THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA
Colombia has gone from 1 million to 6 million visitors in 6-7 years. And if there’s a city in South America that knows how to have a good time, it's Cartagena!! Even if it's partying until the early hours of the morning on a Sunday night!
The walled city of eternal sunshine has so much to offer with a smile! From salsa nights, foodie tours, cute surrounding neighborhoods, rooftop bars + beaches! You’d be crazy to miss out on Colombia’s most vibrant city.
Fun fact(ish): According to my Airbnb housemate, homes in Cartagena, Getsamani are hot right now. It’s likely to be as expensive as the old town in the next 5-10 years.
Cartagena Colombia | Getsamani
Wandering around Cartagena
What to do in Cartagena de Indias
My favorite way to get to know any city is doing a free tour. The city tour leaves from Plaza Santa Teresa at 10 am and 4 pm every day and can get pretty crowded.
Handy tip: Go for the one at 4 pm, the 10 am tour gets hot during the day!
But if there’s one tour I want to recommend… It’s the foodie tour!
I may not remember the names of half the stuff I tried but it was all pretty great! I’d definitely recommend trying some of the ceviche and fried arepas. Oh, and you’ll also get an introduction to some of the awesome fruit they have in the country!
Fruit in Colombia
I'll give you 5 bucks if you can correctly name everything in there...
Hang out with the sloths
Yes, this is a thing! If you pop over to Parque Centenario and look up you’ll spot a few hanging loose.
Sloth hanging from tree in Colombia
Hangin' in there
Experience the local music Champeta
Rumour has it, Wednesdays’ are the night for Champeta in Cartagena. A mix of soca, reggae + calypso, you’ll likely wander past the dancers outside the Old Town during the week.
Going out in Cartagena
If you’re on a budget, going out in Cartagena can add up. Especially in comparison to cities such a Medellin. Even so, it’s worth it for a night or two.
Wednesdays are at Media Luna Hostel. The entrance is COP $20,000 without drinks included. If you’re traveling solo, it’s a great way to meet people.
Perch yourself anywhere on the wall by Cafe del Mar with a drink in hand. Watch the sky change into gorgeous hues of dusty pink and orange, it's the perfect location for sunset.
With great live music and a cool atmosphere head to Cafe Havana for a dose of Salsa. Full of energy and live dancing, it’s the place to be on a Friday or Saturday night.
In Getsamani, on Sunday nights you may find yourself lucky enough to find a Zumba class in Plazuela del Pozo. Ask the locals…
Pretty doors!
Other touristy stuff
Bazurto market
Not the best of ideas to go alone if your Spanish isn’t all that. This market is pure chaos with everything sold from food to electronics. My tour guide recommended taking the public bus to make a few local friends along the way. But if you’re not all that comfortable going outside the tourist zone, it’s best to take a tour guide.
Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
Perched on a hill, the view at the top is stunning!
Islas del Rosario y Playa Blanca.
I didn’t go myself as I had come from Providencia where the beaches were gorgeous! If you're looking for some beach time in Cartagena, this is the place to go!
It’s doable as a day trip if you plan well. There are a bunch of tour agencies in town so be sure to shop around!
Bocagrande neighborhood
It’s walkable from Getsamani + the Old Town, depending on your tolerance to heat. It made me think of Miami, built up with beaches. Although not the best of beaches.
If you’re a curious soul, with some time to kill in Cartagena, the walk along the coastline has some lovely views of the Old Town.
Old town view from Bocagrande
Looking back at the Old Town
Photography
The eye-popping street art in Getsamani makes for a perfect backdrop. Head there early morning to avoid the crowds!
After a dose of Getsamani, the Old Town is wonderful, but best to wander around early!
Horse and carriage in Cartagena street
Late evenings
Where to get coffee in Cartagena
A trip to Colombia is not complete without coffeeee!
Black cat cafe: A great place for breakfast, coffee, get the mora crepe! The cats are adorable. If you’re looking to escape the heat, this is a great place to chill out for an hour or two with a book.
Cafe mural: My fave coffee place in Cartagena. Their menu’s kind of quirky, I asked a lot of questions! Try the Enyucado cake!
My Colombian Airbnb housemate told me they sell the best quality coffee and he wasn’t wrong! My only regret is not stocking up on more before left!
Cafe Mural
Stepping Stone Cafe: A fab place to get your healthy dose of Avocado on toast!
Abacus books and coffee: I stumbled into this place after spending hours walking in the heat. I was in dire need of a cold drink + air con! I love bookshop coffee shops and this is a cute one!
Folklore Colombian Cafe: Located in the Old Town with great coffee + fast wifi!
My fave restos in Cartagena
Di Silvio Trattoria: If you’re looking for an Italian fix me up, this place has some of the best pizza + pasta in town.
ColombItalia: This street vendor has some delicious grilled arepas. Sooo good, you’ll get at least two!
Ganesha Indian restaurant: So I’ve got a confession to make. I’m not used to going 9 months without a decent curry. Nope. Nah. It’s a staple for me.
When I stumbled across Ganesha, craving Asian cuisine is an understatement! So happy I found this place! Handy tip: Ask for it to be spicy!!
Saint Roque: Indonesian fusion food, the owner is lovely! Proceeds go to charity + the food is delicious!
Double Chocolate ice-cream
Mmmm...
Where to stay in Cartagena
I wasn’t the most impressed by the accommodation in Cartagena. But there are a couple of cool hostels andAirbnbs I can recommend.
Cartagena gets insanely hot. For a great hostel, cool vibe and a pool, head to Selina. With private rooms and dorms, there’s a range of options at different budgets. Click here to check out the latest prices.
Life is good: Because why wouldn’t it be with a rooftop jacuzzi?! A great budget option in Getsamani with a garden, bar, and a shared lounge. Check it out here.
Casa Anita: For more of an apartment feel, check out Casa Anita. Spacious and comfortable, it's located in a lively neighbourhood.
There are some great Airbnb options in Cartagena, with privates for the same price of a dorm room. You don’t get the perks of a rooftop pool or jacuzzi but it’s worth it for your private space. For $40 towards your first trip, click here!
*Affiliate links above!
Cartagena wall
Is Cartagena safe?
As a solo female traveler, I wandered alone and had no issues. That’s not to say there aren’t any. Be wary of your belongings, especially at night. But that goes for anywhere.
I went to coffee shops and worked on my laptop. Walked around the city taking photos with my DSLR. Asked locals and even a (very amused) police officer to take photos of me! Locals are friendly and kind :)
Planning a trip or fancy a freebie? These are some websites and services I love:
Booking.com: For the best hotel deals! 🏝
World Nomads: Travel insurance on the go 🌎
Airbnb: For the best apartment deals!🏡
Affiliate links above!