Things to Do in Cartagena
40 curated spots from Cartagena itineraries
Activities & Attractions
21 curated experiences
San Felipe de Barajas Castle
Historic 17th-century fortress with tunnels, battlements, and pirate-era architecture. Walk the ramparts and explore underground passages.
2h · $8–15 per person
Bazurto Market Guided Adventure Tour
Guided tour through the labyrinth of stalls, meeting vendors, watching metal workshops and crafts, listening to Champeta music, sampling herbal remedies, visiting poster artists, includes lunch at Ceci's.
3h · $60–100 per person
Bocagrande Beachfront Stroll
Take a gentle beach and waterfront break along Bocagrande for sea air, casual people-watching, and a simple sunset photo stop.[3][4]
1h 30m · Free
Cartagena Street Food Tasting Tour
Guided walking tour focused on local bites like arepa de huevo, carimañolas, tropical fruits, and sweets around the Old City and nearby plazas.[2][4]
2h · $25-40 per person
Cartagena Walled City Walk
Wander the colonial streets, plazas, and photo-worthy corners of the old city at an easy pace; focus on the facades, balconies, and shaded squares.[2][3]
2h · Free
Convento de la Popa Viewpoint (Optional)
Short taxi or app ride up to a hilltop convent with panoramic views over Cartagena, the bay, and the islands, plus a small chapel.[3]
2h · $6-10 per person plus transport
Emerald Museum & Factory Tour
Learn about Colombian emeralds, mining history, and see gemstones. Visit showroom with expert guidance for potential purchases.
1h 30m · $10–25 per person
Emerald Museum & Showroom Tour
Learn about Colombian emeralds and mining history; see raw stones and finished jewelry; optional purchases with expert guidance. Short (1-hour) educational tour.
1h · $10–15 per person (tour only; purchases optional)
Free Walking Tour of Cartagena (Alternative: Basics & History)
Low-cost (tip-based) walking tour covering Old City and Getsemaní history, street art, local stories, and hidden gems. Flexible group pacing.
2h 30m · $15–20 per person (tips)
Getsemaní Neighborhood Street Art & Nightlife Walk
Explore Cartagena's hip bohemian quarter: vibrant graffiti street art, local galleries, craft breweries, beach bars, and music venues. Can be self-guided or part of a 3-hour walking tour (US$15–20).
3h · Free (self-guided) or $15–20 per person (guided)
Getsemaní Street Art & Neighborhood Walk
Explore colorful graffiti murals, hip cafes, galleries, and street art. Meet local artists and soak in the neighborhood's creative energy and nightlife vibe.
1h 30m · Free
Las Bóvedas Market & Crafts Shopping
Browse handmade crafts, souvenirs, and local artisan goods in the historic market setting. Treasure-hunting for gifts and mementos.
1h 30m · Free to browse; $5–50 per person for purchases
Las Bóvedas Market & Getsemaní Art Stroll
Browse Las Bóvedas Market for handmade crafts, souvenirs, and local art. Adjacent to Getsemaní, so combine with afternoon street art walk. Mix of tourist and local shopping.
1h 30m · $0–50 per person (depends on shopping)
Luxury Sunset Cruise
2-hour romantic boat with open bar, wine, live music, appetizers, and beach sunset views; 10-min walk/taxi from Getsemaní.
2h · $50-80 per person
Orientation Walk: Plaza de los Coches & Clock Tower
Stroll under the iconic Clock Tower into Plaza de los Coches, then wander nearby streets to get your bearings and scout future food stops.
1h · Free (plus any snacks you buy)
Palace of the Inquisition (Palacio de la Inquisición)
Museum exploring colonial history and the Spanish Inquisition's presence in Cartagena. Grand colonial building with courtyard, balconies, and historical artifacts. Docent-led tours available.
1h 15m · $5–8 per person
Palace of the Inquisition & Plaza de Bolívar
Visit the museum inside this 18th-century building to understand Cartagena’s colonial and Afro-Caribbean history, then relax on shaded benches in the plaza.[3]
1h 30m · $5-8 per person
Plaza de la Trinidad & Getsemaní Street Art Evening Stroll
Hang out in the plaza with street performers and food carts, then wander nearby alleys filled with murals, flags, and champeta beats.[3]
2h · Free (drinks or snacks extra)
Plaza de la Trinidad and Getsemaní Murals
Spend time around the murals, small plazas, and lively streets of Getsemaní; this is the best place for street photography and a more local vibe.[2][3]
2h · Free
Private Beach Club Experience
Access exclusive beach clubs at luxury resorts or nearby properties with reserved seating, premium food and beverage service, water sports facilities, and attentive staff. Some offer day passes or membership options.
