to vendors, and share stories about Cartagena’s food culture. I loved sampling fruits I had never tried (or heard of) before and ended with a stop at a family-run restaurant tucked inside the market.
If you’re a fan of Anthony Bourdain, you might recognize Bazurto from his Parts Unknown episode, and it really does live up to the reputation, raw, authentic, and full of flavor. Going with a guide amplifies the experience. Not only do you have someone local there to help navigating the maze of stalls but also to share with you the cultural significance behind what you’re seeing and tasting.
You can book the same Bazurto Market tour I did here.
Take an Afro-Caribbean Cooking Class
One of my favorite ways to connect with a destination is through a cooking class. Learning how to prepare traditional dishes not only gives you a deeper appreciation for local flavors but also lets you bring a piece of the trip back home.
In Cartagena, I joined an Afro-Colombian cooking class and learned how to make a delicious fish in coconut sauce with coconut rice, a dish I’ve made multiple times now back home in my own kitchen. Cooking alongside a local chef, you hear the stories behind the recipes and see how Afro-Caribbean influences shape Cartagena’s food culture.
The class was hands-on, relaxed, and full of flavor, and it made me feel like I was part of a family kitchen rather than a classroom. It’s the kind of experience that sticks with you long after the trip is over.
Book the Afro-Colombian cooking class I took here.
Tip: Come hungry. You’ll cook a lot of food and sit down to enjoy a full meal at the end of class.
Learn to Dance Salsa and Champeta
Cartagena’s nightlife is all about dancing. Two of the most popular styles here are salsa and champeta, and the best way to dive in is by taking a dance class.
I booked a Salsa and Champeta dance lesson with Discover Cartagena with Locals, and it ended up being one of my best nights in the city. As a solo traveler, I love booking nightlife tours like this one, because it makes it possible to go out and have a good time safely while not being alone. When I booked, I was the only person on the tour, but I still had a blast. My guide and dance instructor, Marlon, was incredible. He made it feel less like a class and more like a night out with a friend.
We started at a bar where he walked me through some salsa basics before hitting the dance floor. From there, we visited a few different bars around Getsemaní, each with its own music and atmosphere. By the end of the night, I felt way more confident with my dance moves and got a real taste of Cartagena’s nightlife.
Book the same Salsa and Champeta dance experience I did here.
Tip: Even if you’re shy about dancing, don’t skip this experience, it’s not about being perfect, it’s about joining in the energy of the city and having fun.
Experience the Chiva Party Bus
If you want a night out that’s lively and unique, hop on a Chiva party bus. These colorful school buses are a Colombian tradition, and they double as a moving pub crawl. Music, dancing, and drinks flow while the bus winds its way through the city before dropping everyone off at a club to keep the night going.
As a solo traveler who loves a good night out, this was one of my favorite nightlife experiences. I joined a Chiva bus and ended up meeting people from Canada, Spain, and different parts of Colombia. By the time we rolled into the final club, it felt like we were a group of old friends, and we stayed out dancing until morning.
It’s a great way to connect with other travelers if you don’t know anyone in the city, while also experiencing a fun piece of Colombian culture.
Tip: Bring cash for drinks and keep your belongings light—it’s about dancing, mingling, and going with the flow.
Book a Photoshoot in Cartagena
Cartagena’s colorful streets and colonial architecture make it one of the most photogenic cities in Colombia, but capturing those Instagram worthy shots isn’t always easy. One of the biggest safety tips for Colombia is to be careful with your personal belongings, especially with your phone.
There is a saying in Colombia, “No dar papaya.” The direct translation is “don’t give papaya,” but what it really means is don’t put yourself in a situation where you make an easy target. Setting up your phone on a tripod in a busy street while you pose across the road is exactly that.
So how do you get those beautiful photos without the risk? Hire a local photographer.
