Cartagena, Colombia: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Imagine a place where the coast meets history and cultures blend together. Welcome to Cartagena, Colombia, a city full of life and beauty. It was a key spot for the Spanish empire in the 16th century, drawing people from all over the world.

This mix of cultures has shaped the city’s look, music, and food. Now, it offers many experiences for travelers. Are you ready to see what makes Cartagena a top destination?

• Cartagena is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a vibrant historic Old Town
• Explore the city’s diverse culinary scene, from stewed goat to crab dishes
• Immerse yourself in Cartagena’s vibrant nightlife, from rooftop bars to salsa clubs
• Discover the Afro-Colombian roots of the city through champeta dance classes
• Wander the colorful streets of Getsemaní, known for its street art and lively atmosphere

Cartagena’s Old Town is a captivating place, hidden behind the walls that once kept out pirates. It’s filled with cobblestone streets and colonial architecture. Walking here lets you see the city’s history at every corner.

Begin at the Plaza de Bolívar, the heart of the city. Here, the Palacio de la Inquisición shows the dark past with its torture devices. Nearby, the Santuario de San Pedro Claver honors a priest who helped enslaved people.

Take a break from the sun at Ábaco Libros y Café. This cozy coffeehouse is perfect for book lovers, with books all around you in a beautiful setting.

“Cartagena’s Old Town is a captivating maze of cobblestone streets lined with opulent mansions, shops, and museums that unravel the city’s storied past.”

Walking through the walled city, you’ll see amazing colonial architecture. Look at the colorful balconies, grand plazas, and cathedrals. Each historic landmark has its own story, showing Cartagena’s rich history and cultural mix.

The Castillo San Felipe de Barajas stands tall in Cartagena, a true engineering wonder. It’s the largest fortress in South America and a key spot for anyone visiting the city. This landmark has seen many years, showing the skill of its creators and the city’s strength.

Building the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas took many centuries. It started in the 16th century after Sir Francis Drake attacked Cartagena. Today, it’s a vast, well-thought-out fortress that tells the city’s history and shows off its engineering skills.

Walking through the castle, you’ll see amazing city and sea views. Climbing to the top gives you a view that’s hard to forget. You’ll see the city’s colors and history spread out before you.

“The Castillo San Felipe de Barajas is a true engineering marvel, standing tall as a symbol of Cartagena’s resilience and the ingenuity of its people.” – Lonely Planet

Visiting the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas is an experience you won’t forget. You can explore tunnels, admire the architecture, or just enjoy the views. It’s a place that will leave you amazed and inspired.

Getsemaní used to be a working-class area near Cartagena’s Old Town. Now, it’s a place known for its street art and vibrant nightlife. Walking through its narrow alleys, you’ll see walls covered in big, colorful murals. These murals show the area’s creative side.

When the sun goes down, the alleys come alive with outdoor restaurants and bars. The Plaza de la Trinidad is the center of the night scene. Here, you can enjoy a meal, a drink, and the lively music and laughter around you.

“Getsemaní has become a hub for artists, creatives, and nightlife enthusiasts alike, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Cartagena.”

If you want to see amazing street art or enjoy the vibrant nightlife, Getsemaní is the place to be. It’s a unique way to see how Cartagena has changed over time. Explore the colorful alleys and feel the energy of this lively area.

Cartagena’s beaches may not be as stunning as some in Colombia, but they’re easy to get to and convenient. They offer a great beach day trip close by. From the lively Bocagrande area to the quiet Playa Blanca on Isa Barú, there’s a beach for every type of traveler.

Bocagrande is like Miami Beach, with a long beach full of tall buildings, hotels, and shops. For peace and quiet, try Playa El Laguito in Castillogrande or visit the beautiful Islas del Rosario. This island chain is a national park and is just off Cartagena’s coast.

La Boquilla is a calm fishing village that was one of the first beaches in Colombia to get a Blue Flag for being safe, easy to get to, and green. For a day of chilling by the sea, you could also go to the private resorts and beach clubs on Isla Barú. This island is famous for its Playa Blanca.

Looking for an urban beach vibe, a peaceful island getaway, or a quiet fishing village? Cartagena has beaches for everyone. They’re easy to get to and offer many amenities. These beaches are perfect for relaxing and enjoying the sun during your trip to Cartagena.

Cartagena’s coastal setting offers a perfect view of the sun setting over the waves. This tradition is often enjoyed with a drink in hand. The famous Café del Mar on the city walls is a top spot for this. But, there are other hidden gems with equally stunning views.

For a relaxed vibe, try the Townhouse Rooftop with its palm trees. Or, if you like watching people, the Mirador Gastrobar is lively. And for the best view in Colombia, check out 51 Sky Bar in Bocagrande.

“Watching the sunset from Cartagena’s rooftop bars is a must-do experience. The views are simply breathtaking.”

Choosing any rooftop bar guarantees a mesmerizing view of the sky’s colors as night falls. Add a refreshing cocktail to the mix, and you’re set for an unforgettable evening.

For more nightlife fun, check out Donde Fidel under the Clocktower, Demente for craft beer and pizza in Getsemaní, or Ron y Tabaco near Parque Fernandez de Madrid. Don’t forget to try a street food tour to taste the city’s diverse flavors.

Cartagena is a city on the Colombian Caribbean coast that mixes old and new beautifully. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its historic walled city. Visitors can enjoy its coastal beauty, cultural richness, and tasty food. From exploring the Old Town to seeing the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, there’s much to see.

