20 Best Things to Do in Cartagena, Colombia

20 best things to do in Cartagena

Sign up for Colombian coffee-tasting

You simply can’t leave Cartagena without trying famous Colombian coffee. There are many local coffee shops in Cartagena, however, Café del Mural offers a unique tasting experience outside of working hours.

It is worth mentioning that Café del Mural is one of the most iconic cafes in Cartagena, so visiting it before opening hour with a small group of people is already quite an experience.

Your host, who is also the cafe’s owner, is an absolute coffee nerd and will share a lot of interesting curiosities and the history of coffee as you sample 5 types of coffee. On top of that, you get 200 grams of local coffee beans to bring back as a souvenir.

I have to say that this was one of the highlights of our time in Cartagena and I can’t recommend it enough. Discovering Colombian coffee culture is one of the best things to do in Cartagena, so don’t miss this unique experience.

Explore the Old Town

Of course, one of the top things to do in Cartagena is explore its colorful and lively old town. Step into the Puerta del Reloj, one of the most beautiful places in Cartagena to find yourself in the iconic Old Town that is part of the UNESCO Heritage.

The Clock Tower Square is one of the most iconic spots in all of the Old Town and the best place to start your Cartagena Trip. Head to the Santuario de San Pedro Claver which is one of the best attractions in Cartagena. Just a gasp away, find the Plaza de Bolivar. 

Here you will find some of the most beautiful colonial buildings including the Gold Museum, the Palace of the Inquisition, and a small urban park. Also, it’s common to find street artists performing here.

Attached to the Bolivar Square, find the Catedral of Cartagena with its iconic bell tower that can be spotted from the Calle de Don Sancho. Every corner of the old town is filled with places to go in Cartagena that you don’t want to miss. 

—> This private walking tour will take you to the most significant areas of the old town and beyond!

Street art of Getsemani

Are you an art lover and wondering what to do in Cartagena? Head to Getsemani! I simply loved wandering the streets of Getsmani between the murals and the hundreds of paintings by local artists.

Getsemani was originally considered one of the poorest neighborhoods in Cartagena, but over the years it became one of the main attractions of the city.

Still, the district preserves some unique feeling that I haven’t seen anywhere else in South America: a mix of popular art and hip vibes. It’s not only for its street art but also for the countless bars, restaurants, and boutiques. 

While you will want to wander around Getsmani without a detailed itinerary, one of my favorite places is Calle San Juan, known as Calle de los Cuadros. Getsemani is also famous for the iconic Carrera 10, a street with thousands of littleflags making Colombian flag. 

Snap a picture with Palenqueras

If you search for a photo of Cartagena, you will likely see the famous Palenqueras. These women are considered symbols of the city. Let me explain why.

Cartagena was once a major port in South America where the Spanish imported slaves from Africa. Some of these enslaved people escaped and found refuge in the mountains south of the city. They established a fortified community called a Palenque in Spanish.

The main town, San Basilio de Palenque, is a charming place that has been isolated for nearly two centuries. It is known for its unique culture and language, Palenquero, which belongs to the Bantu family and is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Over time, they have become integral to Cartagena, creating a unique blend of languages, traditions, and heritage. The Palenqueras are proud ambassadors of their culture.

Taking a photo with them is such a fun activity in Cartagena. Their vibrant smiles and colorful outfits will add an explosion of color to your trip.

Keep in mind that there is always a fee for taking a photo with Palenqueras. To avoid unexpected surprises, it is better to agree on the price before taking the photo.

Catch an epic sunset at the Movich Hotel

The terrace of the Movich Hotel is hands down one of the best places to see in Cartagena at sunset. Even if you are not a guest at the Movich Hotel, you can still access their rooftop terrace on the last floor.

This fantastic rooftop bar offers a privileged view of Cartagena’s old town and Santuario de San Pedro Claver. You can spot the panorama of Bocagrande in the background, which creates a perfect postcard view.

When it comes to the menu, this bar offers an extensive selection of cocktails. I personally didn’t try their food, but they had some interesting dishes available. The atmosphere is laid back and the service is great.

