Cartagena
Colombia
Why Cartagena is a great destination
Cartagena de Indias delivers colonial romance and Afro-Caribbean energy—rich in food, music, and history—yet feels pleasantly crowd-light once you wander beyond the main plazas.
- Vibe: Languid days and golden-hour strolls on Las Murallas; nights of champeta and salsa in Getsemaní’s Plaza de la Trinidad; colourful balconies, Palenqueras in bright dress, and a friendly costeño pace shaped by the sea breeze.
- Why it feels different: You get the UNESCO-walled charm of grander, busier old towns, but step into Bazurto Market or sit on the ramparts with a street-cold beer and the atmosphere turns spontaneous, local, and far less staged.
- Authenticity & value: Swap rooftop bars for a tienda stool and an Águila; try arepa de huevo, patacones, and mojarra frita in La Boquilla; dance by neighbourhood picós (sound systems) without pricey cover charges.
- Easy wins: Time your wander after 4 pm for softer light and live music drifting through squares; outside peak holidays the side streets stay mellow, taxis and street food are good value, and small guesthouses feel personal rather than packaged.
Who should go to Cartagena?
Cartagena is for travellers who crave atmosphere: Caribbean heat, colonial romance and Afro‑Colombian rhythm in one compact, walkable city. It’s ideal if you want a city break with real character by day and music‑filled streets by night, with islands and mangroves just minutes away. Think a living, breathing old town—on par with Latin America’s most atmospheric UNESCO‑listed centres—rather than a polished resort.
- History lovers: Walk the city walls and castles of La Heroica, then explore the Zenú past at the free Gold Museum and the Inquisition Palace.
- Culture seekers: Soak up Afro‑Caribbean spirit in Getsemaní’s murals, champeta sound systems and November independence festivities.
- Foodies: Feast on ceviche, arepas de huevo and beach‑fried fish, or dive into Bazurto Market flavours with a savvy local guide.
- Romantics & city‑breakers: Wander bougainvillea‑draped streets at golden hour and toast sunset on the ramparts or a rooftop terrace.
- Night owls & dancers: Salsa till late at Café Havana and follow the bass to open‑air champeta parties where the whole barrio moves.
- Nature & beach hoppers: Day‑trip to the Rosario Islands, kayak La Boquilla’s mangroves, and chase sea breezes along the seafacing walls.
Who should go to Cartagena?
Cartagena is for travellers who crave atmosphere: Caribbean heat, colonial romance and Afro‑Colombian rhythm in one compact, walkable city. It’s ideal if you want a city break with real character by day and music‑filled streets by night, with islands and mangroves just minutes away. Think a living, breathing old town—on par with Latin America’s most atmospheric UNESCO‑listed centres—rather than a polished resort.
- History lovers: Walk the city walls and castles of La Heroica, then explore the Zenú past at the free Gold Museum and the Inquisition Palace.
- Culture seekers: Soak up Afro‑Caribbean spirit in Getsemaní’s murals, champeta sound systems and November independence festivities.
- Foodies: Feast on ceviche, arepas de huevo and beach‑fried fish, or dive into Bazurto Market flavours with a savvy local guide.
- Romantics & city‑breakers: Wander bougainvillea‑draped streets at golden hour and toast sunset on the ramparts or a rooftop terrace.
- Night owls & dancers: Salsa till late at Café Havana and follow the bass to open‑air champeta parties where the whole barrio moves.
- Nature & beach hoppers: Day‑trip to the Rosario Islands, kayak La Boquilla’s mangroves, and chase sea breezes along the seafacing walls.
Top things to do in Cartagena
These are the unmissable highlights of Cartagena de Indias, distilled from local expertise and deep research. Use them to feel the city’s essence—romance, rhythm and raw Caribbean energy—in just a few moves.
- Walk the cobbled lanes of the Walled City past flower-draped balconies and plazas like Plaza de Santo Domingo and Plaza de Bolívar in the golden hour.
- Explore Getsemaní’s street art and bohemian buzz around Plaza de la Trinidad as the neighbourhood comes alive after dusk.
- Visit the Museo del Oro Zenú to uncover pre-Columbian roots, Zenú engineering, and exquisite goldwork in a free, world-class museum.
- Take in sunset from Las Murallas with a sea breeze and a cold beer, gazing over the Caribbean and the city’s storied defences.
