Things to Do in Cartagena, Colombia: 14 Experiences Locals Recommend6 min read
Looking for the best things to do in Cartagena, Colombia? This guide puts the city’s essentials in one place, from the walled Old Town and its colonial forts to island days in the Caribbean, a mud bath at a volcano and food markets where locals actually eat. It is written by our local team, who run these trips every week, so you will also find practical tips on timing, prices and how to combine plans.
Most visitors spend three to five days in Cartagena. A good rhythm is one or two days in the city, one or two days at sea and one day for a nature or culture trip outside town. Here is what to put on your list.
1. Walk the Walled City and the city walls
The Walled City is the heart of Cartagena and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984. Start at the yellow Clock Tower, wander through Plaza de los Coches, Plaza Santo Domingo with Botero’s reclining woman and the cathedral on Plaza de Bolívar, then climb onto the walls for the sunset. Early morning and late afternoon are the most pleasant times, because the midday heat is strong.
Read our complete guide to the Cartagena walled city for the history and a list of what to see.
2. Explore Getsemaní
Just outside the main walls, Getsemaní is the city’s most creative neighborhood, with street art, umbrella-covered streets and Plaza de la Trinidad, which fills with music and street food at night. It is a great area for dinner and for a first night out.
3. Visit the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas and La Popa
The Castillo San Felipe de Barajas is the largest fortress the Spanish built in the Americas, with tunnels and ramparts that held off a British siege in 1741. On the hill behind the city, the Convent of La Popa offers the best panoramic view of Cartagena. Both are easier by car, which is why our private Cartagena city tour combines them with the Walled City in one half day.
4. Spend a day in the Rosario Islands
The Rosario Islands are the most popular day trip from Cartagena: an archipelago of coral islands inside a national park, about 45 minutes by speedboat. You can spend the day at a beach club, an island hotel or a quiet private beach. Compare every option on our Rosario Islands tours page, from party clubs like Bora Bora Beach Club to calm hotels like Hotel Rosario de Mar. For planning tips, read our Rosario Islands guide.
5. Rent a private boat
For groups of 6 to 8 people, a private boat rental in Cartagena often costs less than buying shared tour tickets for everyone, and the day runs on your schedule: snorkel on a reef, stop at Cholón, have lunch at a beach club and swim at Playa Blanca on the way back. Our private boat and yacht guide explains how it works.
6. Party at Cholón
Cholón is a shallow lagoon near Barú where boats anchor side by side and the party happens in waist-deep water, with music and food served from canoes. You can go on a private boat or join the shared Cholón + 4 Rosario Islands tour.
7. Float in the El Totumo mud volcano
About an hour from the city, El Totumo is a small volcano filled with warm, dense mud where you float without sinking, followed by a rinse in the lagoon. It is fun for all ages and takes half a day. Book the private mud volcano tour or read our El Totumo guide first.
8. Paddle through the La Boquilla mangroves
On the north edge of the city, local fishermen take you by canoe through quiet mangrove tunnels, show you how they throw a cast net and serve lunch by the beach. Pair the La Boquilla mangrove tour with the mud volcano for a full nature day.
9. Discover San Basilio de Palenque
San Basilio de Palenque, about an hour and a half from Cartagena, is recognized as the first free town in the Americas and its culture is recognized by UNESCO. A local guide introduces you to its music, language, traditional medicine and sweets. Learn more in our Palenque guide or book the Palenque tour from Cartagena.
10. Eat your way through Bazurto Market
Bazurto is the city’s biggest and most chaotic market, where Cartagena buys its fish, fruit and spices. With a local guide it becomes the most authentic food experience in town. Join the Bazurto Market food tour.
11. Ride a chiva party bus
The chiva is Colombia’s colorful country bus, turned into a rolling party with music, an entertainer and night photo stops at San Felipe and Bocagrande. Read five things to know about the chiva and book the chiva party bus night tour.
12. See the birds of the National Aviary
On the road to Barú, the National Aviary of Colombia shows more than a hundred bird species in walk-through habitats. It is a relaxed half day that families love. See the National Aviary tour.
13. Take a long day trip to Tayrona
If you have an extra day, Tayrona National Park is where the Sierra Nevada meets the Caribbean, with jungle trails and wild beaches. It is a long trip, about four to five hours each way, so a private vehicle makes it much easier. Read our Tayrona guide and see the Tayrona day trip from Cartagena.
14. Meet the palenqueras
The fruit sellers in bright dresses you see around the Old City are palenqueras, women from San Basilio de Palenque whose image has become a symbol of Cartagena. Learn their story in our article on the palenqueras in Cartagena, and remember to ask before taking a photo and to tip.
How to plan your days in Cartagena
- Two days: the Walled City, Getsemaní and San Felipe on day one; a Rosario Islands day pass on day two.
- Three to four days: add the mud volcano and the mangroves, or a private boat day with Cholón.
- Five days or more: add San Basilio de Palenque, Bazurto Market, the chiva at night or a long day in Tayrona.
Cartagena is hot and humid all year. Plan walking tours for the morning or late afternoon, drink plenty of water and keep some cash in Colombian pesos for small vendors, tips and the port tax on island days. If you arrive by plane, a private airport transfer takes you straight to your hotel.
Frequently asked questions
What is Cartagena, Colombia best known for?
Its colonial Walled City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its fortresses, the colorful streets of Getsemaní and the Caribbean islands just offshore.
How many days do you need in Cartagena?
Three to five days lets you see the city and spend at least one day at sea. With two days you can still see the Walled City and visit the Rosario Islands.
What is the best day trip from Cartagena?
A day in the Rosario Islands is the most popular. For something different, the El Totumo mud volcano and San Basilio de Palenque are both easy half or full days.
Is Cartagena safe for tourists?
The Walled City, Getsemaní and the main tourist areas are busy and well policed. Use common sense, keep valuables out of sight and use registered taxis or apps at night.
Ready to plan? Browse our Cartagena day tours and Rosario Islands tours, or write to us on WhatsApp and our local team will help you build your days.
