Marjolein Dilven
What’s happening in Cartagena? Everything! Cartagena has it all, from delicious food trips to sightseeing historical landmarks to braving exciting activities and enjoying the crazy nightlife! You might find this list of the 33 best things to do in Cartagena Colombia handy.
This article will let you in on some of the best experiences you shouldn’t miss during your trip to Cartagena. We will also list some of the beautiful places to visit that you would not be able to resist your desire to stay longer in this South American city.
Let’s begin!
Best Things to Do in Cartagena Colombia – Activities
1. Mud Volcano
A mud volcano is something that you can’t miss when you go to Cartagena.
Head to El Totumo, a small volcano with thick mud at the top, which can accommodate 10-15 bathers at a time. An additional option of a mud massage is guaranteed to make all exhaustion leave your body instantly.
Once you are done with the bath and massage, local ladies will guide you to the lake at the bottom of El Totumo, where you can wash off the mud.
2. Salsa Bars
Salsa bars in the old city of Cartagena have some crazy crowd that makes the nightlife a lot of fun. It’s the best experience that the Colombia nightlife has to offer. You can get a salsa dancing experience worth your time no matter which city or bar you visit.
Café Havana has some of the most energetic crowds in Cartagena.
Another salsa bar called Donde Fidel is quite famous for its sound system. It is located in front of the picturesque clock tower.
3. City Walls and Horse-Drawn Carriage
Take a walk around the old city walls where you can learn about the historic cannons once used for defending the city.
You can experience the beach and the streets on your left and right side if you go up the steps. You can also get beers and drinks from the vendors near the Café del Mar and enjoy the amazing ride on a horse carriage around the city.
4. Chiva Party Bus
Taking the Chiva Party Bus is a nighttime activity that most people love to do in Cartagena. It is a colorful party bus with an open bar and people dancing to live music.
You can find your favorite Colombian band performing on the bus while you move towards the nightclub. It is a great nighttime activity that will help you meet many new friends.
5. Scuba Diving
The Caribbean Sea has a lot to offer other than clear blue water. You can explore a whole new world with the underwater landscapes and colorful fishes that can fill your heart with joy and excitement.
Some of the most common sea animals seen during scuba diving are lionfish, moray eels, and lobsters.
6. Free Walking Tour
The free walking tour is one of the best ways to experience the true culture of a city.
Free Tour Cartagena is a tour management company that offers free walking tours every day and provides you with local guides to help you enjoy your journey comfortably. These tour guides are a great source of knowledge about the city, as they will entertain you with the historical stories of Cartagena during the walk.
7. Kitesurf
Cartagena has become quite popular because of its kitesurfing activity. On top of that, you can easily learn it from the professionals in the kitesurfing schools located in La Boquilla.
If you already know how to do it, you can head to the Laguito area where you will find a lot of tourists enjoying one of the most famous activities in Cartagena, Colombia.
8. Learn About Cartagena’s People
You can only experience the real culture from the people who have known the city for a very long time.
These indigenous people survive on the streets of Cartagena by selling the best coffees in the world. One of them is Zenu, who leads a city tour as a guide and will tell you everything about the city’s struggles to reach its current state.
9. Cartagena’s Nightlife
Cartagena has improved in terms of safety, allowing people to enjoy their weekends at bars and nightclubs. It will be great to check out Cartagena nightlife while you’re in the city.
The nightlife is absolutely electric, with people visiting from all over the world. Make sure that you wear some good clothes, preferably long pants or jeans with a nice shirt, instead of your shorts and flip-flops. Most nightclubs will turn you away if your attire isn’t suitable for the party.
Best Things to Do in Cartagena Colombia – Places to Visit
10. Cartagena’s Old City
The old city tops our priority list for Cartagena’s best place to visit. It includes Centro, Getsemani, and San Diego. Luckily, all of the places mentioned have a fairly short distance which makes walking easier.
The historical city will show you some amazing colonial architecture, so make sure you plan your stay here for more than a day. When you’re wondering where to stay in Cartagena, staying within the city walls is recommendable.
11. Castillo de San Felipe
Castillo de San Felipe is the iconic landmark of Cartagena. It is an amazing fortress built in 1639 to defend the city. The castle is very popular mainly because invaders had never taken it down.
The castle was designed in such a way that the small tunnels inside could make sound travel from outside to inside without the intruder even noticing when he blew his cover.
12. Islas del Rosario
Just off the city’s coast are the Islas Del Rosario, 27 islands above crystal clear waters.
Visit any of the islands by taking a boat to the perfect spot for spending your whole day snorkeling, swimming, or island-hopping.
The waters also abound with different kinds of fish. Several hotels are nearby in case you want to stay here longer.
13. Mercado de Bazurto
Mercado de Bazurto is a bustling central market in Cartagena and one of the best places to experience the colorful Colombian mercado (market). It offers fresh produce, seafood, and practically everything else.
