aventuro
Colombia
Things to do in Cartagena, Colombia
412 attractions · Colombia
Photo: Martin St-Amant (S23678), CC BY-SA 3.0
Bolívar Department, Colombia · 10.442, -75.513
About Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena is a Caribbean port city defined by its massive stone fortifications and colonial architecture, which are protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city serves as a living museum of Spanish military engineering, anchored by the imposing San Felipe de Barajas Fort and the extensive Walls of Cartagena. Travelers can explore historical commerce hubs like Plaza de la Aduana or unwind at local spots like Playa Castillo Grande. The district of Getsemaní offers a more bohemian atmosphere, centered around the social heart of Plaza de la Trinidad.
Good to know
- 1
Cartagena was the first city in Colombia to declare independence from Spain, an event celebrated annually during the Fiestas de Independencia in November.
- 2
The city's nickname, 'The Heroic City,' was earned for its resistance against repeated sieges by British and French forces between the 16th and 18th centuries.
- 3
Cartagena holds the record for the most significant historical port in the Spanish Empire, serving as the primary gateway for gold and silver extracted from South America.
- 4
The local 'Palenqueras'—women dressed in colorful traditional garments—are descendants of San Basilio de Palenque, the first free town of formerly enslaved people in the Americas.
- 5
Cartagena's climate is tropical and humid, staying consistently warm year-round due to its proximity to the equator.
Plan your visit to Cartagena, Colombia
Best time to visit
December to April, when the weather is driest and the 'Alisios' trade winds provide a cooling breeze.
How many days
3-4 days to explore the historic Walled City, the fortresses, and a day trip to the nearby islands.
Getting around
The Walled City is best explored on foot, while taxis and ride-sharing apps are standard for reaching sites like Playa Castillo Grande.
Where to stay
Stay within the Walled City for heritage colonial charm, or in Getsemaní for a more authentic, artistic, and nightlife-oriented experience.
Budget
Mid-range; while luxury boutique hotels are plentiful, local eateries and public spaces offer affordable options for diverse budgets.
Highlights of Cartagena, Colombia
The places our editors single out - and why they're worth your time.
San Felipe de Barajas Fort
This fortress is the most formidable military structure built by the Spanish in the Americas.
Walls of Cartagena
The stone ramparts encompass the old city and offer panoramic sunset views over the Caribbean.
Plaza de la Trinidad
This square serves as the social hub of Getsemaní, frequented by locals and street performers at night.
Las Bóvedas
Originally a dungeon, these arches now house rows of local artisan shops and galleries.
Museo Del Chocolate Colombia - Cartagena
Visitors can sample locally sourced cacao and participate in demonstrations focused on Colombian chocolate heritage.
Playa Castillo Grande
This stretch of coastline offers a calmer, residential beach experience compared to the central tourist zones.
Museo Naval del Caribe
Housed in a former colonial building, this museum details the complex maritime and naval history of the region.
Plaza de la Aduana
This is the oldest square in the city, surrounded by prominent colonial buildings like the Customs House.
Top things to do in Cartagena, Colombia
The 412 most popular places in Cartagena, Colombia.
-
61
Temples Known locally
Church Santa Cruz de Manga
Church Santa Cruz de Manga is a prominent Roman Catholic parish situated in the residential and historic neighborhood of...
-
62
Parks Known locally
Alcatraces Monument
The Alcatraces Monument in Cartagena, Colombia, honors the brown pelicans—known locally as alcatraces—that inhabit the c...
-
63
Parks Known locally
Parque Cangrejo Azul
Parque Cangrejo Azul is a local neighborhood park located in the historic coastal city of Cartagena, Colombia. Situated...
-
64
Parks Known locally
crespo Park
Parque de Crespo is a neighborhood green space located in the residential and coastal area of Crespo in Cartagena, Colom...
-
65
Temples Known locally
Iglesia Cristo Rey
Iglesia Cristo Rey is a prominent Roman Catholic parish church located in the Manga district of Cartagena, Colombia. The...
-
66
Parks Known locally
Parque La Ermita
Parque La Ermita is a neighborhood park located in the Pie de la Popa district of Cartagena. It functions as a local rec...
-
67
Temples Known locally
Ermita Del Cabrero - Iglesia Nuestra Señora De Las Mercedes
Ermita del Cabrero is a small, nineteenth-century religious structure located in the El Cabrero neighborhood of Cartagen...
-
68
Temples Known locally
Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de la Consolata - Blas de Lezo
Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de la Consolata is a community-focused Catholic parish located in the Blas de Lezo residenti...