- Hike up to the Pie de la Popa monastery for panoramic views and a glimpse of everyday barrios beyond the walls.
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Top things to do in Cartagena
These are the unmissable highlights of Cartagena de Indias, distilled from local expertise and deep research. Use them to feel the city’s essence—romance, rhythm and raw Caribbean energy—in just a few moves.
- Walk the cobbled lanes of the Walled City past flower-draped balconies and plazas like Plaza de Santo Domingo and Plaza de Bolívar in the golden hour.
- Explore Getsemaní’s street art and bohemian buzz around Plaza de la Trinidad as the neighbourhood comes alive after dusk.
- Visit the Museo del Oro Zenú to uncover pre-Columbian roots, Zenú engineering, and exquisite goldwork in a free, world-class museum.
- Take in sunset from Las Murallas with a sea breeze and a cold beer, gazing over the Caribbean and the city’s storied defences.
- Hike up to the Pie de la Popa monastery for panoramic views and a glimpse of everyday barrios beyond the walls.
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3-day Cartagena itinerary
Day 1: Walled City and Getsemaní rhythm
Ease into Cartagena’s heat and colour with a slow wander of the historic centre before letting the city’s late-afternoon breeze revive you. As night falls, slip into Getsemaní’s bohemian energy where street art, food stalls, and live music spill into the plazas.
- Morning: Orient yourself around the Clock Tower, Plaza de los Coches and Plaza de Bolívar, then visit the Zenú Gold Museum (free; usually closed Mondays) to anchor the city in its pre-Hispanic story. Break for specialty coffee at a local café and greet folks with a warm “buenos días”—it goes a long way. Tip: go early to beat cruise crowds and the heat.
- Midday: Linger over a costeño lunch (think ceviche or fried fish) and take a hotel/pool siesta or retreat to a cool cloister café. Expect the city to slow down; plan light during 12:00–15:00 when humidity peaks.
- Afternoon: Amble shaded streets in San Diego, step into the cathedral, then walk the city walls from Santo Domingo towards Santa Clara for sea views and breeze. If you photograph Palenqueras, ask permission and offer a small tip or buy fruit.
- Evening: Cross to Getsemaní: snack on arepas de huevo in Plaza de la Trinidad, then follow the murals along Calle de la Sierpe. Dance (or watch) salsa at Café Havana (cover charge; often Thu–Sat) or catch live music at a more low-key bar. A polite “no, gracias” is enough with street sellers.
Day 2: Markets, fortresses, and sunset on the ramparts
Today balances raw local life with heroic history. Start with Cartagena’s loud, unruly market pulse, then climb its most famous fortress before ending on the walls with the sunset everyone came for.
- Morning: Explore Bazurto Market with a vetted guide (go early; closed-toe shoes, small cash, no jewellery) for a crash course in champeta beats, fish stalls and fruit tastings. Not into markets? Head at opening time to Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas to beat the heat and tour the tunnels.
- Midday: Cool off—pool, iced limonada de coco, or a simple set lunch at a local comedor. If you prefer museums, the Palacio de la Inquisición has a succinct pre-Columbian and colonial section in blessed air-con.
- Afternoon: Taxi up to Convento de la Popa for panoramic views at golden hour, or return to San Felipe if you did Bazurto in the morning. Aim for 16:00–17:00 starts for kinder light and temperatures.
- Evening: Take a beer from a wall vendor and sit on the ramparts near Santa Clara to watch the sun sink into the Caribbean. Later, try a guided champeta/picó experience in a local barrio (go with reputable operators, cash for entrance), or opt for a courtyard dinner in San Diego and gelato nightcap. Keep taxis pre-arranged; agree the fare before riding.
Day 3: Sea, mangroves, and a farewell feast
Choose your flavour of Caribbean water today—reef and islands or calm mangroves and drums—then wrap with rooftop views and a final splash of modern Caribbean cuisine.
- Morning: Option A: Speedboat to the Rosario Islands (book a reputable operator; seas can be choppy Dec–Mar—sit towards the stern). Snorkel at Isla Grande and settle into a beach club. Option B: Community-led canoe through La Boquilla’s mangroves with a drum workshop and beachside fried fish.