3h · $100-250 per person
Walled City & San Pedro Claver
Start at Clock Tower, stroll architecture-rich streets to Cathedral and art museum in former convent.
3h · $15-20 or FreeRestaurants & Food
19 local favorites
La Cevichería
Iconic seafood restaurant in San Diego known for fresh ceviches, seafood rice, and good wine options; go early or expect a wait.[2]
1h 30m · $25-40 per person
Ábaco Libros y Café
Have a slow breakfast with coffee and pastries in an air-conditioned bookshop café; order a strong Colombian coffee and a light pastry to ease into the day.[3]
1h · $8-18 per person
Alquimico
Award-winning rooftop bar-restaurant; savor small plates, craft cocktails, and wine pairings.
2h · $80-120 per person
Café Brunch Co.
Modern Colombian café with excellent fresh juices, arepas, and Colombian coffee. Long tables suit groups; casual vibe with reliable service.
45m · $8–15 per person
Café Lunático
Choose a relaxed dinner with Colombian-inspired dishes and cocktails; look for seafood or a coastal specialty if you want a tasteful but unfussy final meal.[4]
1h 30m · $20-40 per person
Café San Alberto Cartagena
Specialty coffee shop serving carefully brewed Colombian coffee and light breakfasts like toasts and pastries.
1h · $6-10 per person
Cande Restaurant at Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena
Start your day with a lavish breakfast buffet featuring Colombian specialties, fresh tropical fruits, pastries, and international options. Enjoy your meal in an elegant setting overlooking the old city.
1h 15m · Included with stay
Casual lunch spot near San Felipe Castle
Simple local fare—arepas, grilled chicken, rice and beans. Quick refuel before or after castle exploration.
1h · $12–20 per person
Colombian Breakfast Café - Old City
Experience authentic Colombian breakfast with arepa, fresh juices, and local pastries in a charming old-city café setting. Great for understanding local food culture.
1h · $15-25 per person
Di Silvio Trattoria (Plaza de la Trinidad)
Very popular pizza and pasta spot right off Plaza de la Trinidad; expect a wait but tables turn steadily and the vibe is fun.
1h 30m · $15-25 per person
Donde Olano (Street Food Corner)
Pop-up street food stall or informal restaurant serving arepas, patacones, and fresh salads. Casual, cheap, wildly popular with locals.
45m · $8–15 per person
El Vegetariano de Getsemaní
Colorful vegetarian café with fresh salads, smoothie bowls, and local herbs. Great for lunch before afternoon exploration.
45m · $10–18 per person
Época Espresso Bar (Centro)
Trendy café near the cathedral with strong coffee, smoothie bowls, and egg dishes in a stylish setting.
1h · $8-14 per person
Gourmet Restaurant at Hotel Las Américas Casa de Playa Cartagena de Indias
Enjoy a leisurely beachfront lunch featuring fresh seafood and Caribbean-inspired cuisine. The resort's multiple dining venues offer upscale options with ocean views and relaxed tropical charm.
1h 30m · $50-80 per person
Ice cream shop in Getsemaní
Local ice cream (helado) and tropical flavors. Casual group treat while exploring street art.
30m · $3–6 per person
Juice stall at Bazurto Market
Fresh tropical juice (included in market tour). Refreshment and local beverage introduction during morning market exploration.
15m · $2–4 per person
La Brioche Centro Histórico
Air-conditioned bakery-café with good coffee, pastries, and light Colombian-style breakfasts—ideal first easy meal inside the walls.
1h · $8-12 per person
La Mulata
Bright, artsy restaurant serving generous Caribbean-Colombian plates like posta negra, coconut rice, and fresh juices; popular for almuerzo-style meals.[2]
1h 15m · $12-20 per person
Las Bóvedas Market café
Local coffee, pastries, and light snacks in the historic market atmosphere. Casual group browsing and refuel.
45m · $5–10 per person