Cartagena de Indias is Colombia’s Caribbean jewel—an UNESCO-listed walled city where coral-stone bastions guard pastel palaces, bougainvillea-draped balconies, and plazas alive with music. Founded in 1533, Cartagena rose as Spain’s main treasure port; pirates attacked, fortresses bristled, and the city’s walls became its signature silhouette at sunset.

Today, Cartagena dazzles with a mix of meticulously preserved colonial architecture, contemporary Caribbean cuisine, and a thriving arts scene centered around Getsemaní’s murals and plazas. Days drift between museums and ramparts; nights swing to champeta and salsa in candlelit courtyards and legendary bars.

Expect heat and humidity year-round (plan a midday siesta), affordable domestic flights, and easy ride-hailing. Use Colombian pesos (COP), carry small bills for street snacks (arepas de huevo, carimañolas), and tip ~10% in restaurants. Keep valuables close in crowds, and hydrate often—Cartagena rewards a steady, unhurried pace.

Cartagena de Indias

Cartagena’s historic core (Centro and San Diego) holds headliners like the Clock Tower Gate, Plaza Santo Domingo, and the Santa Catalina Cathedral. Just outside, the star-shaped San Felipe Castle and hilltop Convento de la Popa frame cinematic city-and-sea views. To the south, island day trips deliver clear water, beach clubs, and reef snorkeling.

Food is a highlight: modern Caribbean at Celele and Carmen; soulful, home-style flavors at La Mulata and La Cocina de Pepina; sunset cocktails at Alquímico and El Barón. Coffee fans can taste Colombia’s terroirs at Época, Café del Mural, and San Alberto’s tasting bar.

• Where to stay (neighborhoods): Centro/San Diego for romantic, walk-everywhere stays; Getsemaní for art-forward, nightlife energy; Bocagrande/Castillogrande for beachfront towers and sea breezes; Manga for quieter residential vibes.
• Book stays: Browse vacation homes on VRBO Cartagena or hotels on Hotels.com Cartagena. Good-value boutique picks to look for include restored colonial casas with courtyards and plunge pools in Centro/San Diego, and design-forward guesthouses in Getsemaní.
• Getting in: Fly into Rafael Núñez International (CTG). Compare fares on Trip.com (flights) or Kiwi.com. Typical nonstop times: Bogotá–Cartagena ~1h20m; Medellín–Cartagena ~1h10m; Miami–Cartagena ~2h45m. Taxi or ride-hail to the walled city takes ~15–25 minutes (~20,000–35,000 COP depending on traffic).

Day 1: Arrival, the Walled City, and a Sunset on the Ramparts

Morning: Fly in late morning or midday so you can check in and get your bearings. If you arrive early, refuel at Época Espresso Bar (breakfast arepas, avocado toast, and meticulous pour-overs) or Abaco Libros y Café (bookstore-café atmosphere, cold brew, and pastries).

Afternoon: Wander through the Torre del Reloj into Plaza de los Coches and Plaza de la Aduana, then to Plaza Santo Domingo to meet Botero’s bronze “Gertrudis.” Duck into the Museo Naval del Caribe (air-conditioned and informative) for stories of pirates and privateers; allow 45–60 minutes. Snack your way around street carts—try an arepa de huevo (corn cake stuffed with egg) and carimañolas (yuca fritters with beef or cheese).

Evening: Claim a seat at Café del Mar atop the walls for golden-hour views; arrive 45–60 minutes before sunset for the best tables. For dinner, book Celele (inventive Caribbean tasting plates—think sour guava reductions, head-on prawns, native tubers) or La Mulata (comforting posta cartagenera, coconut rice, and fried plantains). Nightcap options: El Barón for classic cocktails in Plaza San Pedro, or three-level Alquímico for farm-to-glass creations and a rooftop breeze.

Day 2: Fortresses, Viewpoints, and Salsa in Getsemaní

Morning: Beat the heat at Castillo San Felipe de Barajas (arrive at opening). Walk the tunnels, then taxi to Convento de la Popa for panoramic views across the bay. Bring water and a hat; combined time ~2.5–3 hours. Brunch after at San Alberto (coffee flight and croissants) or La Brioche in Bocagrande (eggs, fresh juices).

Afternoon: Explore Getsemaní: Callejón Angosto’s flags, murals around Plaza de la Trinidad, and artisan stands. Visit Las Bóvedas for handicrafts (mochilas, hats, coffee), then cool off with gelato at Gelateria Paradiso. If museums call, the Palacio de la Inquisición/Museo Histórico offers a compact primer on colonial Cartagena in ~60–90 minutes.

Evening: Early dinner at Carmen Cartagena (contemporary tasting menus in a candlelit courtyard) or Alma (seafood stews, lobster empanadas, and coconut rice). After, learn a few steps at a short salsa lesson (many studios offer 1-hour intros) and then slide into the scene: Donde Fidel (classics near the Clock Tower) or Café Havana (live bands; arrive near opening on weekends to avoid lines). Expect a modest cover and cash at the door.

Day 3: Markets or Beachtime, Last Bites, and Departure

Morning: Choose your finale. Food lovers: take a guided visit to Bazurto Market (best with a local guide)—taste exotic fruits, fried mojarra, and fresh juices; it’s vibrant, loud, and authentic. Beach seekers: boat 10–15 minutes to Tierra Bomba for a day-pass at a beach club (reserve ahead; loungers, lunch, and return boat typically bundled) or opt for a quick swim at Castillogrande if you’re tight on time.

Afternoon: Squeeze in a last lap along the walls and a light lunch—try La Cocina de Pepina (spot the mote de queso, pritiñores, and suero costeño) or Demente in Plaza de la Trinidad (wood-fired arepas and small plates). Pick up final souvenirs at Las Bóvedas before heading to CTG for your flight (arrive ~2 hours early for domestic, 3 hours for international).

Evening: Departure day—if you have a later flight, sip one more espresso at Café del Mural in Getsemaní and toast the city’s sunlit walls.

Optional Viator experience (note on location): If you’re also traveling in Spain, consider this related Cartagena walking tour. It’s based in Cartagena, Murcia (Spain)—not Cartagena, Colombia.

Cartagena Walking Tour (Spain)

Practical tips: Dress light, plan indoor or shaded breaks between 12–3 pm, and carry a reusable water bottle. Cards are widely accepted, but keep small cash for taxis and tips. At night, use official taxis or ride-hailing; avoid isolated stretches of beach after dark. For flights in and out, compare options on Trip.com and Kiwi.com. For stays in Centro/Getsemaní, short walks put most sights within 5–15 minutes.

Three days in Cartagena balances storybook history with Caribbean pleasure—sunset strolls on centuries-old walls, fortress panoramas, and rhythm-soaked nights. Whether you end with market flavors or a splash in turquoise water, you’ll leave plotting your return to the Colombian coast.