-
69
Temples Known locally
Parroquia San Nicolás de la Roca - El Socorro
Parroquia San Nicolás de la Roca is a Roman Catholic parish church located in the El Socorro neighborhood of Cartagena,...
-
70
Parks Known locally
Apolo Park
Apolo Park is a modest green space located in the historic San Diego neighborhood of Cartagena, Colombia. Centered aroun...
-
71
Museums Known locally
NH Galería
NH Galería is a specialized contemporary art space located in the historic center of Cartagena, Colombia. The gallery fo...
-
72
Historical places Known locally
Baluarte de San Ignacio
Baluarte de San Ignacio is a defensive colonial bastion integrated into the historical defensive wall system of Cartagen...
-
73
Parks Known locally
Student Plaza
Student Plaza, known locally as Plaza de los Estudiantes, serves as a significant urban gathering point within the histo...
-
74
Parks Known locally
Navas Park
Navas Park is a neighborhood-focused green space located on the peninsula of Castillogrande in Cartagena, Colombia. The...
-
75
Museums Known locally
Plazuela del Pozo
Plazuela del Pozo is a historic small square located in the Getsemaní neighborhood of Cartagena, serving as a significan...
-
76
Parks Known locally
Simon Bolivar Park
Simon Bolivar Park in Cartagena is a small, central urban green space located in the historic heart of the walled city....
-
77
Parks Known locally
Parque El Nazareno I
Parque El Nazareno I is a neighborhood community park located in the El Educador sector of Cartagena, Colombia. It funct...
-
78
Parks Known locally
Virgencita de zaragocilla Park
Virgencita de Zaragocilla Park serves as a neighborhood focal point within the Zaragocilla district of Cartagena. The pa...
-
79
Temples Known locally
Parroquia San Juan Bosco
Parroquia San Juan Bosco is a Catholic neighborhood church located in the San Fernando district of Cartagena de Indias,...
-
80
Museums Known locally
Choco Museo
Choco Museo in Cartagena is an interactive museum and workshop space dedicated to the history and production of Colombia...
-
81
Parks Known locally
CHILE Park
Parque Chile is a neighborhood-focused green space located in the Bosquesito sector of Cartagena, Colombia. It functions...
-
82
Museums Known locally
Casa de la Moneda
-
83
Parks Known locally
Plaza Playa Castillo Grande
Plaza Playa Castillo Grande is a coastal public square and park located at the corner of Carrera 9 and Calle 5 in the up...
-
84
Temples Known locally
Iglesia de Dios Ministerial de Jesucristo Internacional
The Iglesia de Dios Ministerial de Jesucristo Internacional in Cartagena is a prominent place of worship for the non-den...
-
85
Parks Known locally
Rafael Domínguez Park
Rafael Domínguez Park is a neighborhood green space located in the Cartagena de Indias department of Bolívar, Colombia....
-
86
Parks Known locally
Árbol De Caucho de El Campestre
Árbol De Caucho de El Campestre is a prominent urban park and landmark in Cartagena, Colombia, centered around a massive...
-
87
Parks Known locally
Plazoleta Benkos Bioho
Plazoleta Benkos Bioho serves as a prominent urban landmark honoring Benkos Bioho, the 17th-century leader who escaped s...
-
88
Temples Known locally
Parroquia Santa Maria del Mar - El Laguito
Parroquia Santa Maria del Mar is a modern Catholic church serving the El Laguito peninsula in Cartagena. It functions as...
-
89
Parks Known locally
Plaza de Banderas Jaime Morón Stadium
Plaza de Banderas Jaime Morón Stadium is an open public square and gathering space situated outside the main sports venu...
-
90
Natural attractions Hidden gem
PASEO PEATONAL BAHIA
Paseo Peatonal Bahía is a scenic waterfront boardwalk located in the upscale Castillogrande neighborhood of Cartagena, C...
Around Cartagena, Colombia
Worth the short trip out of the city.
Explore by category
Jump straight to what you're into.
Cartagena, Colombia on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Frequently asked
How many attractions are there in Cartagena, Colombia?
Aventuro lists 412 curated attractions in and around Cartagena, Colombia, sorted by popularity.
What's the top attraction in Cartagena, Colombia?
San Felipe de Barajas Fort is the most popular place to visit in Cartagena, Colombia right now.
What kind of attractions does Cartagena, Colombia have?
The largest category is temples, with 205 places to explore.
Which other cities are worth visiting nearby?
Travellers also explore Bogotá, Medellín, Cali.
Explore more of Colombia
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
