Posted 01/06/2024 | 1st June, 2024
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Cartagena, often referred to as the ‘Miami of Colombia’ (although I hate comparisons like this!), sits on the north coast of Colombia and is home to over 900,000 residents. It is frequently used as a gateway city for backpackers moving between Central and South America, but it offers much more than a mere pitstop.
Cartagena is known for its wild parties and crazy nightlife, but there is plenty more to it than this. From exploring the street art in Getsemani to eating incredible ceviche, here are all the best things to do in Cartagena, Colombia.
Firstly, is Cartagena Worth Visiting?
I have a pretty controversial statement to make: I LOVED Cartagena. In fact, it was one of my favourite places in Colombia.
Most people adopt a ‘love it or hate it’ attitude with this polarising city, and I think you have to dig a little deeper under its skin to see what it’s all about. This simply cannot be achieved with a fleeting 48 hours in the city, so I recommend staying at least four days to learn what the place is all about.
I was pretty apprehensive before my trip. I’d read ALL of the scaremongering online. This, combined with me not being the biggest party person (to say the least!), had me wondering if a flight up to the Caribbean coast was even worth it.
But, oh my goodness, it was so much fun.
But, is Cartagena Colombia Safe?
It is well beyond my remit to officially declare whether a city is safe or unsafe.
I saw a lot of poverty in Cartagena – more than I saw anywhere else in Colombia. Yes, some streets and areas felt unsafe, especially later in the evening. But, on the whole, I felt very comfortable and welcome exploring Cartagena, Colombia.
Note: This is caveated by the fact that I spend my evenings in the Getsemani area, which is bustling with tourists and vendors. I heard very different reports of people in the Bocagrande area at night.
Follow the same safety tips as any large, bustling area. For example, don’t wear expensive jewellery, don’t flash your belongings, or mindlessly scroll on your phone while in public.
13 Fantastic Things to Do in Cartagena
Explore Getsemani
As mentioned, Getsemani was the area I stayed in and certainly the area I would recommend.
It’s filled with bars, restaurants and some of the most amazing street art I have ever seen! (Think Shoreditch in the sunshine.)
In the daytime, while many nurse their hangovers, it’s a relaxed area of the city where friends gather to enjoy coffee, empanadas, and simply relax in the Carribean sunshine. But by night, the area comes alive.
Plastic chairs appear from nowhere and fill the narrow alleys. Small wooden benches are converted into makeshift cocktail stands. Tourists and locals alike don their best gear to enjoy a night of socialising and drinking. The party in the street doesn’t stop until around 2 am when the weak head to bed and the strong head to a Salsa club!
There are many free walking tours around this area, which are a great way to get to know the area and a few local hidden gems. And don’t worry—all the tours stop plenty of times, so you can get ample photos of the area’s beautiful alleyways and street art.
Wander the Walled City
The ‘Walled City’ in Cartagena, also known as the “Ciudad Amurallada,” is the historic heart of Cartagena de Indias, Colombia. This area is renowned for its well-preserved colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and vibrant cultural atmosphere.
Numerous historic buildings, such as the Cathedral of Santa Catalina, the Church of San Pedro Claver, and the Palace of the Inquisition, are inside the Walled City.
The Walled City is characterised by its charming plazas, such as Plaza de los Coches and Plaza Santo Domingo, and narrow, winding streets lined with colourful colonial houses and balconies adorned with bougainvillaea.
I recommend dedicating an afternoon to wandering around this area. There are heaps of places to grab a coffee or ice cream and take some fantastic photographs.
Watch the Sunset from the Walls
You simply cannot come to this area of the world and not enjoy a world-class sunset. In fact, watching the sunset from the walls is one of the best things to do in Cartagena.
Cafe del Mar is the most famous place in Cartagena to watch the sunset, but the tables start filling up here around 4 pm. In all honesty, you really don’t need a table here to enjoy a drink and a beautiful sunset.
There are guys everywhere selling cold beers and soft drinks. Therefore, I recommend finding a spot to perch and enjoying an ice-cold drink for a fraction of the price. You can then head down into the city and enjoy a great dinner afterwards.
Take A Sunset Cruise
There is no shortage of sunset cruises in Cartagena, ranging from open-bar party boats to relaxing boats filled with couples and families.
