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Colombia Cartagena travel guide
9 things to do in Cartagena, where to stay, airport transfers. Pick places on the map and get a day-by-day walking route from your hotel with steps, kilometres and minutes.
Top things to do in Cartagena
- Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas — castle in Colombia (visit ≈ 75 min)
- Cartagena Cathedral, Colombia — national monument of Colombia (visit ≈ 35 min)
- Iglesia de San Pedro Claver, Cartagena — national monument of Colombia (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Puerta del Reloj — city gate in Cartagena, Colombia (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Teatro Heredia — theatre in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia (visit ≈ 20 min)
- Zenú Gold Museum — pre-Columbian archaeology museum about the Zenú culture in Cartagena, Colombia (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Church of la Trinidad — church in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia (visit ≈ 30 min)
- arènes de Carthagène des Indes (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Parque Centenario — park in Colombia (visit ≈ 45 min)
1-day Cartagena walking itinerary
Starting point: Walled City. The top 8 places at a normal pace (up to ~10 km of walking a day), in this order. Change places or your hotel on the map and the route is recalculated; distances are estimates with a street allowance.
- Day 1 (≈ 4.9 km · 6,620 steps · 1 h 5 min on the way): Cartagena Cathedral, Colombia → Zenú Gold Museum → Iglesia de San Pedro Claver, Cartagena → Puerta del Reloj → Parque Centenario → Church of la Trinidad → Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas → Teatro Heredia
Where to stay in Cartagena
- Walled City: Colourful colonial houses, plazas and boutique hotels.
- Getsemaní: Street art, hostels and lively evening squares.
- San Diego: A quieter corner within the walls; elegant hotels.
- Bocagrande: High-rise beach hotels in a more modern area.
Getting from the airport to Cartagena
- Rafael Núñez (CTG): The airport is very close; taxi ≈ 15 min.
Getting around
The Walled City and Getsemaní are best on foot; stay in the shade at midday. Use taxis for longer trips and agree the fare first.
Classic places to eat
- La Cevichería: Small and popular, with Caribbean-style ceviche.
- La Vitrola: A classic restaurant with live Cuban music.
- Celele: Modern cooking that explores Caribbean coast produce.
- Carmen: A creative tasting menu of local produce.
- Alquímico: A three-storey cocktail bar with a rooftop.
Romantic views
- Baluarte de Santo Domingo (Sunset): Sunset over the sea from the city walls.
- Castillo San Felipe de Barajas (Afternoon): Old-town views from a vast Spanish fortress.
- Plaza de la Trinidad (Evening): Street music and crowds in Getsemaní at night.
Good to know before visiting Cartagena
- Fine: Drug offences carry severe penalties.
- Warning: Drink spiking (scopolamine) and dating-app robberies happen; keep your drink in sight.
- Warning: Agree prices upfront with beach vendors.
- Bogotá sits at about 2,640 m; take it easy at first.
- Use apps instead of hailing taxis on the street.
- Restaurant bills include a suggested service charge, which is optional.
- Emergency: 123
- Plugs: A/B, 110V
- Tap water: Tap water is generally fine in Bogotá and Medellín; elsewhere prefer bottled.
- Tipping: About 10% is customary.
Sources: UK FCDO — Foreign travel advice: Colombia, Wikivoyage — Colombia, T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı — Türk vatandaşlarının tabi olduğu vize uygulamaları · For information only; rules change, check official sources before you go. Last checked: 2026-10
Cartagena travel FAQ
- How many days do you need in Cartagena?
- The top 8 places in the centre take about 1 day at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel.
- What are the top things to do in Cartagena?
- Highlights: Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, Cartagena Cathedral, Colombia, Iglesia de San Pedro Claver, Cartagena, Puerta del Reloj and Teatro Heredia. The map has 9 things to do in total.
- Where to stay in Cartagena?
- Walled City: Colourful colonial houses, plazas and boutique hotels. Other options: Getsemaní, San Diego and Bocagrande.
- How do you get from the airport to Cartagena city centre?
- Rafael Núñez (CTG): The airport is very close; taxi ≈ 15 min.
- How do you get around Cartagena?
- The Walled City and Getsemaní are best on foot; stay in the shade at midday. Use taxis for longer trips and agree the fare first.
- What is the emergency number in Cartagena?
- Emergency: 123.
- Do you tip in Cartagena?
- About 10% is customary.
Nearby cities
Medellín · Panama City · Bogotá · Kingston · San José · Caracas · Port-au-Prince · Santo Domingo
Colombia travel guide: all cities · All cities