Planning a trip to Cartagena sounds exciting, but it often turns stressful fast. You search for things to do, and suddenly there are too many lists. One site says something is a must-see, while another says to skip it. If you only have a few days, that pressure feels even worse. You do not want to waste time, money, or energy on the wrong choices.
I have seen this happen again and again with travelers heading to Cartagena. Once they arrive, most realize the city is easier than it looks online. The key is knowing what actually fits your time and travel style. This guide focuses on the best things to do in Cartagena that give real value, based on how visitors truly experience the city. The aim is simple: help you plan calmly and enjoy your trip without second-guessing every decision. This guide is written for travelers who want clear plans, not confusion.
Key Takeaways
- Cartagena is easy to explore on foot
- 3 to 4 days is enough for most travelers
- The Walled City and Getsemaní are must-see areas
- Rosario Islands trips work best as a full-day plan
The Things You Must Do in Cartagena
Cartagena works well for short trips. You can see a lot without rushing. The city is walkable and easy to follow, and most top places are close to each other. If you only have a few days, focus on activities that give you the best mix of history, local life, and relaxation.
Detailed Guide to What to Do in Cartagena
This section breaks down the most popular experiences in Cartagena. Each one is easy to plan and fits well into a short stay. You do not need to book everything in advance, and many activities can be done on your own. This guide helps you decide what is worth doing first.
| Activity | Time Needed |
|---|---|
| Walk the Walled City | 2–3 hours |
| Free walking tour | 2 hours |
| Castillo de San Felipe | 1.5–2 hours |
| Rosario Islands day trip | Full day |
| Getsemaní street walk | 1–2 hours |
| Sunset rooftop bar | About 1 hour |
Immerse Yourself in the Charm of the Walled City
The Walled City is where most visitors start. It is also where many of Cartagena’s top sights are located. Colorful buildings line narrow streets, and balconies overflow with flowers. You can walk here without a plan, as small plazas and cafés appear often. Early morning feels calm and quiet, while late afternoon brings cooler air and soft light.
Explore Within the Old Walled City
Walking is the best way to explore this area because distances are short. You will see street musicians, small vendors, and fresh fruit stands. A free walking tour is helpful on your first day because it gives context and direction. Most tours start near Plaza de los Coches and last around two hours.
Main Sights in the Old City
Many key landmarks sit close together, making it easy to visit several in one walk. Iglesia San Pedro Claver is one of the most meaningful sites. It honors a figure who helped enslaved people. Inside, the space feels quiet and reflective, with shaded courtyards that offer rest. This stop adds depth to your visit and helps explain the city’s past.
Tour the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas
Castillo de San Felipe stands just outside the Old City and is the largest fortress in South America. You can walk through tunnels and climb stone paths, with views stretching across the city. Late afternoon works well for this visit because the heat is lower and crowds thin. A guide explains how the fortress worked, but exploring alone is also possible.
Soak in the Sun in the Rosario Islands
The Rosario Islands are a popular day trip from Cartagena, and most visitors go for one full day. Boats leave early and return later in the afternoon, and tours usually include lunch. Some islands feel calm and quiet, while others focus more on music and social scenes. Swimming and snorkeling are common, and this trip works best if you want a break from the city.
Take a Street Food Tour
Street food is part of daily life in Cartagena, and vendors are everywhere. Arepas and empanadas are common snacks, while fresh fruit cups are popular in the heat. Ceviche is sold in small cups near plazas and is a local favorite. A street food tour helps you try many items safely and explains what locals eat and why.
Join a Free Walking Tour
Free walking tours are easy to find in Cartagena, and you pay what feels fair at the end. Guides share history and daily stories and point out details you may miss. This works well at the start of your trip and helps you plan the rest of your days.
Street Art in Getsemaní
Getsemaní sits next to the Old City and feels more local and relaxed. Large murals cover walls and alleys and reflect culture and identity. Plaza de la Trinidad is the center of the area, and evenings are social and busy. This neighborhood works well for casual walks and food, and many travelers prefer it at night.
| Area | Best For |
|---|---|
| Walled City | History, walking, main landmarks |
| Getsemaní | Street art, local food, nightlife |
| Bocagrande | Hotels and city beaches |
| Rosario Islands | Relaxing, swimming, snorkeling |
Day 1 Morning: Cartagena Bike Tour
Bike tours are an easy way to see more of the city. Routes are flat and relaxed, and most tours include the Old City and Getsemaní with frequent stops. Morning rides feel more comfortable because temperatures are lower. No special skills are needed, and helmets are provided.
Afternoon – Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas
Many travelers visit the fortress after lunch, which fits well into a short itinerary. Wear comfortable shoes because the paths are uneven. Bring water and sun protection, as there is little shade.
Day 2 Morning/Afternoon – Island Hopping Boat Trip
Island hopping is one of the most booked activities in Cartagena, and trips usually last the full day. You may visit two or three islands, and some stops include swimming. The sea can be choppy, so motion sickness medicine helps some travelers. This experience adds balance to a city-focused trip.
Evening: Sunset Rooftop Bar
Rooftop bars are popular in Cartagena, and many offer wide city views. Sunset is the best time to visit because the sky changes quickly. Drinks cost more than local bars, but many visitors still enjoy the setting. This works well after a long day and feels calm and social.
Is Cartagena Safe for US Travelers?
Cartagena is one of Colombia’s safest cities for visitors, and tourism is a major part of daily life. The Old City and Getsemaní are well monitored, and daytime walking feels comfortable for most people. At night, taxis or ride apps are a better choice, and it is best to avoid empty streets. Simple awareness goes a long way, and serious incidents involving visitors are uncommon.
Best Time to Visit Cartagena
Cartagena stays warm year-round and has a tropical climate. December through April is drier, and many visitors prefer this period. Rain appears more often from May to November, but showers are usually brief. May and September bring fewer crowds, and prices may be lower.
How Many Days Do You Need in Cartagena?
Three to four days works well for most trips and allows time for key sights. In three days, you can walk the Walled City, visit the fortress, and take an island trip. Extra days allow slower travel and time to explore more neighborhoods.
Is Cartagena Expensive?
Cartagena works for many budgets, and costs depend on your choices. Local meals and street food are affordable and cost much less than tourist restaurants. Island tours and rooftop bars cost more, but these are optional experiences. Most travelers feel the city offers good value.
Getting Around Cartagena
Cartagena is easy to move around, and many places are close. Walking works best in the Old City, but plan breaks due to the heat. Taxis are common and affordable, and it is best to confirm prices before riding. Island trips use boats, and tours handle transport.
FAQs About Things to Do in Cartagena
Is Cartagena good for first-time visitors?
Yes. It is easy to explore.
Are the Rosario Islands worth visiting?
Yes. They offer beaches and swimming.
Can you explore Cartagena without tours?
Yes. Many places are walkable.
Is English spoken in Cartagena?
Some English is spoken in tourist areas. Basic Spanish helps.
Final Takeaway
You do not need to see everything to enjoy Cartagena. Focus on a few key areas, plan one island day, and leave time to walk and rest.
Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Cartagena
After spending time in Cartagena and watching how travelers move through the city, one thing stands out. People enjoy it most when they stop trying to do everything. Cartagena works best with simple plans, good pacing, and a mix of walking, food, and rest. The Walled City, Getsemaní, and the islands each offer something different, and you do not need to rush any of them. With clear choices and realistic expectations, these best things to do in Cartagena help make the city feel welcoming, easy, and worth returning to.
