Cartagena

Written by Marcus Kayode, Marika Maslanka, Santiago Rodriguez
03/08/2025
Charming street in Cartagena with vibrant buildings and cathedral in view, ideal for travel inspiration.
Ariel Foletto, Pexels

Cartagena, Colombia, is a captivating coastal city that blends rich historical heritage with a vibrant Caribbean atmosphere. Visitors are drawn to its well-preserved colonial architecture, dynamic cultural scene, and the alluring island getaways nearby.

For those looking to connect and socialize, the Getsemani neighborhood stands out with its lively street art, energetic ambiance, and various bars and entertainment venues, often attracting backpackers and those seeking a more local experience. Within the Historic Center, plazas like Plaza Santo Domingo come alive with street performers and offer numerous restaurants and rooftop bars, providing vibrant spots for evening enjoyment and socializing.

Top 7 Things to do in Cartagena

Exploring Cartagena involves immersing oneself in its rich history and vibrant culture through architectural marvels and colorful neighborhoods, venturing to nearby islands for relaxation and marine adventures, and experiencing unique natural phenomena.

1. Explore the Walled City and Plaza de Bolívar

Wander through the labyrinthine streets of Cartagena's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Admire the well-preserved colonial architecture, vibrant facades, and balconies adorned with flowers. The Walled City is best explored on foot, allowing for spontaneous discoveries of hidden alleys and charming squares. Plaza de Bolívar, centrally located, provides a peaceful respite with its leafy trees and is surrounded by significant buildings like the Palace of the Inquisition and the Gold Museum. Observe daily life, enjoy street performances, and soak in the historical atmosphere. Consider visiting in the morning for fewer crowds or in the late afternoon as the heat subsides.

Cost: Free to explore. Entry fees for museums (e.g., Palace of the Inquisition, Gold Museum) vary.

Transport: The Walled City is walkable. Taxis or ride-sharing services can take you to the perimeter if staying outside the immediate area.

2. Discover the Getsemaní Neighborhood and Street Art

Step into the vibrant Getsemaní neighborhood, known for its lively street art, bohemian atmosphere, and energetic cultural scene. Explore colorful murals, whimsical umbrella canopies, and glowing lanterns. Plaza de la Trinidad is the heart of Getsemaní, offering a lively spot for quick bites, cold drinks, and nighttime entertainment. Many free and paid walking tours are available, providing insights into the area's revolutionary history, Afro-Colombian heritage, and the stories behind its impressive street art. This neighborhood is particularly popular with backpackers and those seeking a more local experience.

Cost: Free to explore independently. Guided walking tours often operate on a tip-based model (suggested tip $10-$50 USD / 40,000 COP per person) or fixed price tours range from approximately $45 USD to $174,000 COP (approx. $44 USD).

Transport: Getsemaní is adjacent to the Walled City and is easily walkable from there.

3. Visit Castillo San Felipe de Barajas

Explore the impressive Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, the largest fortress built by the Spanish in South America. Located on San Lázaro hill, this strategic military structure offers a glimpse into Cartagena's colonial past and its defenses against pirate attacks. Wander through its complex network of tunnels, ramparts, and admire the cannons. From the top, you are rewarded with panoramic views of the city skyline, the Walled City, and the Caribbean Sea. Consider hiring a guide at the entrance or using an audio guide to fully appreciate its historical significance.

Cost: Entrance fee is approximately 25,000 COP (around $8 USD). Guided tours are an additional cost, about 15,000 COP.

Transport: Approximately a 15-minute walk from the Walled City. Taxis from the clock tower cost around 7,000 COP (approx. $2 USD). Public Transcaribe buses also serve the area.

4. Ascend to the Convent of Santa Cruz de la Popa

Journey to the Convent of Santa Cruz de la Popa, situated on the highest point in Cartagena. This historic convent, founded in 1606, offers a serene environment and a deep connection to the city's religious and colonial past. The primary draw for visitors is the unparalleled panoramic views it provides of Cartagena, including the Walled City, Bocagrande's modern skyline, and the expansive Caribbean coastline. The charming flower-filled patio and the chapel, housing the image of La Virgen de la Candelaria, the city's patroness, are also notable. It is highly recommended to take a taxi to the top for safety reasons.

Cost: Entrance fee is 11,000 COP for adults (approx. $2.80 USD).

Transport: A taxi is the safest and most convenient way to reach the convent. A ride from Castillo San Felipe is around 8,000 COP (approx. $2 USD), while from the Walled City it can be about 16,000 COP (approx. $4 USD). Negotiate with the driver to wait for you during your visit for a round trip of around 35,000 COP (approx. $9.2 USD).

5. Day Trip to the Rosario Islands

Embark on a full-day excursion to the Rosario Islands, an archipelago of coral islets known for their crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life. These islands are part of a protected national park, offering idyllic beaches, snorkeling opportunities to explore coral reefs, and a chance to relax away from the city's bustle. Various boat tours are available, ranging from shared speedboats to more luxurious catamarans or private yachts, often including lunch and access to island facilities. Some tours focus on island hopping, while others provide a relaxed beach club experience on a single island like Isla Grande or Isla Barú's Playa Blanca. Be aware that the return boat trip can be choppy, especially during windy seasons.

Cost: Day trips typically range from 150,000 COP to 330,000 COP per person (approx. $38-$84 USD), depending on inclusions. Expect an additional national park tax of around 25,000 COP (approx. $6.5 USD). Private boat rentals are also an option.

Transport: Tours usually include round-trip boat transportation from Cartagena's main pier (e.g., Muelle de la Bodeguita). Independent travel to Playa Blanca on Isla Barú can be done via shuttle bus (around 50,000 COP / $14 USD return) or public bus combined with a moto-taxi (around 25,000 COP / $6.5 USD return).

6. Experience the Totumo Mud Volcano

Participate in a unique and memorable experience at the Totumo Mud Volcano, a small, conical mound approximately an hour from Cartagena. Descend into the crater for a buoyant mud bath, where the mineral-rich mud is believed to have therapeutic properties, leaving your skin feeling soft and smooth. After the mud bath, community members assist in rinsing off the mud in a nearby lagoon. This activity offers a blend of relaxation and novelty, making it a popular day trip. Additional small fees are typically charged for optional massages, photos taken with your device, and the mandatory cleaning service by locals.

Cost: Entrance fee is 20,000 COP (approx. $5 USD). Optional services like massages, photo taking, and cleaning are each around 4,000 COP (approx. $1.50 USD), with cleaning being mandatory. Tours from Cartagena typically cost between $29-$48 USD and include transportation and entrance.

Transport: Most visitors join a tour which includes round-trip transportation from hotels in central areas of Cartagena. The volcano is about an hour's drive from the city.

7. Indulge in a Street Food Tour

Delight your taste buds with a street food tour, a fantastic way to immerse yourself in Cartagena's local culture and cuisine. Explore the vibrant flavors of Colombian street food, from traditional sweets and fried treats like arepas and patacones, to savory shrimp cocktails and fresh ceviche. You can opt for a guided tour, where a local expert will lead you to hidden vendors and explain the history and cultural significance of each dish. Alternatively, embark on a self-guided culinary adventure, sampling various delicacies from street vendors found throughout the Walled City and Getsemaní. Don't forget to try the local soda, Kola Roman, and the diverse range of tropical fruits.

Cost: Guided tours cost approximately $43-$45 USD. A self-guided tour can be done for under $10 USD.

Transport: Street food tours are typically walking tours within the Walled City and Getsemaní, which are easily accessible on foot.

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