Top of Must-Do Experiences in Cartagena You Can't Miss!
- Holidays in Colombia
- Jul 21
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 4
Looking for the perfect Caribbean getaway? Cartagena, Colombia, is a colorful blend of history, flavor, music, nature, and sunshine that travelers from all over the world are falling in love with 🌊✨. With more than 74% of visitors coming for leisure and most planning 4+ months in advance, this is your sign to start planning your dream escape now!
Whether you're sailing through turquoise waters, dancing in vibrant plazas, or planting a tree in the mangroves, here are 20 unforgettable things to do in Cartagena that belong on your travel bucket list 🌟
CITY TOURS CARTAGENA
Historic Tour of the Walled City 🏛️
Step into a storybook of colonial charm. From the Clock Tower to San Pedro Claver church, the past comes alive.
The Historic Center, known as the Walled City, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you can stroll along cobblestone streets, admire colonial architecture, visit centuries-old churches like the Cathedral of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, and enjoy the vibrant Caribbean life in plazas like Santo Domingo and San Pedro Claver. One of our guides will accompany you on your tour to share the city's fascinating stories and guide you through the city's activities during your visit.
Explore Street Art in Getsemaní 🎨
Get lost in the rhythm of Cartagena’s street culture. This bohemian neighborhood is covered in murals that tell stories of freedom, identity, and celebration, and is well known for its street art, graffiti, live music, vibrant nightlife, and culture. It's the perfect place to immerse yourself in the local culture, with colorful murals and lively squares like Plaza de la Trinidad. If you want to understand its full historical significance, there are several ways to discover it through guided tours.
You can take the graffiti tour or the Macondo to Gethsemane route inspired by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Nobel Prize winner for literature, also known as the Latin American Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra.
Customize your itinerary - Tailor-made experiences
Cartagena Museums.
Cartagena is home to a variety of museums that offer a rich perspective on its history and culture. Some of the most notable are:
Zenú Gold Museum: Displays a fascinating collection of pre-Columbian goldsmithing from the Zenú culture. After visiting, we recommend a visit to the town of San Jacinto, 1 and a half hours from the walled city of Cartagena.
Cartagena Historical Museum (Palace of the Inquisition): Features exhibits on the Inquisition, colonial history, and Colombian independence.
Cartagena Museum of Modern Art: Features an interesting collection of modern and contemporary Latin American art.
Caribbean Naval Museum: Offers a comprehensive overview of the region's naval history and the importance of Cartagena's port.
San Pedro Claver Museum: In addition to a visit to a preserved colonial building, it offers a sunset activity with a cup of coffee to liven up the moment.
So, which ones would you like to visit?
Visit Castillo San Felipe 🏰
Feel the power of Cartagena's military past as you explore this massive fortress built to repel pirates.
Enjoy the Sunset ⛲️
Let the sea breeze and the pastel sky introduce you to the city's romantic soul. Navigate to the romantic bay for 2 hours, enjoying the golden hour at sunset
Cartagena Food Tour 🍲
Taste your way through Cartagena! Try arepa de huevo, fresh ceviche, Tropical fruits, and sweet cocadas in the historic center.
2. Salsa and other Caribbean rhythms to dance improve your skills in a lesson💃
Join locals and travelers alike in Getsemaní for a night of salsa, champeta, merengue and bachata, drums, and tropical energy.
3. Take a Day Trip to Rosario Islands 🏝️
Hop on a boat and spend the day in the Rosario Islands. Snorkel coral reefs, sip coconut water on the sand, and swim in crystal-clear waters. Take a Private Island Excursion 🛥️ Want exclusivity? Book a private boat to a lesser-known island like Isla del Sol, Sabai, or Rosario del Mar for a personalized beach day.
4. La Boquilla Canoes and Mangroves 🛶
Paddle through peaceful mangrove tunnels with local guides and connect with Afro-Colombian fishing communities. #slowtravel.
5. Soak in Volcán del Totumo 🌋
Yes, it's a volcano full of mud—and it’s amazing! Soak in its mineral-rich mud and rinse off in a nearby lagoon.
6. Try Cartagena's Best Restaurants 🍽️
Reserve a table at spots like La Cevichería, Carmen, or 1621—where Colombian flavors meet international technique.
Check this blog out, notice yourself with key information for your next holidays in Cartagena
7. Join a Caribbean Cooking Class 🧑🍳
Cook arroz con coco, patacones, and posta negra with local chefs who share their stories and secrets.
Enjoy the sugarcane distillation into oak barrels, Rum, Caribbean rum to taste with chocolate and local flavors, trying local snacks
8. Nature, outdoors, Birdwatching🐦
Explore the bird-rich areas near Cartagena and spot colorful toucans, herons, and even flamingos. A peaceful and awe-inspiring activity for nature lovers.
Plant a Tree or Mangrove 🌱
Join a local reforestation or mangrove conservation initiative. Give back to the land while creating a lasting legacy of your journey.
Ride an ATV in the Countryside 🛻
Get off the beaten path with an adrenaline-fueled ATV tour through Cartagena’s rural trails and farmlands.
9. Learn Folkloric Drums or Gaita 🎶
Join a workshop and learn to play traditional Afro-Colombian instruments like the tambor alegre or gaita. It’s a powerful way to connect with local roots through rhythm.
Ready to Pack Your Bags? ✈️
More than 43% of Cartagena’s visitors come from the U.S., and demand grows every year. With most travelers booking 120+ days in advance, early planning is essential. Don’t miss your chance to explore Colombia’s most magical coastal city.
Your Cartagena adventure starts here. ✨
Secure your spot, live the story, and collect memories that will last forever.
"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all." – Helen Keller
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