Colombia · Bolívar · Caribbean

What to see and do in Cartagena

Streets of colors, history and Caribbean breeze.

A city to walk between balconies, squares and walls, discover flavors of the Caribbean and dedicate time to its heritage and its neighborhoods.

3 days suggestedFlexible budgetCulture and towns · Beach and sea · Local flavors

Duration, budget and itinerary: editorial suggestions adjustable to your trip. No prices or availability in real time.

Cartagena, Colombia
© Dr. Thomas Liptak · Original photography · CC BY-SA 4.0

What to visit in Cartagena

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PLACES AND EXPERIENCES

What to do in Cartagena

heritage

Walled City

A historic center of squares, streets and fortifications to discover on foot.

Activities for your visit

  • Walk through the squares and observe the architecture.
  • Contemplate the Caribbean from the enabled sections of the wall.

Tips for this place

  • Divide the walk into sections and leave time to rest.
  • Confirm prices before booking tours or services.
Check free access ↗

Walking along the sections of the city walls open to visitors is free. Museums, guided tours and other services in the historic center may require separate tickets.

Reference sources and location

Reference of the historic center next to the Plaza de Bolívar; It is not a single entry.

Reference coordinates: 10.4235186, -75.551059.

OpenStreetMap · Walled City · © OpenStreetMap contributors · ODbL

culture

Getsemaní · Plaza de la Trinidad

A reference square to explore the streets and life of the Getsemaní neighborhood on foot.

Activities for your visit

  • Walk through the Plaza de la Trinidad and its surroundings.
  • Discover the cuisine and music of the neighborhood.

Tips for this place

  • Respect the homes and ask permission before photographing people.
  • Ask prices and conditions before consuming or contracting.
Square and neighborhood information ↗

Plaza de la Trinidad is a public square in Getsemaní that you can explore on foot. Booked tours, food and drink, and events have their own terms; respect neighborhood life and follow local guidance.

Reference sources and location

The point locates the Plaza de la Trinidad, as a reference to a larger neighborhood.

Reference coordinates: 10.420614, -75.5453984.

OpenStreetMap · Trinity Square · © OpenStreetMap contributors · ODbL

heritage

Castle of San Felipe de Barajas

The fortress of the San Lázaro hill allows you to get closer to the defensive history of Cartagena.

Activities for your visit

  • Tour the enabled sectors and tunnels.
  • Photograph the views of the city and the bay.

Tips for this place

  • Check the current visiting conditions before you go.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for the ramps and reserve time for breaks.
Buy castle tickets ↗

Ticket channel linked by the Fortificaciones administration. Select Castillo de San Felipe and check the applicable admission category and required documents. Free admission and educational visits have their own conditions. The ticket does not include a guide.

Reference sources and location

Reference of the fortified complex; confirm visitor access with the operator.

Reference coordinates: 10.4227114, -75.5393672.

OpenStreetMap · Castillo San Felipe · © OpenStreetMap contributors · ODbL

A PROPOSAL TO ORGANIZE YOURSELF

3-day itinerary in Cartagena

  1. Day 1

    Between squares and walls

    Tour the historic center and reserve the end of the day to walk along the walls.

  2. Day 2

    Fortress and neighborhood

    Combine the Castillo de San Felipe with a walk through Getsemaní.

  3. Day 3

    A day at your pace

    Choose from the Bocagrande coast and more cafes, local cuisine and heritage.

Tips for visiting Cartagena

  • Confirm the price of transportation and what each service includes before hiring it.
  • Tourist information points can guide you about tours and activities in the city.

LOCAL FLAVORS

What to eat in Cartagena

The cuisine also tells the landscape: a tray paisa in Antioquia, a high altitude soup or the flavors of the Caribbean.

posta negra cartagenera served in dark sauce with accompaniment
posta negra cartagenera, served to share. Xemenendura · Original photography · CC BY-SA 4.0

Cartagena de Indias

Posta negra cartagenera

Beef browned and cooked with a dark sauce and spices, a classic in Cartagena kitchens.

Reference: Colombia Travel

Sources to prepare your visit

Editorial content by SoyTurista PR, based on the linked sources. Confirm details with each provider before traveling.

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