18 Best Photo Spots in Cartagena That You Can’t Miss

18 most Instagrammable places in Cartagena

Getsemani

Getsemani is one of the liveliest neighborhoods and one of the prettiest places in Cartagena. it is filled with beautiful colorful houses, street art, and boutiques. Every single corner is a potential photo spot, so let’s see in detail what are the best places in Getsemani.

Carrera 10

Carrera 10 goes on top of the list of the most Instagrammable places in Cartagena. This picturesque alley embodies perfectly the soul of the city and Colombia.

The picturesque flags on top of the street compose the vibrant colors of the Colombian flag to add vibes to the street. The street is filled with cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops, each with a character and a soul.

Carrera 10 is also perfect for checking out some of the most interesting Colombian street artwork, meeting the famous Palenqueras, or buying a fresh lemonade from one of the several street vendors you will find along the street.

The colorful fruit stands and the Palenqueras contribute to making this place magic and one of the best Cartagena Instagram spots.

As you can imagine the place gets busy, so if you want an impressive picture of the empty street you better get up early. But with a bit of patience, you can still get fantastic photos any time of the day.

Calle de la Magdalena

Calle de la Magdalena is one of the most famous Cartagena Instagram spots. It is a narrow street covered with hundreds of colorful umbrellas to spike your social media feed with an explosion of colors.

The street is located right in front of Centenario Park filled with restaurants and street vendors creating a unique atmosphere. Just like Carrera 10, this is another good spot to take an iconic photo with the famous Palanqueras.

Despite being one of the most popular Instagram spots in Cartagena, you can take a beautiful photo any time of the day with a bit of patience. I recommend you to get there when the sun is hitting the street for a bright and beautiful effect. 

Bring your wide-angle lens to create a wonderful effect with the umbrellas.

Plaza de la Trinidad

This lively square lies in the middle of Getsemani and it’s famous for its church and the colorful houses around the square. 

In this small square, you can find some of the coolest cafes in Cartagena and it is perfect for sitting down and enjoying a good Colombian coffee or perhaps a fresh lemonade to fight the Colombian heat.

When it’s about photographing the place you want to make sure you arrive here early to take a picture with the iconic yellow church. I recommend you use a wide-angle lens since the space is pretty limited.

If you are into street photography, your options are just limitless. Like most other places in Cartagena, people capture the essence of the city.

The area around Plaza de la Trinidad is also perfect for finding some fascinating street art, such as the iconic Casa Palenque Cartagena or Mural Pajaro. But streets are pretty narrow, so don’t remove that wide-angle lens just yet.

Cl. de San Juan

Are you wondering where to take photos in Cartagena if you are passionate about street art? There is no better place than Calle de San Juan. This beautiful street is filled with countless art galleries and hosts some of the most iconic murals of Cartagena.

The street is relatively short, so I recommend seeing your favorite street artwork and snapping some photos on your way. If you want to take a picture of the painting, please ask the seller or the shop owner before.

Bring a wide-angle lens because the street is tiny and the space is limited. To capture the best vibes I recommend you to come when the galleries open, which is usually around 9 am.

Calle de La Sierpe or the Flags Street and the Mulata house

Calle de La Sierpe is another street worth mentioning as one of the best places to take photos in Cartagena. The street is very similar to the Calle Magdalena, which is just a few meters away, but instead of umbrellas, here you will find the flags of the world.

Unlike Calle Magdalena, the street tends to be more trafficked and with fewer people, so it might be a bit more complicated to get a good photo with the flags if you don’t get there early.

In Calle de la Sierpe you will also find one of the most iconic murals in Cartagena, representing local women. It is part of the house “Casa Mulata” but you simply can’t miss it.

This is the last location that you should visit in Getsemani and from now on, we will discover other photo spots in Cartagena.

Hotel Movich

Hotel Movich is probably the top place in Cartagena to take pictures at sunset. This hotel has a wonderful rooftop bar with a privileged view of Cartagena’s old town and Bocagrande in the background.

