10 Best Things To Do When Visiting Cartagena Colombia

Visiting Cartagena, Colombia is a fantastic option for a weekend or longer trip. Located on the Caribbean Sea in the north of Colombia it’s blessed with warm weather and the Caribbean breeze all year.

When visiting Cartagena, Colombia you can stay in the modern part of the city, with high-rises and hotels on the beach.

This is a great option if you’re looking for a vacation where you can go from the hotel room to the beach, the pool, and then to a nearby restaurant.

This is a perfectly good vacation; we’ve done just that in the past.

But if you’d rather spend a few days exploring a vibrant Colonial city with great music and wonderful people we invite you to stay at the “Casco Viejo”, the Old City.

Known as Cartagena de las Indias since colonial times, Cartagena is one of the major ports on the northern coast of Colombia.

A former Spanish colony, Cartagena was a key port of trade between Spain and the colonies in America.

For a distinctive experience beyond the beach follow our recommendations below and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere by visiting the Old City of Cartagena in Colombia.

Best Things To Do In Cartagena, Colombia

1. The Old City Walls

The first defensive tower in Cartagena was built in 1566.

The walls around the city were built later towards the end of the century.

Today walking around the walls and visiting the remaining bulwarks (Baluarte) is a great experience.

From the walls, you can see the Old City to one side and the Caribbean Sea to the other.

From certain sections, you also get excellent views of the new city.

Walking on the ramparts transports you to a different time when enemies like pirates could come from the sea.

Today the ships that come into port are for leisure or commerce.

But the views are just as impressive.

2. Teatro Heredia

While you’re walking on the old city walls, between Baluarte La Merced and Baluarte de Santa Cruz you’ll find Plaza La Merced.

Come down from the walls and visit this traditional square and Teatro Heredia.

Although the name on the facade is Teatro Heredia it is officially Teatro Adolfo Mejias.

It is an operating theater reopened in 1998 after extensive restoration.

You can see the scheduled events by visiting the Instituto de Patrimonio y Cultura de Cartagena (IPCC) website.

Plus, if you’re a fan of Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s novels, you can take the chance to pay your respects.

Not far from Teatro Heredia is the University of Cartagena.

In the university courtyard, you’ll find the author’s remains beneath his sculpted bust.

You’ll also find memorabilia related to the author’s life.

3. Las Bovedas

Built as a dungeon in the 18th century, this building is located between the forts of Santa Clara and Santa Catalina on the old city walls.

The arcades now house shops, boutiques, and other businesses.

This is a great place to find local souvenirs or do a bit of shopping.

4. The Plazas

One of our favorite things during our visit to the Old City was to visit the plazas (squares).

As in many colonial cities, these squares are filled with life.

One of the most visited plazas in Cartagena is Plaza Santo Domingo, known for its Botero statue.

Botero was a famous Colombian artist, painter, and sculptor known for his voluptuous figures.

We also love that these squares are lined with local eateries.

Many of them with outdoor seating where you can enjoy a snack, a beer, or a tropical drink.

Plaza San Diego, on Calle 39, is another one of those fun squares where you can find food, drinks, and vendors selling their wares on the street.

Also, the squares are great places to hear live music on the streets.

Often, you’ll find a mix of locals and tourists dancing to lively music.

The party in these squares can go on late into the night.

Tip: We felt safe going to and from the restaurants at night. Just take the same precautions you would in a big city or very touristy location.

5. Historical Center

No visit to Cartagena is complete without a stroll through its Casco Viejo.

One of the distinctive attributes of Cartagena is its colorful buildings.

Where some colonial cities are all white, many of Cartagena’s buildings and balconies are painted in vibrant colors.

It doesn’t matter what small road you take, everywhere you look you will enjoy the blues, yellows, and pinks of the city.

Another captivating thing about walking the streets is the street vendors.

Fruit carts, weaved baskets, local fritters, you can find many of these as you stroll the streets of Casco Viejo.

Tip: Although we felt safe exploring the streets of Casco Viejo always be careful with your belongings.

6. Museo Naval Del Caribe

This museum is located at the edge of the old city walls, near Parque de La Marina.

Taking Calle de San Juan de Dios street you’ll come straight to the museum.

This museum looks into Colombia’s maritime history, with a particular focus on the Caribbean region.

It has historical exhibits and interactive displays.