So many touts are selling these tours along the waterfront, so you can easily just turn up and book the tickets there and then. Honestly, I couldn’t be bothered by the hassle of negotiating, so I booked this catamaran tour through Get Your Guide instead.
Honestly, it was fantastic! There was plenty of room on the boat, meaning we could all stretch out and move around to get the best pictures. The ticket included a welcome drink (beer, wine, or soda) and an empanada. You could then purchase more drinks at very reasonable prices.
Boat Cruise to the Rosario Islands
A Boat Cruise around the Rosario Islands is certainly one of the most popular things in Cartagena, Colombia.
The Rosario Islands, or Islas del Rosario, are a group of about 30 islands located approximately 100 kilometres (62 miles) southwest of Cartagena. They are known for their clear turquoise waters, coral reefs, and diverse marine life and are part of the Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Natural Park.
A day trip to the Rosario Islands is the best thing to do in Cartagena, but there are extremely mixed reviews, so I recommend doing plenty of research before booking your trip. Spending a little extra money would certainly be worth it to ensure you have an excellent day out.
Enjoy A Street Art Tour
As mentioned, Cartagena is home to incredible street art. While you can definitely enjoy this at your own pace, if you’ve got a stronger interest, I would 100% recommend a street art tour.
Cartagena Connections offers a great two-hour specialised tour.
Marvel at The Castle of San Filipe
Strangely, I found it very difficult to find information on visiting the Castle of San Filipe before I visited Cartagena. You’ll be happy to learn it literally couldn’t be easier.
The construction of Castillo San Felipe began in 1536 and was completed in 1657. The Spanish built it during colonial rule over Colombia to protect Cartagena from pirate attacks and military incursions by rival European powers.
The castle is strategically situated on the Hill of San Lázaro, offering a commanding view of the city and the bay. This location was ideal for monitoring and defending against potential attacks from both land and sea.
It costs 25,000 COP to enter, and tickets can be purchased easily at the entrance. They accept cash or credit cards.
You don’t need a tour to visit; however, you should be aware that there is very limited information inside (in either Spanish or English), so I would recommend doing a little reading beforehand. Alternatively, there were tour guides at the entrance who could take you on private or group tours. These guides spoke both English and Spanish.
Even if you’re not a huge history buff, the Castle of San Filipe is a must-do attraction in Cartagena, offering amazing city views.
Visit Palenque
San Basilio de Palenque, commonly referred to simply as Palenque, is a village near Cartagena, Colombia, with a unique historical and cultural significance.
San Basilio de Palenque was founded in the 17th century by escaped African slaves, known as cimarrones, who fled from Spanish colonial plantations. It became one of the first free towns for formerly enslaved people in the Americas.
The village’s establishment was part of a broader resistance movement against slavery. Its residents successfully defended their autonomy against colonial forces, leading to the recognition of their freedom by Spanish authorities.
The Palenque community has preserved its own creole language, Palenquero, which is a mix of Spanish and African languages. It is one of the few Spanish-based creoles spoken in Latin America and a symbol of the community’s distinct cultural identity.
Palenque is known for its vibrant musical traditions, including styles such as bullerengue and lumbalú, which blend African rhythms and influences. Music and dance play a central role in community celebrations and rituals.
Lounge on the Beaches of Bocagrande
It’s no secret that Bocagrande’s beaches are not the best in the world. In fact, they leave quite a lot to be desired. If you want idyllic white sand in this region of the world, you’re best off heading to the Rosario islands.
However, a trip out might just quench your thirst if you’re looking for a quick, easy few hours on the beach. Expect many sellers, but most won’t hassle you after a simple ‘no gracias’.
Also, don’t leave anything unattended on the beach while dipping your toes in the water.
Dance the Night Away
As mentioned a few times, Cartagena is all about the nightlife. Therefore, donning your dancing shoes for a night is definitely one of the best things to do in Cartagena.
La Havana is the most popular spot in town and is frequented by many tourists so don’t worry about sticking out. They do great cocktails so you can have a drink and observe from the sidelines before you pluck up the courage to hit the dancefloor.
Bazurto Social Club and Donde Fidel Salsa Bar are two other popular venues frequented by locals and tourists.
Eat Great Ceviche
You cannot come to Cartagena and not eat Ceviche—it’s fantastic here. We enjoyed a few great meals, but our favourite was La Mulata, which specialises in Caribbean food and almost exclusively seafood.
