Top 10 Things to Do in Cartagena: Your Ultimate Guide

Cartagena is often the first destination tourists visit in South America, and it’s easy to understand why. It has stunning beaches, colorful streets, beautiful architecture, and such vibrant culture. I was lucky to visit Colombia back in 2020 right before the Covid-19 pandemic, and Cartagena was one of my favorite cities during the trip. Since then Cartagena has only increased in popularity as more people learn about it. If you’re thinking about visiting, here’s your ultimate guide to the top things to do in Cartagena.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a commission (at no cost to you) if you decide to make a purchase through one of my links.

How to Get to Cartagena

Cartagena is located in northern Colombia, right on the Caribbean Sea and in the northern part of South America.

Getting to Cartagena is pretty straight forward. You’ll want to fly into Cartagena’s main airport, Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) which is just a short ride from the city center. From there, you can take a taxi or ride-share into the city center or you can book a private transfer.

Currency and Language in Cartagena

Currency: The currency in Cartagena is the Colombian Peso (COP). It’s a good idea to have some pesos on hand for small purchases, tips, and taxis, but credit cards are widely accepted in most places, especially in the Old City and touristy areas.

Language: Like most countries in South America, the official language in Colombia is Spanish. Don’t worry though, you don’t need to be fluent in order to visit. Many people in the tourism industry speak some English, especially in hotels, restaurants, and popular attractions, but it’s still a good idea to learn a few basic Spanish phrases.

Climate and Weather in Cartagena

Cartagena is a tropical destination, so expect warm temperatures year-round. It’s pretty humid too, so lightweight, breathable clothing is a must. If you’re visiting during the rainy season (typically from May to November), bring an umbrella or a light rain jacket just in case. The dry season (December to April) is the most popular time to visit, but it can get pretty hot, especially in the afternoons.

Top Things to Do in Cartagena

1. Wander Through the Old City

Cartagena’s Old City, or Ciudad Amurallada (the Walled City), is one of the best-preserved colonial areas in Latin America. It’s surrounded by ancient stone walls, and is filled with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, lush balconies, and flower-filled courtyards. It really does look like a scene straight out of a movie!

2. Visit Castillo San Felipe de Barajas

One of Cartagena’s most iconic landmarks, Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, is a must-visit for history buffs. This massive fortress was built by the Spanish in the 16th century to protect the city from pirates and enemy attacks. The climb up the hill is a bit of a workout, but the fort offers incredible views of Cartagena and the Caribbean Sea. 

3. Take a Cooking Class

As a foodie, one of my favorite things to do in Cartagena was taking a cooking class. It’s such an amazing way to learn more about the local culture and cuisine, as well as try amazing food! Colombian cuisine has strong indigenous, African, and Spanish influences and has a pretty diverse culinary history. During our class, we made coconut rice, tostones, shrimp, and fried fish and it was an absolute blast. Plus our class was on a rooftop with stunning views of the city! 

4. Catamaran Boat Day

A boat day is an absolute must if you want to see some of the islands surrounding Cartagena. Depending on the size of your group, you can either rent a private boat or join a group tour to see the best spots.

Playa Blanca is just a short boat ride away and offers some of the best beaches near Cartagena. The soft white sand and clear, turquoise waters are perfect for swimming or relaxing. 

Another option are the Rosario Islands, an archipelago located about an hour by boat from Cartagena. These islands are famous for their clear turquoise waters, coral reefs, and peaceful atmosphere. You can take a boat tour to explore the islands, swim in the warm waters, or snorkel to see the diverse marine life. Some of the islands even have private resorts where you can spend the night, but you’ll also find plenty of day trips available if you’re just visiting for a few hours. Traveling with a group? There’s lots of options to rent a private boat for the day to take you around the islands as well!

If you don’t want to spend the entire day on a boat, a sunset cruise is a relaxing, scenic way to end your day, offering breathtaking views of the sky and the sea as the sun dips below the horizon

5. Stroll Through the Getsemaní Neighborhood

Getsemaní is one of Cartagena’s most vibrant neighborhoods, known for its street art, lively atmosphere, and rich cultural history. I loved walking through the colorful streets, where you’ll find murals, art galleries, and plenty of lively bars and restaurants. 