It showcases items from Cartagena’s Colonial and Republican Eras with model ships, weapons, and naval uniforms.

There is a section on Pirates and how the city defended itself during their attacks and many other interesting things.

This museum is a great place for history buffs and anyone interested in maritime history.

7. Santa Catalina de Alejandría Cathedral

The oldest church in Cartagena, Santa Catalina Cathedral was completed in 1612.

Although refurbished in the early 1900’s the balconies, cornices, and main portal date from the original colonial era. Making it a must-see if you like history.

This cathedral’s pulpit, arcades sustaining the main nave, and the pavement are made from stunning Carrara marble.

Nearby is Plaza Bolívar, a lively spot where you can see Palenqueras and sometimes enjoy live music.

Palenqueras are captivating women of African descent, dressed in vibrant, traditional dresses, often seen carrying baskets of tropical fruits on their heads.

8. Iglesia San Pedro Claver

This catholic church built in the colonial style, is part of a group of religious buildings including the cloisters and a museum.

The name of the church, San Pedro Claver is in honor of a friar who upon arriving in Colombia dedicated his life to improving the lives of African slaves.

He is known as the apostle of the slaves.

His remains are buried in the church.

The surrounding plaza is filled with small restaurants with outdoor tables.

One of the distinctive items in this plaza is a series of sculptures representing everyday scenes and professions.

You’ll find a game of dominoes and the dentist. They are unique, fun and not to be missed.

Here also you will find Palanqueras selling fruit and willing to take photos with you.

Tip: Please don’t take photos of the Palanqueras up close without their permission. They have no problems with taking a photograph with you or if you take a close-up for a small tip. This is part of how they make their living.

9. Restaurants

Food is a major highlight in Colombia.

So it is no surprise that one of the best things to do when visiting Cartagena, Colombia is to enjoy the food scene.

Although we don’t consider ourselves foodies, we had to try some of the fantastic restaurants in Cartagena.

Casco Viejo is home to many well-established restaurants, with new spots popping up all the time.

From our visit, we can recommend two: Alma and Carmen Cartagena.

Alma, located on Calle 36, is a delightful venue.

This was a celebratory dinner for us and the service was excellent, the food was tasty and the ambience fantastic.

Carmen Cartagena is not too far from Alma on Calle 38.

This restaurant has a superb interior patio with an Asian-Caribbean fusion cuisine.

We had lunch here and it was amazing. A good walk after lunch was a must.

10. Shopping

Another wonderful thing to do when visiting Cartagena, Colombia is to go shopping.

Filled with unique shops and boutiques, this area offers something for every taste and budget.

You can find stores filled with local art, woven baskets, and other crafts.

Cartagena is also home to several bathing suit and resort wear designers.

If you love bathing suits or want a unique piece you can’t find at home, check out Agua Bendita and Cayo de Agua for beautiful options.

What to Do with Extra Time in Cartagena

There are some really cool hotels in the Old City.

Many have rooftop pools and bars where you can spend an afternoon relaxing after a day of shopping.

Many hotels have transformed their interior patios, typical of colonial buildings, into pool areas where you can relax before heading out.

Some boutique hotels offer simple yet beautiful spa facilities where you can unwind with a massage after a day of exploring.

One of those boutique hotels is Tcherassi Hotel & Spa, designed and owned by Colombian fashion designer Silvia Tcherassi.

This boutique hotel is well-located, peaceful, and beautiful. We enjoyed a massage in the Spa and the rooftop pool.

We also watched the sunset over the city enjoying drinks at the rooftop terrace.

If you can’t imagine coming this close to the beach without touching the ocean then, take a day trip to the Rosario Islands.

Day tours will take you to one or several of the small islands just off the coast.

The best way to do this is to take a tour as they have arrangements with the resorts so you can use the facilities on the island.

This means your tour price may cover the use of beach chairs, towels, and bathrooms.

Tip: When selecting a tour provider, make sure you are clear on what exactly is covered in the price and what is excluded.

A Delightful Visit to Cartagena Colombia

Colombia is filled with amazing places to visit.

If you want a Colonial experience with stunning views of the Caribbean Sea, a visit to Cartagena is a must.

With its great restaurants, historic charm, fantastic shopping, and friendly locals, you’re guaranteed to have a great time.

So pack your bags and get ready for a wonderful visit!