Things to Do in Cartagena
Top attractions, best neighborhoods to wander, and the food you shouldn't skip in Cartagena, Colombia — 2026 traveler picks.
Top places to see
Walled Old Town (Ciudad Amurallada) — UNESCO
16th-century walled colonial city — Plaza Santo Domingo, San Pedro Claver, balcony bougainvillaea. Free to wander. 2 hours minimum.
Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas
Largest Spanish fort in the Americas (1657) — tunnels + bay panorama. COP 28,000. 1 hour. Sunset is unbeatable.
Getsemaní + Plaza de la Trinidad
The cool grunge-art quarter outside the walls — street art, salsa bars, the photogenic umbrella alley. Free. Best evenings.
Playa Blanca (Barú island)
White-sand Caribbean beach 1 hour by boat or 90 min by car-bridge. USD 25 boat ride. For 8+ hour layovers only.
Book tours + skip-the-line tickets
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Things to do in Cartagena
Lock in a few experiences before you go — the good ones sell out.
Tours, tickets & day trips
Our pickGetYourGuide has the deepest catalogue for Cartagena and free cancellation on most experiences — book now, decide later.
Browse CartagenaJust need timed-entry attraction tickets? Try Tiqets.Want a private driver-guide? Trip.com Private Tours in Cartagena.Eat here first
Arepa de huevo. Ceviche de camarón. Posta negra (Cartagena pot roast). Cocadas (coconut sweets). Aguardiente + Aguila beer.
Local tip
CTG is 3km from Old Town — closest international airport to a UNESCO Old Town in the Americas. For 3-hour layovers: walled city alone is achievable. For 6+ hours: add Castillo San Felipe + Getsemaní dinner. Avoid midday heat (32°C+).
Where to stay
Hotels across Cartagena — filter by neighborhood + budget on the map below.