Go cafe hopping 

One of the most fun activities in Cartagena is exploring the hundreds of cafes that are in the city. One life is not enough to simply visit them all so here is a list of some of the most iconic and best-rated cafes in Cartagena.

• Época Café Bar: a beautiful spot perfect for foodies looking for a pretty ambiance and modern cuisine.
• Libertario Coffee Roasters Cartagena: ideal for coffee lovers to start the day with special locally brewed coffee.
• Café La Manchuria: offers some of the finest coffees in Colombia, including unique options like crunchy coffee.
• Nía Bakery, Coffee & Cocktails: a sophisticated cafe known for its delicious pastries and inviting ambiance.
• La Brioche Centro Historico: perfect for a modern brunch in a friendly environment, featuring divine croissant burgers and cruffins.
• Ábaco Libros y Café: a haven for book lovers who want to enjoy a moment of peace in a charming setting.
• Café San Alberto Cartagena – Plaza Santo Domingo: famous for its aesthetic vibe and coffee prepared using the siphon method.

Take a walk on the Cartagena walls 

One of the best things to do in Cartagena is to discover the city through its walls. The massive fortification system was important for defending the city during the centuries and surrounding the old town. You can admire panoramic sea and city views over Bocagrande from the walls.

On the walls, you find also Café del Mar, which is one of the best cafes in Cartagena. This open-air bar is one of the most popular in the city and it stays open until late.

The walls are open to the public and there is no entrance fee. But I have to say that it gets extremely hot and there is no shadow for escape, so consider visiting them on a fresh day or when the sun goes down.

Visit one of the many museums in Cartagena

We already talked about the rich heritage and history of Cartagena. One way to get a full immersion in the art and history of the city is by exploring one of its most significant museums.

The Naval Museum

This 2-story, interactive museum showcases the city’s general history and its naval tradition. Some displays provide day-by-day accounts of Cartagena’s most famous battles. The museum also details Colombia’s fight for independence and Cartagena’s role in this achievement.

The Zenu Gold Museum and the Emerald Museum

These museums showcase the exquisite craftsmanship of Colombia’s indigenous people, particularly the Zenu from the valleys south of Cartagena. You can admire unique gold figures and jewelry while learning about Colombia’s native cultures.

Zenu Gold Museum is free to visit and a ticket for Emerald Museum is 6000 COP.

The Palace of the Inquisition

This is another must-see if you want to understand the history of Cartagena. The Palace of the Inquisition, housed in a beautiful colonial-era building, once served as the office of the Spanish Inquisition and held death row criminals awaiting execution. 

On the ground floor, you can explore instruments used for torturing those accused of crimes against the Catholic Church, such as blasphemy and witchcraft. The second floor hosts Cartagena’s official history museum. 

There is an entrance fee of 10,000 COP.

Walk the San Felipe de Barajas Fort

The Castillo San Felipe de Barajas is a fortress and one of the top places to go in Cartagena. This imposing structure dates back to 1536 and is perched on the Hill of San Lázaro. Its strategic location was specially chosen to oversee the approaches to the city.

The fortress offers countless opportunities to appreciate its ancient architecture and the surrounding landscape. If you are a photographer, you will appreciate massive walls, intricate tunnels, and panoramic viewpoints

Considering the hot weather in Cartagena and the fact that you will be in the sun, I recommend visiting the fort during the golden hour. This is the best time to visit Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas to take some beautiful photos of Cartagena.

Eat your way through Caribbean cuisine

Before arriving in Colombia, I knew little about Colombian and Caribbean cuisine, but after my first meal, I quickly discovered the incredible combination of flavors Cartagena offers.

For fish lovers, Cartagena is a paradise. The city’s signature soup, Cazuela, is a warm delight of fish and spices that will envelop your taste buds. I had the best Cazuela of my life at Rebelión Alma & Sabor.

Ceviche is another must-try dish in Cartagena. While locals often enjoy ceviche on the beach, I recommend trying it at a reputable restaurant to avoid any stomach issues. My top pick is Dona Lola.

