Narrow alleys, colorful colonial houses, street art, and salsa rhythms – Cartagena de Indias captivates us from the very first moment. This colonial city on Colombia's Caribbean coast uniquely blends history and modernity, culture and Caribbean flair. It's a place where it's simply fun to stroll through the old town's streets, browse the shops, and relax in the shade with a cold coconut or a Colombian coffee. In this article, you'll find our personal travel tips for Cartagena de Indias, including recommendations on sights, restaurants, safety, and everything you need to know to plan your visit to Cartagena.
In this article
Cartagena at a Glance: Facts, Figures & Cultural Highlights
- Cartagena de Indias is located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast and has a population of around one million..
- Gegründet The city was founded on June 1, 1533 , by Pedro de Heredia during the Spanish colonization of South America, making it one of the first Spanish settlements in the northern part of the continent. Cartagena also served as the first capital of the Spanish colony of New Granada.
- Cartagena entwickelte sich rasch zu einem strategically important port. It was a key stopover for the Spanish silver fleet and a major trading hub for goods such as weapons, tools, textiles, gold, gemstones, and horses. Cartagena was also a central hub for the transatlantic slave trade.
- Because of its strategic location and economic importance, Cartagena became a frequent target for pirate attacks. After a major raid by Sir Francis Drake, the Spanish Crown commissioned massive defensive structures, built by enslaved laborers. These included an 11-kilometer-long protective wall, the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas fortress , and a total of 29 forts.
- In 1984, parts of Cartagena were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site . This includes the walled old town with its historic districts—Centro, San Diego, and Getsemaní—as well as the San Felipe fortress.
- Today, Cartagena is one of Colombia’s most visited destinations. Numerous cruise ships dock here, bringing many day tourists to the city.
Exploring Cartagena’s Old Town: Centro, San Diego and Getsemaní
Das Centro Histórico of Cartagena consists of the neighborhoods Centro, San Diego, and Getsemaní. They’re all worth seeing! Each district is easily accessible on foot. Here are our travel tips for the old town of Cartagena de Indias.
Centro – the historic heart of Cartagena
The Centro district is home to many of Cartagena’s most famous sights. It’s a joy to wander through the streets lined with colorful colonial houses and flower-adorned balconies, pausing now and then in one of the picturesque squares to take in the beauty of the historic buildings.
Highlights in the Centro district:
- The Cathedral of Cartagena is one of the oldest bishop’s churches in South America. As early as 1537, a simple structure made of wood and straw was built, but it was destroyed by the city fire of 1552. The reconstruction was badly damaged during the pirate Drake’s attack in 1586, delaying completion until 1612. In the 20th century, the cathedral was remodeled and received its distinctive bell tower.
- Das Convento de Santo Domingo is the oldest church in Cartagena. It was founded by the Dominicans in 1551. After the devastating fire in 1552, it was rebuilt at its current location on Plaza de Santo Domingo neu errichtet.
- The Plaza de la Aduana is the largest and oldest square in Cartagena’s historic center. It served as a parade ground and was a key site for colonial administration. On one side of the square stands the Casa de la Aduana, once the residence of the city’s founder Pedro de Heredia and later the customs office. In the center of the square is a statue of Christopher Columbus.
- The Plaza de Bolívar is a major historic square in the heart of the old town. Shaded by trees, it’s a great spot to take a break. Surrounding the plaza are several important buildings, including the Cathedral of Cartagena, the Palacio de Inquisicíon (Palace of the Inquisition), the Palacio de la Gobernación de Bolívar (Governor’s Palace), and the Museo del Oro (Gold Museum). The Palace of the Inquisition now houses Cartagena’s historical museum.
- The Plaza de San Pedro Claver was used as a slave market during colonial times. Today, the square features sculptures by artists such as Edgardo Carmona. Located here is the Santuario de San Pedro Claver, an important religious and cultural site. It includes the Iglesia de San Pedro Claver, and a museum founded in 1950 that holds a collection of artworks from the 16th to 21st centuries.
San Diego – quiet, charming, colonial
The San Diego district lies a bit away from the hustle and bustle. It was once the neighborhood of merchants and the small bourgeoisie, and is now known for its small boutiques and hidden courtyards.
The charming Plaza de San Diego is a great place to relax at one of the many restaurants and cafés. Nearby, you’ll find the former monastery Las Bóvedas, which now houses handicrafts and souvenirs.
Getsemaní – creative district and street art hotspot
The former working-class neighborhood is now Cartagena’s creative heart. Getsemaní is colorful, vibrant, and full of history. It’s a place where colonial architecture, street art, cafés, and lively nightlife come together. In the evenings, Getsemaní transforms into a trendy hotspot with plenty of bars, restaurants, and live music. Today, the artistic district is also home to studios and craft shops.