The place offers the whole package, as you can eat, drink, and shop simultaneously.
14. Playa Blanca
Playa Blanca is a mesmerizing white sand beach close to Cartagena. It is located on Isla Baru, so you will have to take a boat to reach this place.
We recommend you stay here for at least one night as the beach is crowded with tourists and locals during the day.
The water here is calm with its blue color, making it a sensational sight. Do not forget to try the famous fried fish with coconut rice from the restaurants nearby the beach.
15. Convento de la Popa
Convento de la Popa is the highest point in the city.
Take a taxi to the top of the hill where you can see the whole of Cartagena. From stunning beaches to courtyards, you can see almost everything from the top.
The place is quite windy, which adds a lot of fun to the experience.
16. Palace of Inquisition
A museum where you can get good knowledge about the dark history of the city’s past, the Palace of Inquisition is a place for history lovers.
Here, you can see the prisons where the heretics used to wait for their execution. They were punished by the Spanish representatives for witchcraft, blasphemy, and magic because these activities were considered to be a threat to catholic churches.
17. Getsemani Street Art
Getsemani is a place that didn’t have a lot of charm as a tourist spot in the past, but it has transformed itself to compete with the beauty of Centro and San Diego.
The street art in Getsemani created by local and international artists alike is what makes it worth visiting. We advise you to take a graffiti tour to learn what the murals and arts mean. You can also view the historic architecture of old buildings and local homes during the tour.
18. Bocagrande Beach
The Bocagrande beach is located in the city. You will see a lot of buildings and colonial homes nearby, complementing the beauty of the beach.
Most local masseuses will constantly disturb you with offers of massages, drinks, clothing, and jewelry. If you want to relax without many people, there is a Cartagena beach that is worth a visit.
19. Museo de la Esmeralda
If you are fond of diamonds and emeralds, Emerald Museum is the place for you.
From discovery to mining to crafting, you will learn about it inside the museum. You can also see one of the largest emeralds discovered in Colombia.
There is no entrance fee, but make sure that you have enough cash in your pocket to buy something when you end up in the jewelry store at the end of your visit.
20. Santuario de San Pedro Claver
Santuario de San Pedro Claver is a place you must visit to experience how old churches operate.
It also has some old religious artwork with the remains of St. Peter Claver. He was the hero of the colonial times when he fought hard to make Cartagena a better place.
The overall architecture of the church is beautiful, making it worth visiting during your trip.
21. La Boquilla
La Boquilla is a village where most of the tourists go fishing.
But you can skip fishing and just enjoy eating it with the locals. The fish here is the freshest fish you will ever taste in your life. Visit El Paraiso, a famous seafood restaurant near the beach, and try their specialty.
You can also explore the mangrove tunnel from La Boquilla, but you will need a local guide for that.
22. Museo Del Oro Zenu
Museo Del Oro Zenu is a gold museum in Cartagena where you will learn how people made jewelry during ancient times.
Indigenous people will guide you on how the gold is mined. It is called Oro Zenu because all the artifacts present in the museum belong to the Zenu tribe, who used the gold ornaments and breastplates now displayed inside the museum.
You can try and join this walking tour around Cartagena which includes a visit to the gold museum.
23. San Basilio
San Basilio is a small village located 56 kilometers from Cartagena. It is the first town founded by the people who escaped slavery to live their own life with freedom.
Most popular Colombian musicians have started their careers in this small village. The music genre Champeta and Palenque was born here.
24. Cartagena Cathedral
Catedral Santa Catalina Alejandria, located in front of Plaza Bolivar, is a view that you cannot miss at any cost.
The cathedral was built in 1612. Since then, it has undergone architectural restorations and become the most photographed place in Cartagena, especially at night.
You can also visit the place where artists sell their works outside during the daytime.
25. Plaza de Los Coches
Street performances at Plaza de Los Coches are the main highlight of this place. This large triangular square is a popular, lively space where you will also find many horse-drawn carriages that offer a city tour to tourists.
If you visit the place during the day, head to Parque del Centenario, where you will find sloths hugging the trees.
The entrance to the park is free.
26. Plaza de la Trinidad
Street food at Plaza de la Trinidad will get you hooked on delicious Colombian food. You can also watch the street performance of fire twirlers and jugglers.
The place is ideal for the people who travel at night with their families. It is only a 10-minute walk from the old city, so visiting here won’t require booking a taxi or riding a bus.
27. Plaza Santos Domingo
Plaza Santos Domingo is where you can just sit back and enjoy the atmosphere. There is a statue of famous hometown hero Fernando Botero, which most people believe provides good luck to whoever rubs it.
A bit of a downside of this charming place is the street sellers could be a little aggressive as they rush toward tourists to sell their wares.