Meat lovers can savor the famous Pasta Cartagenera, a dish featuring meat prepared with a wine sauce. My favorite version is served at the restaurant La Mulata.

You also can’t miss the delicious local fruits. Mango, pineapple, avocado, plantain, and passion fruit are absolute must-tries.

Finally, you can’t leave Cartagena without trying the famous Arepa! This type of flatbread is made from ground maize dough and is typically stuffed with a filling. The best place in Cartagena to try an arepa is, without a doubt, Quero Arepa.

Swim and relax in Bocagrande 

Bocagrande is a charming little peninsula, and spending a relaxing day here is one of the best things to do in Cartagena. With its modern skyscrapers, wide avenues, and seafront promenade, it is also one of the most desirable places to live in the city.

Stretching nearly 3 kilometers, Bocagrande offers spacious, well-equipped sandy beaches that are easily accessible from central Cartagena, just a few minutes by car. Make sure you add an extra beach day to your Cartagena itinerary.

The only downside is the endless vendors approaching you nonstop. Whenever you want to purchase something, make sure you pay before and use cash. ATM can lead to some mysterious charges.

On our way, our taxi driver warned us about a common menu scam. Vendors might initially show you a menu with reasonable prices, but when it’s time to pay, your bill can suddenly be much higher. 

Then they present a different menu with inflated prices and insist that it’s the only one they have. You can try taking a picture of the original menu for reference, but it’s best to avoid eating at the beach to steer clear of this scam.

Apart from these little issues, Bocagrande is perfect for a relaxing day away from the busy city center. You can enjoy a tranquil sea, walk around the neighborhood, or even assist with how the local fishermen do their business.

Spend a day at the Beach Club 

If a day in Bocagrande sounds too hectic and you prefer a more relaxed and pampered experience, consider spending a day at a beach club.

In both mainland Cartagena and the surrounding areas, you can find fantastic beach clubs where you can enjoy a stress-free day by the water and soak in the beauty of the Caribbean Sea.

For a short boat ride, you can head to Rosario Island, home to the exclusive and upscale Bora Bora Beach Club. If you prefer a more laid-back vibe, Pao Pao Beach Club is a great choice.

Tierra Bomba is another excellent alternative to Rosario Island, and I’ll cover it more extensively in the next chapters.

If you’d rather not take a boat, Bocagrande offers some lovely beach clubs as well, like Kala Beach Club and Wala Beach Club.

Climb to Convent of Santa Cruz de la Popa to see Cartagena from the top

Visiting the Convent of Santa Cruz de la Popa is one of the top things to do in Cartagena. The convent stands 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 beautiful colonial style makes it one of the most visited sights in Cartagena. The cloister and the chapel are noteworthy and worth discovering, however, the fantastic panoramic view of the city is the real show-stopper.

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.

Go shopping in La Serrezuela Mall

If you are a shopping lover, the Serrezuela Mall Is one of the places to go in Cartagena. This chic shopping mall is well known not only for its design and boutiques but also for its architectural wonder.

Inside the shopping center, you will find a recreation of a bullring arena built in wood and modern materials. This bullring also serves as a square where people take photos or simply relax in one of the cafes.

The shopping mall is also home to some high-end restaurants in the city, like the famous Candé and Sabine Bistró & Lounge.

Join a food tour

We already covered the food topic and by now you know what makes Colombian food so special. So, if you are a foodie and want to connect with the locals in Cartagena, joining a food tour can be a fantastic idea. 

Cartagena offers a variety of food tours to suit every taste, from street food tours to cooking classes. These are two of the most popular and best-rated tours in Cartagena:

Street Food Tour: Sample 10 different types of local street food while being guided by a professional. This tour allows you to explore the city, bond with locals, and have an unforgettable experience in Cartagena.

Cooking Class: For those who want a more hands-on experience, this cooking class is a must. In this 3-hour class, you’ll discover the secrets of Colombian flavors and prepare classics like black topside beef and mote de queso.