A highlight is Plaza de la Trinidad, the neighborhood’s central meeting point. In the evenings, locals, musicians, and tourists gather here, filling the square with life, music, and street food. The Calle de las Sombrillas , with its colorful umbrellas, and the many murals throughout the area are also well worth a visit.
Sunset on the historic city wall
A walk along the historic city wall is one of the most memorable experiences in Cartagena. Since the sun can be relentless during the day, it’s best to go early in the morning or in the evening. Sunset is especially magical, when the sun slowly sinks into the sea and the city walls and buildings are bathed in golden-orange light. At this time, both locals and tourists gather to enjoy the view. If you're in the mood for a sundowner, you can grab a cold drink or snack from one of the street vendors.
Castillo San Felipe de Barajas Fortress – Cartagena’s Defense Wall
About a 15-minute walk from the old town, the imposing Castillo San Felipe de Bajaras rises on San Lázaro hill - one of Cartagena’s most important landmarks and a masterpiece of Spanish military architecture. The fortress was built in 1639 by order of the Spanish Crown to defend Cartagena against attacks from land and sea. Strategically well-positioned, it dominated the access routes to the city, both by land and by water. It was constructed by enslaved Africans.
The structure is built in a triangular shape, with eight batteries, a garrison of around 200 soldiers, and four artillery operators. The walls are thick at the base and narrow toward the firing slits. The defensive system consists of a series of bunkers with interlocking batteries that protect each other, making it nearly impossible to capture a single battery without overcoming the entire defense network.
Particularly impressive are the main entrance and the complex underground tunnel system, which was used for troop movement, ventilation, and defense. Between the 17th and 19th centuries, the fortress was the site of several major battles between European colonial powers vying for control of the colony. After its military use ended, the fortress partially fell into disrepair and became overgrown. It wasn’t until the 1980s that a major restoration effort began. Since 1984, it has been part of Cartagena’s UNESCO World Heritage designation, along with the old town.
Today, the San Felipe Fortress is not only an impressive example of colonial architecture, but also offers a spectacular panoramic view over Cartagena and the Caribbean coast from its height of 41 meters above sea level.
Entry: 25.000 COP around 8 US$ (as of Feb 2025)
Opening hoursDaily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Last entry at 5:00 PM. (As of Feb 2025)
Tip: There is little shade, so don’t forget water, a sun hat, and sunscreen!
Food and Drinks in Cartagena
Of course, travel tips for Cartagena de Indias include not only the top sights but also the city’s amazing food. This Caribbean city is not only beautiful but also an absolute paradise for foodies. Its culinary scene blends Caribbean flavors, fresh seafood, and international influences - all across a wide range of price points. Here are our personal recommendations for restaurants, bars, cafés, and street food in Cartagena:
Restaurants
- La Mulata: Our favorite! Fresh, regional dishes with Caribbean flair at very fair prices. The food is excellent and a bit more affordable than at many other restaurants.
- Ana Restaurant: Stylish atmosphere meets modern interpretations of Colombian classics. Slightly more upscale in terms of price.
- La Pepiada: : A small restaurant specializing in Venezuelan arepas. For us, Venezuelan cuisine is among the best in South America, making this little spot a must-visit.
- Los Tacos del Gordo: : Authentic tacos served in a small, charming shop. Great value for money, though unfortunately the vegetarian tacos were unavailable on both days we visited.
Bars & Cafés
- Alquímico Bar: : This stylish bar with innovative cocktails made it onto the list of the world’s 50 best bars in 2024. The cocktails are creative, the prices fair, and each of the three floors offers a different menu. Perfect for ending the evening in style.
- El Arsenal: The Rum Box: This bar specializes in rum. In addition to cocktails, they offer a rum and chocolate tasting. At 650,000 COP (around 155 USD) for two people, it’s not cheap. We opted instead for a rum flight, which lets you sample four different rums from the Colombian brand Dictador.
- Cafe del Mural: A cozy, charming café with excellent Colombian coffee. If you like, you can also buy whole beans to take home.
Nightlife district Getsemaní
Getsemaní transforms into a lively nightlife district in the evenings. Numerous bars attract visitors with happy hour deals on mojitos, caipirinhas, and other cocktails. Perfect for a relaxed evening in a casual atmosphere.
Streetfood
Throughout the Centro Histórico, you’ll find stalls with delicious street food. From arepas and grilled meats to plantains, fresh fruit, and refreshing lemonade or cold coconuts. Street food in Cartagena is not only affordable but also really tasty—perfect for a small or big snack on the go.
Beaches around Cartagena
If you have a bit more time and want to enjoy the beach, there are several options around Cartagena. The two most popular are the Islas del Rosario and Playa Blanca on the Barú Peninsula.
