12 Unforgettable Things to Do in Cartagena, Colombia for 2025

Cartagena stands as Colombia’s crown jewel where 16th-century colonial walls meet Caribbean coastlines.  The city’s centuries-old buildings showcase vibrant street art while salsa music fills the cobblestone streets.

This Colombian gem on the northern coast has become one of South America’s safest destinations.  Travelers love its UNESCO-protected old town that perfectly blends with modern amenities.  The city provides a perfect balance of culture and comfort.

The walled city beckons visitors to discover its secrets.  Travelers can take mud baths in a volcano, cook traditional Colombian dishes or hop between islands in the Rosario archipelago’s crystal-clear waters.  These activities are a great way to get unique experiences that suit every type of visitor.  Here’s a guide to 12 memorable things you can do in Cartagena, Colombia during your 2025 visit.

Explore the UNESCO-Listed Walled City

The Spanish colonial-era walled city of Cartagena stands proud as one of South America’s most extensive and complete military fortification systems.  Spanish builders created these impressive fortifications between the 16th and 18th centuries.  The structures revolutionized Cartagena’s role as a vital Caribbean port that linked the West Indies trade route.

Walled City History and Architecture

Three distinct historic neighborhoods nestle behind the protective walls.  The Centro houses the magnificent Cathedral and government buildings.  San Diego was home to merchants and craftsmen.  Getsemaní served as the artisan quarter.  Spanish colonial, African, and European Baroque influences blend beautifully in the city’s architecture.  You’ll spot whitewashed walls, red-tiled roofs and beautiful wrought-iron balconies throughout these areas.

Best Photo Spots in the Walled City

The walled city brims with picture-perfect spots that photographers love:

• Santa Catalina Cathedral – Calle de Don Sancho gives you the best angles
• Plaza Bolívar – Simon Bolívar’s iconic statue steals the show
• City Walls – The sunset creates magical photo opportunities
• Clock Tower (Torre del Reloj) – This gateway marked the original entrance to the fortified city

Walled City Walking Tour Tips

Local guides are a great way to get deeper insights into the city’s rich history.  Tourists often praise these guides who adapt their routes based on weather and guest priorities.  The Caribbean heat makes early morning or late afternoon walks more pleasant.  Most attractions inside the walled city cost between 20,000 to 25,000 pesos.  The streets themselves let you explore the colonial architecture at no cost.

The new urban transportation system ‘Transcaribe’ has made the historic center more accessible.  Tourism brings new life to these ancient streets, but it also changes traditional neighborhoods.  Getsemaní’s local communities feel the pressure of rising costs in their area.

Visit Castillo San Felipe de Barajas

Castillo San Felipe de Barajas stands majestically on San Lazaro hill.  This largest and most formidable fortress the Spanish ever built in their colonies proves Cartagena’s strategic importance during colonial times.

Castillo San Felipe History

The fortress started in 1536 and went through major expansions over centuries.  It proved unbeatable after key improvements in many battles.  Military engineers created an impressive network of tunnels that magnify footstep sounds.  The fortress sits perfectly between the city and Popa Peak.  Heavy guns installed from 1769 to 1780 created a powerful cross-fire defense system.

Best Time to Visit the Fort

The best time to explore is early morning or late afternoon.  You’ll want to avoid Cartagena’s harsh midday sun.  Sunset hours create magical views but draw bigger crowds. Here’s what you need to bring:

• Water bottle
• Sunscreen
• Hat or sun protection
• Comfortable walking shoes

Castillo San Felipe Guided Tours

Guided tours are a great way to get deeper knowledge of the fortress’s history.  They cost an extra 15,000 COP per person.  Audio guides work well too.  The limited information boards make guided tours especially valuable.  Tour guides explain the fortress’s defensive features and tell amazing stories about Antonio de Arévalo’s brilliant military engineering during construction.

The simple entrance fee costs about 9 USD, making it accessible to most people.  You can park in two convenient spots: one on Antonio Arévalo Avenue and another on 31st Street near the “Old Boots” monument.

Experience Getsemani’s Street Art Scene

Getsemani has evolved from a troubled neighborhood into Cartagena’s most vibrant artistic district.  Every wall now tells a story of resistance, culture and creativity.  This artistic renaissance started when the first Graffiti Festival in December 2013 brought together 11 local artists, 24 Colombian artists and three international creators.