I booked a photoshoot in Cartagena and absolutely loved the experience. My photographer knew all the best spots, including hidden corners of the Walled City that weren’t crowded, so I was able to get amazing shots without random people in the background. She also gave me great posing tips, kept an eye on my belongings, and shared stories about life in Cartagena as we walked between locations.
The end result was not just a set of beautiful photos but also the peace of mind that I could relax and enjoy the experience. It was one of the most fun and stress-free ways to capture memories from the trip.
Tip: Book your photoshoot early in your trip. That way you’ll have your pictures ready to share, and it’s a great way to get oriented in the city.
Sip Colombian Coffee
Colombia is known worldwide for its coffee, and Cartagena is a great place to slow down and enjoy it. I always like to start my mornings with a relaxed routine—walking through the city and stopping at a café for coffee and a pastry before heading out for the day.
Two of my favorites in Cartagena are:
Café del Mural in Getsemaní: a cozy spot where the baristas treat coffee-making like an art form. It’s tucked away on a quiet street, making it perfect for lingering with a cup while admiring the neighborhood’s street art and colorful walls.
Época Café Bar in the Walled City: sleek and modern, with great coffee and breakfast options.
Both cafés are perfect for slowing down and enjoying Colombian coffee culture whether you’re fueling up for a day of sightseeing or simply soaking in the atmosphere.
Tip: Cartagena can get hot quickly, but most coffee shops have cold options like a cold brew or iced latte if you’re craving something cold and refreshing.
Catch the Sunset from a Rooftop Bar
Watching the sun dip into the Caribbean is one of the best ways to end a day in Cartagena.
My favorite spot is at the Movich Hotel rooftop bar. From here, you’ll get panoramic views of the Walled City with the ocean as a backdrop, and the atmosphere is a bit more relaxed. It’s the perfect setting to sip a cocktail while taking in the skyline as the city lights begin to glow.
Tip: Arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a good spot.
Dance Salsa at Café Havana
Especially if it’s your first trip to Cartagena, don’t miss out on spending an evening at Café Havana. Located in Getsemaní, this legendary salsa club is famous for its live bands, strong cocktails, and energy that keeps the dance floor moving late into the night.
When I visited, I noticed there were people of all ages, from locals who clearly knew their way around the dance floor to visitors giving salsa a try for the first time. The live music made it impossible not to join in, whether you were dancing or just soaking up the atmosphere.
There is a cover charge of about 40,000–60,000 COP (around $10–15 USD), and drinks are on the pricier side compared to other bars in the city. But the experience is worth it, even if you only stay for a drink or two, the live salsa music and atmosphere make Café Havana a must-do in Cartagena.
Tip: Café Havana fills up fast, especially on weekends. Go early if you want a table, or be ready to squeeze in by the bar and dance the night away.
Where to Stay in Cartagena
When deciding where to stay in Cartagena, the best options for most travelers are inside the Walled City or nearby Getsemaní. Both areas keep you close to the main attractions, restaurants, and nightlife, and you can easily explore on foot.
Personally, I prefer staying in Getsemaní. It’s still within walking distance of the Old City, but it offers more variety and better prices compared to the hotels inside the walls. The neighborhood also has a livelier, more local feel, with street art, cafés, and bars just outside your door.
You’ll also find many modern hotels in Bocagrande, which offer sea views and direct beach access. While this sounds appealing, keep in mind that Cartagena’s beaches aren’t as nice as those on the Rosario Islands or Isla Barú, and Bocagrande is not within walking distance of the historic center. If your focus is enjoying Cartagena’s culture, food, and history, it’s better to stay in or around the Old City area.
Budget-Friendly Stays
If you’re traveling on a budget, Getsemaní is the best neighborhood to look for hostels. You’ll find affordable stays that don’t skimp on atmosphere, plus you’ll be just a short walk from the Walled City.
