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Cartagena is the most popular travel destination in Colombia—and for good reason. This vibrant Caribbean coastal city is home to the iconic walled city filled with colorful Spanish colonial architecture, year-round tropical weather, stunning boutique hotels and hostels, and easy access to white-sand beaches and nearby islands like Islas del Rosario and Playa Blanca.
But here’s the truth: I didn’t fall in love with Cartagena on my first visit. I found it crowded, overpriced, and overwhelming with constant street vendors. It wasn’t until I returned with a better plan, smarter travel tips, and a more local perspective that I truly saw what makes Cartagena such a magical place.
In this Cartagena travel guide, I’ll share everything I wish I knew before visiting—how to avoid tourist traps, where to stay, what to do, where to eat, and the hidden gems that will help you experience the best of Cartagena, Colombia.
Things to know before you go
Getting There: Flying is the only option from Bogotá. Direct flights are available with Wingo, JetSmart, Avianca, and LATAM. Cartagena also has many direct flights from the U.S.
Best Time to Visit: Weekdays are less crowded and ideal for exploring. Weekends attract local tourists, especially on holidays—great if you’re there for the party scene.
Airport to City: Uber works in Cartagena (approx. 18,000 COP), but a taxi from the official kiosk is usually cheaper (around 12,000 COP). Use the kiosk outside customs to avoid scams.
Tap Water: Safe to drink in the city, but avoid tap water on the islands unless confirmed otherwise.
Cash & ATMs: ATMs and currency exchange options are widely available.
Avoid Scams: Confirm prices in advance and double-check card charges to avoid added zeroes.
Weather: Hot and humid year-round (avg. 32°C/90°F by day). Dry season runs from December to April; rainy season is May–November with short, intense showers.
Where To Stay
When deciding where to stay in Cartagena, Colombia, there are three main areas to consider:
- The historic Walled City (Ciudad Amurallada) – famous for its colonial architecture and boutique hotels.
- Getsemaní – a vibrant, bohemian neighborhood known for street art, nightlife, and a more local vibe.
- The Rosario Islands and nearby islands – ideal for a more relaxed, beach-front escape without the vendors bothering you.
No matter your travel style or budget, here are some of the best places to stay in Cartagena across every price range.
Historic Cartagena (Walled City & Getsemani)
Cartagena Beaches (Tierra Bomba, Baru, and Rosario)
What to do
Walk around the walled city: The highlight of Cartagena, and why most people visit, is to see the famous walled city. The charming and colorful streets are perfect for taking photos stopping in cute cafés & shops along the way. You can obviously wander around on your own, but joining a free walking tour is a great way to hit up some of the main sights efficiently.
Then explore Getsemani, the local side of Cartagena: Just outside the tourist crowded walls of Cartagena is Getsemani, a little neighborhood where local life and tourism collides. This neighborhood is filled with vibrant murals that are perfect photo opts, local street vendors, and cafés & restaurants that are much more affordable than the walled city. The heart of Getsemani is Plaza Trinidad and is where tourists and locals gather in the evenings to watch street performers. While in the plaza be sure to try some empanadas (you’ll see the massive cart full of them) and other street food.
Go on a street food bike tour: This unique street food tour will be conducted on a bike with a professional tour guide and team making sure you feel relaxed, and most importantly, that you will not go home hungry. The tour starts in Getsemani and follows a well-thought route around the old city, accompanied by traditional Colombian snacks. Biking at a relaxed pace gives you time to enjoy the views and still see all of the old city. Visit THIS LINK to reserve your spot.
Sail on a catamaran: If you want to spend a luxurious day on a catamaran you can join the sailing day trip offered by Bona Vida Catamaranes. They take you around the bay and Rosario Islands where you can enjoy lunch on the boat and snorkel. If you don’t have time for a full day of sailing, you can also enjoy a 2-hour sunset cruise. Or if you are traveling with a group you can rent a private boat to ride around the islands in style.