Getsemani Street Art Features

Powerful murals blend social commentary with artistic excellence throughout the district.  Notable works include Maria Mulata by artist Yurika that depicts the legendary black bird saving villagers from a devastating fire.  Artist FIN DAC created the striking Las Tres Guerreras featuring Ana Luisa Muñoz, who social media users chose as the authentic ‘Face of Cartagena’.

Best Streets for Photography

The most photogenic locations include:

• Calle de la Sierpe – Known for its international flags and vibrant murals
• Callejon Angosto (Calle 27) – Famous for its multicolored umbrella canopy
• Calle de la Magdalena – Features pink, blue, and purple umbrella installations

Getsemani Cultural Experience

Artistic expression in this neighborhood creates a bridge between visitors and local culture.  Street artists like Bluny craft pieces that teach tourists about the area’s rich history.  Local artists often work on new murals or sell their original pieces along streets like Calle de San Juan, while regular artistic events fill the calendar.

This evolution has given Getsemani a distinctly bohemian atmosphere different from Cartagena’s Old City, yet it preserves its authentic cultural heritage.  The neighborhood comes alive with music, lights and street performances especially during evening visits.

Learn how to travel from Cartagena to Aruba by cruise ship.

Take a Colombian Cooking Class

Colombian Caribbean cuisine’s secrets help visitors connect with local culture through food.  Cartagena’s cooking schools let travelers learn traditional recipes and the region’s rich culinary heritage through hands-on classes.

Traditional Dishes to Learn

Cartagena’s cooking classes focus on authentic coastal specialties.  Students learn to prepare these dishes:

• Cazuela de Mariscos – seafood stew in coconut milk
• Posta Cartagenera – slow-cooked beef in panela sauce
• Patacones con Queso – fried plantains with local cheese
• Fish Ceviche – fresh seafood marinated in citrus

Top Cooking Schools in Cartagena

Several 10-year-old cooking schools offer classes from simple to complete experiences.  SkyKitchen, in the historic center, runs three to four-hour classes with prices starting from 450,000 pesos for groups of four or more.  Cartagena Connections teaches traditional cooking with expert instruction and unlimited cocktails as part of the experience.

Market Tour Experience

Full-day cooking programs start with guided tours of Bazurto Market.  These 7-hour experiences begin with early morning market visits where you learn about exotic fruits, spices, and local ingredients.  Instructors show students how to pick fresh fish, select perfect plantains and negotiate prices like locals.  The combined market tour and cooking class costs between 550,000 to 600,000 pesos per person and gives a complete introduction to Cartagena’s food culture.

Students master traditional methods like coconut milk extraction and Caribbean seasoning preparation.  Classes end with everyone enjoying their dishes while trading stories with instructors.  This experience is a great way to get deeper insights into Cartagena, Colombia’s culture.

Explore Rosario Islands

The Rosario Islands archipelago sits 22 miles southwest of Cartagena in the Corales del Rosario National Park.  This stunning collection of 27 coral islands gives visitors a chance to escape to crystal-clear waters and white-sand beaches.  These islands are a great way to get an unforgettable Caribbean experience and rank among the top attractions in Cartagena, Colombia.

Best Rosario Islands to Visit

The archipelago’s must-see destinations include:

• Isla Grande – The largest island that boasts pristine beaches and snorkeling spots
• Isla Marina – A gem with clear waters and vibrant coral reefs
• Isla Gigi – The perfect spot for luxury stays at its upscale resort
• Isla Rosa – A unique destination with its stunning pink sand beach

Island Hopping Tours

Several tour options await visitors, and catamaran trips stand out as crowd favorites.  A full-day adventure costs around USD 99 per person and includes stops at multiple islands, snorkeling gear, lunch and refreshments.  Private boat rentals let you customize your journey with stops at La Piscinita for swimming and the submerged airplane for snorkeling.

Snorkeling and Beach Activities

Protected waters around the islands house one of Colombia’s most important coral reefs.  The vibrant marine ecosystem welcomes snorkelers with tropical fish, sea turtles, and occasional nurse sharks.  Beach clubs like IslaBela and Bora Bora provide day passes that cover transportation, beach chairs and lunch.  Water sports fans can enjoy kayaking and paddleboarding at select spots and most day passes include equipment.

Morning visits work best since afternoon seas can get choppy, especially during the windy season from late December to April.  Pack reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, and a towel to stay comfortable throughout your island adventure.

