Cartagena dazzles with its colorful colonial architecture, vibrant street life, and Caribbean sea breezes; it’s famed for the historic walled city, lively plazas, and fresh seafood. The best time to visit is the dry season from December to April when sunshine highlights the pastel facades and beachside charm.
Top Things to Do in Cartagena
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Getting Around Cartagena
From the Airport
Taxi. Official airport taxis are metered, cost about 20,000‑30,000 COP to the walled city, and take roughly 20‑30 minutes. Rideshare. Uber, Beat, and DiDi operate from the airport; a ride to downtown usually costs 15,000‑20,000 COP and takes 20 minutes. Airport Shuttle. The Cartagena Airport Shuttle service runs every 30 minutes to major hotels in Bocagrande and the Walled City for around 12,000 COP.
Once You're There
Walking. The historic center and Getsemaní are pedestrian‑friendly, with cobblestone streets best explored on foot. Rideshare. Uber, Beat, and DiDi are widely used for quick trips to Bocagrande, Castilllo, or the beaches. Bike Rental. City bikes can be rented from stations near Plaza de la Aduana and along the waterfront for short rides. Taxi. Taxis are plentiful and can be hailed on the street or booked via local apps like EasyTaxi for short hops.
Where to Stay in Cartagena
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Where to Eat in Cartagena
Di Silvio Trattoria★ 4.6 (10,232)Authentic Italian pizza baked in a wood‑fired oven, celebrated for its burrata‑topped Margherita.
La Mulata★ 4.6 (6,892)Casual eatery serving the “Posta Negra Cartagenera” – slow‑cooked beef in a sweet‑spicy sauce.
Carmen Cartagena★ 4.6 (1,946)Chef Roberto Santamaría’s fine‑dining spot known for the octopus a la plancha with choco‑coconut sauce.
Marea by Rausch★ 4.6 (1,759)Upscale seafood venue praised for the grilled grouper with coconut‑lime beurre blanc.
Restaurante 1621★ 4.6 (582)Located in the Sofitel, it offers a tasting menu highlighting Caribbean ingredients like red snapper in a guava glaze.
Café San Alberto★ 4.5 (2,126)Specialty coffee shop celebrated for its single‑origin Colombian brews and chocolate croissant.
Demente★ 4.5 (964)Hip bar on Plaza de la Trinidad famed for its mango‑marinated pork ribs.
Café del Mar★ 4.4 (21,017)Rooftop bar with panoramic sunset views over the sea and a signature ceviche cocktail.
La Cevichería★ 4.4 (3,844)Famous for its tropical fruit‑infused ceviche, especially the lobster version.
El Boliche Cebichería★ 4.3 (234)Cozy spot renowned for the tuna tartare with avocado and citrus foam.
Tours & Activities
Bookable through Viator.
3 Days in Cartagena
Historic Walled City & Sunset
Morning. Explore Castillo San Felipe de Barajas and walk the ramparts for sweeping city views.
Afternoon. Stroll through Plaza Santo Domingo, visit the Museo de la Inquisición, and sip coffee at Café San Alberto.
Evening. Enjoy cocktails at Café del Mar while watching the sun dip behind the sea.
Getsemaní Vibes & Bocagrande Beach
Morning. Wander the colorful street art of Getsemaní, stopping at Plaza de la Trinidad for a fresh juice.
Afternoon. Relax on Bocagrande Beach, then browse the nearby Mall Plaza Bocagrande for souvenirs.
Evening. Dine on wood‑fired pizza at Di Silvio Trattoria and soak up the lively nightlife.
Convento de la Popa & Rosario Islands Escape
Morning. Climb to Convento de la Popa for panoramic city and sea vistas, then visit the adjacent museum.
Afternoon. Take a speedboat tour to the Rosario Islands, snorkel among coral reefs, and lunch on fresh fish at a beachside shack.
Evening. Savor a refined seafood tasting menu at Marea by Rausch back in Cartagena.