Since this spot is very popular, it’s a good idea to arrive before sunset to secure your spot. If you stay at the hotel, you’ll also have access to their rooftop swimming pool. 

The bar offers a nice selection of drinks and food, ensuring a pleasant experience. There is no admission fee, but you will need to pay for what you consume.

For photos, a lens between 35 mm and 50 mm is ideal for capturing both yourself and the landscape. Keep in mind that professional photoshoots are not allowed, so be discreet and considerate of other guests while taking your pictures.

🏨 Want to stay at the Hotel Movich? Book your accommodation now.

Bocagrande

Bocagrande is not only a fantastic place to enjoy the beach in the city, but also one best Cartagena photography spots. 

It is a small residential peninsula with a long sandy beach. Bocagrande flourishes with palm trees, modern houses, and skyscrapers giving an iconic skyline to the city of Cartagena.

The photo opportunities in Bocagrande are countless. you can photograph the beautiful beach with the blue waters of the Caribbean Sea, or the iconic skyscrapers. If you are into people photography you can ask the fruit vendors or capture the fishermen with their boats.

Sunset is probably the best time to take photos in Bocagrande, but you can get great pictures any time of the day. You can play with different lenses, but make sure you have your zoom lens with you.

Monumento Torre del Reloj 

Monumento Torre del Reloj stands proud at the entrance of the old town as the symbol of the city and one of the best Cartagena photography spots.

This is the main city gate of the historic center, a must-visit for anyone coming to Cartagena, not just photographers. It was crowned with a clock in the early 18th century, giving it its name.

The Monumento is a popular gathering spot where horse-drawn carriages, local artists, and Palenqueras welcome visitors to explore the old town of Cartagena.

The area gets very busy during the day, so if you want a clear picture of the clock tower, it’s best to arrive before 9 am, when most shops and cafes open. However, during the day, the square is lively and equally beautiful.

Baluarte de Santa Cruz and Café del Mar 

If Terraza Municipal is an underrated spot, the Baluarte de Santa Cruz and Café del Mar are among the most popular Instagram spots in Cartagena. When the sun goes down, it seems that everyone is here to enjoy the sunset on the walls or have a drink at the cafe. 

This famous landmark in Cartagena is a must-visit for photography enthusiasts, whether or not you stop for a drink at the café. Walking along the wall offers a fantastic view of the ocean and the skyscrapers of Bocagrande.

If you decide to stay, be aware that prices are higher than in other parts of Cartagena. However, you can still take beautiful photos without needing to sit down. A zoom lens is the best equipment to capture stunning panoramic shots.

Calle de Don Sancho

Calle de Don Sancho is one of the best photo spots in Cartagena and likely the most iconic street in the Old Town. This street is famous for its numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops, as well as the stunning view of the bell tower of the Catedral de Santa Catalina de Alejandría.

The colorful street and beautiful bell tower make for the perfect Cartagena postcard. To capture the best shots, visit early in the day before the street gets crowded with cars and people, which can obstruct your view.

A zoom lens is ideal for playing with angles and perspectives to create unique photos. After your photo session, enjoy a good Colombian coffee at one of the most aesthetic cafes on this street, such as Ábaco Libros y Café, or explore other nearby spots.

Ábaco Libros y Café

Cartagena is full of aesthetic cafes, and Ábaco Libros y Café is probably the most Instagrammable cafe in Cartagena. The walls are lined with an extensive collection of books, featuring works from local authors, classic literature, and contemporary bestsellers.

The café serves as the perfect complement to the bookstore. I got a refreshing ice Americano and my partner got a regular Americano and both were absolutely outstanding. This is not just one of the best photo spots in Cartagena but also a great place for coffee breaks.

I recommend using a wide-angle lens to capture as many details as possible and show off the beauty of the place. The cafe opens at 8 am and closes at 9 pm. If you want a picture of an empty place, I recommend you get there early.

Calle 38 and 39

Calle 38 and Carrera 39 are two amazing streets filled with Insta-worthy places in Cartagena. Colorful houses, picturesque balconies, and splendid architecture give these two streets a unique personality. 

