Cartagena, on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, mixes a UNESCO-listed colonial centre with beach areas, island day trips and a busy modern skyline. Many visitors stay in resort-style hotels along the coast, but the best of the city lies in the old town and on the water. This guide covers the outings most worth the effort and the practical points that make them easier.
The walled city
The historic centre is enclosed by thick stone ramparts built during the Spanish colonial period, and the old streets inside them are lined with balconied houses, plazas and churches. The best way to see it is on foot, early in the morning or in the late afternoon when the heat eases. Walking the top of the walls at sunset is a popular ritual, and the plazas fill with cafes and street performers in the evening.
Midday is hot and humid, so plan the walk around that. Carry water, wear a hat and take breaks in shaded squares or air-conditioned museums. A guided walking tour can be useful for context on the history, but agree the price and duration before you start.
Getsemani
Just outside the walls, Getsemani is a former working-class neighbourhood now known for street art, small hotels, bars and restaurants. Plaza de la Trinidad is the social heart of the area, and the streets around it are colourful and lively after dark. It is a good option for dinner and drinks, and generally less formal than the walled city. As with any busy nightlife area, keep valuables secure and plan how you will get back to your accommodation.
Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
This large fortress on a hill overlooking the city was built to defend Cartagena against attack. A network of tunnels and gun positions makes it a good place to understand the city’s strategic past. There is little shade, so go early, bring water and wear comfortable shoes. Check the current opening hours and ticket arrangements before you go.
Islands and beaches
The Rosario Islands, a group of small coral islands offshore, are the standard day trip. Boats leave from the city’s port area, with options ranging from crowded group tours to smaller private charters. Prices and quality vary widely. Ask what the price includes (transport, lunch, entry fees, snorkelling gear), how long you will actually spend on the islands compared with the travelling time and what the cancellation terms are if the sea is rough.
City beaches such as those in Bocagrande are accessible but busy and not the best swimming. If beaches are your priority, a day trip is usually the better option. Our guide to how all-inclusive resorts differ by destination offers a useful way to compare what a resort adds versus what a destination provides.
Food and drink
Colombian Caribbean cooking features fresh seafood, fried plantain, coconut rice and arepas stuffed with egg. Ceviche and grilled fish are easy to find, and fruit juices are a good way to stay cool. Street food is part of the experience, but choose busy stalls with a high turnover. If you have dietary restrictions, learn the Spanish terms for your allergies and carry them written on a card.
Day trips and extras
Beyond the islands, options include mud volcano experiences, village visits and boat tours through coastal mangroves. Operators vary a great deal, so read recent reviews on independent platforms, check that the operator is licensed and confirm group sizes. Treat any offer that seems unusually cheap with caution, particularly from people who approach you on the street.
Resort desk or independent operator
Your hotel’s excursion desk will typically offer a menu of tours and handle the booking. This is convenient and usually comes with some recourse if something goes wrong, but it may cost more. Independent operators can offer smaller groups or better value but require more checking. Our post on what all-inclusive actually includes helps you separate what your package covers from what costs extra.
Staying safe and comfortable
- Heat: expect hot, humid weather for most of the year. Plan outdoor activity for the morning and evening.
- Street vendors: sellers on the beach and in the old town can be persistent. A polite, firm refusal usually works.
- Money: carry small amounts of cash, use official taxis or ride-hailing apps where available and agree the fare before you set off.
- Travel advice: check your government’s current travel advisory for Colombia and the specific area you will be visiting.
- Sea conditions: follow local warnings about swimming, especially after heavy rain or when flags are posted.
How to fit it together
With a few days in Cartagena, spend one morning walking the old city and the walls, one afternoon at the fortress or in Getsemani and one full day on a well-reviewed islands trip. Keep your last evening free for a slow dinner in a plaza. Do not try to stack every sight into one day. The heat and the cobblestones will slow you down, and the city is at its best when you give yourself time to sit, watch and eat.