Walking through the old town is a must. You’ll see beautiful colonial buildings, lively squares, and cozy cafes. Don’t miss Plaza de Bolívar, Santuario de San Pedro Claver, and Ábaco Libros y Café for a real feel of the city.

Don’t miss the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, a 17th-century fortress. It shows the city’s past importance. From the top, you can see the city and the Caribbean Sea.

• Wander the vibrant streets of the historic walled city
• Marvel at the engineering marvels of Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
• Immerse yourself in Getsemaní’s captivating street art and vibrant nightlife
• Relax on Cartagena’s pristine tropical beaches
• Sip refreshing cocktails on a rooftop as the sun sets over the city

Getsemaní is a neighborhood full of street art and nightlife. Its alleys are covered in murals. Then, head to Plaza de la Trinidad for fun with locals and travelers.

Cartagena has something for everyone, from culture to beaches. Dive into its history, energy, and beauty for a trip you won’t forget.

Cartagena’s nightlife is alive with music and dance. When the sun goes down, the streets buzz with salsa’s rhythm. This draws people to the city’s salsa clubs. Café Havana in Getsemaní is a top spot, known for its lively vibe and international crowd.

At Café Havana, you’ll hear the beats of Colombian salsa music. The dance floor is a mix of people moving together. First-time dancers are welcome, making it a fun place for everyone.

The night gets more exciting at Café Havana. More people come, and the dance floor gets packed with salsa lovers. It’s a place full of energy and joy, perfect for anyone who wants to dance.

Cartagena’s salsa clubs let you dive into the local culture. Ready to dance all night and feel Colombia’s rhythm? Go to Café Havana or other famous clubs and let the music take you away.

“Salsa may be a Cuban export, but Colombians have adopted the musical style as their own, and Cartagena’s salsa clubs have a welcoming atmosphere that encourages everyone to join in the fun.”

Cartagena, a city on Colombia’s coast, is full of Afro-Colombian culture and richness. To really feel this culture, try a champeta dance experience. Champeta is a fun dance with deep roots in the city’s music.

Joining a champeta dance class lets you explore Cartagena’s musical past. You’ll learn the lively moves from the area’s diverse cultures. Champeta dance classes let you dance to the beat and learn about Afro-Colombian music and culture.

These champeta dance experiences are perfect for anyone, whether you dance a lot or not. They’re a key part of your trip to Cartagena. Let the music fill you and dive into the city’s vibrant culture.

“Champeta is more than just a dance; it’s a way of life, a celebration of Afro-Colombian identity and resilience.”

So, put on your dancing shoes for a fun champeta dance adventure in Cartagena. Get ready for the lively beats and the friendly local vibe. This is your chance to connect with Afro-Colombian music and culture in a big way.

In the heart of Cartagena lies the Getsemaní neighborhood, a place full of history, art, and lively nightlife. It was once a working-class area but has become a creative hotspot. Now, its alleys are filled with stunning murals and street art.

Don’t miss the iconic grackle mural, a sign of Getsemaní’s artistic rebirth. The Plaza de la Trinidad is the heart of the neighborhood. Here, you’ll find delicious street food and the sounds of live music.

Join a free walking tour to dive deep into Getsemaní’s culture. A local guide will share stories of its past. You’ll learn about its role in commerce during the Spanish colonial times and its role in Colombia’s fight for independence.

At night, Getsemaní comes alive with its nightlife. Head to Café Havana for dancing to salsa and merengue. Try the local food, like empanadas and coctél de camarón (shrimp cocktail).

Getsemaní’s change from a troubled area to a vibrant, artistic place shows the power of its residents’ resilience and creativity. Exploring this neighborhood will fill you with the energy and authenticity of Cartagena.

Looking for local culture, a fun nightlife, or to soak in Cartagena’s artistic vibe? Getsemaní is the place to be. It’s a destination that will surely impress you.

Cartagena is a vibrant city in Colombia known for its exciting food scene. It offers a mix of traditional Colombian and Middle Eastern flavors at Mar y Zielo. Celele showcases the region’s diverse ingredients in a unique way.

Cartagena isn’t just about fancy restaurants. It also has many affordable street food options. Try patacones (fried plantains), papas rellenas (stuffed potatoes), arepa de huevo (egg-filled corn cakes), and buñuelos (deep-fried dough balls) as you walk around.

For those who love to try new things, Mercado Bazurto is a must-visit. It’s a lively market where you can taste exotic fruits and local dishes. Here, you can experience the unique tastes of Colombian-Caribbean cuisine up close.

“Cartagena’s culinary scene is a harmonious blend of local traditions and global influences, offering a diverse range of experiences for the discerning palate.”

Looking for fancy Cartagena restaurants or just want some street food? The city has it all. Its food will surely impress you and let you dive into its rich culture.

The Castillo San Felipe de Barajas sits on a hill in Cartagena, overlooking the city and the Caribbean Sea. It’s a key landmark in Colombia, known for its massive size and impressive design. This fortress shows off the amazing engineering skills of the Spanish in the colonial times.

After an attack by Sir Francis Drake in 1586, the castle was rebuilt and strengthened over the years. It survived many battles and was updated several times. Today, it’s a huge castle that visitors can explore. You can walk through narrow tunnels made to slow down invaders.

For a special view, climb to the top of the castle. There, you can see all of Cartagena and the sea as the sun sets. The Castillo San Felipe de Barajas is a place you must see in Cartagena. It’s full of history and offers a great view of the city and the sea.