Furthermore, discover the animals in Colombia.

Visit La Boquilla Fishing Village

La Boquilla, a traditional fishing village, sits just beyond Cartagena’s bustling streets and gives visitors a genuine look into coastal Colombian life.  The village’s African-descended community shows proof of the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Local Culture and Traditions

Fishing heritage shapes La Boquilla’s identity through traditional techniques passed down by generations.  The village creates a stark contrast with modern Cartagena.  Colorful fishing boats line the shoreline while local fishermen use time-tested methods to catch fish and crabs.

Mangrove Tour Experience

The magnificent mangrove forest and Juan Polo swamp create the perfect backdrop for visitors.  The experience includes:

• Guided canoe rides through natural tunnels
• Traditional fishing demonstrations using the Atarraya nets
• Bird watching opportunities
• Fresh coconut water refreshments after the tour

Tours start at 7:30 AM with hotel pickups for a day of cultural immersion.  Local guides share ecosystem knowledge as they navigate tranquil waterways.  They help visitors learn about environmental conservation and community life.

Supporting Local Community

Ecotours La Boquilla, the village’s tourism initiative, helps approximately 25 local families through tourism activities.  This community project has become a national standard for green tourism that protects both environment and cultural heritage.  Caribbean cooking classes and cumbia drumming workshops give tourists more ways to support local households.

Local families prepare traditional lunches in their homes with fresh-caught fish, coconut rice, and regional specialties.  This authentic exchange helps visitors learn about coastal Colombian life and preserves traditional ways in an area that faces increasing modern development.

Enjoy Sunset at Cafe del Mar

Cafe del Mar sits on Cartagena’s historic city wall and provides some of the most spectacular sunset views in the Caribbean.  This popular spot has become a favorite destination where travelers can end their day with breathtaking ocean views and signature cocktails.

Best Time for Sunset Views

The perfect sunset experience at Cafe del Mar depends on good timing.  You should arrive at least one hour before sunset to get the best seats along the wall.  The spot’s position on Baluarte de Santo Domingo lets you see the sun sink into the Caribbean Sea unobstructed.  Colonial cannons and Colombian flags add to the picturesque setting.

Cafe del Mar Menu Highlights

The drink menu features several standout options:

• Signature Piña Colada – Known for its extra creamy texture
• Refreshing Gin and Tonic – A classic favorite
• Limonada de Cocos – One of the city’s best non-alcoholic options
• Fantasía del Mar – A popular appetizer choice

Reservation Tips

Getting a spot at one of Cartagena’s most popular bars needs some planning.  The best tables along the wall are often reserved in advance during peak season and weekends.  You can book through:

• Direct phone contact
• The venue’s official website
• TripAdvisor booking platform

Cultural and musical entertainment fills the evening and captures Cartagena’s vibrant nightlife scene.  The place gets crowded, but watching the Caribbean sunset while sipping tropical cocktails makes it one of your most memorable experiences in Cartagena, Colombia.

Take a Salsa Dancing Class

Cartagena’s cultural capital offers visitors an authentic Colombian experience through salsa dancing.  Professional instructors help travelers become skilled at rhythmic movements that define the city’s nightlife.

Top Salsa Schools

Crazy Salsa stands as one of the city’s premier dance institutions near the flower plaza.  The school teaches multiple styles including LA (cross body), Cuban (salsa Casino) and Colombian variations.  Expert instructors Esteban, Natalia, and Cary bring their unmatched experience to private and group sessions.

Evening Dance Venues

Students venture into authentic salsa clubs after learning the simple steps.  Live bands with up to eight musicians create an electrifying atmosphere.  These venues let dancers practice their new moves among locals.  The night usually spans multiple bars that range from tropical to urban settings.

Group vs Private Lessons

Both options are a great way to get learning experiences, but they serve different purposes.  Private lessons enable rapid skill development through customized attention.  Indeed, many students show remarkable progress after just 6-8 classes.  Group classes cost less and let students practice with multiple partners in a social setting.  Most visitors choose both – starting with private lessons to learn basics before joining group sessions.

Most schools’ introductory packages teach simple steps through private and group settings to beginners.  Classes end with guided visits to local salsa clubs where instructors support and encourage students as they practice their new moves.

