What things to do in Cartagena, Colombia, is a question that lingers in every tourist’s mind planning to go to the destination. From asking for help from tour guides to exploring personally, there is a chance of suffering from mismanagement. Well, if you are a first-time traveler to Cartagena, Colombia, this article is for you to know what Cartagena has in store for you to make your trip memorable.
Cartagena, Colombia, is the powerhouse of activities, such as city walk tours, mouthwatering taste buds’ satisfaction in meals, exquisite nightlife, and water activities at beaches. In short, the old colonial city offers so many options through which you can have the best time of your life.
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So, without wasting any time, dive into this guide to know the top things to do in Cartagena, Colombia. By the end of this article, you will have the pre-planned list of things that will make your vacation worth remembering for a lifetime.
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What are Some Things to Do in Cartagena, Colombia?
Cartagena, famous for the nickname “La Heroica,” offers everything for everyone. In fact, it is no surprise that the destination hosts uncountable visitors every year, on and off season. The city is a land, located on the northern coast of the country, rich with architecture, vibrant lifestyle, and nature-loaded picturesque beaches.
When thinking about the best things to do in Cartagena, Colombia, it often makes everyone overwhelmed. But not now! This article has done a lot in providing exact information to keep enjoying every bit of it. Here is the list of things that most travelers love to do:
Cartagena Old Town Walking Tour
The first one on the list is exploring Cartagena in all its glory by walking the old walled city. It increases your knowledge about the history and way of life of the natives. This old town was built to protect the inhabitants from the invaders during the Spanish colonial era in the 16th century.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site adds a unique charm to Cartagena city. From old-age walls to cobblestone streets, the richness of culture, architecture, and beauty offers a sight worth noting to watch. You have numerous options to make you busy while walking on the streets, like boutiques for shopping and cafes to mitigate hunger.
In addition, there are flower-draped balconies, mesmerizing buildings, and plazas to enjoy your best time. At the grand entrance, you will find a clock tower telling you a story about the colonial past and Cartagena cultural experiences.
Wandering Cartagena’s pastel-coloured walls and cobblestone alleys will remind you of what you’ll find in things to do in Lisbon Portugal — another city where the sea, history, and architecture merge beautifully.
Cartagena Street Food Tour
Food holds significant importance when visiting tourist attractions. Just as Cartagena serves mouth-watering food options. Besides premium or luxury restaurants, the local food stalls are on par with their Caribbean twist on Colombian-style dishes.
A street food tour is one of the fun things to do in Cartagena, Colombia, because it doesn’t break the bank. You can have numerous street eats while saving a lot of money for your next activities. In addition, the Colombian local ingredients and aroma invite you to experience life as a native.
For a food lover, Cartagena’s local food is a treat for the taste buds. The rice meal, loaded salad platter, freshly prepared cheese fritter, and stuffed potato balls offer you a unique taste in a local setting. Here is a list of markets where you can experience authentic Colombian food.
1. Mercado de Bazurto
2. Getsemaní Street Food Scene
3. Plaza de la Trinidad
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Beach Fun
Being a coastal city, beaches in Cartagena are not-to-miss opportunities. Many people plan their trip to get a break from their daily hectic routine. Cartagena beaches serve the best in every aspect and present a vibe that matches fun-loving and adventurous travelers’ interests.
Beaches in Cartagena are different in serving different activities. Some offer ultimate relaxation, while others are famous for their memorable thrills and nightlife. Moreover, you must not worry about hunger and your stay; there are hotels, restaurants, and local food stalls.
You can have your best time at the beaches, including Tierra Bomba Island, Islas del Rosario, and Playa de Crespo. The vast watery lands showcase picture-perfect scenes of nature away from the busy city. You can sunbathe and witness the sunrise or sunset. Plus, you can participate in snorkelling, diving, and boat parties.
Explore Volcán del Totumo
You can never have an open spa. Right? Cartagena, Colombia, makes it possible and offers the Totumo Mud Volcano. The more-than-average volcano is actually a giant mud bath that provides a therapeutic experience, allowing you to soak your feet. The mud is thick and mineral-rich, providing a soothing effect on the nerves.
Not only this, locals at Totumo Mud Volcano also offer a great massage while you are submerged in the mud. You don’t need to worry about cleanliness after soaking, as the lagoon helps wash your hair and skin. Overall, the visit to Volcán del Totumo has become a must-visit destination in Cartagena, and you should definitely give it a try.
Praise Art and Culture of Stunning Buildings
Cartagena’s art and culture tell a story about the city and its inhabitants. It derives its roots from the Caribbean past and merges into modern creativity. When you visit Cartagena, you cannot resist visiting sites offering historic knowledge, quality art, and stunning views.
The lively environment of the walled town embodies romanticism, colonial forts hold military significance, and artistic buildings, such as museums and galleries, showcase a rich art scene. You can also have your cameras and capture pictures for a memorable experience. You will find immense art at Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, Las Murallas, La Serrezuela Mall, and Palacio de la Inquisición.
