15 Must-Experience Activities in Cartagena, Colombia

1. Overview of Cartagena

Cartagena, also known as Cartagena de Indias, is Colombia’s fascinating Caribbean resort city and one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. With a blend of history, vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches, churches, and colorful colonial architecture, Cartagena is often referred to as a living museum, ideal for honeymoons, family vacations, and adventurous getaways.

2. Top Attractions in Cartagena

No matter your reason for visiting, you’ll find plenty of activities in Cartagena—from exploring the historic buildings of Centro Amurallado to visiting the Museo de Oro y Arqueología on Plaza Bolivar. There is no shortage of remarkable attractions to enjoy during your stay.

3. Explore Centro Amurallado (Old Town)

Old Town is the heart of Cartagena. For centuries, the fortress here protected the walled city from pirates, storms, and other threats. Within the walls of this historic district, you will find colonial buildings, churches, and plazas. One of the most popular squares, Plaza Bolivar, serves as the heart of Old Town, where visitors can relax on benches and enjoy dancers, performers, and live bands playing traditional Colombian music.

The accommodations and restaurants in this area, known as El Centro, reflect the neighborhood’s colonial origins. Within the walled city, Getsemani is another section that, despite being less expensive, is worth exploring during the day.

4. Tour the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas

Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas stands as a massive fortress that dominates the town. Built by the Spanish during the colonial era in 1536, it was initially named Castillo de San Lázaro. This fortress underwent expansions in 1657 and again in 1763, leading to its present form. Visitors can walk along the battlements, explore underground passages, and appreciate the craftsmanship of a fortress that was rarely used for its intended defensive purpose.

5. Boat Around the Rosario Islands

The Rosario Islands, located just one hour south of Cartagena, are renowned for their clear waters and excellent diving spots. Visitors can enjoy kayaking through mangrove tunnels on islands like Isla Grande or relax on stunning Caribbean beaches characterized by soft sands and turquoise waters.

While most visitors opt for day trips, a few islands offer accommodations, such as the Hotel San Pedro de Majagua and the Gente de Mar Resort.

6. Visit Bocagrande and El Laguito

Bocagrande and El Laguito are located on an L-shaped peninsula facing the Caribbean Sea. While the beaches are relatively laid-back, this area has become a hub for trendy hotels, restaurants, and shopping locales, appealing to locals and visitors. You’ll find lively clubs for dancing and a youthful, vibrant crowd throughout the year.

7. See La Popa Convent

Also known as a convent and a monastery, this colonial complex offers insight into colonial religious life, along with breathtaking views of the city, the Caribbean Sea, and nearby islands from the highest point in Cartagena.

The Convento de la Popa is a picturesque location with lush patios for catching sunset views over a stunning city skyline. Originally a fortress, it now houses a museum and the chapel dedicated to the Virgen de la Candelaria, which is Cartagena’s patron saint.

8. Catch Some Rays at Playa Blanca

Playa Blanca is arguably the most renowned beach in Cartagena, featuring vibrant blue waters and golden sands. Locals and tourists alike can be seen lounging in hammocks or cabanas, enjoying snacks and refreshing drinks under the sun. The beach can be accessed via a short 45-minute shuttle or speedboat ride from the city.

9. Shop at Las Bovedas

Visitors can shop and admire art in what were once jail cells or storage rooms for the fortresses. Constructed in the late 1700s, these 23 dungeons of Las Bovedas were initially built by the military during colonial times and later transformed into souvenir shops.

10. Join the Nightlife Party

There are numerous options for nightlife across Bocagrande, El Centro, and Getsemani, including plenty of tabernas, discos, and bars. The vibrant atmosphere is filled with Caribbean and Colombian music, ensuring a lively experience. However, it’s advisable to be cautious in Getsemani, as the party can get quite energetic.

11. Check Out Santa Marta

As Colombia’s oldest Hispanic town, Santa Marta serves as a port and the base camp for hiking to Ciudad Perdida (The Lost City). Located on the Caribbean Coast amid the Sierra Nevada, it is approximately four and a half hours north of Cartagena by car—making it an excellent destination for a day trip.

12. Hike at Tayrona National Park

Tayrona National Park boasts wild jungles, rugged coastlines, and exotic wildlife. Visitors can hike through various nature trails in the forest and along the coast. After an exciting trek to the Lost City, there are plenty of beautiful beaches to relax on. Cabo San Juan is the most popular area due to its calm waters, two stunning white-sand beaches, and ample hammocks.

13. Tour the Museo de Oro y Arqueología

Located on Plaza Bolivar, the Museo de Oro y Arqueología features an impressive collection of archaeological and gold artifacts, although much of the pre-Columbian gold collection is housed in Bogotá. This museum showcases gold artifacts and pottery from the Sinu culture, providing insight into Colombia’s rich heritage.

14. Explore a Darker Past at Palacio de la Inquisición

If you’re interested in history and culture, the nearby Palacio de la Inquisición showcases colonial architecture and highlights the darker chapters of history, displaying instruments of torture from the Spanish Inquisition alongside pre-Columbian and colonial art.

15. Take a Dip in a Mud Volcano

For a unique cultural experience in Cartagena, visit El Totumo, a small volcano just outside the city that offers a warm, bubbling mud bath. Both locals and tourists enjoy soaking in the therapeutic mud, and afterward, they receive a scrub down by local workers at a nearby lake, creating a rejuvenating experience.

16. Discover Street Art in Getsemani

With its mix of new hotels and restaurants, the up-and-coming neighborhood of Getsemani is gaining popularity among locals and visitors who are eager to experience Cartagena’s rich culture. The area boasts a vibrant street art scene, and guided tours offered by local organizations provide insights into the murals, artists, and historical movements behind these creative expressions.

17. Visit La Boquilla

Just outside Cartagena lies the small fishing village of La Boquilla, characterized by its simple huts and local restaurants. Visit El Paraíso on the beach for some of the freshest seafood in the region and inquire with the locals about hidden gems to eat in the area, as some of the best dining options are often tucked away within beachfront shacks and lesser-known streets.