While enjoying your walk and snapping beautiful photos on your way, don’t miss Teatro Heredia, the La Serrezuela Mall, and the Iglesia de Santo Toribio.

Calle 38 will lead you to Carrera 10 which is one of the best-hidden photography spots in Cartagena, so make sure you add it to your itinerary as well.

Plaza de Bolívar 

Plaza de Bolivar is a lively square in the old town and one of the most beautiful places in Cartagena. This charming spot features a small green urban park, where both locals and tourists relax in the cool shade of the trees.

The park is dedicated to Simon Bolivar, a Venezuelan political leader who led Colombia, Venezuela, and the other countries of South America to independence from the Spanish Empire.

The park usually gets very lively during the day. Dancers and performers are here to show their artistic skills and beautiful costumes right under the statue of Simon Bolivar.

Santuario de San Pedro Claver

The Santuario de San Pedro Claver is one of Cartagena’s top attractions and a city symbol. While the Movich Hotel terrace offers great views for photographing the church, don’t miss the view from Plaza San Pedro Claver. 

This spot is perfect for capturing the church’s facade and making a unique Cartagena postcard. The square gets busy, so arrive early to avoid crowds. For the best shot, use a lens between 35 and 50 mm.

Terraza Municipal

Terraza Municipal stands out as one of the most underrated places in Cartagena for photos. I discovered this spot by chance, as it wasn’t mentioned in any guide, but it deserves more recognition.

Located on Calle 24, the terrace overlooks the small bay in front of Bocagrande and the city’s walls. What makes Terraza Municipal special is not just its underrated status but also the unique opportunity to capture both the old and new sides of Cartagena.

From here, you can photograph the iconic skyscrapers of Bocagrande, and with a decent zoom lens, you can get a fantastic shot of the Santuario de San Pedro Claver.

The terrace has several tables where you can sit and enjoy a drink. I recommend visiting at sunset to watch the sky light up the city while you relax with a drink.

Convent of Santa Cruz de la Popa

Convent of Santa Cruz de la Popa is perched on top of a hill and dominates the city offering one of the best views in Cartagena. The monastery, whose name translates to “Monastery of the Stern,” resembles the stern of a ship, a fitting metaphor for its position overlooking the port.

The monastery was founded in the Convent in the 17th and its colonial style makes it one of the most visited sights in Cartagena. 

The cloister and the chapel are noteworthy and worth discovering, however, if you are on a photo mission you will enjoy the fantastic panoramic view of the city.

I recommend you get there around sunset or as early as you can to take advantage of the best light. Make sure you bring your zoom lens and sun protection as it gets very hot at the Monasterio de La Popa.

It is open from 7 am to 6 pm, however, it is not recommended to walk from or to the monastery. Make sure you get an Uber or join a tour. If you choose to go by Uber, I suggest you negotiate with a driver to wait for you for an extra fee.

The entrance fee is 14k COP.

Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas

The Castillo San Felipe de Barajas is a fortress and one of the famous landmarks in Cartagena. This imposing structure, dating back to 1536, is perched on the Hill of San Lázaro. Its strategic location was meticulously chosen to oversee and dominate the approaches to the city.

Constructed during the height of the Spanish colonial period, Castillo San Felipe de Barajas was designed to protect Cartagena from pirates and foreign invaders.

The fortress offers countless opportunities to capture stunning images of its ancient architecture and the surrounding landscape. The massive walls, intricate tunnels, and panoramic viewpoints provide a variety of angles and perspectives for every photographer.

This is one of the top places in Cartagena to take pictures at sunset and golden hour is the best time to visit Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas.

In conclusion…

This is the end of the best photo spots in Cartagena and I’m sure that after reading this article you are impatient to get to Cartagena and create some unforgettable postcards. 

I believe that these photography tips will help you take epic photos and find the exact locations of the best photo spots in Cartagena. 

I would love to hear your thoughts, so if you have any feedback or additional tips, leave a comment below. Also, check out my Instagram for regular travel videos and travel inspiration. Or explore other destinations on this travel blog.

Pin it for later and save the most Instagrammable places in Cartagena!