Furthermore, craftsmanship is a must-have culture in Cartagena. A popular market, Las Bóvedas, makes and sells handcrafted products. It includes handwoven bags and local Colombian-style jewellery. In addition, don’t miss out on shopping from Calambuco, which specialises in handmade items. You can visit these streets, appreciate the local culture, and buy from the artisans to support small businesses.
Cartagena may feel laid-back with its Caribbean charm, but if you’re craving grand museums, royal architecture and city hustle, check out things to do in London — a totally different kind of cultural city break.
Cartagena Nightlife
One of the fun things to do in Cartagena, Colombia, is experiencing its nightlife. The starry sky of Cartagena presents a vibrant and lively atmosphere where tourists enjoy the best time of their life. For night owls, many restaurants, streets, or places become alive at night.
You can start your evening by having full meals, including cocktails and ravishing dishes. It makes you prepare for the fun for the entire night. After witnessing the sunset, you can wander in the streets for different performances.
If you love the lively street rhythms and Caribbean breeze of Cartagena, don’t miss things to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico — a place where tropical culture and colonial heritage combine for a vibrant getaway.
What to do in Cartagena for free?
In practice, there are no free things you can do in Cartagena. Even then, analysing tourists’ stories highlights that a few options are worthwhile when you are not interested in spending money but want to enjoy your Cartagena trip.
A list of a few free things to do in Cartagena Colombia is mentioned below.
- Experience Getsemaní Street Art
- Photograph Your Heart Out
- Witness Colourful Nightlife
- Stroll the streets of the walled city
- View stunning views from Cartagena’s buildings (sunrise or sunset)
Hidden Gems in Cartagena Colombia
Cartagena, Colombia, has something for everyone. The hidden gems of Cartagena, Colombia, do not really mean to visit places that every second tourist does. Instead, it is about exploring the coastal city in a unique way that you will cherish for a lifetime.
Moreover, the hidden gems of Cartagena, Colombia, also give you a sense of being Colombian insiders rather than just random tourists. Here are a few points you can surely call gems of Cartagena, revealing the city’s soul, culture, and local charm.
Café del Mural (Getsemaní)
For many tourists, it may seem random, but for coffee lovers, Cartagena, one of the hidden gems, offers a satisfying experience for your taste buds. Travelling from the city to its neighbourhood of Getsmani, this little café is a paradise for coffee lovers. Most tourists are unaware of this spot; however, those who are in the know come here to experience various caffeine dosages from different brewing methods.
San Basilio de Palenque (Day Trip)
If you are a frequent visitor to Cartagena, you must have known about the free town, Palenque. It is located about an hour from the city, which offers a rich cultural treasure.
Besides, the history goes back to the time when escaped slaves found San Basilio de Palenque, and UNESCO recognised it as a hub of a unique language and traditions. You can have a day trip to Palenque and have the best time having freshly cut fruits and learning their customs.
La Serrezuela Mall
You must not go for the name and wonder what to expect from the mall, which is the hidden gem of Cartagena. However, the reality is completely opposite to what you think. If you know, La Serrezuela Mall is not a typical shopping mall; instead, it is a restored bullring turned into a beautiful and modern dining or shopping space.
What if you have no mood to shop, you can still visit, as the architecture is worth exploring. It is a living example of preserving heritage with the addition of modern elements, including a central glass dome, an open plaza, and old-style construction material (stone, stucco, wood, glass, and steel).
Abaco Libros y Café
Another less-visited spot in the old town of Cartagena is Abaco Libros y Café. It is a coffee spot but with a twist. The building is designed to have a bookstore-like shape from floor to ceiling. You can have a sip of coffee, read books in Spanish and English and enjoy your me-time. Overall, the bookstore-turned-café has an aesthetic look, thanks to its wooden beams, rustic charm, and bohemian feel.
Over to You—Things to Do in Cartagena, Colombia
A trip to Cartagena, Colombia, will not make you regret your decision. The coastal city is at your service to invite you to witness stunning natural views and delve into the natives’ culture, history, and architecture.
In addition, you can select a tour of your interest such as, city walled tour, hop-on-hop-off bus tours, and foodie tours, making your tedious trip worthwhile. Your experience of visiting Cartagena and doing things that most tourists love to do will not make you forget the memories that you will make there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it Safe to Stay in Cartagena, Colombia?
Yes, it is safe to stay in Cartagena, Colombia. It is because the city claims a lower crime rate. Though pickpocketing is common at tourist attractions, police officers patrolling make the chance of financial damage reduce to zero.
Non-Touristy Things to Do in Cartagena?
Apart from the touristy things, there are many non-touristy things you can do in Cartagena. You can learn about the traditional fishing techniques, enroll in the local cooking class, and visit a nearby village to learn about Afro-Caribbean culture.
When Not to Go to Cartagena?
Cartagena invites tourists all year. However, if you want to make the most out of your Cartagena, Colombia trip, you must not visit in two cold months, such as December or January. It is because the tourist rate is overwhelming and the city becomes jam-packed for all the activities and worth-remembering tours.
