Cartagena de Indias: Things to Do, Beaches & Top Sights
Cartagena is Colombia's most iconic destination — a perfect mix of history, architecture, beaches and nightlife.
Cartagena welcomes thousands of travelers every year and is one of Colombia's leading international destinations, as well as a major cruise port.
It is the most visited city in Colombia and the capital of the Bolívar department, on the Caribbean coast in the north of the country. Nicknamed "La Heroica", Cartagena was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.
Cartagena is served by Rafael Núñez International Airport, one of the busiest in Colombia, and by a full bus terminal with services from across the country.
Things to do in Cartagena
There is plenty to do: relax on the white-sand beaches and warm Caribbean water, wander the historic center and its colonial architecture, visit museums and art galleries, browse elegant shops or the "Portal de los Dulces" sweet stalls. The restaurants are famous for coastal dishes, fresh fish and tropical-fruit cocktails. At night, the city comes alive with countless bars and clubs.
Hotels in Cartagena
Cartagena offers a wide range of hotels across different areas. Exclusive boutique hotels sit inside the walled city, popular with couples. Modern, family-friendly hotels line the beach in Bocagrande. And budget hotels and hostels are found in the Getsemaní neighborhood.
The walled city
Cartagena's historic center lies behind walls built by the Spanish during the colonial era to defend against pirate attacks. The walled quarter has outstanding architectural value: colonial mansions with their typical balconies, old churches, vaults, watchtowers and the former bullring. Today, restored mansions house famous restaurants, boutique hotels and elegant shops.
A classic way to tour the old town is by horse-drawn carriage.
Places to visit in the walled city
Plaza Bolívar: the main square of Cartagena's old town, surrounded by the city's most emblematic buildings.
Cartagena Cathedral: built in 1575 and once attacked by the pirate Francis Drake; also known as the Minor Basilica.
Santo Domingo Church and Convent: the oldest church in Cartagena.
Plaza de Santo Domingo: named after the church that faces it. The square is lined with lively bars and restaurants and is a popular meeting point, especially in the afternoons and evenings.
Gold Museum: facing Parque Bolívar, with a large collection of gold objects from various Indigenous cultures.
Las Bóvedas: once used for military purposes in colonial times, these 23 vaults formed by arches now house handicraft stalls.
Casa del Marqués de Premio Real: on the Plaza de la Aduana, one of the best-preserved buildings in Cartagena.
Government Palace: this imposing palace is the seat of the Bolívar department government.
The Clock Tower (El Reloj): set at the main entrance to the walled quarter.
Casa del Marqués de Valdehoyos: another fine example of colonial architecture.
Top sights in Cartagena
Muelle de los Pegasos
The Muelle de los Pegasos is a lively pier where small boats carry passengers and goods to points around the Colombian Caribbean. The tourist dock sits right next to it.
Heredia Theater
The Heredia Theater is one of the most beautiful in the country, built in 1911 to mark the centenary of Colombia's independence. It stands out for its marble and bronze detailing.
San Felipe Castle
Construction of the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas began in 1536 on the hill of San Lázaro, with sweeping views over much of the city. Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Phone: +57 (5) 6421293. More information: fortificacionescartagena.com
Bocagrande
Bocagrande concentrates most of the hotels and apartment buildings for tourists, along with the city's busiest beaches, plus many restaurants and shops.
Cartagena beaches
- Marbella
- Castillogrande
- El Laguito
- La Boquilla
Rosario Islands
The Rosario Islands archipelago lies in the Bay of Cartagena, about an hour by boat from the coast. Day tours leave the tourist dock every day. The islands have fine white-sand beaches and warm, clear water, ideal for diving and snorkeling — one of the most recommended trips from Cartagena. See more: Rosario Islands
Barú
The Barú Peninsula has beautiful beaches with warm water, perfect for anyone who loves the sea. You can reach Barú by land, crossing at Pasacaballos, or by boat from Cartagena. There are hotels and restaurants on Barú beach.
Museums in Cartagena
Gold Museum: Carrera 4 No. 33-26, Plaza de Bolívar. Tel: 6600778
Rafael Núñez House Museum: Calle Real del Cabrero. Tel: 6645305
San Pedro Claver Convent & Afro-Caribbean Museum Foundation: Carrera 4 N° 30-01, Plaza de San Pedro. Tel: 6647314
Museum of Modern Art: Plaza de San Pedro Claver, Calle 30 N° 4-08. Tel: 6646770
Museum of the Fortifications: Cabrero, Baluarte de Santa Catalina. Tel: 6560591
Historical Museum - Palace of the Inquisition: Centro, Calle 34 N° 3-11, Plaza de Bolívar. Tel: 6647381
Naval Museum: Calle 31 N° 3-62, Calle San Juan de Dios. Tel: 6642440
Frequently asked questions about Cartagena
For its colonial walled old town, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Known as "La Heroica", it blends history, architecture, Caribbean beaches and nightlife.
By air to Rafael Núñez International Airport, one of the busiest in the country, with domestic and international flights. It is also reachable by road to its bus terminal and is a frequent cruise port.
Explore the walled city (Plaza Bolívar, the Cathedral, Santo Domingo Church) by horse-drawn carriage, climb San Felipe Castle, enjoy the beaches, take a day trip to the Rosario Islands and Barú, and try the Caribbean coastal cuisine.
In the city you have Bocagrande and Castillogrande; the most paradise-like beaches are reached on a day trip to the Rosario Islands and Playa Blanca (Barú), with white sand and turquoise water.
Inside the walled city (boutique hotels, great for couples), in Bocagrande (modern, family-friendly beachfront hotels) and in Getsemaní (hostels and budget options).
The weather is warm all year (around 28 to 32 °C / 82 to 90 °F). The dry season, from December to April, is the most pleasant; year-end and Holy Week are the busiest periods.