- Midday: If in Rosarios, lunch is usually included at the beach club; bring reef-safe sunscreen and a hat. If at La Boquilla, lunch on the sand and return to town before the day’s fiercest heat.
- Afternoon: Back in the city, shop for sweets at Portal de los Dulces and handicrafts at Las Bóvedas (haggle kindly), or do a coffee tasting at a local roastery. Use this window for a rest—Cartagena comes alive again after 16:00.
- Evening: Sunset bay cruise or a rooftop (Movich, Townhouse) for golden-hour cityscapes, then a reservation at a contemporary Caribbean spot like Celele or Carmen. Stroll the lamplit streets for a last dose of magical realism; during November’s Independence festivities expect louder plazas and spontaneous parades, while Dec–Jan is peak season—book everything ahead.
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Food and drink in Cartagena
Cartagena’s food blends Afro-Caribbean flavour, fresh coastal seafood and joyous street snacking shaped by tropical heat. Expect coconut, corn and bold seasoning, from market stalls to candlelit courtyards. Snack by day, feast at sunset, and cool off with something icy at night.
- Arepa de huevo – Deep-fried corn pocket stuffed with egg (often with minced beef), crisp outside and molten inside; the essential street bite. Best from street griddles and kiosks around Getsemaní and Plaza de la Trinidad.
- Pescado frito con arroz con coco – Whole fried fish (mojarra or pargo) with coconut rice and patacones; salty-sweet, simple and ultra-fresh. Perfect at breezy beach shacks in La Boquilla or Playa Blanca with plastic chairs, sandy feet and cold beers.
- Posta negra cartagenera – Slow-braised beef in panela and spices, dark, glossy and tender, usually with coconut rice and avocado. Savour it in intimate courtyard restaurants inside the Walled City for a romantic, old-town feel.
- Mercado de Bazurto seafood crawl – Ceviche cartagenero, sancocho de pescado and fritos amid thumping champeta and heaving produce stalls. Go by day (ideally with a guide) for a full-on market atmosphere of noise, colour and hustle.
Eat like a local: Discover Cartagena top-rated restaurants on Tripadvisor
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Food and drink in Cartagena
Cartagena’s food blends Afro-Caribbean flavour, fresh coastal seafood and joyous street snacking shaped by tropical heat. Expect coconut, corn and bold seasoning, from market stalls to candlelit courtyards. Snack by day, feast at sunset, and cool off with something icy at night.
- Arepa de huevo – Deep-fried corn pocket stuffed with egg (often with minced beef), crisp outside and molten inside; the essential street bite. Best from street griddles and kiosks around Getsemaní and Plaza de la Trinidad.
- Pescado frito con arroz con coco – Whole fried fish (mojarra or pargo) with coconut rice and patacones; salty-sweet, simple and ultra-fresh. Perfect at breezy beach shacks in La Boquilla or Playa Blanca with plastic chairs, sandy feet and cold beers.
- Posta negra cartagenera – Slow-braised beef in panela and spices, dark, glossy and tender, usually with coconut rice and avocado. Savour it in intimate courtyard restaurants inside the Walled City for a romantic, old-town feel.
- Mercado de Bazurto seafood crawl – Ceviche cartagenero, sancocho de pescado and fritos amid thumping champeta and heaving produce stalls. Go by day (ideally with a guide) for a full-on market atmosphere of noise, colour and hustle.
Eat like a local: Discover Cartagena top-rated restaurants on Tripadvisor
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Where to stay in Cartagena
Picking the right area in Cartagena matters more than the hotel—each neighbourhood offers a distinct pace, price point and personality. Distances are short, but the feel shifts dramatically by time of day and season.
- El Centro (Walled City) — storybook colonial streets and plazas inside the UNESCO walls; best for first‑timers, history lovers and couples, with ambience, easy sights and higher prices (some night noise).
- Getsemaní — bohemian and buzzing with murals, champeta and Plaza de la Trinidad; great for sociable travellers, foodies and night owls seeking character and value (rowdy at weekends).
- Bocagrande/Castillogrande — modern beachfront towers vs quieter upscale peninsula; suits families and beach walkers wanting air‑con, amenities, safer feel and straightforward transport.
- La Boquilla & Zona Norte (Morros) — laid‑back fishing‑village beaches and mangroves alongside secluded resorts; ideal for kitesurfers, nature lovers and anyone wanting space and calmer nights (further from the old town).
