Ultimate Cartagena Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, Eat & See in Colombia’s Caribbean Gem

Explore Cartagena’s walled city (Old Town)

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cartagena’s Old City is full of charm. Think cobblestone streets, bougainvillea-covered balconies, vibrant plazas, and colonial architecture.

• Join a free walking tour to learn about the city’s history. Tip your guide based on what you feel it’s worth.

• Visit landmarks like the Church of San Pedro Claver and the Cathedral of Cartagena.

Walk through Getsemaní

Getsemaní is Cartagena’s trendiest neighborhood—full of street art, indie cafés, boutique hotels, and a creative local vibe.

• Take a street art walking tour or explore solo.

• Come at sunset, when the streets fill with music and locals gather in the plazas.

Watch the sunset at Café del Mar

Set on the edge of the city walls, Café del Mar offers some of the best sunset views in Cartagena.

• Go early to grab a seat.

• Expect pricey cocktails and a limited food menu, but the view is the star.

Visit La Popa Monastery

Located on the highest hill in Cartagena, this historic monastery-turned-museum offers the best panoramic view of the city.

• Go in the morning for clear skies.

• The entrance fee is around 10,000 COP.

Snap photos at Castillo de San Felipe

One of the most famous forts in Colombia, the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas is an impressive piece of Spanish military architecture.

• You can skip the entrance and still get great exterior photos if you’re short on time.

Experience Cartagena’s nightlife on a chiva bus

Looking for a uniquely Colombian night out? Hop on a chiva party bus for live music, dancing, and a roving street party experience.

Stop by Gabriel García Márquez’s house

The home of Colombia’s Nobel Prize–winning author is a pilgrimage spot for fans of magical realism. While it’s not open to the public, it’s still fun to pass by.

Cartagena’s culinary scene blends fresh Caribbean seafood, Colombian flavor, and modern flair. Whether you’re looking for a long, leisurely lunch, a romantic dinner, or rooftop cocktails with a view, this city delivers.

Top places to eat in Cartagena

• La Mulata: A stylish Caribbean spot with a rotating daily menu. The ceviche is a standout.

• La Cevichería: Made famous by Anthony Bourdain, this is a small, casual, and excellent seafood spot.

• La Vitrola: An elegant Cartagena institution known for live Cuban music and unforgettable dining. Best for a special night out.

• Alma: Located in Casa San Agustín, this upscale restaurant offers refined Colombian cuisine with coastal influences in a stunning colonial setting.

• Mar y Zielo: A rooftop gem in the heart of the Old City serving creative, seafood-forward dishes with beautiful views—perfect for sunset dinner or drinks.

• Café Lunático: Excellent weekday lunch specials in Getsemaní (around 17,000 COP for three courses). Fresh, fun, and great value.

• Mila: Cartagena’s go-to spot for cakes and pastries—equally popular with locals and visitors.

Best cafés in Cartagena

• Álbaco Libros y Café: A cozy bookstore café with delicious coffee and a peaceful vibe.

• Café at Hotel Santa Clara: Elegant courtyard café inside a luxurious former convent—a great place to relax with a drink.

Best cocktails & nightlife

• Alquímico: One of the best cocktail bars in Latin America. Housed in a historic mansion, this three-level bar combines innovative mixology with rooftop views and DJ sets. A must-visit for nightlife lovers.

• Café Habana: A legendary salsa bar with high-energy live music and strong Cuban cocktails.

• El Barón: Beautifully crafted cocktails served in a charming plaza setting—intimate and stylish.