A complete, honest guide to Cartagena, Colombia — where to go, what to eat, how to get around and the day trips worth your time. Caribbean coast, walled city & Colombia's most colourful streets..
Cartagena is a highlight of South America, and Cartagena is the Caribbean jewel of Colombia — a walled colonial old town of bougainvillea-draped balconies and warm nights. Whether you have a long weekend or a full week, this guide helps you plan a trip that balances the must-sees with the moments that make a place stick.
Top things to do in Cartagena
These are the sights most first-time visitors build their trip around. Tap each one to add it to your shortlist — it saves as you browse.
Perfect 2–3 days in Cartagena
A simple, unhurried plan you can shape around your own pace.
The essentials
Hit the headline sights first — Walled City (Ciudad Amurallada) and Castillo San Felipe. Break for lunch and try ceviche, then spend the evening soaking up the atmosphere of Centro Histórico.
Go deeper
Go beyond the highlights: see Getsemaní and Rosario Islands, then explore Getsemaní at a slower pace. Leave time to sit in a café, browse a market and eat where the locals do.
Beyond the city
With a third day, head out of town — Rosario Islands (snorkelling and beaches) is the easy favourite, or swap in Playa Blanca (white sand on Barú).
Ready to book? Turn your Cartagena shortlist into reality
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Book Cartagena experiences →Cartagena on a budget — costs & money tips
Cartagena is budget-friendly by global standards. Here’s roughly what to budget, per person per day, by travel style — these are indicative estimates to plan around, not fixed prices, and they exclude international flights. Use the currency selector near the top of the page to convert.
dorms/hostels, street food, public transport, mostly free sights
private room or 3★ hotel, a mix of cafes and restaurants, a few paid attractions
4★ hotel, restaurants, taxis when handy, tours and tickets
What things cost in Cartagena
- Accommodation£14–£60 / night
- Food£9–£28 / day
- Local transport£3–£10 / day
- Typical attraction£5–£18 / entry
See how Cartagena compares with 126 other cities →
Saving money in Cartagena
- Eat the daily set lunch (“menu del día” / set menu) — the same kitchens charge far more in the evening.
- Use buses and metros over taxis; multi-day transit passes usually pay off by day two.
- Book intercity travel a week or two ahead for the lowest fares.
Estimates assume mid-2020s prices and a typical exchange rate; high season, festivals and last-minute booking push costs toward the upper end.
Local intelligence — Cartagena at a glance
A quick orientation for Cartagena. Sunrise and sunset are live for today; connectivity and nomad-friendliness are Wander360 estimates to set expectations, not precise scores.
Staying safe in Cartagena
Most visits are trouble-free. Use the same street sense you would in any busy city: keep an eye on belongings in crowds and on transport, use licensed taxis or a rideshare app, agree fares in advance where meters aren’t used, and be wary of unsolicited “help” at ATMs or stations. For up-to-date, authoritative guidance always check your own government’s travel advisory (UK FCDO · US State Dept) before you travel.
For getting around Cartagena specifically, see the Getting around section on this page.
Where to stay & neighbourhoods in Cartagena
Cartagena is really a collection of distinct districts, and where you base yourself shapes the whole trip. Here’s each main neighbourhood — what it’s like and who it suits:
Centro Histórico
The walled colonial heart.
Getsemaní
Bohemian and lively.
Bocagrande
High-rise beachfront.
Once you’ve picked an area, you can book tours & tickets in Cartagena further down the page.
Food & drink in Cartagena
Caribbean-Colombian flavours — fresh ceviche, coconut rice and arepas de huevo from street carts.
Build your Cartagena food list — tap the dishes you want to try:
Getting around Cartagena
The walled city is walkable; taxis and ride-hailing cover longer trips.
🚇 Public transport
Usually the fastest and cheapest way around Cartagena. Grab a rechargeable travel card or use contactless where supported, and download the local transit app for live times.
🚶 On foot
The centre of Cartagena is best explored on foot — it’s how you stumble on the small things. Wear comfortable shoes and keep a map app handy.
🚕 Taxis & rideshare
For late nights, luggage runs or awkward cross-town hops, ride-hailing apps are usually cheaper and clearer than flagging a cab. Confirm the car and plate before getting in.
✈️ From the airport
Check the official airport transfer options before you land — there’s almost always a train or express bus into Cartagena that beats a taxi on price.
Best time to visit Cartagena
December–April is the drier, breezier season. Prices and crowds tend to follow the weather, so the shoulder seasons often give the best value.
Highlighted months are the sweet spot for visiting Cartagena.
Day trips from Cartagena
When you’re ready to venture beyond the city, these make for rewarding day trips:
- Rosario Islands — snorkelling and beaches
- Playa Blanca — white sand on Barú
Practical tips for Cartagena
🧭 Where to base yourself
For a first visit, Centro Histórico is a smart base — the walled colonial heart. If that’s not your style, Getsemaní works well too (bohemian and lively).
🍽️ Eat like a local
Don’t leave Cartagena without trying ceviche, arepa de huevo, coconut rice or fresh fruit. Skip the obvious tourist spots and eat where you see locals queueing.
✨ Don’t miss
Make time for Walled City (Ciudad Amurallada) and Castillo San Felipe. With a spare day, Rosario Islands (snorkelling and beaches) is well worth the trip.
💰 Money & payments
Cards and contactless are widely accepted in Cartagena, but carry some local cash for markets, small cafés and tips. Tell your bank you’re travelling and check foreign-transaction fees.
📶 Staying connected
A local eSIM or SIM is cheap and makes maps, transport and translation effortless across Cartagena — set it up before you arrive or at the airport.
🛡️ Stay aware
Keep an eye on your belongings in crowds and on transport in Cartagena, as you would in any busy city, and keep a digital copy of your passport.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Cartagena?
Three to four days is enough for Cartagena’s highlights — the main sights plus time to wander Centro Histórico — with an extra day for a trip to Rosario Islands if you can spare it.
What is the best time of year to visit Cartagena?
December–April is the drier, breezier season.
What food is Cartagena known for?
Caribbean-Colombian flavours — fresh ceviche, coconut rice and arepas de huevo from street carts.
Where should I stay in Cartagena?
Centro Histórico is a great first-time base (the walled colonial heart). Getsemaní is another good option for bohemian and lively.
What are the best day trips from Cartagena?
Two rewarding day trips are Rosario Islands (snorkelling and beaches) and Playa Blanca (white sand on Barú).
How do you get around Cartagena?
The walled city is walkable; taxis and ride-hailing cover longer trips.
