Find the best things to do in Cartagena. There are several activities depending on your time and interests. Here you can find some tips and information to make your trip easier!
The old or walled city.
Following orders of King Felipe III of Spain, these walls were built in the 16th century to protect the city after it was attacked by Sir Francis Drake.
This area is the major attraction in Cartagena. Its narrow and colorful streets are something you must see. Colonial architecture is the charm of it all. La Torre del Reloj, la Plaza de la Aduana, iglesia de San Pedro Claver, Palacio de la Inquisición, Parque Simón Bolívar and Teatro Heredia are some of the most famous spots to visit.
The small boutiques and exquisite restaurants are a complete must. The magic of this city makes it worth the visit. If you are staying for the night, you can find many hotels according to your budget. The variety of night clubs is also very wide.
Islas del Rosario.
Just 45 minutes away from the city center you can bathe in the most beautiful and pristine waters of the country. In these islands you can find several beach clubs and hotels to spend your day. Check if the one you chose offers the one-day pass so you can enjoy the beach and facilities during your visit. This pass also includes the transportation from and back to the pier. Most of the boats leave from El Muelle de la Bodeguita, across the street from the Clock Tower. This is one of our favorite activities if you have some time Cartagena.
Check this article in our blog to see our recommendations!
National Aviary Park.
Aviario Nacional is another activity you will enjoy very much if you are a nature lover. This is an organization that promotes the biodiversity of Colombian avifauna. Here you can watch more than 2.000 birds and 158 different species, some of which are endangered. This park is located in Barú, a 50-minute drive from the city.
The park is very organized and clean. Tickets can be bought in advance via their website, or right at the entrance. No reservations needed.
San Felipe Fortress.
Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas is the biggest military structure built by the Spanish in the American continent during the colonial period. Its construction took more than one century in being completed, it started in 1536 and ended in 1657. It was built to repel the attacks of British and French enemy armies and pirates.
This fortress makes an amazing tour. You can travel through history while you walk around its tunnels and passageways. We recommend you take the guided tour so you can understand the magic of the place and the importance of it.
Some tunnels are very narrow, dark and humid, so if you suffer from claustrophobia you may prefer staying outside the tunnel part. Otherwise it’s totally worth it!
Tickets are available in advance in their website and at the entrance too.
Getsemaní.
This neighborhood was built in the 16th century, and it was considered an outlying district of the city. In the beginning it was not included in the fortification plan of Cartagena, but later when it became populated, the governor Francisco De Murga, decided to build walls around it too. La Puerta de la Media Luna was then the only access to the city by land.
Nowadays, this area is known for its relaxed vibe and easy atmosphere. Restaurants are less formal than in the old city. Street art is also one of the attractions here, and there are cool bars to have a nice chilled drink. Nice activity if you don’t have much time as it is not a big zone.
Manga.
It is a traditional residential zone in Cartagena. It has many trees which makes it a lovely place to visit. Its Paseo Marítimo offers stunning views of the marina and the skyline of Castillogrande, another famous area of the city.
Here in Manga, you can find one of the most traditional seafood restaurants called El Club de Pesca, established in 1950. Its waterfront location makes it a very beautiful and romantic place. It has a private pier, so you can arrive by boat to.
Bocagrande.
Known commercial and touristic area of the city. It hosts various chain hotels such as Hyatt, Estelar and Intercontinental among others. It has a wide beach where you can enjoy the sea, as well as a modern mall and some very nice shops right on the Avenida de San Martín.
The beach is undergoing a massive construction work to recover the beach that has been taken away by the sea, but in the first semester on 2023 it is supposed to be finished.
Castillogrande.
This residential neighborhood has a lot of skyscrapers and a very tranquil but not so nice beach. It looks like a very narrow peninsula with a beautiful promenade around the bay on one side and the beach at the other. The malecón or promenade is perfect for a sunset walk or running if you like to exercise.
Shopping in Cartagena.
In Cartagena you can find all kinds of shops. From the handicraft little stores to the most high-end and luxury shops. Nearly all of the famous Colombian designers have shops in the old city, so you can indulge in the pleasure of shopping regardless of your budget.
There are also a few malls where you can find the most popular stores. There is one mall in particular, which in my opinion is worth visiting. It´s located in the old city, and it used to be a bullfighting ring. It is called La Serrezuela. Here you can enjoy live music, nice shops and tasteful restaurants.
