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
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Cartagena was the first city in Colombia to declare independence from Spain, an event celebrated annually during the Fiestas de Independencia in November.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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121
Parks Hidden gem
El Manzanillo Park
El Manzanillo Park is a community-oriented recreational space located in the El Bosque neighborhood of Cartagena. The pa...
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122
Temples Hidden gem
Parroquia Santa Lucía El Carmelo
Parroquia Santa Lucía El Carmelo serves as a focal religious center for the residential community of Urbanización El Car...
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123
Parks Hidden gem
EL TORITO
El Torito is a local recreational park located in the rural village of Bayunca, situated in the northern district of Car...
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124
Parks Hidden gem
Jardines de Junio Park
Jardines de Junio Park is a neighborhood-level recreational space located in the Chapacua sector of Cartagena. The park...
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125
Parks Hidden gem
Parque Altos De San Isidro
Parque Altos De San Isidro is a neighborhood public space situated in the Los Manzanares sector of Cartagena. The park s...
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126
Parks Hidden gem
Parque
Parque Villas de Aranjuez is a neighborhood-level community park located in the outskirts of Cartagena, Colombia. It ser...
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127
Temples Hidden gem
Casa de Oración María de Nazaret. Renovación Carismática católica de Cartagena
Casa de Oración María de Nazaret serves as a dedicated hub for the Catholic Charismatic Renewal movement in Cartagena. T...
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128
Temples Hidden gem
Parroquia Santa Teresita del Niño Jesús - Alameda la Victoria
Parroquia Santa Teresita del Niño Jesús is a Catholic parish church located in the Alameda La Victoria neighborhood of C...
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129
Temples Hidden gem
Parroquia Cristo Sacerdote - Los Alpes
Parroquia Cristo Sacerdote is a Roman Catholic parish church located in the residential neighborhood of Los Alpes in Car...
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130
Parks Hidden gem
La Troncal Park
La Troncal Park is a neighborhood recreational space located in the Tacarena sector of Cartagena, Colombia. It serves pr...
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131
Temples Hidden gem
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Cartagena, located in the Los Alpes neighborhood, serves as a local m...
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132
Temples Hidden gem
Iglesia San Isidro Labrador
Iglesia San Isidro Labrador is a local parish church situated in the Bosquesito neighborhood of Cartagena, serving as a...
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133
Temples Hidden gem
Parroquia Nuestra Señora De Fatima - Villas de la Candelaria
Parroquia Nuestra Señora de Fátima is a central Catholic parish located within the residential community of Villas de la...
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134
Temples Hidden gem
Iglesia de Dios Ministerial de Jesucristo Internacional - IDMJI - CGMJI -- BOL- CARTAGENA CEBALLOS
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135
Parks Hidden gem
ASO MANGA Park
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136
Temples Hidden gem
International Bible Center
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137
Parks Hidden gem
Parque Santa lucia
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138
Parks Hidden gem
Virgencita Park
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139
Parks Hidden gem
el Esfuerzo Park
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140
Parks Hidden gem
Bohio Park
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141
Parks Hidden gem
PIE DE LA POPA Park
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142
Parks Hidden gem
Parque Virgen del Carmen
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143
Parks Hidden gem
Parque
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144
Temples Hidden gem
Centro Cristiano Internacional Villas del Sol
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145
Temples Hidden gem
Iglesia Misión Boston
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146
Museums Hidden gem
Fort of las Tenazas
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147
Parks Hidden gem
Cancha De San Francisco
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148
Parks Hidden gem
Ciudad De Bicentenario Park
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149
Temples Hidden gem
Parroquia Inmaculada Concepción - Las Palmeras
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150
Museums Hidden gem
Caribe Jewelry and Emerald Museum (Old City)
Around Cartagena, Colombia
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Cartagena, Colombia on the map
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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.
