Cartagena

Cartagena

Things to Do in Cartagena

25 curated spots from Cartagena itineraries

Activities & Attractions (13)

San Felipe de Barajas Castle
Domorning

San Felipe de Barajas Castle

Historic 17th-century fortress with tunnels, battlements, and pirate-era architecture. Walk the ramparts and explore underground passages.

2h
$8–15 per person
Bazurto Market Guided Adventure Tour
Domorning & afternoon

Bazurto Market Guided Adventure Tour

Guided tour through the labyrinth of stalls, meeting vendors, watching metal workshops and crafts, listening to Champeta music, sampling herbal remedies, visiting poster artists, includes lunch at Ceci's.

3h
$60–100 per person
Emerald Museum & Factory Tour
Doevening

Emerald Museum & Factory Tour

Learn about Colombian emeralds, mining history, and see gemstones. Visit showroom with expert guidance for potential purchases.

1h 30m
$10–25 per person
Emerald Museum & Showroom Tour
Doafternoon

Emerald Museum & Showroom Tour

Learn about Colombian emeralds and mining history; see raw stones and finished jewelry; optional purchases with expert guidance. Short (1-hour) educational tour.

1h
$10–15 per person (tour only; purchases optional)
Free Walking Tour of Cartagena (Alternative: Basics & History)
Domorning

Free Walking Tour of Cartagena (Alternative: Basics & History)

Low-cost (tip-based) walking tour covering Old City and Getsemaní history, street art, local stories, and hidden gems. Flexible group pacing.

2h 30m
$15–20 per person (tips)
Getsemaní Neighborhood Street Art & Nightlife Walk
Doafternoon + evening

Getsemaní Neighborhood Street Art & Nightlife Walk

Explore Cartagena's hip bohemian quarter: vibrant graffiti street art, local galleries, craft breweries, beach bars, and music venues. Can be self-guided or part of a 3-hour walking tour (US$15–20).

3h
Free (self-guided) or $15–20 per person (guided)
Getsemaní Street Art & Neighborhood Walk
Doafternoon

Getsemaní Street Art & Neighborhood Walk

Explore colorful graffiti murals, hip cafes, galleries, and street art. Meet local artists and soak in the neighborhood's creative energy and nightlife vibe.

1h 30m
Free
Las Bóvedas Market & Crafts Shopping
Domorning

Las Bóvedas Market & Crafts Shopping

Browse handmade crafts, souvenirs, and local artisan goods in the historic market setting. Treasure-hunting for gifts and mementos.

1h 30m
Free to browse; $5–50 per person for purchases
Las Bóvedas Market & Getsemaní Art Stroll
Doafternoon

Las Bóvedas Market & Getsemaní Art Stroll

Browse Las Bóvedas Market for handmade crafts, souvenirs, and local art. Adjacent to Getsemaní, so combine with afternoon street art walk. Mix of tourist and local shopping.

1h 30m
$0–50 per person (depends on shopping)
Luxury Sunset Cruise
Doevening

Luxury Sunset Cruise

2-hour romantic boat with open bar, wine, live music, appetizers, and beach sunset views; 10-min walk/taxi from Getsemaní.

2h
$50-80 per person
Palace of the Inquisition (Palacio de la Inquisición)
Domorning

Palace of the Inquisition (Palacio de la Inquisición)

Museum exploring colonial history and the Spanish Inquisition's presence in Cartagena. Grand colonial building with courtyard, balconies, and historical artifacts. Docent-led tours available.

1h 15m
$5–8 per person
Private Beach Club Experience
Doafternoon

Private Beach Club Experience

Access exclusive beach clubs at luxury resorts or nearby properties with reserved seating, premium food and beverage service, water sports facilities, and attentive staff. Some offer day passes or membership options.

3h
$100-250 per person
Walled City & San Pedro Claver
Domorning

Walled City & San Pedro Claver

Start at Clock Tower, stroll architecture-rich streets to Cathedral and art museum in former convent.

3h
$15-20 or Free

Restaurants & Food (12)

Alquimico
Eatevening

Alquimico

Award-winning rooftop bar-restaurant; savor small plates, craft cocktails, and wine pairings.

2h
$80-120 per person
Café Brunch Co.
Eatmorning

Café Brunch Co.

Modern Colombian café with excellent fresh juices, arepas, and Colombian coffee. Long tables suit groups; casual vibe with reliable service.

45m
$8–15 per person
Cande Restaurant at Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena
Eatmorning

Cande Restaurant at Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena

Start your day with a lavish breakfast buffet featuring Colombian specialties, fresh tropical fruits, pastries, and international options. Enjoy your meal in an elegant setting overlooking the old city.

1h 15m
Included with stay
Casual lunch spot near San Felipe Castle
Eatafternoon

Casual lunch spot near San Felipe Castle

Simple local fare—arepas, grilled chicken, rice and beans. Quick refuel before or after castle exploration.

1h
$12–20 per person
Colombian Breakfast Café - Old City
Eatmorning

Colombian Breakfast Café - Old City

Experience authentic Colombian breakfast with arepa, fresh juices, and local pastries in a charming old-city café setting. Great for understanding local food culture.

1h
$15-25 per person
Donde Olano (Street Food Corner)
Eatlunch

Donde Olano (Street Food Corner)

Pop-up street food stall or informal restaurant serving arepas, patacones, and fresh salads. Casual, cheap, wildly popular with locals.

45m
$8–15 per person
El Vegetariano de Getsemaní
Eatmorning

El Vegetariano de Getsemaní

Colorful vegetarian café with fresh salads, smoothie bowls, and local herbs. Great for lunch before afternoon exploration.

45m
$10–18 per person
Gourmet Restaurant at Hotel Las Américas Casa de Playa Cartagena de Indias
Eatafternoon

Gourmet Restaurant at Hotel Las Américas Casa de Playa Cartagena de Indias

Enjoy a leisurely beachfront lunch featuring fresh seafood and Caribbean-inspired cuisine. The resort's multiple dining venues offer upscale options with ocean views and relaxed tropical charm.

1h 30m
$50-80 per person
Ice cream shop in Getsemaní
Eatafternoon

Ice cream shop in Getsemaní

Local ice cream (helado) and tropical flavors. Casual group treat while exploring street art.

30m
$3–6 per person
Juice stall at Bazurto Market
Eatmorning

Juice stall at Bazurto Market

Fresh tropical juice (included in market tour). Refreshment and local beverage introduction during morning market exploration.

15m
$2–4 per person
La Cevichería
Eatafternoon

La Cevichería

Upscale casual seafood spot in historic center specializing in ceviches and fish platters. Lively atmosphere perfect for groups celebrating.

1h 30m
$25–40 per person
Las Bóvedas Market café
Eatmorning

Las Bóvedas Market café

Local coffee, pastries, and light snacks in the historic market atmosphere. Casual group browsing and refuel.

45m
$5–10 per person

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