Islas del Rosario
The Islas del Rosario are a group of islands about an hour from Cartagena and are known as an easily accessible Caribbean paradise with turquoise waters, beautiful beaches, and coral reefs. However, that’s only half the story. The islands are heavily visited. Especially on weekends and holidays, they can be overcrowded. Boats anchor close together, loud music blasts from speakers, and snorkeling is often difficult because the boats show little consideration. The fragile ecosystem has suffered greatly from this constant pressure in recent years. Many coral reefs have already bleached due to rising water temperatures and pollution.
If you want to visit the Islas del Rosario, keep the following points in mind:
- Stay overnight on one of the islands instead of doing a day trip. It’s quieter in the mornings and evenings, helping you avoid the crowds.
- Choose a more remote accommodation. Our recommendation: Isla Los Erizos EcoHouseAlthough day-trippers arrive for meals during the day, mornings and evenings are peaceful, and the food is excellent.
- Rent a kayak and go kayaking in the morning when the sea is calmer, it’s less hot, and there are fewer boats on the water.
- Bring your own snorkeling gear so you can combine snorkeling with kayaking or snorkel directly from the beach. However, don’t expect colorful reefs or lots of fish.
- If you want to do a snorkeling or diving tour, research thoroughly in advance and manage your expectations. The advertised coral reef paradise now exists only in a few spots around the Islas del Rosario.
Playa Blanca (Barú)
The most famous beach in the area is undoubtedly Playa Blanca on the Barú Peninsula. Its fine white sand and turquoise water make it a popular destination for both tourists and locals. Along the long bay, you’ll find simple restaurants, beach huts, and accommodations. However, the same applies here: especially on weekends, expect many day-trippers, crowded beaches, and loud music. Therefore, it’s best to go early in the morning and preferably on weekdays.
Praktische Reisetipps & Planung für Cartagena
Accommodation in Cartagena
Our absolute travel tip for Cartagena de Indias is to book accommodation in the Centro Histórico, the city’s historic center. Most of the main sights, restaurants, cafés, and bars are located here and chances are you’ll be spending most of your time in the old town anyway. Staying in the center also means you’re on the safe side in the evenings: the area is considered relatively safe even after sunset, as it’s well-lit and frequently visited. We stayed in an Airbnb in Centro ourselves and would do it exactly the same way again!
How many days should I plan?
Although Cartagena is a large city, the main tourist attractions are concentrated in the old town and its immediate surroundings. Two full days are ideal to experience the highlights, leisurely explore the neighborhoods of Centro, San Diego, and Getsemaní, and visit the Castillo San Felipe.
Safety in Cartagena
Cartagena is considered a relatively safe city, especially in the tourist center. The old town neighborhoods are busy almost around the clock, well-lit, and have a strong police presence. However, consider the following:
- Be especially cautious after dark. Avoid walking outside the old town on foot at night!
- Use Uber or taxis, especially in the evening.
- “No dar papaya” (literally “don’t give papaya”) means don’t show valuables openly or attract unnecessary attention.
Our personal experience: We felt very safe in Cartagena’s old town, even during evening strolls through the Centro Histórico.
Conclusion – Is Cartagena worth a visit?
Absolutely! Cartagena really surprised us in a positive way. The old town exudes charm and is full of history and Caribbean flair. Cartagena is one of those cities where it’s simply fun to wander through the narrow streets, admire the colorful houses, and take a break at one of the many street cafés. We were also impressed by the diverse culinary scene. Whether it's local specialties, Venezuelan arepas, or modern Colombian cuisine – Cartagena has a lot to offer. For us, this Caribbean metropolis is an absolute highlight in Colombia, and with our Cartagena de Indias travel tips, we’re sure you’ll fall in love with the city too.
FAQ Cartagena de Indias Reisetipps: Dein Städtetrip in die Karibikstadt
You can visit the main sights within 2 days. If you also want to visit one of the nearby beaches, you should plan for a bit more time.
The best place to stay is within the old city walls. This way, you’re right in the heart of the action, can easily explore Cartagena on foot, and stay in a relatively safe part of the city.
Yes, Cartagena is considered one of the safer cities in Colombia, especially the historic center. However, as everywhere, you should still be cautious, especially at night. Avoid walking outside the old town after dark and use taxis or Uber instead.
In the old town, you can pay by card in many restaurants, hotels, and larger shops. However, it is not always possible. Smaller shops and street food stalls often only accept cash. So it’s a good idea to carry some pesos in cash.
In South America, English is generally spoken less. In the tourist center, you’ll manage with English in upscale hotels and restaurants. However, you will often need Spanish. Basic knowledge or a translation app like Google Translate can be very helpful.
The best time to visit is during the dry season from December to April. It’s sunny, warm, and relatively dry then. You can also visit Cartagena during the rainy season (May to November), but expect heavy, usually short showers.
