Best Things to Do in Cartagena Colombia: A Traveler’s Bucket List

Best Things to Do in Cartagena at a Glance

Visiting Cartagena Attractions

One of the reasons why Cartagena is such a wonderful destination is because it has so many attractions and experiences to offer. Whether you’re into history, culture, nature, or adventure, you’ll find something that suits your taste and interest in this city.

The Walled City of Cartagena

The walled city of Cartagena is the heart and soul of the city. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage site that preserves the colonial architecture and history of Cartagena. The walled city is surrounded by about 11km (7 miles) of preserved walls that were built between the 16th and 18th centuries to protect the city from pirates and invaders.

Inside the wall, you’ll find a maze of narrow streets, colorful houses, churches, plazas, museums, shops, cafes, and restaurants. You’ll also find some of the most iconic landmarks of Cartagena, such as the Clock Tower, the Plaza de Bolivar, the Palace of Inquisition, and the Cathedral.

Ways to Explore the Walled City of Cartagena

• The best way to explore the walled city is on foot or by bike. You can spend hours or even days wandering around the walled city and discovering its hidden gems and secrets.
• You can also take a horse-drawn carriage or a hop-on hop-off bus tour for a more romantic or convenient option.
• Joining a guided walking tour or an audio tour to learn more about the history and culture of Cartagena is also a good option.
• The walled city is also a great place to enjoy the nightlife of Cartagena, as there are many bars, clubs, and restaurants that offer live music, dancing, and cocktails.

Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas

The Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas is a massive fortress that sits on top of a hill overlooking Cartagena. It’s also one of the most impressive military structures in South America. The fortress was built in 1657 by the Spanish to defend the city from attacks by land or sea. It was later expanded and reinforced several times until it reached its current size and shape. The fortress has a complex system of tunnels that connect different parts of the structure and allow for communication and ventilation.

The fortress is open to visitors every day from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. You can learn about the history and architecture of the fortress and enjoy panoramic views of Cartagena from its walls and towers. Additionally, the museum inside the fortress displays some artifacts and models related to its construction and battles. Allow around 1–2 hours to explore the fortress comfortably, especially if you want time for photographs and the panoramic views.

Getsemaní

Just outside the Walled City, Getsemaní offers a different side of Cartagena. Walk through its colorful streets, admire murals and decorated balconies, stop for street food, and listen to local music as the neighborhood comes alive.

Plaza de la Trinidad is one of the best places to experience the neighborhood’s lively atmosphere, especially in the evening. Getsemaní is also closely connected with Cartagena’s food, music, and nightlife scene.

Rosario Islands

The Rosario Islands are an archipelago of numerous islands and cays within the Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Natural Park. They are famous for their white sand beaches, turquoise water, coral reefs, and diverse marine life. They are also a popular destination for snorkeling, diving, kayaking, sailing, or just relaxing on a hammock.

Getting to Rosario Islands from Cartagena

The easiest way to get to the Rosario Islands is by boat from Cartagena. Depending on the boat and destination, the journey can take roughly 45–90 minutes. Current official tourism information gives about 45 minutes by speedboat and around 90 minutes by regular boat. You can book your tickets online or at one of the many kiosks near the port.

Rosario Islands Activities

Once you get to the Rosario Islands, you can choose between staying on one of the islands or visiting several of them. Some of the most popular islands are Isla Grande, Isla Baru, Isla del Pirata, and Isla del Encanto. Each island has its own charm and attractions, such as beaches, hotels, restaurants, aquariums, etc. You can also visit some of the smaller and more secluded islands for a more private and romantic experience.

The Rosario Islands are a paradise for nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts. You can snorkel or dive in the coral reefs and see colorful fish, turtles, rays, sharks, and dolphins. Moreover, you can also kayak or sail around the islands and explore their mangroves and lagoons. You can also relax on the beach and enjoy the sun and the breeze. The Rosario Islands are a perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of Cartagena and enjoy a day or more of tranquility and beauty.

Cartagena Beaches

Cartagena is a coastal city that has many beaches to offer. Some of the beaches are located within the city, while others are located outside or on nearby islands. The beaches in Cartagena vary in size, quality, and atmosphere. Some of them are crowded and lively, while others are quiet and secluded. Some of them have white sand and clear water, while others have dark sand and murky water. And some of them have hotels and restaurants nearby, while others have no facilities at all.

