THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Cartagena
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Things to Do in Cartagena
Explore the best-preserved old colonial city in Latin America from the comfort of a party bus, or while on a walking tour. Prefer beaches instead? The Rosario Islands await. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Book these experiences for a close-up look at Cartagena.
- fromper adultAU$117
Street Food Toursfromper adultAU$71- fromper adultAU$154
Day Tripsfromper adult (price varies by group size)AU$162
Private and Luxuryfromper adultAU$47- fromper adultAU$175
Rentalsfromper group (up to 10)AU$1,048
Half-day Toursfromper adultAU$77
4WD Toursfromper adultAU$218
Car ToursfromAU$218per adult (price varies by group size)AU$196
Historic Sites
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Historic 1600s fortress with panoramic city views, boasting well-preserved walls and cannons. Explore tunnels, ramparts, and learn about its cultural significance through guided tours.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Speciality Museums
Relaxed shopping environment in Centro with a diverse array of jewellery. Includes an educational museum section on emerald history and craftsmanship.
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Neighbourhoods
Vibrant neighborhood adorned with street art and colourful murals, home to trendy bars and eateries amidst historic architecture and lively street entertainment.
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Historic Sites
Shopping Malls
Historical mall integrates with the old city's architecture, featuring a variety of shops, a sophisticated food court, and the unique use of a former bullfighting ring for entertainment.
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Religious Sites
Tranquil convent with panoramic city views, rich in history from the 1600s. Features guided tours explaining its unique past and a small shop with local goods.
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Volcanoes
Unique mud bath experience with a floating sensation and photo service, complete with local guides and warm, odorless mud. Early arrival recommended.
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Historic Sites
Points of Interest & Landmarks
History Museums
Museum with bilingual exhibits on pre-Columbian culture, showcasing Zenu artifacts and video displays. Highlights ancient artistry and technical prowess within a concise visit.
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Points of Interest & Landmarks
Historic neighborhood with a blend of stunning architecture and cultural landmarks, including cathedrals and a gold museum. Enjoy scenic boat trips to nearby coral reefs.
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Other Top Attractions around Cartagena
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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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What travellers are saying
- Tim ETours, France13 contributionsGreat place to visit, stayed downtown visited chocolate museum , went out to yhe islands slso stsyed in one of the skyscrapers at the seaside which moved in th e wind ..Written 6 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- LAFAMILLEG11231Brooklyn, NY1,530 contributionsGreat place to visit to kill an hour before flight. Lines go fast, inexpensive. Easy to do with a group. Can find small souvenirs along the way and they do have a shop at the top.Written 1 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- NilesNew York City, NY4 contributionsJhon was our tour guide and he was the best! Gracias! Highly recommend. He was so knowledgeable, and he was kind - helping us learn a lot!Written 24 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Donna PPhoenix, AZ230 contributionsWhat a great neighborhood to spend some time wandering and exploring. There are lots of great restaurants! You could spend several hours here. Several vendors sell street food and artwork. If you get hot, stop at Belcanto restaurant for some affogato, beer and/or empanadas. It's a tiny space, but it's a nice stop for a bite and some jazz music. We visited Getsemani several times while in Cartagena.Written 12 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- VillagerRickThe Villages, FL1,089 contributionsWe visited this church as part of a cruise excursion - it was included as part of a motor coach city tour. If you like historical churches, this place is worth a visit. We had limited time, but found our time there informative and interesting.Written 13 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- choctruffle89Accra18 contributionsHidden gem! A high end shopping mall built from a Bulk fighting ring. Came to see the converted mall and just cool off. We were delighted at 6pm, for 7 minutes, with a beautiful and colorful water fountain display in time to music for free at the center of the “bull ring” or plaza de los toreos”! About a 17 minute walk from our Airbnb in Gethsemane.Written 19 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Allen BMuskegon, MI1,291 contributionsThis is a must do while in Cartagena. Columbia, if not for the amazing history and artifacts, then for the breath taking view over the city.Written 10 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- elizabeth M51 contributionsThis was fun but a bit dirty alot of bugs in the mud. The staff was funny and friendly it's a unique experience. Be ready to tip for everything shower, massage, bathing etc.Written 7 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Aprylgem5Norfolk, VA507 contributionsThis was definitely the hub of the city. There was always something going on and so much to see. Vendors, locals, restaurants, shops etc.Written 2 June 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- RschagrinDelray Beach, FL15,680 contributionsVery nice plaza in the middle of the walled city. Surrounded by tons of stores and restaurants. There are tables in the middle of the plaza so you sit and eat and at night, enjoy the music.Written 1 January 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ksufan88Wichita, KS7,012 contributionsWe had hoped to visit this free (air-conditioned) museum on a Monday, but that is the day that they are closed so we rearranged our schedule to visit instead on Tuesday. Immediately after we entered, an employee encouraged us to enter a small room on the ground floor where a video was being shown about the musical instruments of the indigenous people that we would later see displayed in the museum. This movie was not all that interesting but it did help us better understand what we later saw. The upper floor has lots of gold exhibits but also many artifacts that the native people used. The final room on this floor had another video being shown about how the locals weave hats and make filigree jewelry. This video was very interesting, and I would recommend visitors take the time to watch it entirely.Written 25 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- RschagrinDelray Beach, FL15,680 contributionsOne of the 100's of Plaza de Bolívar throughout South America. Naturally there is a statue of Simon Bolivar in the middle. The plaza is surrounded by a Cathedral, the Palace of the Inquisition and a gold museum.Written 1 January 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
When to Visit
- January27 ºCColdest month1 day of rainVery busy
- February27 ºC1 day of rainModerately busy
- March27 ºC1 day of rainVery busy
- April28 ºC4 days of rainModerately busy
- May28 ºCHottest month10 days of rainModerately busy
- June28 ºC11 days of rainLess busy
- July28 ºC11 days of rainVery busyBusiest month
- August28 ºC12 days of rainVery busy
- September28 ºC14 days of rainLess busyLeast busy month
- October28 ºC16 days of rainWettest monthLess busy
- November28 ºC11 days of rainLess busy
- December27 ºC4 days of rainModerately busy
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information.
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