Are you coming to Cartagena for 3 days? Here, we will tell you what can you do to get the most out of your trip!
First of all remember to always wear sunblock, a hat and very comfortable shoes.
If you have lunch or dinner plans, make reservations in advance. Restaurants here in Cartagena tend to get really busy.
Be aware of your belongings at all times, pick pockets here have experience.
That said, let’s get down to business!
DAY 1
On your first day in Cartagena, we´re guessing you want to visit the old town, so here we go.
The old town is walkable but you don’t have to walk more than you’d like to. Cars are not permitted in all streets inside the walled city, but if you feel tired you can always take a taxi and they will know how to drive you where you like to go.
You can start your journey in the square where the Charleston Santa Teresa Hotel is located. This used to be a monastery so it’s worth taking a look. From there you can walk to the Baluarte de San Francisco Javier,from where you have a nice view of the ocean and the Naval Museum.
Heading south, you will find the San Pedro Square. It’s a beautiful colonial square where the San Pedro Claver Sanctuary is located. Tickets can be bought online or at the entrance. If you don’t feel like visiting the museum you can take a look at the church.
Then, if you walk to the north east, you will arrive at la Plaza de la Aduana, and a little bit further away in the same direction you will witness the beautiful Clock Tower monument. If you feel like having lunch by then, We strongly recommend Donjuán restaurant, it’s right there very close to the monument.
After lunch you can go to the Plaza de Bolivar, to visit the gold museum and Palacio de la Inquisición. From here you will get amazing views of the Cathedral’s dome. Then head to Plaza de Santo Domingo to see the sculpture of famous colombian artist Fernando Botero. On this street you will find many fabulous shops to buy colombian handicrafts, clothing, etc.
Next stop could be Theater Adolfo Mejía, also known as Teatro Heredia. This is a beautiful building that used to be a chapel during colonial times, where nowadays many concerts and other cultural events take place.
Afterwards if you feel like shopping, you have to visit Las Bóvedas. This used to be an ammunition deposit and later a prison. Now it’s beautiful corridor full of handicraft shops with very reasonable prices.
Heat must be an issue at this time of the day already, so head to La Serrezuela shopping mall where you can sit for a while and enjoy a drink and relax. In Crepes & Waffles you must try the Mango Biche frozen lemonade which is fantastic! If you prefer something stronger go to Le Grazie and order the Aperol Spritz! Here in this mall you will find many wonderful shops and nice restaurants.
The best possible way to end your day, is by watching the glorious sunset from the old town. There are several rooftop bars from where you will get amazing views. We suggest, Café del Mar, Movich Hotel or La botika at the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Hotel. It’s gorgeous!
DAY 2
After yesterday’s hectic activity, today you must take it slow and relax on the beach. The best beaches are not in the city, but just 1 hour away in the most beautiful archipelago called Islas del Rosario. Here you will find several beach clubs where you can relax and enjoy pristine waters and small white sand beaches. To get there, you must go to a pier called Muelle de la Bodeguita, right across the street of the Clock Tower monument outside the old town. There, you will find many windows where you will be able to buy your day passes for the beach cub of your choice.
Usually boats leave the pier at 8am and return around 3pm. Our advice is to buy your tickets in advance. There are lots of options to choose from, we can recommend one we have visited and liked very much that is called Paue. Cool music, good food, nice beach and clean facilities. Check their website for more information.
In the evening, if you still have energy and want to go out for dinner, try Candé restaurant in the old town near La Serrezuela mall. Local cuisine and live music and shows, it’s totally worth it.
DAY 3
You can start your last day in Cartagena with a nice brunch. We suggest a nice place in Getsemaní right outside the clock tower monument, called Quién es Pascal. It’s right in front of the Parque Centenario (Centenary Park). The specialty here is brunch. They serve eggs, sandwiches, fruit bowls, pancakes, french toasts, juices and great bakery products among other things. It is really good!
When you´re done eating, you can take a walk around the neighbourhood. Getsemaní is really charming. It is known for its street art and relaxed vibe, but also for the beauty of its streets. Here you will come across the famous umbrella street as well as the Trinity Square.
From here you can take a car to the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas (San Felipe´s fortress). Sometimes, when there are cruise ships visiting Cartagena, it can get very busy so if you have the chance to buy the tickets in advance, you may do so here on their website. Take your ID because they are going to request it.
Sunset from here is worth watching so if you still have time, try not to miss it.