The Most Popular Beaches in Cartagena

The most popular beaches in Cartagena are located in the Bocagrande area, which is a modern and upscale neighborhood with high-rise buildings and shopping malls. The beaches here are wide and long, but also busy and noisy. They have many vendors, umbrellas, chairs, and water sports available. The water here is warm but not very clear. Some of the beaches in this area are Bocagrande Beach, El Laguito Beach, and Castillogrande Beach.

The Most Beautiful Beaches in Cartagena

The most beautiful beaches in Cartagena are located on the islands or outside the city. These beaches have white sand and turquoise water but also require a boat ride or a car ride to get there. They have fewer vendors and facilities, but also more peace and privacy. The water here is clear and calm, perfect for swimming or snorkeling. Some of the beaches in this category are Playa Blanca on the Barú Peninsula, Playa Azul on Isla Grande, Playa Linda on Isla del Pirata, and La Boquilla Beach on the mainland.

The Most Historic Beaches in Cartagena

The most historic beaches in Cartagena are located within the walled city or near the fortresses. These beaches have dark sand and rocky water, but also a lot of character and charm. They have some vendors and facilities, but also some monuments and museums nearby. The water here is cool and choppy, good for surfing or windsurfing. Some of the beaches in this group are Marbella Beach near the airport, Bocachica Beach near the San Fernando Fortress, and La Caleta Beach near the San Sebastian Fortress.

These are some of the main beaches in Cartagena that you can visit on your trip. Depending on your mood and preference, you can choose the one that suits you best. You can also visit more than one beach and experience different aspects of Cartagena’s coastal culture.

Cartagena Nightlife

Cartagena is a city that never sleeps. It has a vibrant and diverse nightlife that caters to all kinds of tastes and budgets. Whether you’re looking for a romantic date, a lively party, or a cultural experience, you’ll find something that suits your mood and style in this city.

Bars

Cartagena has a lot of bars where you can enjoy a drink or two and mingle with locals and tourists. Some of the bars are located inside the walled city, while others are located outside or on the rooftops. There are bars that have live music or DJs, while others have karaoke or games. The bars mostly have a theme or a style, while others have a casual or cozy vibe.

In particular, some of the most popular bars in Cartagena are Cafe del Mar, Alquimico, La Movida, El Baron, and La Jugada.

Clubs

Cartagena has a lot of clubs where you can dance the night away and have a blast. Some of the clubs are located inside the walled city, while others are located outside or on the islands. Some of the clubs play salsa or reggaeton music, while others play electronic or pop music. There are clubs that have a dress code or a cover charge, while others have free entry or a happy hour.

The most popular clubs that you should visit in Cartagena are La Habana, Fragma, Eivissa, Bazurto Social Club, and La Isla.

Casinos

Cartagena has a few casinos where you can try your luck and have some fun. Some casinos are located inside hotels or malls, while others are located in their own buildings. You can play slot machines, bingo games, table games, or even join poker tournaments. Some of the casinos have a restaurant or a bar, while others have a lounge or a stage.

The most popular casinos in Cartagena are Rio Casino, Sun Nao Casino, Casino Caribe Plaza, and Casino Havana.

Shows

Cartagena has many shows where you can watch live performances and have some entertainment. You can see the shows inside theaters or venues, while others are located on the streets or plazas. Some of the shows feature music or dance acts, while others feature comedy or magic acts. Also, some shows require you to buy a ticket or have a reservation, while others have a donation or a tip suggested.

Particularly, you should watch the most popular shows in Cartagena such as Mapale Folkloric Show, Noche de Tambores Show, Circo Teatro Show, and Street Performers Show.

These are some of the main places and options for enjoying the nightlife in Cartagena and how they can add some flavor and fun to your trip. You can choose one or more depending on your mood and preference. You can also find more places and options online or at one of the many kiosks near the port.

Cartagena Boat Tours

Cartagena is a city that has a lot of water around it. It has a bay, a canal, a river, and a sea. It also has many islands and beaches that are accessible by boat. That’s why one of the best ways to enjoy Cartagena is by taking a boat tour. You can see the city from a different perspective and explore its natural and cultural wonders.

Bay Tour

A bay tour is a boat tour that takes you around the bay of Cartagena and shows you the city skyline and the fortresses. You can also see the sunset and the night lights of the city. You can choose between a public or a private boat tour depending on your budget and preference.

