Curator’s statement
Cartagena is a vibrant, colorful destination that blends history, beach time, and culture in a way that works beautifully for families. The Walled City feels like stepping into a storybook, with cobblestone streets, plazas, street performers, and endless spots for ice cream breaks between exploring forts and churches. Bocagrande offers a more modern, beachfront vibe with high-rise hotels, calm water, and easy access to restaurants and shops. Just offshore, Barú island delivers postcard-perfect Caribbean beaches and calm turquoise water, making it ideal for a relaxed family beach day or overnight escape.
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Things to do in Cartagena
Iglesia de Santo Domingo in the historic walled city.
A day-trip visit to Palenque: Located about an hour from the city, Palenque was founded in the 17th century by formerly enslaved Africans who escaped Spanish rule and established their own independent community. Today, it is a UNESCO-recognized cultural treasure known for its preserved language (Palenquero), vibrant music traditions, and deep Afro-Colombian heritage.
Island hopping to the Rosario Islands: A perfect family beach day, the Rosario Islands offer clear turquoise water, calm swimming spots, and relaxed beach clubs just a short boat ride from Cartagena.
Volcán El Totumo mud volcano: An adventurous (and slightly messy!) outing where families can float in the warm mineral mud of this small volcano before rinsing off in a nearby lagoon.
Food tour in the Walled City: A guided tasting walk through the historic center introduces families to fresh tropical fruits, arepas, sweets, and local specialties while learning about Cartagena’s culinary roots.
Explore Getsemaní’s art scene: Wander colorful streets filled with vibrant murals, live music, and lively plazas, giving kids plenty to see while parents soak up the neighborhood’s creative energy.
Day trip to Baru island: Take a boat or the land bridge and stay overnight at Sofitel Baru for the ultimate experience. They also have an incredible kids’ club and spa there, not to mention the rooftop bar.
Places to eat & drink in Cartagena
Incredible lunch at Sofitel’s Calablanca overlooking the ocean.
San Alberto (Plaza Santo Domingo): A must-visit for coffee lovers, San Alberto serves award-winning Colombian brews in the heart of the Old Town’s lively Plaza Santo Domingo. Great for pastries, too!
Crepes & Waffles (Bocagrande): A casual, family-friendly favorite offering an extensive menu of sweet and savory crepes, waffles, and fresh juices in the modern Bocagrande district.
Calablanca (Sofitel Barú): Set beachfront at Sofitel Barú, Calablanca pairs refined Caribbean cuisine with ocean views and a relaxed yet elegant island atmosphere.
Morena (Bocagrande): A vibrant, design-forward restaurant serving elevated Colombian flavors with creative cocktails in a chic Bocagrande setting.
San Marino: A classic waterfront spot known for fresh seafood and traditional coastal dishes served in an unfussy, breezy setting.
Café del Mar: Perched atop Cartagena’s historic city walls, this iconic sunset bar offers cocktails and small bites with sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea.
Need to know
If you’re doing a day trip to an island (which I highly recommend!), Baru is the only island that also has a land bridge that’s accessible via car. Water routes can often be rocky, so we weren’t surprised when our boat to the Sofitel Baru was canceled. The Sofitel offered a chauffeured drive instead. It was an easy drive, approximately an hour, and we opted to take the drive again when we returned to Bocagrande.
While we loved the vibe of Bocagrande, the beaches there are just okay. Our stay in Baru provided the true Caribbean crystal clear beaches we love.
Travel Advisor
Alicia Minter
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For more travel inspiration and insider recommendations, check out our Cartagena page.