Cartagena de Indias, the magical city, the jewel of the Caribbean. It is given many nicknames and any traveler going to Colombia wants to visit it.
While the old city center is undoubtedly a beautiful colonial quarter to explore, visitors may be a little disappointed during their stay in Cartagena.
Indeed, every day, tourists and street vendors invade the city center, the beaches are not pleasant and there is not much to do in the surroundings – except visit the Rosario Islands (which are also very busy).
That said, there are some nice things to do in the walled city. All you have to do is be smarter than ordinary tourists. This means not booking a day trip to Isla Baru or the Rosario Islands (stay overnight instead), go visiting the old center at 7 am and avoiding Cartagena during the high season (mid-December to mid-January) or a Colombian holiday.
After Cartagena, you can catch a boat to spend a few days on the San Bernardo Islands or experience wonderful beach life in Rincon del Mar. Another option is to take a door-to-door shuttle to Santa Marta.
Articles about Cartagena you must read before coming:
- Experiences you must try in Cartagena
- How to explore the Rosario islands
- How long should you stay in Cartagena
Would you like to use private transportation?
- Ask Colombian Buddy! Use our online form to contact them and get a 5% discount on all their trips.
Wanna fly over?
Getting to Cartagena?
From Santa Marta to Cartagena:
- Door to Door shuttle | Berlinastur & Marsol | 4 hours
- Bus from the main terminal | Expreso Brasilia & Copetran | 6 hours
- Read our post: How to get from Cartagena to Santa Marta.
- Or ask for private transportation
From Medellin to Cartagena:
- Bus at the North terminal. I recommend a night bus. Schedule – Double-check with the bus company. | Expreso Brasilia & Rapido Ochoa | 14 hours
- Flights from the main airport | Viva Air, Latam & Avianca | 1 hour | Book your flight
- Or ask for private transportation
From Bogota to Cartagena:
- Bus at the Salitre main terminal | Expreso Brasilia & Copetran | 23 hours
- Many flights | Viva Air, Latam & Avianca | 1h30 |Book your flight
From Cali to Cartagena:
- Only a few direct flights from the airport | Avianca & Latam | 1h30 |Book your flight
From Riohacha to Cartagena:
- Many direct buses from the main terminal | Unitransco, Copetran & Expreso Brasilia | 8 h |
- Or ask for private transportation
From Capurgana to Cartagena:
- Boat Capurgana – Necocli. Departure around 11 am. | 2 hours
- Van Necocli – Monteria | 3 hours
- Bus from the Monteria terminal – Cartagena | Unitransco & Expreso Brasilia | 6 hours
- Or ask for private transportation
From San Bernardo Islands to Cartagena:
- Boat from your hotel. Be ready at 11 am. Double-check the departure time here. | Tranqit Easy | 2-3 hours
From Rincon del Mar to Cartagena:
- Moto-taxi (or taxi) Rincon Del Mar – San Onofre | 30 min
- Bus from San Onofre – Cartagena | Caribe express (Expreso Brazilia) | 2h30
- Or ask for private transportation
From Isla Fuerte to Cartagena:
- Boat Isla Fuerte to Paso Nuevo | 20 min
- Taxi Paso Nuevo to Lorica | 45 min
- Van Lorica – Cartagena | Transportes Gonzales | 5 hours
From Neiva to Cartagena:
- Flights with 1 stopover | Avianca | 4-5 hours | Book your flight
From Pereira to Cartagena:
- 2 Direct flight per day from the Pereira airport| Viva Colombia | 1h30 | Book your flight
From San Gil to Cartagena:
- 2 nights buses from the San Gil terminal.
Schedule – Double check with the bus company. There is usually a change in Barranquilla. | Expreso Brasilia & Concorde | 16 hours - Or ask for private transportation
Where's the airport?
The airport is 20 min away from the old city center of Cartagena. Take a taxi Or ask for private transportation.
Location bus terminal?
The bus terminal is outside of Cartagena. The easiest way to reach it is to take a taxi. It takes 45 min.
Location tourist dock ?
The port is in front of the city’s wall, at a 10-min walk from Getsemani.
Table of Contents
Click on the orange links below ⬇️ and scroll down ⬇️ to read the chosen section.
- Stay in the old center?
- Stay in Getsemani?
- Stay in Manga?
- Stay on Isla Baru or Tierra Bomba?
- Stay on Isla Grande?
- Things to do?
- Our articles
- Bars & restaurants
- Nearby places?
- Map of Colombia
Where to stay in The Old City Center
The Old City Center is the loveliest - and most expensive - part of Cartagena. Large balconies made of wood and decorated with gorgeous flowers overlook the colorful streets. There are many little squares where you can sit down when the heat is too oppressive, although the best is to find one of the many secret courtyards inside the large colonial houses.