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Where to stay in Cartagena
Picking the right area in Cartagena matters more than the hotel—each neighbourhood offers a distinct pace, price point and personality. Distances are short, but the feel shifts dramatically by time of day and season.
- El Centro (Walled City) — storybook colonial streets and plazas inside the UNESCO walls; best for first‑timers, history lovers and couples, with ambience, easy sights and higher prices (some night noise).
- Getsemaní — bohemian and buzzing with murals, champeta and Plaza de la Trinidad; great for sociable travellers, foodies and night owls seeking character and value (rowdy at weekends).
- Bocagrande/Castillogrande — modern beachfront towers vs quieter upscale peninsula; suits families and beach walkers wanting air‑con, amenities, safer feel and straightforward transport.
- La Boquilla & Zona Norte (Morros) — laid‑back fishing‑village beaches and mangroves alongside secluded resorts; ideal for kitesurfers, nature lovers and anyone wanting space and calmer nights (further from the old town).
Find places to stay in Cartagena on Booking.com
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Good to know before you go to Cartagena
Travel to Cartagena is straightforward, with a compact historic core and plenty of visitor services. A few practical details will help you plan around the heat, costs, and crowds so you can make the most of your time. Here’s what to know at a glance.
- Affordability: Street eats run about 10,000–20,000 COP, casual mains 30,000–60,000 COP, and cocktails in the old town can match big-city prices; stays range from hostels 50,000–120,000 COP (≈£10–£24) to mid-range 300,000–600,000 COP (≈£60–£120) and boutique 800,000 COP+ (≈£160+).
- Transport: The walled city and Getsemaní are very walkable; use taxis or ride-hailing (agree fares if using street cabs) for longer hops, boats for Rosario/Barú day trips, and reliable buses for Barranquilla/Santa Marta—car hire isn’t necessary.
- Language: Spanish is the main language; English is common in hotels, tours, and old-town restaurants but drops off beyond the tourist core, so a few basic Spanish phrases go a long way.
- Safety & comfort: Tourist areas are well-patrolled and friendly for families and solo travellers, but petty theft and persistent vendors are common—keep valuables discreet, say “No, gracias,” and pace yourself in the heat with water, shade and sunscreen (visit markets like Bazurto by day/with a guide).
- Crowds: Expect the biggest crowds and highest prices in December–January and during Holy Week (plus on cruise-ship days), a lively local scene in November’s Independence festivities, and quieter but hotter, more humid conditions with showers in April–June and September–October.
Good to know before you go to Cartagena
Travel to Cartagena is straightforward, with a compact historic core and plenty of visitor services. A few practical details will help you plan around the heat, costs, and crowds so you can make the most of your time. Here’s what to know at a glance.
- Affordability: Street eats run about 10,000–20,000 COP, casual mains 30,000–60,000 COP, and cocktails in the old town can match big-city prices; stays range from hostels 50,000–120,000 COP (≈£10–£24) to mid-range 300,000–600,000 COP (≈£60–£120) and boutique 800,000 COP+ (≈£160+).
- Transport: The walled city and Getsemaní are very walkable; use taxis or ride-hailing (agree fares if using street cabs) for longer hops, boats for Rosario/Barú day trips, and reliable buses for Barranquilla/Santa Marta—car hire isn’t necessary.
- Language: Spanish is the main language; English is common in hotels, tours, and old-town restaurants but drops off beyond the tourist core, so a few basic Spanish phrases go a long way.
- Safety & comfort: Tourist areas are well-patrolled and friendly for families and solo travellers, but petty theft and persistent vendors are common—keep valuables discreet, say “No, gracias,” and pace yourself in the heat with water, shade and sunscreen (visit markets like Bazurto by day/with a guide).
- Crowds: Expect the biggest crowds and highest prices in December–January and during Holy Week (plus on cruise-ship days), a lively local scene in November’s Independence festivities, and quieter but hotter, more humid conditions with showers in April–June and September–October.
Best time to go to Cartagena
Seasonality in Cartagena de Indias is driven more by rainfall than temperature: it’s hot and humid year‑round, with a drier, breezier spell from December to April and wetter months from May to November. Crowds peak over Christmas/New Year and Holy Week; prices and pace ease in the shoulder and rainy periods.
