Things to do in Cartagena: Must-See experiences for your trip

Cartagena de Indias continues to be one of Colombia’s most complete destinations thanks to its combination of history, beaches, Caribbean cuisine and cultural life. The city offers options for different types of travelers: families looking to relax, couples interested in charming tours, groups of friends and people traveling for business purposes.

With so many options available, organizing your time is essential to make the most of each day. Below, we share some of the most representative experiences so you can put together an itinerary that combines culture, nature, great food and moments of relaxation by the Caribbean.

Take your time exploring the historic center

The streets of the walled city are best explored at a leisurely pace. Walking among colonial mansions with flower-filled balconies, crossing Plaza de los Coches, stopping in front of the Clock Tower and discovering centuries-old churches such as San Pedro Claver are experiences that require no admission ticket or reservation: just curiosity and comfortable shoes.

The best time to do this is early in the morning, before the sun gets stronger. From midday onward, cafés, hidden bookstores and interior courtyards become perfect retreats. And as evening falls, the city walls offer one of the most photographed sunsets in the Caribbean.

Those looking to delve deeper can join a guided tour—historical, architectural and culinary options are available—that turns the walk into a living lesson on five centuries of history.

Get lost in Getsemaní

Just a few steps from the city walls, Getsemaní offers a deliberate contrast: urban art murals covering entire façades, local restaurants at affordable prices, street music and an authenticity that can be felt on every corner.

Plaza de la Trinidad is where the neighborhood comes alive the most. Locals, travelers, and artists come together there at the end of the day, creating a spontaneous atmosphere that is difficult to replicate anywhere else. For those looking to experience the less touristy and more genuine side of Cartagena, this is the perfect starting point.

Take a boat to the Rosario Islands or Playa Blanca

If the postcard you’re looking for features white sand and crystal-clear water, the answer is just an hour away by boat. The Rosario Islands, located within Corales del Rosario and San Bernardo National Natural Park, are home to coral reefs, underwater landscapes perfect for snorkeling and a sense of tranquility that contrasts with the pace of the city.

Playa Blanca, in Barú, can also be reached by road and offers the classic combination of fine sand, coconut palms and fresh fish restaurants. Both excursions usually take up a full day; it is recommended to leave early from Muelle de la Bodeguita and return at sunset.

Taste Cartagena’s cuisine

Cartagena’s cuisine goes far beyond ceviche. Coconut rice, fried fish with patacon, seafood casserole, cocadas, tropical fruit juices that you won’t find in supermarkets inland and arepa de huevo, best enjoyed standing up and freshly removed from the hot oil.

In the historic center, there are plenty of signature restaurants that reinterpret Caribbean cuisine. In Getsemaní, options tend to be more casual and affordable. And in La Boquilla, beachfront restaurants serve the catch of the day with the simplicity that comes from being so close to the water.

Explore La Boquilla and its mangroves

North of the city, La Boquilla combines beach, fishing traditions and nature in a single experience. One of the most popular activities is a canoe ride through the mangroves of Ciénaga de la Virgen, home to birds, crabs and coastal vegetation that few travelers imagine finding so close to the urban center.

A must-see stop: Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas

It is impossible to talk about Cartagena without mentioning its imposing fortress. Built in the 17th century and expanded over more than a century, Castillo de San Felipe is the largest military engineering project the Spanish built in the Americas. Its tunnels, ramps and lookout points offer sweeping views of the city and a history lesson that comes alive as you walk through the site.

Visiting early, before noon, allows you to explore the galleries without the intense heat and with better lighting for photographs.

Experience Cartagena at night

As the sun goes down, the city transforms. Illuminated city walls, rooftop bars overlooking the sea, and live music create an atmosphere that feels completely different from the morning. A nighttime cruise around the bay with dinner on board, a walk through the historic center’s plazas beneath colonial-style lights, or simply enjoying a drink on a terrace along the city walls as night falls are experiences that complete any itinerary.

For those who prefer something more peaceful, the cool evening breeze in Cartagena is the perfect excuse to take a leisurely walk with no particular destination and let the city surprise you.

Your ideal base for exploring it all: Cafam’s Hotel Corales de Indias

Located in the Crespo neighborhood, just minutes from the airport and historic center, Cafam’s Hotel Corales de Indias provides easy access to all these experiences without long journeys. Rooms with ocean views, swimming pools, relaxation areas, organized recreational activities and a restaurant make it possible to end each day of exploration with the rest your body needs. Cafam members have access to preferential accommodation rates, dining benefits and recreational discounts.

Book now with Cafam and turn your trip to Cartagena into an experience defined by comfort, convenience and peace of mind.

FAQ

How close is Hotel Corales de Indias to the historic center?
It is located in the Crespo neighborhood, allowing you to reach the walled city within a few minutes by car or local transportation.

Do Cafam members receive benefits when staying in Cartagena?
Yes. Depending on their membership category, they may have access to preferential accommodation rates, dining benefits, and recreational discounts at Hotel Corales de Indias.

What activities does the hotel offer for relaxing days between excursions?
Guests have access to swimming pools for adults and children, a sauna and steam bath, a gym, organized recreational activities, a restaurant and a bar. These options are ideal for balancing days of exploration with moments of relaxation without leaving the hotel.