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Hostel - $$$
Republica
Famous 3-floor hostel with a swimming pool and a rooftop. Daily social events. Be ready to party.Get the best price -
Hostel - $$
Makako
The best economical option in the old town. Great atmosphere and social events. Backpacker style.Get the best price -
Boutique - $$
Casa Gloria
Small simple hotel with a pool and a terrace with jacuzzi. Very good value for money and helpful staff. Nice decoration.Get the best price -
Casa - $$
India Catalina
Excellent value for money, with a little swimming pool and welcoming staff. Perfect location.Get the best price -
Boutique - $$$
Las Carretas
A perfect little hotel with nice Spanish decoration.Good breakfast. Comfortable rooms. Terrace with pool.Get the best price -
Casa - $$$
Mantilla 3-37
Beautiful colonial house decorated with taste. There are only a handful of comfortable rooms. Lovely host.Get the best price -
Casa - $$$$
Gastelbondo
No kid. Perfect location in a quiet street. Lovely pool on the rooftop. Tasty breakfast and cozy rooms.Get the best price -
Boutique - $$$$
Santo Toribo
Luxury hotel for an affordable price. Well decorated. Perfect location. Rooftop and two little pools.Get the best price -
Luxury - $$$$
TownHouse
A luxury hotel for young travelers. Fantastic events on the rooftop, live music. Cool modern decoration.Get the best price -
Luxury - $$$$
San Agustin
Top-Notch luxury hotel. Excellent services. Gorgeous building with many relaxing areas. Fall in love.Get the best price -
Luxury - $$$$
Bastion
Spa & huge rooftop pool. Fantastic staff & breakfast. Perfect for an unforgettable stay.Get the best price
Where to stay in Getsemani
Getsemani is the new hype district. Streets are less busy during the day and street vendors are fewer. Alleys are colorful because of the many graffitis on the walls. Backpackers love Getsemani as the cost of living is a lot cheaper than in the walled city, and the nightlife funkier. 5-10 min walking distance from the old city center. Safe.
-
Hostel - $$
Life is Good
Social hostel with plenty of events. Comfortable rooms. Great staff who is always ready to help.Get the best price -
Hostel - $$
One day
An excellent choice for people who travel on a shoestring budget. Friendly atmosphere. Unpretentious rooms.Get the best price -
Hotel - $$
Posada La Fe
Excellent hotel located in a quiet street in Getsemani. Lovely staff. Comfortable and clean.Get the best price -
Hotel - $$$
Monaguillo
Great decoration for the rooms and comfy beds. Lovely rooftop. Perfect location. Only 7 rooms.Get the best price -
Hotel - $$$
Casa pizzaro
Excellent money for value. Swimming pool, and welcoming staff. Rooftop. Breakfast is delicious!Get the best price -
Boutique - $$$
Santa Isabel
Pleasant establishment with a terrace and a beautiful view of the city. Excellent breakfast. Very good customer service.Get the best price -
Luxury - $$$$
Capellan
A gorgeous building with larges rooms, well decorated. Top-notch services. Great rooftop.Get the best price -
Luxury - $$$$
Casa Lola
Fantastic hang out areas and well-decorated. A few meters from bars and restaurants.Get the best price
Where to stay in Manga
Manga is a good option for people who want to stay away from other travelers. The district is safe, with a mix of modern buildings and colonial houses. It's a residential area, so there are not many restaurants. However, Getsemani is just on the other side of the bridge, a short 10 min walk.
-
Hostel - $$
Peregrinos
Lovely colonial house, good value for money, with comfortable rooms. Quiet area, near Getsemani.Get the best price -
Hostel - $$$
Casa del Puerto
Funky & party hostel with a great central swimming pool. Apartments and private rooms. Affordable.Get the best price
Where to stay on Isla Baru & Isla Tierra Bomba
Isla Tierra Bomba is the closest island near Cartagena - 25 min boat ride. While it doesn't have crystal blue water and white sand beach, it is still a good option if you want to escape from the city for 1 day or 2. Isla Baru/Playa Blanca is the most famous island in the area. The place is overcrowded on the weekend, and most of the accommodations are basic but expensive, with electricity and water restrictions. However, we recommend you to spend the night there if you want to get a better chance to enjoy this well-known piece of paradise.
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Tierra Bomba
Blue Apple
Best luxury hotel on Tierra Bomba. Day club where people come to have fun. Quiet at night.Get the best price -
Isla Baru
Playa Manglares
Charming small hotel, perfectly located. Delicious cuisine and caring hosts. Perfectly situated!Get the best price -
Isla Baru
Las Islas
Luxury cabins, surrounded by crystal blue water. Far away from the tourists. Many activitiesGet the best price
Where to stay on Isla Grande
While we don't recommend you to book a 1-day tour to Rosario Islands (it's just a waste of time), some of the hotels there will blow your mind - and your wallet. Most parts of the island are private and owned by hotels. Pick your accommodation carefully as you won't find much public space to hang out.