- Peak season (Dec–Jan & Holy Week): Dry, sunny, cooling trade winds; very crowded and expensive; vibe celebratory, polished, and party‑forward.
- Shoulder season (Feb–Apr, Jul–Aug): Mostly dry early in the year, mixed mid‑year with brief showers; moderate crowds and better value; vibe balanced—romantic evenings and lively streets without the crush.
- Rainy/low season (May–Jun, Sep–Nov): Hot, steamy, frequent afternoon downpours (heaviest Sep–Nov); fewest tourists and lowest prices; vibe slower and more local—November Independence fiestas are exuberant but chaotic.
Best time to go to Cartagena
Seasonality in Cartagena de Indias is driven more by rainfall than temperature: it’s hot and humid year‑round, with a drier, breezier spell from December to April and wetter months from May to November. Crowds peak over Christmas/New Year and Holy Week; prices and pace ease in the shoulder and rainy periods.
- Peak season (Dec–Jan & Holy Week): Dry, sunny, cooling trade winds; very crowded and expensive; vibe celebratory, polished, and party‑forward.
- Shoulder season (Feb–Apr, Jul–Aug): Mostly dry early in the year, mixed mid‑year with brief showers; moderate crowds and better value; vibe balanced—romantic evenings and lively streets without the crush.
- Rainy/low season (May–Jun, Sep–Nov): Hot, steamy, frequent afternoon downpours (heaviest Sep–Nov); fewest tourists and lowest prices; vibe slower and more local—November Independence fiestas are exuberant but chaotic.
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How to get to Cartagena
Cartagena de Indias, Colombia
By Air
- Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) in Crespo; 10–20 min by taxi to the Walled City.
- Key domestic routes: Bogotá (~1 h 30), Medellín (~1 h), Cali (~1 h 30).
- International hubs: Panama City (~1 h 15), Miami (~2 h 45–3 h), plus seasonal/direct services to other US/LatAm cities.
- Official taxi desk at arrivals; rideshare options operate citywide.
By Train
- No passenger rail services.
By Bus
- Terminal de Transportes de Cartagena (intercity bus station), ~20–30 min from the Old City (traffic dependent).
- Frequent coaches: Barranquilla (2–3 h), Santa Marta (3.5–4.5 h), Sincelejo (3–4 h), Montería (5–6 h), Medellín (12–14 h), Bogotá (18–22 h).
- Major operators: Expreso Brasilia, Copetran, Bolivariano.
By Car
- Barranquilla (120 km) via Route 90A: 2–3 h; Santa Marta (230 km): 4–5 h.
- Medellín (640–700 km): 10–12+ h; Bogotá (~1,050 km): 17–20 h (multiple tolls; avoid night driving).
- Parking is limited in the Walled City; use car parks in Bocagrande/Getsemaní.
By Sea
- Regular cruise calls at Cartagena Cruise Port (Manga); 10–15 min by taxi to the centre.
- Tourist boats from Muelle de la Bodeguita to Islas del Rosario/Barú (not intercity transport).
Cartagena, Spain
By Air
- Murcia Region International Airport (RMU, Corvera): ~30–35 min by road; taxi/car hire; bus links via Murcia city.
- Alicante–Elche Airport (ALC): ~1 h 15 via AP‑7; extensive European flights; onward by coach (Alicante) or via Murcia.
By Train
- Cartagena railway station near the centre.
- Frequent Cercanías/Media Distancia to Murcia (45–55 min).
- From Murcia: AVE to Madrid (~2 h 45–3 h from Murcia; ~3 h 30–4 h total with a change). Regional/Intercity links to Alicante/Valencia.
By Bus
- Estación de Autobuses de Cartagena (central bus station).
- ALSA and others to Murcia (~50–60 min), Alicante (~2 h), Valencia (~4.5–5.5 h), Madrid (~5–6.5 h), Granada (~4–5 h), Almería (~3.5–4.5 h).
By Car
- A‑30 Murcia–Cartagena (52 km, ~45 min).
- AP‑7 coastal motorway from Alicante (120 km, ~1 h 15) and Valencia (265 km, ~2 h 45–3 h).
- Central car parks available; old town has restricted/narrow streets.
By Sea
- Major Mediterranean cruise port (no regular passenger ferries). Cruise terminal is a short walk from the historic centre.
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