Stepping into Cartagena, Colombia, feels like stepping into a vivid dream where every corner pulses with color, music, and stories. This Caribbean gem, with its flower-draped balconies, centuries-old fortresses, and salsa-infused nights, seduces travelers with a perfect mix of history, heat, and heart.
Whether you’re strolling the cobbled streets of the Old City, sipping cocktails by the sea, or island-hopping to turquoise waters, Cartagena isn’t just a place to visit—it’s a place to feel. Here’s how to soak up its magic in three unforgettable days.
Day 1: The Walled City – History and Heartbeat
Morning: Exploring the Old Town
Begin your adventure in La Ciudad Amurallada—Cartagena’s walled Old Town. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and easily one of the most photogenic cities in Latin America. Start early, before the heat and crowds, and get lost among:
- Plaza Santo Domingo, where Botero’s reclining bronze goddess rests beneath open-air cafés.
- Plaza de los Coches, lined with candy vendors selling cocadas and arequipe-filled treats.
- Colorful streets like Calle de los Suspiros and Calle de la Sierpe, with their painted facades and bougainvillea blooms.
Book a walking tour (or just follow your curiosity) and let the stories of pirates, poets, and revolutionaries unfold with each step.
Lunch: Caribbean Cuisine at La Cevichería
Made famous by Anthony Bourdain, La Cevichería offers fresh, zingy seafood in a breezy setting. Try the Caribbean-style octopus ceviche, or go big with paella de mariscos.
Pro tip: Get there early or prepare to wait—it’s worth it.
Afternoon: San Felipe Castle
Take a short taxi ride to Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, the largest colonial fortress in South America. Built by the Spanish to fend off pirates and invaders, its maze of tunnels and views of the city skyline are worth the climb.
Don’t miss the chance to walk the ramparts and imagine what life here was like centuries ago.
Evening: Sunset on the Wall
As golden hour approaches, head to Café del Mar, perched atop the city walls. Sip a mojito or cold Aguila beer as the sun sinks into the Caribbean Sea. Street performers, live music, and sea breezes create a mood you’ll never forget.
End the night with a stroll along the illuminated streets or hop into a chiva party bus for a night of salsa and celebration.
Day 2: Bocagrande to Getsemaní – Contrasts and Culture
Morning: Modern Escape in Bocagrande
Start your day with a beachfront walk in Bocagrande, Cartagena’s modern district filled with high-rises and luxury hotels. It’s a stark contrast to the Old Town, but offers a glimpse into the city’s evolving identity.
Grab a tropical breakfast of arepas de huevo and jugos naturales (fresh fruit juice) at Kiosko El Bony, a popular local spot by the beach.
Late Morning: Bazurto Market Adventure
If you’re adventurous, take a guided tour to Bazurto Market, a gritty, chaotic, but deeply authentic local market. Here, you’ll see Cartagena’s raw culinary soul—live fish, exotic fruits, sizzling street food, and shouting vendors.
It’s loud, messy, and not for the faint of heart, but it’s an experience that pulls back the curtain on local life.
Lunch: Getsemaní’s Street Food and Art
Head back toward the center and explore Getsemaní, once a working-class neighborhood now transformed into Cartagena’s creative hub. It’s still real, still local, and buzzing with murals, music, and energy.
Grab lunch at Demente, a tapas-style eatery inside a colonial shell, or sample street eats like empanadas, patacones, and mango biche from vendors in Plaza de la Trinidad.
Afternoon: Murals and Music
Wander the streets of Getsemaní, especially Calle de la Sierpe and Calle San Juan, where street art tells tales of resistance, Afro-Colombian identity, and neighborhood pride. Watch or join impromptu dance circles, drumming sessions, or art workshops.
Evening: Salsa and Soul
At night, Getsemaní pulses with life. Dance the night away at Café Havana, a legendary salsa bar where live bands and vintage decor channel old-school Havana vibes. Even if you can’t dance, the energy is contagious.
Day 3: Islands and Indigo Waters
Morning: Rosario Islands Day Trip
Escape the heat and hustle with a boat trip to the Islas del Rosario, an archipelago just 45 minutes away. You can book a tour that stops at a few islands or head straight to one of the best:
- Playa Blanca (Barú Island): Though busy, it has sugar-white sand and turquoise water.
- Isla Grande: Quieter, with crystal-clear snorkeling, mangroves, and eco-lodges.
- Isla del Encanto or Gente de Mar: Resort-style day passes with meals, lounges, and beach time.
Snorkel through coral reefs, paddle through mangroves, or simply lie under a palm tree with a coco loco in hand.
Lunch: Beachside Feast
Most island day tours include a typical costeño lunch: fried fish, coconut rice, plantains, and salad. Don’t forget a splash of local hot sauce!
Afternoon: Return and Relax
After the boat ride back, rest up or book a massage at one of Cartagena’s boutique spas like Aurum Spa or Spa Estética Bocagrande. Cool down with a gelato from Crepes & Waffles or fresh coconut water from a street cart.
Tips for Cartagena Travelers
- Hydrate: Cartagena is hot and humid—always carry water.
- Sun protection: Bring a hat, sunglasses, and strong sunscreen.
- Respect the locals: Especially in markets or when taking photos.
- Dress smart: Lightweight, breathable clothes and comfy sandals.
- Currency: Colombian pesos are used; credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas, but keep small bills for tips and markets.
Final Thoughts: Cartagena Captures You
Cartagena doesn’t just impress you—it embraces you. It’s in the warmth of the people, the rhythm of the streets, the splash of colors around every bend. It’s a place where history breathes and joy is never far away.
You’ll remember the sound of horses on cobblestones, the taste of mango with lime and salt, and the way the sun turns every building into a painting. Most of all, you’ll remember how Cartagena made you feel—alive, welcome, and completely captivated.
So go ahead—fall for Cartagena. It’s impossible not to.
