What You Need To Know
Cartagena Travel Guide
Embark on a journey through Cartagena with my travel guide, your ultimate resource for unlocking the wonders of this captivating country.
Cartagena Unveiled
A Journey through Colombia's Coastal Gem
Along with Medellin, Cartagena is one of Colombia’s most famous cities. For good reason too – the charming Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and bustling nightlife. However, people are always surprised when they show up and see the beach. Yes, while Cartagena is located on the coast, it does not have beautiful beaches. Rather, the appeal in coming here is really to spend time in the Old Town. That said, you can still see beautiful water but it requires a boat ride (more on that later).
Despite what I just said, I still love Cartagena and others do too. It’s a city with laid-back Caribbean vibes and colorful energy. It’s no wonder that it’s becoming a popular bachelorette party spot!
Vanessa's Insider Tips
My Travel Tips for Cartagena
Here are some helpful Cartagena travel tips to know before you go:
- When to Go: Rain season is May – November (the rain is usually short-lived) and dry season is December – April. However, it’s hot and humid all year round.
- Where to Stay: Mostly everyone stays within the Old Town and is what I would recommend for first timers. However, every time I go, I stay in Bocagrande, which is the modern side of the city outside the walls. Mostly everyone goes to Cartagena and stays in the Old Town because they want the historic ambiance, but if you’re wanting something modern, I recommend Bocagrande. That’s why I prefer to stay there – I love having a modern hotel with a rooftop pool!
- How to Get Around: If you stay in the Old Town then everything is walking distance and you likely won’t leave. If you stay in Bocagrande, you can also walk around the city and use Uber to get to the Old Town (it’s only about 10 minutes but can be more during traffic hours).
- Cartagena Solo Female Travel: Cartagena is filled with solo female travelers and backpackers, so it’s a great destination to meet other people. It’s very safe, so no worries about taking out your phone here!
Discover Cartagena
My Recommended Itinerary for Cartagena Travel
The Old Town is not too big, so you can see everything in a short amount of time, but the charming city will keep you wanting more. Here’s what I recommend for Cartagena:
Free Walking Tour:
You can easily walk around the Old Town on your own – and in fact, you should – but there’s so much history to Cartagena that I highly recommend joining a walking tour so you learn more about the city in depth.
Explore the Old Town:
This seems like a no-brainer, but don’t let the humidity scare you off. When I recently went in January, it was so hot during the day the streets were almost empty. Wait until the sun goes down a bit to explore. Highlights in the Old Town include the Clock Tower, Plaza de Bolivar, Palace of Inquisition Museum, and the Gold Museum. Because there are so many colorful buildings, you can spend hours just walking around and getting beautiful pictures!
Walk the Old Town Walls:
The Old City is also known as the Walled City because it’s surrounded by walls that were built to protect it from pirates and invaders. The wall is about 7 miles and circles the entire Old Town. There are several access points along the wall where you can begin the walk, such as near the Clock Tower. Walking the city walls gives you views of the historic city and the Caribbean Ocean. Sunset is the best time for this walk!
Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride:
Adding to the charm of the city, you’ll see tons of horse-drawn carriages taking people for a ride. No worries, these horses only operate at night once the sun is gone!
Castillo San Felipe:
This is a fortress and historical landmark that you’ll need to take a taxi to get to. It provides insight into Cartagena’s military history and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
Convento de la Popa:
Perched on top of a hill, this convent offers breathtaking views and has beautiful gardens, courtyards, and religious artifacts. You’ll also need to take a taxi to get here.
Getsemani:
This is a neighborhood located outside the city walls. It’s known for its street art, colorful murals, and lively atmosphere. It’s a great place to explore local culture, sample street food, and experience Cartagena’s urban scene.
Rosario Islands:
Remember I said you’d need to take a boat ride to see beautiful water in Cartagena? That one-hour boat ride will take you to Rosario Islands. Here, you will definitely see crystal-clear water good for snorkeling and swimming! When I first went to Cartagena with my family, this was just a day trip to see the islands. Now, there is accommodation available if you want to stay on the islands overnight!