Take a mud bath in Colombia’s tiniest volcano: Taking a mud bath inside the El Totumo “volcano” is a quirky tourist activity in Cartagena to add to your bucket list. I originally did a tour here and I would not recommend going with a tour group because it’s super crowded and was a waste of time picking other passengers up. Instead, go on your own after 12 pm (all the tour groups are gone by this time) and use an Uber or Cabify to get there. Put “El Totumo” as your end destination and it will take around 45 minutes, costing approximately 100K pesos. Then offer the driver 100K pesos in cash to wait for you for an hour and bring you back to Cartagena. Once at El
Head to a beach club on Tierra Bomba: One of my favorite discoveries in Cartagena is the hidden gem of Tierra Bomba Island. This island is only a 10-minute boat ride from the city and offers several stylish beach clubs that make an easy escape from the city. I spent the day at the new Eteka Beach Club and we were literally the only people there that day. The day
Enjoy a private beach day in the Rosario Islands: Escape the public crowded beaches of Cartagena by taking a day trip to IslaBela where you’ll get to enjoy a white sand beach and turquoise water. The day trip package includes boat transportation, lunch, a welcome drink, and use of the facilities for just $50 USD. Visit THIS LINK to reserve your spot. Please stay overnight at IslaBela if you have the time. It’s one of those situations where the boat arrives to head back to Cartagena and you’re just not ready to leave. By staying overnight, you actually get an entire bonus day of beach time because the boat heads back around 3 pm the next day. So instead of only getting 5-hours to enjoy the sun & sand, you’ll be getting over 24-hours and the total cost isn’t much more than the day-pass if you’re traveling as a couple or group of friends. Visit THIS LINK to reserve a cabin.
Take a food tour of Mercado de Bazurto: If you want to get off the beaten path, a visit to Mercado de Bazurto is a must-do. You can visit the market on your own or go on a tour with a local insider to make sure you don’t miss out on the best food.
Enjoy a boozy brunch on a rooftop: Every Saturday from 11 am – 3 pm at the Townhouse Rooftop you can enjoy a tropical boozy brunch. The cost is 100K pesos and includes unlimited mimosas, Bloody Marys, beers, and juices as well as their special brunch menu.
Have a photographer take Instagram photos: This idea may sound kind of cheesy at first, but having a photographer take professional photos of you in Cartagena is one of the best souvenirs you can bring home from your trip. Here’s a tour via Airbnb Experiences where a local photographer takes you to the best photo spots.
Watch a live salsa show: Whether you know how to dance salsa, want to practice, or just sip on rum and watch – check out 1968 for a spectacular salsa show. They are open Wednesday – Saturday from 8 pm and typically host a salsa class at 8:30 pm and then the show starts around 9:30 pm. You should definitely make a reservation in advance and reviewers say to skip the food and only order drinks and watch the show. On Wednesday there is free cover but over days have a 20K peso entry fee.
Where To Eat
Celele: This restaurant is quickly becoming one of the best places to dine in Cartagena. The cuisine features creative Caribbean style dishes in the perfect quintessential Cartagena ambiance.
Coffee & Cafes
Época: If you’re into third-wave coffee culture, then Época delivers. They have every brewing method available: Chemex, french press, espresso, cold brew, etc and the café itself is beautiful. This also makes a good spot for a quick breakfast or lunch.
Café San Alberto: Another amazing spot to try advanced coffee brewing methods in Cartagena. The coffee comes from Buenavista, a small sustainable farm in the interior of Colombia. They have won several awards for their coffee production and one you try it you will see why!
Café del Mural: Over in the bohemian Getsemani neighborhood is Café del Mural, a hidden gem that is serious about the coffee they serve. They also offer a popular 2-hour coffee experience where you learn how to roast beans, develop tasting notes, and learn about various brewing methods.
Where to drink & dance
Townhouse: Town House is definitely worth stopping by for one of their craft cocktails or champagne drinks and has lots of great photo opt spots. They also have a boozy brunch every Saturday from 11 am – 3 pm for 100K pesos.
Alquimico: If you’re looking for somewhere cool & trendy to hangout in Cartagena, Alquimico is the spot to go. The establishment is three floors, with a restaurant, pool table area, and a rooftop bar. Plus the cocktails are amazing!
La Jugada: Across from Alquimico, you’ll find La Jugada which is another three-story establishment with a tropical rooftop bar that’s worth stopping by for a cocktail.
Bazurto Social Club: If you want to dance with the locals, Bazurto Social Club is known for throwing some of the best parties in Cartagena! It’s one of the few spots you can find live Latin music with an incredible dance vibe.
La Movida: La Movida is one of the hotspots for partying in Cartagena and will have more of an “upper crust” crowd of Colombians here. Expect to pay an expensive 50K cover charge but have a packed and overall fun spot to party.
Where to Shop
Casa Abba: Casa Abba is an artisan flea market in the heart of the walled city. This was one of my favorite shopping spots I passed by because you have around 30 different booths to choose from and the items here tend to be more unique than you’ll find at other artisan markets in the city.
Martin Pescador: Martin
Ketty Tinoco: Linen is one of the best materials you can use to stay cool in the heat of Cartagena and Ketty Tinoco is well-known as the spot to go for unique linen-based clothing for men and women.
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