The public boat tour costs around $15-$20 USD per person and lasts about an hour. The private boat tour costs around $100-$200 USD per group for up to 10 people and lasts about 2 hours. You can book your tickets online or at one of the many kiosks near the port.

Canal Tour

A canal tour is a boat tour that takes you along the canal of Cartagena and shows you the mangroves and wildlife. You can also see the fishing villages and the local culture. You can choose between a kayak or a motorboat tour depending on your energy and adventure level.

The kayak tour costs around $20-$30 USD per person and lasts about 2 hours. The motorboat tour costs around $50-$60 USD per person and lasts about 3 hours. You can book your tickets online or at one of the many kiosks near the port.

Sea Tour

A sea tour is a boat tour that takes you to the Caribbean Sea and shows you the islands and beaches of Cartagena. You can also snorkel or dive in the coral reefs and see colorful fish, turtles, rays, sharks, and dolphins. You can choose between a public or a private boat tour depending on your budget and preference.

The public boat tour costs around $70-$80 USD per person for a round-trip ticket to one island or beach. The private boat tour costs around $500-$600 USD per group for up to 8 people for a full-day trip to several islands or beaches. You can book your tickets online or at one of the many kiosks near the port.

These are some of the main boat tours that you can take in Cartagena and how they can make your trip more enjoyable and memorable. You can choose one or more depending on your mood and preference. You can also find more boat tours online or at one of the many kiosks near the port.

Cartagena Things to Do FAQs

Is it worth visiting Cartagena?

Yes. Cartagena is worth visiting if you enjoy history, Caribbean beaches, colonial architecture, local culture, food, and nightlife. The Walled City, Castillo San Felipe, Getsemaní, Rosario Islands, and nearby beaches give you plenty of experiences to include in a Cartagena itinerary. Cartagena’s tourism authorities continue to report strong visitor numbers, with more than 2.2 million air arrivals between January and July 2026.

What are the no-go zones in Colombia?

Travel advisories identify specific areas of Colombia where travelers should reconsider or avoid travel because of risks such as crime, kidnapping, terrorism, or civil unrest. These include some border and rural areas, but Cartagena itself is not classified as a blanket no-go zone. Check your government’s latest Colombia travel advisory before traveling because conditions can change.

Is it cheap in Cartagena?

Cartagena can be affordable, but costs vary by travel style and location. Budget travelers can save by choosing local restaurants, public transportation, and budget accommodation, while hotels, restaurants, nightlife, and island tours in popular tourist areas can be considerably more expensive. Current traveler-spending data puts average daily expenses around US$69 per person, excluding international flights.

Is it safe to walk in Cartagena at night?

You can walk around busy tourist areas such as the Walled City and Getsemaní, but use normal urban safety precautions, especially after dark. Stay on busy, well-lit streets, avoid displaying valuables, use reputable transportation when needed, and avoid unfamiliar or isolated areas late at night.

Can you drink the water in Cartagena?

For visitors, bottled or properly filtered water is the safer choice. Cartagena’s water infrastructure is being expanded and improved, including projects to extend potable-water and sanitation services to areas such as Barú and the islands, so travelers should follow current local guidance about tap-water quality where they are staying.

What are some must-try foods in Cartagena?

Some must-try foods in Cartagena include arepa de huevo, posta cartagenera, arroz con coco, shrimp ceviche, carimañola, and fried fish. These dishes reflect the city’s Caribbean and coastal culinary traditions, with plenty of seafood, coconut, cassava, plantains, and corn. Colombia Travel specifically highlights posta cartagenera, arepa de huevo, ceviche, and other local specialties among the foods visitors should try.

For a broader Cartagena food experience, also look for sancocho de pescado, mote de queso, coconut sweets, fresh tropical fruit, and local juices.

Let’s Go to Cartagena!

From wandering the colorful streets of the Walled City to exploring Castillo San Felipe, swimming in Caribbean waters, discovering Getsemaní, and taking a boat to the Rosario Islands, the best things to do in Cartagena Colombia combine history, culture, adventure, and relaxation.

You don’t need to fit everything into one trip. Choose the experiences that match your travel style and leave some time to simply enjoy Cartagena’s streets, food, music, and Caribbean atmosphere.

For help planning the rest of your trip, continue with my complete Cartagena travel guide, where you’ll find practical information on the best time to visit, getting to Cartagena, where to stay, food, and other travel tips.