28. Museo Naval del Caribe
Museo Naval del Caribe goes back 500 years into Cartagena’s maritime history, providing information about the Colombian army and navy.
Many artifacts like ship bells, cannons, and various treasures from sunken ships are displayed here. The museum is located in front of Plaza de Santa Teresa.
Best Things to Do in Cartagena Colombia – Foods and Restaurants
29. Las Palenqueras
Las Palenqueras are the iconic ladies in colorful garb selling local fruits in the streetside market. The ladies are from San Basilio de Palenque, the first free town in the Americas founded by runaway African slaves in history.
They sell local fruits such as lulo, granadilla, and maracuya, carrying them on their shoulders and wowing tourists with their exceptional balance.
30. La Cevicheria
La Cevicheria, a restaurant prized by the locals for its ceviche, was made even more popular when it was featured in Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations.
They make a Peruvian-style Ceviche, and the place is always full. Make sure that you reserve seats to enjoy your favorite ceviche.
If the menu doesn’t suit your fancy, you can also try La Perla, where you can also find delicious raw and cured fish.
31. Café del Mar
One of the most luxurious restaurants in Cartagena, Colombia, Café del Mar is where you can experience the sensational view of the Caribbean Sea.
Due to its prime location, the prices here are higher than in other restaurants and cafés. You will have to book your seats in advance because this place receives a lot of customers.
32. Mardeleva Restaurant
Mardeleva is an ideal restaurant choice for you if you want a wide variety of Colombian dishes in one place. They are experts in making seafood, which you can enjoy in an open-air seating arrangement.
If you prefer to enjoy your food inside, they also have an indoor seating arrangement with air conditioners.
33. Street Food – Arepa de Huevo
Arepa de Huevo is Cartagena’s popular street food made from fried yellow cornmeal with beef filling and eggs on the side.
You can eat this dish at any time of the day: most people treat it as a snack, while some eat it for breakfast.
Where To Stay in Cartagena Colombia
The Clock Hostel & Suites (Budget)
The Clock Hostel & Suites offers air-conditioned rooms, a restaurant, free WiFi, and a garden. Other amenities include a terrace, bar, and shared lounge. Guests can also access a 24-hour front desk, shared kitchen, and tour organization services.
Hotel Caribbean Cartagena (Mid-range)
Hotel Caribbean Cartagena offers rooms with a bar and complimentary WiFi. Additionally, guests can enjoy amenities such as a hot tub, an outdoor pool open all year, and a terrace. Dining options are available at the hotel restaurant.
Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena (Luxury)
Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena offers lodging with a restaurant, complimentary private parking, bicycles, and a garden. Additional amenities include a terrace and bar. The property features a 24-hour front desk, shuttle service, room service, and complimentary WiFi available throughout.
For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.
Frequently Asked Questions – Best Things To Do in Cartagena Colombia
Why Cartagena Colombia?
Cartagena is one of the most iconic places to visit in Colombia, with numerous activities and places to visit. It has its own distinctive charm and beauty enriched with beautiful beaches, museums, and landscapes.
How To Stay Safe In Cartagena Colombia
To stay safe in Cartagena, Colombia, prioritize staying in well-lit, tourist-friendly areas such as the historic center and Getsemaní, especially at night. Use official taxis or rideshare apps for transportation to avoid scams and ensure a safer journey.
Additionally, consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay. Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!
Is it Safe to Visit Cartagena?
Cartagena is relatively safer than other cities in Colombia, with an active police presence in most tourist areas. If you have more safety concerns, read our review about how safe it is in Cartagena.
Conclusion – Best Things To Do in Cartagena Colombia
You will never run out of things to experience in this city, making this list of the best things to do in Cartagena, just for starters.
There’s everything for everyone: family-friendly destinations, salsa dancing or live music-tripping for nightlife lovers, disco-clubbing party architecture and museums for history enthusiasts, natural landscape and beaches for nature-buffs, memorable cuisine for foodies, name it!
Just make sure that you manage your time well to experience as much as you can in a single visit, or with this guide, to choose your itinerary well. Enjoy!
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If you liked this post and are planning to visit other Colombian cities, check out:
Founder of Spark Nomad, Radical FIRE, Copywriter
Expertise: Personal finance and travel content. I’m a full-time traveler, and I’ve been to 49 countries and 5 continents.
Education: Bachelor of Economics at Radboud University, Master in Finance at Radboud University, Minor in Economics at Chapman University.
Over 200 articles, essays, and short stories published across the web.
Marjolein Dilven is a journalist and founder of Spark Nomad, a travel platform, and Radical FIRE, a personal finance platform. Marjolein has a finance and economics background with a master’s in Finance. She has quit her job to travel the world, documenting her travels on Spark Nomad to help people plan their travels. Marjolein Dilven has written for publications like MSN, Associated Press, CNBC, Town News syndicate, and more.