Smoke an authentic Caribbean cigar and sip local rum with chocolate

Some of the best activities in Cartagena include discovering local specialties like rum, chocolate, and cigars. While moderation is key, these experiences offer insights into local traditions.

Distrito Tabaquero Cartagena is an excellent place to sample fine local and international cigars paired with Caribbean rum in a sophisticated setting. A knowledgeable staff member will guide you through an exceptional smoking experience with great attention to detail.

If cigars aren’t your thing but you’re still interested in rum, consider the Rum and Chocolate Tasting with Rummelier & Team. This experience combines local rum with delicious chocolate, offering a unique and enjoyable taste of Cartagena.

Spend a night at Café Havana

If you’re looking for the best nighttime activities in Cartagena, be sure to visit Café Havana. Located in Getsemaní, Café Havana is a cornerstone of the city’s nightlife and is deeply rooted in Cuban culture.

The café opens every night except Mondays, from 8 PM until 3 AM, offering live music and salsa dancing throughout the evening. It tends to get quite crowded on weekends, and there isn’t a designated dance floor, so dancing space can be limited.

There is an entrance fee of 60,000 COP, and the café offers a good selection of drinks. Don’t miss their signature Mojito—it’s a must-try!

Take a boat to Tierra Bomba

Tierra Bomba is an ideal day trip from Cartagena. Just a few minutes from the city center, you can jump on a boat from Muelle de La Bodeguita. This charming island is perfect not only for a day trip but also for an overnight stay.

What makes Tierra Bomba so appealing are its stunning beaches and luxurious, romantic accommodations. Once the day-trippers leave, the island is an oasis of peace and tranquility. On top of that it offers a stunning view of Bocagrande.

If you’re short on time, consider this tour that will take you comfortably to the island and drop you near Playa Morena Beach Club, where you can enjoy its facilities.

For a more romantic getaway, Makani Luxury Wanderlust offers an exceptional experience. This exquisite waterside complex in a tranquil part of the island provides a perfect setting for a special Colombian escape.

Plan a day trip to Baru island

Barú Island is one of Colombia’s most stunning destinations and arguably the best day trip from Cartagena. Just an hour from the city, it hosts some of the country’s most beautiful beaches. The highlight is Playa Blanca, a long, picturesque beach lined with clubs and restaurants.

Barú Island is also home to the Aviario Nacional de Colombia. While the park itself is open air and you can see plenty of birds flying over your head, some birds and animals live in small cages, which is not something that I would normally visit.

In all honesty, I checked the reviews beforehand, and most people were raving about the beauty of this place, and only after my visit, I noticed a few negative reviews calling it a zoo instead of a national park. I will leave it up to you to decide.

When it comes to Playa Blanca, you will see some mixed reviews online. For this reason, I asked a local friend who shared the contact of a fantastic driver who took great care of us. We didn’t face any challenges or scams on our arrival.

He took us to a fantastic beach club, where we spent a few hours before going back to Cartagena. Yes, there were street vendors around, but as soon as you say no, they move on to the next customer. Send me a quick email and I will happily share his details.

Also, you can order an Uber from Cartagena to Baru Island, but you won’t be able to get a car from Baru Island back to Cartagena.

Volcano experience

When visiting Cartagena, a trip to Totumo Mud Volcano is a unique and must-do activity. The volcano’s mineral-rich mud is famous for its supposed therapeutic benefits.

Located just an hour from the city, Totumo Mud Volcano is one of the best day trips from Cartagena. When you visit, be sure to bring clothes you don’t mind getting muddy, and consider enjoying a massage while you’re there.

Although you can visit the volcano on your own if you have a car, hiring a private driver or joining a group tour is recommended to make the experience hassle-free. This highly-rated tour, with over 400 satisfied customers, is a great option.

Despite being a pretty touristy attraction, it is still one of the best things to do around Cartagena and certainly an experience that you won’t forget!

In conclusion…

This is the end of the best things to do in Cartagena and I am sure you are impatient to tick them all off from your bucket list, is that right?

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.

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