Kim Cartagena (formerly Selina Cartagena)
One of my favorite hostels in Cartagena, especially if you need to get work done while you travel. It has a full co-working space on site, plus two rooftop pools, bars, and a coffee shop. You can choose between dorms and private rooms, making it a flexible option for different budgets. Located right in Getsemaní, it’s easy to enjoy the nightlife and street art while still having a comfortable place to stay.
A highly rated hostel, also in Getsemaní, with both dorms and private rooms. What makes it stand out are the activities—you can join cooking classes or meet other travelers at their rooftop hot tub. It’s a solid choice if you want a social vibe without giving up comfort.
Both options are affordable, fun, and perfectly located for experiencing Cartagena.
Mid-Range Options
If you’re looking for a balance between comfort and price, Cartagena has plenty of boutique hotels that offer style and amenities without the high-end luxury rates. These two are excellent choices:
Hotel Boutique La Artillería Cartagena
Located in Getsemaní on a quiet street, this boutique hotel is within easy walking distance of the Walled City. It’s a great choice if you want to be close to the action but still enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep. The highlight is the rooftop pool, perfect for cooling off after a day of enjoying Cartagena.
Tucked inside the Walled City, this hotel combines historic architecture with modern comforts. Its central location makes sightseeing easy, and the courtyard plunge pool offers a relaxing spot to unwind after walking the city’s busy streets.
Both hotels give you the charm of Cartagena with the right mix of comfort and value.
Splurge-Worthy Luxe Hotel
If you’re ready to treat yourself, the Movich Hotel Cartagena de Indias is one of the best luxury stays in the city. Located in the heart of the Walled City, this hotel combines modern comfort with an unbeatable setting.
The highlight is the rooftop pool and bar, which offers panoramic views of Cartagena, from the historic rooftops of the old town to the beaches of Bocagrande in the distance. It’s one of the most iconic spots in the city to enjoy a cocktail while watching the sunset.
Staying here means you’ll be in the center of everything, with Cartagena’s best restaurants, shops, and nightlife just steps from your door.
Final Tips for Visiting Cartagena
Safety and cultural etiquette
Cartagena is generally safe for travelers, but like any major city, it’s important to stay aware. A common saying in Colombia is “No dar papaya” which basically means don’t put yourself in a situation where you make an easy target. That means keeping phones and valuables tucked away when you’re walking in crowded areas, using official taxis or rideshare apps at night, and being cautious with drinks in busy bars.
When it comes to cultural etiquette, Colombians are warm and welcoming. A friendly “buenos días” or “buenas tardes” goes a long way, and it’s always appreciated when you make the effort as a visitor to use a little Spanish.
Best time of year to visit
Cartagena is hot and humid year-round, but the dry season from December to April is the most popular time to visit. If you want to avoid higher prices and larger crowds, consider visiting in May or November, when it’s still warm but less busy. The rainy season peaks in September and October, though showers are often brief.
Suggested itinerary length (3–5 days minimum)
To experience Cartagena at a comfortable pace, plan to spend at least 3–5 days. This gives you time to enjoy the Walled City, a day trip to the Rosario Islands or Isla Barú, and a night or two enjoying the food and nightlife. If you also want to visit Palenque or take a cooking class, adding an extra day or two will make your trip feel less rushed.
Conclusion
Cartagena is a city that blends history, food, nightlife, and beaches into one unforgettable experience. From walking tours in the Walled City to day trips to the surrounding islands, salsa nights in Getsemaní, and meals that celebrate Afro-Caribbean flavors, you will have a rich and varied experience during your stay.
The best way to enjoy Cartagena is by mixing it up. Spend your mornings soaking in the culture, your afternoons relaxing by the water or enjoying the pool, and your nights experiencing the city’s vibrant music and dance scene. However you plan your trip, Cartagena has a way of leaving you with memories that last long after you’ve gone home.
If you’d like help planning your trip, I offer custom travel planning services. Fill out the form and I’ll create a personalized itinerary based on your interests so you can enjoy the very best of Cartagena.
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