Ceviche is popular is Cartagena for several reasons:
🐟 Abundance of Fresh Seafood: Cartagena, a coastal city on the Caribbean Sea, has easy access to abundant fresh seafood. This makes ceviche, which relies on fresh fish or shellfish, an ideal and readily available dish.
🎣 Cultural Heritage: Cartagena has a rich culinary tradition influenced by indigenous, African, and Spanish cultures. Ceviche, a dish with roots in pre-Columbian coastal societies and later influenced by Spanish and African culinary practices, fits well into this melting pot of culinary heritage.
🐡 Climate: Cartagena’s hot and humid climate makes light, refreshing dishes particularly appealing. Ceviche, served cold and often with a tangy, citrus-based marinade, is perfect for warm weather.
🐠 Health Benefits: Ceviche is considered a healthy option, being high in protein and often low in fat. The use of fresh ingredients like fish, lime, onions, and peppers aligns with contemporary preferences for nutritious and wholesome foods.
Soak in the Nighttime atmosphere at Plaza de la Trinidad
If you want a slightly more relaxed evening in Getsemani, relax on the walls at Plaxa de la Trinidad. This beautiful church has a small square where tourists, street performers, and food vendors meet after dark.
Make sure you’ve got some change on you, as the performers will come to collect tips afterward. There is an alcohol shop just across the road, where people will buy drinks to relax.
There’s also a great Caribbean restaurant nearby ‘El Bololó’ for an affordable, quick and tasty meal!
Drink Epic Colombian Coffee
Breaking news: coffee in Colombia is amazing!
Arriving in Colombia from Guatemala, I thought I had tasted some of the best coffee in the world. But I was wrong!
I won’t recommend a specific place because every cup of coffee I drank in Colombia was 10/10. But, make sure you devote at least a few hours to coffee hopping and enjoying the local delicacy!
Where to Stay in Cartagena
There appear to be three main areas where people stay in Cartagena, each with their own pros and cons.
Inside the Walled City
Staying inside the Walled City is a great option for those wanting to explore Cartagena. There are heaps of bars, restaurants and things to do within the city walls. There are also many small boutique hotels within the walls, ideal if you’re just staying for a night or two.
Getsemeni
I stayed here, and I loved it—honestly, I cannot recommend it enough. The narrow alleyways can at first appear a little intimidating, but in my opinion, this is the place to stay in Cartagena.
You’re right in the heart of the nightlife, meaning you won’t have to worry about getting home late at night or taking expensive taxis. There are heaps of hostels and AirBnBs in this area, but don’t expect a quiet night’s sleep—this place is loud!
Bocagrande
Bocagrande is home to the big chain hotels, popular with holidaymakers and those looking to simply soak up the sun. This is the place to stay if you’re looking for an all-inclusive getaway where you don’t really leave the hotel.
There’s definitely a ‘seedy underbelly’ to this area, known for prostitution and drugs. (So I guess, if that’s the stuff you’re into, this is probably the place for you also.)
Scams in Cartagena
Now, whether you would class all of these as ‘scams’ is up to you, but these are some things to be extremely vigilant about in Cartagena.
🔊The Rappers. You will be approached by two or three guys who will immediately start rapping in your face for a tip. These raps are actually quite funny and clever, but pretty annoying and startling when you’re not expecting it. Just politely no gracias and go about your day. They will leave… eventually.
💰’Forgetting’ Your Change. I noticed that in the small street bars the waiter/waitress would often ‘have no change’ and need to go to a nearby restaurant to find some. Essentially, slow timing in the hope you get bored and leave. Always try to pay in the correct money or be prepared to leave your change as a tip (on top of the 10% already added).
🥭Photographs with the fruit ladies. You will see these women selling fruit in traditional dresses all over the city, especially within the Walled City. They will invite you to pose for photos, but these photos are not free. There is nothing wrong with paying for photos if you want them, but be sure to agree on a fair price beforehand. Please be aware that these women make their livelihood here, so please don’t discreetly try to take photos without paying.
💊 Drugs. Putting ‘drugs’ under a ‘scam’ section feels a bit strange, doesn’t it? You will be offered drugs when you are out and about in Cartagena, especially at nighttime. Of course, you should not buy or consume them. If this is a path you are planning to go down, you should be aware that the sellers and police officers work together like a well-oiled machine (selling drugs to tourists and then the police officer bribing the tourist after finding drugs on their person). Do with this information as you wish.
