Cartagena, Colombia: travel guide
A walled Caribbean old town of colonial streets and fortresses
UNESCO-listed Caribbean walled city. Colonial Old Town, San Felipe fortress, Getsemaní street art, gateway to Rosario Islands.
About Cartagena
Cartagena is a Caribbean port whose old town is enclosed by thick colonial walls, and it is among the most atmospheric cities in the region. Inside the walls, balconied houses, plazas and churches line narrow lanes, and the evening is the best moment for a stroll when the stone cools and the cafes fill.
The great fortress of San Felipe de Barajas looks over the city from its hill, a reminder of the port's defensive history. Getsemani, just beyond the walls, is a livelier district known for its street art and bars. From here, boat trips run to the Rosario Islands for beaches and snorkelling.
Cartagena suits couples, history lovers and beach-seekers combining culture and coast. It is hot and humid for much of the year, and the drier months from December to March are the most comfortable.
- Country
- Colombia
- Currency
- COP
- Time zone
- America/Bogota
- Nearest airport
- CTG
Last updated
Top places to visit in Cartagena
Ciudad Amurallada
Heritage · 4.9 rating · about 4 h · check the fee at the gate
UNESCO World Heritage Spanish colonial walled city. Cobbled lanes, bougainvillea-draped balconies, Plaza Santo Domingo with the Botero "Gertrudis" sculpture, Plaza de los Coches, and Iglesia San Pedro Claver.
Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
Fort · 4.7 rating · about 1.5 h · entry $30,000 (≈ ₹900)
17th-century Spanish fortress — the largest in the Americas. Underground tunnels designed for amplifying voices for early warning. Panoramic views over the modern city and Caribbean.
Getsemaní Street Art Walk
Cultural · 4.8 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
Historically working-class barrio just outside the walls — now Cartagena's hippest district. World-class street art on Calle de la Sierpe and Plaza de la Trinidad, lively street food, and the buzzing nightly square.
Rosario Islands
Beach · 4.6 rating · about 8 h · entry $130,000 (≈ ₹3,890)
Coral archipelago 1 hour by speedboat from Cartagena. White-sand beaches, snorkelling, mangrove tours. Day trips run from Muelle La Bodeguita; overnight stays at boutique island hotels available.
Things to do
- Rosario Islands Day Trip + Snorkel Nature · 9 h · from COP 280,000 per person
- Cartagena Walled City Sunset Tour Cultural · 2.5 h · from COP 95,000 per person
- Cartagena Salsa & Cumbia Dance Class Activity · 1.5 h · from COP 80,000 per person
Day trips and tours
- Cartagena Day Trip: Rosario Islands + Snorkel 9 h · from 280,000
- Cartagena Walled City + Sunset Tour 4 h · from 95,000
Where to stay in Cartagena
- Ciudad Amurallada (Centro) about COP 580,000 per night
Inside Cartagena's UNESCO walled city. Boutique hotels in colonial mansions.
- Getsemaní about COP 350,000 per night
Cartagena's hippest, bohemian district just outside the walls. Street art, lively Plaza Trinidad nightly.
- Bocagrande about COP 420,000 per night
Modern beachfront strip — high-rise hotels with sea views.
Hotels
- Hotel Casa San Agustín 5-star · COP 1,200,000 to COP 3,500,000 per night
- Hotel Casa Lola 4-star · COP 420,000 to COP 880,000 per night
- Mamallena Hostel 2-star · COP 50,000 to COP 180,000 per night
Where to eat
- La Cevichería Colombian, Seafood · about COP 95,000 per person
- Crepes & Waffles La Serrezuela Colombian, Casual · about COP 40,000 per person
- La Vitrola Caribbean, Latin, Seafood · about COP 220,000 per person
- Demente Cartagena Colombian, Tapas, Contemporary · about COP 110,000 per person
Getting to Cartagena
Airport: Cartagena (CTG)
Getting around
- Boat
- Bus
- Ride Hail
- Taxi
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Vendor Aggressive Hassling
Walled City, near Las Bóvedas, Plaza Santo Domingo
Street vendors selling hats, jewellery, paintings can be very persistent. Some grab your hand to "give" you a friendship bracelet, then demand 100,000 COP.
How to avoid it: Firm "no, gracias" and keep walking. Don't make eye contact with persistent vendors. Don't let them touch you. Hands in pockets if you must.
Beach Massage Inflation
Bocagrande, La Boquilla beaches
Massage women approach offering low prices like "20,000 COP" then double or triple the price afterward.
How to avoid it: Confirm exact price BEFORE starting. Pay in cash, exact amount. Walk to a chair away from the crowd to negotiate first.
Coconut Vendor Selfie Scam
Plaza San Pedro Claver, Bocagrande beach
Vendors put a hat on you, fruit basket on your shoulder, take photos with their own phone — then demand 100,000+ COP for the "photo experience."
How to avoid it: Don't let vendors put anything on you. If asked for a photo, take your own. Pre-negotiate price ANY service.
Fake Police Bribe Demand
Centro Histórico late evening
Men in police-style uniforms approach tourists claiming "passport check" and find fake "issues" requiring on-the-spot fine.
How to avoid it: Real Cartagena tourism police (white uniforms with English-marked vests) never ask for money. Demand to go to the nearest estación. Refuse to give passport without ID badge inspection.
More in Colombia
Frequently asked questions about Cartagena
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Cartagena?
- The highest-rated places in our Cartagena guide are Ciudad Amurallada, Getsemaní Street Art Walk, Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, Rosario Islands.
- Where should I stay in Cartagena?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Cartagena: Ciudad Amurallada (Centro), Getsemaní, Bocagrande.
- How do I get around Cartagena?
- Ways to get around Cartagena covered in our guide: Boat, City bus, Ride-hailing app, Taxi.
- What scams should I watch out for in Cartagena?
- Scams reported to us for Cartagena include Vendor Aggressive Hassling; Beach Massage Inflation; Coconut Vendor Selfie Scam. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- Which airport is nearest to Cartagena?
- The nearest airport to Cartagena has the code CTG.