Visit Totumo Mud Volcano

The Totumo Mud Volcano stands tall in the saline marshes just 45 minutes from Cartagena.  This 15-meter-high geological wonder is one of Colombia’s most exceptional natural spa destinations.  The volcano’s depths contain mineral-rich mud that reaches more than 2,000 meters deep.

Mud Volcano Experience

Natural minerals like magnesium, silica and aluminum blend perfectly in the volcano’s therapeutic mud.  The unique composition creates such dense buoyancy that visitors can’t sink.  People float easily in the warm mud and enjoy panoramic views of the Santa Catalina region.  Local services are available at 4,000 COP per person and include mud massages, photography, and cleaning assistance.

What to Bring

You’ll need these items to enjoy your volcano visit:

• An old dark-colored swimsuit (the mud can stain light colors)
• A change of clothes
• Easy-to-rinse flip-flops
• Small bills in Colombian pesos
• A towel (preferably one you don’t mind getting stained)

Tour Options

Travelers can pick between hosted tours and private transportation.  Most tours provide:

• Round-trip transportation from Cartagena
• Bilingual guide services
• Entrance fees
• Locker rental for belongings

Rustic wooden stairs lead visitors to the volcano’s summit.  The experience continues with a mud bath, followed by a refreshing rinse in a nearby freshwater lagoon.  Some reviews mention its tourist appeal, yet most visitors rave about the unique floating sensation and their noticeably softer, smoother skin from the mineral-rich mud.

Early morning visits help avoid crowds.  Bringing water is crucial to stay hydrated in the tropical heat.  The whole ordeal takes about half a day, making it an easy addition to any Cartagena itinerary.

Shop at Las Bovedas

A striking yellow colonial building with 47 arches and 23 domes houses Las Bovedas, a must-visit shopping spot in Cartagena’s historic district.  This place has an interesting past – it started as a military storage facility and prison before becoming a vibrant cultural and commercial hub.  Today, you’ll find 23 boutiques showcasing Colombia’s finest craftsmanship.

Local Handicrafts Guide

Las Bovedas’ shops showcase a rich collection of traditional Colombian treasures:

• Artisanal Accessories: Mochilas, woven handbags, and traditional Colombian clothing
• Decorative Items: Miniature Botero statues, prints of Cartagena and local artwork
• Jewelry: Emerald pieces and pre-Columbian inspired designs
• Home Decor: Hand-painted trays and colorful hammocks

Negotiation Tips

Shopping here is different from other tourist spots.  Shopkeepers usually give cash discounts and prices tend to be more consistent than what you’d find with street vendors.  A friendly chat before talking about prices works wonders.  Your bargaining success rate goes up when you use Spanish phrases, even simple ones.  Tourists speaking only English often start with higher prices.

Best Time to Shop

Mornings are perfect to browse the shops comfortably.  The building heats up quite a bit in the afternoon.  Cruise ship passengers love this spot because prices stay consistent.  The location between Santa Clara and Santa Catalina forts makes it perfect to combine shopping with a walk along the city walls.

These shops have been around for more than 40 years, showing off regional artisans’ work.  Each boutique has its own special pieces that tell stories of Colombia’s heritage, even though some shops might look similar at first glance.  The numbered storefronts make it easy to find your way back to your favorite spots.  Many people find exactly what they want in the first few stores they visit.

Try Local Street Food

Learning about Cartagena’s vibrant street food scene gives visitors a delicious taste of Colombian coastal cuisine.  The city’s street vendors serve authentic flavors that generations have perfected.  Sizzling arepas and fresh seafood cocktails create an unforgettable food experience.

Must-Try Street Dishes

The street food culture revolves around several iconic dishes:

• Arepa de Huevo – A twice-fried corn patty stuffed with egg and ground beef
• Carimañola – Yuca fritters filled with meat or cheese, popular for breakfast
• Patacón con Queso – Crispy plantain patties topped with local cheese
• Coctel de Camarónes – Fresh shrimp cocktail with garlic and lime

Best Food Streets

You’ll find authentic street food at several prime spots.  Plaza San Diego serves some of the city’s best arepas de huevo.  The vendors at Plaza de la Trinidad in Getsemaní dish out hearty late-night options.  Seafood stalls along Avenida Venezuela, especially the one “under the giant hat,” excel at fresh shrimp cocktails and ceviche.