6. Take a Street Food Tour

Cartagena is a food lover’s paradise, especially when it comes to street food! A street food tour is the best way to try a ton of different local dishes and snacks while learning about the city’s culinary traditions. You’ll get to taste treats like arepas (corn cakes filled with cheese, meats, or veggies), empanadas (crispy pastry pockets filled with everything from beef to chicken or seafood), and ceviche (fresh seafood marinated in tangy lime and spices). It’s a fun and delicious way to experience the local flavors, while also learning more about the city’s history and culture.

7. Take a Latin Dance Class

If you’re in Cartagena, you’ve got to learn to dance! Salsa, merengue, and bachata are everywhere and there’s no better way to experience it than by taking a dance class. There are plenty of local schools offering classes for all skill levels. If you’re feeling extra confident, you can show off what you’ve learned at one of the city’s dance clubs!

8. Tour the Town of Palenque

If you’ve ever wondered about afro-Colombian history, Palenque is definitely worth a visit if you’re in Cartagena! This small town was the first place in the Americas where escaped slaves built their own free community. It’s now a UNESCO Cultural Heritage site and you can take guided tours to learn all about the history of the town. 

9. Enjoy Cartagena’s Nightlife

When the sun goes down, Cartagena comes alive with a lively nightlife scene. The Old City offers plenty of options for a night out, from trendy rooftop bars to salsa clubs. One of my favorite things we did was enjoy a cocktail at one of the city’s chic rooftop bars, where we got to see stunning views of the skyline. If you’re into dancing, head to one of the salsa clubs in Getsemaní or the Old City for a fun night of dancing.

10. Taste Colombian Rum

If you’re a fan of rum, Cartagena offers some fantastic rum tasting experiences. The city’s rum scene is a big part of its Caribbean heritage, and you can find rum tastings at local bars or distilleries where you’ll sample some of the best rums from Colombia, and learn about the history of rum in the Caribbean and how it’s made. 

How to Get Around Cartagena

Walking: If you’re in the walled city or Getsemaní, you can easily walk everywhere as these areas are very pedestrian friendly.

Rideshare: For getting around other parts of the city, I’d recommend using rideshare apps like Uber or Didi since the prices are more predictable, you’ll know exactly how much to pay beforehand, and you don’t need to worry about language barriers. 

Taxis are available as well, but they don’t use meters so you’ll need to negotiate the price before you get in to avoid getting scammed. This is one of the cases where knowing a few phrases in Spanish will come in handy too, since not all taxi drivers speak English. Google Translate is another great option for cross culture communication and the technology has come quite a long way! Many taxis also only take cash, so you’ll want to be sure to have small bills on you. For the most part, you shouldn’t expect to pay more than 20k COP within the tourist areas. 

Public Transit: There is a local bus system, but it’s mostly used by locals. The routes can be pretty confusing and the signs are often only in Spanish, so I wouldn’t really recommend using it as a tourist in Cartagena.

Is Cartagena Safe for Tourists?

Cartagena is generally considered a safe destination for tourists, especially if you are in the main tourist areas like the walled city or Getsemaní. However, like any popular tourist spot, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas like markets or busy streets. Don’t keep your phone in your back pocket and wear cross body bags instead of open top tote bags.

You’ll also want to watch out for street performers as they will often demand payment if you want to take a picture of them. Some singers and rappers will also ask for money after a “free” performance, so if you see them in the street I would keep walking!

As a tourist, I would avoid La Popa and some parts of Mercado de Bazurto, especially if you are a woman or traveling solo. I also would not walk around at night in the non-tourist areas unless you are with a local who knows the area. Stick to well-lit areas at night, and if you’re planning to head out to more secluded spots, consider taking a guided tour or have your hotel call a taxi for you.

Looking for more Colombia recommendations? Check out some of our other posts from the blog!

Ultimate Guide of Things to Do in Guatapé, Colombia