-
Luxury
Carolina island
Secret little paradise. Fantastic tours, services, and food. You won't be able to leave. Area with a private beach.Get the best price -
Luxury
Isla del sol
Great private bungalows. You must share the fantastic facilities with daytrippers. Beautiful.Get the best price -
Luxury
Islabela
Peaceful and beautiful area with a private beach you have to share with daytrippers. Private bungalows.Get the best price
Things to do in Cartagena
The main activity in Cartagena is to stroll early in the morning among the colorful alleys of the Walled City and Getsemani. Then, pick a delicious restaurant with a lovely and flourish courtyard. Museums aren't a thing in Cartagena, and most of them are quite disappointing, with very little information (almost inexistent in English). However, there are some cultural tours which are worth it! Cartagena isn't famous for its beaches neither. Plan a multi-day trip to the Rosario islands if you look for white sand beaches and crystal blue water.
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4 hours | $$
Walking tour
2 independence dates, tens of colonial buildings, pirates. Learn about the history of Cartagena. Don't forget your hat.Get the best price -
2 hours | Free
Old City Center
Wake up early and stroll among the alleys of the old city center at 7h30 am. Fresh air and fewer people.Learn more -
3 - 4 hours | $$
Bazurto
Visit the biggest open market of Cartagena to get a clear insight into Colombia's culture. We loved it.Get the best price -
1 - 2 hours | $
San Felipe
A fortress built by the Spaniard to protect Cartagena from pirates. Learn about its secrets.Learn more -
5 hours | $$$$
Cooking class
Caribbean meals are flavorful, cooked with fresh ingredients and love. Bring back this at home!Get the best price -
2 hours | $$
Sunset
Enjoy a great Cartagena sunset from the walled city at Cafe del Mar or from a sailboat.Get the best price -
All day long
Bars & restaurants
Find all the best bars and restaurants on our map "Colombia Insider" on Mapstr.Download -
15 min | Free
Centenario
Located in front of the Torre del Reloj. Try to spot the few monkeys and sloths. Good luckGoogle Map -
2 hours | $$$$
Become a Star
There are many Instagrammable shoots in Cartagena. Hang out with your personal photographerGet the best price -
30 min | Free
Street dance
Head to Plaza Bolivar at 6 pm to watch a street show with traditional Colombian dancers from the coast.Google Map -
3 hours | $
Getsemani
The city paid many artists to redecorate the streets of Getsemani. Many fantastic graffitis.Learn more -
Evening | Free
Street dance
Every night, street performers go to Plaza Trinidad in Getsemani. Cheap beers and a great atmosphere.Google Map -
4 hours | $$
Learn Salsa
Champeta is the favorite dance on the Caribbean Coast. But it's not a reason to stop dancing salsa.Get the best price -
1 - 2 hours | $$
Coffee tour
Colombian coffee is one of the best you can drink on the planet. Learn how to prepare and enjoy it.We recommend -
2 hours | $
Biking tour
Grab a yellow bike and follow your local guide in the old city center & Getsemani. Quick, fun & safe.Get the best prices -
2 hours | $
La Popa
La Popa is the highest point in Cartagena. Book a taxi for 50 000 COP (round trip) and enjoy the view.Learn more -
1 hour | Free
Rafael Nuñez
Visit this gorgeous Colonial building, home of Rafael Nuñez, an important man in Cartagena. It's free.Learn more -
3 hours | $$$
Gabriel Marquez
Gabriel Marquez got a Literature Nobel Prize and was in love with Cartagena. Learn about his life. Read his books!Get the best price -
4 hours | $$
Food tour
Join a bike tour to taste a maximum of street food in the alleys of Getsemani and the Old City CenterGet the best price -
1 - 2 hours | $$
Chocolate making
Learn about the Colombian cacao and make your own chocolate. Perfect for having a fun family moment.Get the best price -
6 hours | $$$$
Horse riding
Plan an exciting gallop on the beach of Manzanillo with a well-trained and obedient horse. Romantic experience.Get the best price -
6 hours | $$$
Palenque
Basilio de Palenque is the first free slave town in South America. Learn about its history & culture. 1 h away from Cartagena.Get the best price -
4 - 5 hours | $$
La Boquilla
La Boquilla is a small fishing village. Fish with locals in the mangroves and cook what you've got.We recommend -
Full day | $$$
Los Colorados
Wildlife sanctuary, located 2 hours away from Cartagena. Perfect for escaping the city and the noise.Learn more -
6 hours | $$$$
Birding
There is an aviary in Isla Baru. Thousands of birds easy to spot. Enjoy a colorful experience. Bring your binoculars.Get the best prices -
8 hours | $$$
Rosario Islands
Pack a small bag and visit the islands on a catamaran. White sand beaches and crystal blue water.Learn more -
Afternoon
Isla Cholon
Rent a boat with friends and party on Isla Cholon with all the other boats. Only on Saturday and Sunday.Learn more -
Full day | $$$$
Boat
Rent a private boat with some friends and ask the captain to show you secluded beaches and party on Isla Cholon.Get the best price -
5 - 6 hours | $$$
Scuba diving
Grab your fins and your tank and go exploring the Submarine world. Shipbreakers, fishes, and reefs.Get the best price
Our articles about Cartagena
We spent almost 3 weeks in Cartagena and wrote about our travel experiences
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