Food Safety Tips

Smart travelers enjoy Cartagena’s street food safely by:

• Eating at peak local hours for fresh ingredients
• Picking vendors with long lines that show trusted options
• Skipping fresh fruit drinks with ice unless at established restaurants
• Picking hot, fresh-cooked foods instead of pre-made items

Street food feeds over 2.5 billion people worldwide each day.  Public management of street vendors remains a challenge in Colombia.  These guidelines help ensure a safe and memorable food adventure.  Food tours blend traditional flavors with cultural insights and give visitors a great way to get to know Cartagena’s street food scene.

Visit La Popa Monastery

The Convento de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria stands at 150 meters above sea level at Cartagena’s highest point.  Visitors can experience both spiritual heritage and stunning views from this location.

Monastery History

Augustinian monks founded the monastery in 1608, and its origins come with an interesting local legend.  Father Alonso de la Cruz Paredes received a prediction to build the monastery.  The construction cost 15,000 ducats and took 6-7 years to complete.  The monastery played a key role during Colombia’s War of Independence as a military position.  Simón Bolívar and his regiment stayed here during their liberation campaign.

Panoramic Views

La Popa’s commanding position offers exceptional 360-degree views of Cartagena’s landscape:

• The historic walled city with its iconic cathedral domes
• Bocagrande’s modern skyline and beaches
• The industrial port’s colorful container yards
• The Caribbean Sea stretching to the horizon

The monastery’s courtyard features beautiful bougainvillea that creates perfect photo opportunities with colonial architecture in the background.  Many visitors enjoy the early morning views as the city wakes up under a golden sunrise.

Transportation Options

The monastery is available through several means, but taxis are the safest and most convenient option.  A round-trip taxi costs between 35,000 to 50,000 Colombian pesos.  The monastery opens daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.  Adult tickets cost 11,000 Colombian pesos, while children’s tickets are 8,000 pesos.  Return transportation from the monastery can be tricky, so visitors should ask their taxi driver to wait during the visit.

The monastery features a small chapel with an ornate gold altar and a religious museum that displays artifacts from Cartagena’s spiritual heritage.  The site becomes the center of attention every February during the Virgen de la Candelaria festival.  Countless pilgrims climb on foot to honor their patroness.

Comparison Table

Enjoy the Things to do in Cartagena Colombia

Cartagena blends centuries-old history with modern culture and creates unique experiences that captivate every traveler.  The UNESCO-listed walled city welcomes visitors to learn about this Colombian gem.  Natural wonders complement the cultural scene with amazing spots like the Rosario Islands and Totumo Mud Volcano.

Food lovers discover their paradise through local cooking classes and street food discoveries.  Art enthusiasts can wander through Getsemaní’s vibrant streets.  The city’s location makes it perfect to combine urban adventures with trips to pristine beaches, which gives travelers plenty of options to customize their journey.

Travelers can dance salsa under starlit skies, browse handicrafts at Las Bovedas or catch breathtaking sunsets from Cafe del Mar.  These authentic moments create memories that last forever.  Cartagena’s colonial architecture, Caribbean flavors and local’s warm welcome make this coastal paradise a top destination to visit in 2024.

FAQs

1. How long should I plan to stay in Cartagena?
   A 4-day visit to Cartagena is generally considered ideal.  This duration allows you to experience the city’s beaches, historical sites and artistic neighborhoods, providing a comprehensive taste of what Cartagena has to offer.
2. What are the main attractions Cartagena is famous for?
   Cartagena is renowned for its beautiful beaches, colonial architecture and its historic walled Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.  The city’s rich history, dating back to its founding in 1533, combined with its Caribbean coastal location, makes it a popular destination for tourists seeking both cultural and beach experiences.
3. Are there any safety precautions I should take when enjoying Cartagena’s nightlife?
   While Cartagena offers vibrant nightlife, it’s important to exercise caution.  Keep an eye on your drink and don’t accept beverages from strangers.  Avoid walking alone late at night, especially if you’ve been drinking.  Be aware of the Party Busses (Chiva Rumbera) around town, but ensure you’re with a trusted group if participating.
4. Which streets in Cartagena are considered the most picturesque?
   Cartagena boasts several beautiful streets, with some of the most picturesque including Calle de la Iglesia, Calle de la Magdalena, Calle San Agustín, and Calle de las Damas.  Other notable areas include Plaza Santo Domingo, Calle de Don Sancho, Calle de la Tablada, and Calle del Curato.  These streets showcase the city’s colonial charm and colorful architecture.