Cartagena is Colombia’s most well known international travel destination with good reason. Located on the Caribbean coast, the year round beach weather pairs perfectly with the enchanting charm of the colonial era architecture that stands as a testament to the city’s former status as a center of wealth and commerce during colonial times. In this article we’re sharing some tips on how you might spend four days in Cartagena, Colombia. We’re also going to share additional ideas in case you’d like to extend your stay a little longer. Keep reading for some of the best things to do, places to see, and restaurants to eat at in Cartagena.
Getting To Cartagena, Colombia
There are lots of options for flying into Cartagena as quite a few North American airports offer direct flights. The closest airport in Cartagena, Colombia, is the Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) which is only about 5 km away. Airlines such as American Airlines, Air Canada Rouge, Spirit Airlines, Air Transat and others fly into this airport in Cartagena, Colombia.
If you’re a first time visitor to Cartagena then it’s best to check online for some options for a private airport transfer to head straight to your hotel when you arrive.
Apart from the many tourists flying into the city, the city is also a hub for visiting cruise ships.
Other nearby airports include Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport in Barranquilla about 125 km away, and Golfo de Morrosquillo Airport in Santiago de Tolú, about 138km away.
Day 1: Arrive And Start Exploring Centro Histórico
First Day in Cartagena, Colombia
Depending on when you arrive in Cartagena, it might be tough to do a whole lot on the first day. If you do get in earlier, spend some time exploring the historic streets of the Centro Histórico. This neighbourhood is also called the Walled City, or Historic Center. Nearby you’d find Getsemani, another very historic neighbourhood in Cartagena.
These neighbourhoods are by far the best ones to stay while in Cartagena. There are lots of options here ranging from high end Cartagena boutique hotels like the Casa San Agustín, the finest hotel in Cartagena, or the Sofitel Santa Clara and the Charleston Santa Teresa, both located in former convents. For more midrange hotels in Cartagena head over to the Hotel Capellán or Townhouse Boutique. For more budget friendly hotels check out the Hotel Don Pedro de Heredia, or a backpacker hostel like Viajero. The advantage to staying in these neighbourhoods is that some of the best restaurants in Cartagena, as well as popular attractions, and nightlife are all within walking distance.
Another popular neighbourhood with visitors is Bocagrande. There you’ll find more modern high-rise hotels like the Estelar, Intercontinental, and Hotel Hilton. There are also lots of great restaurants around there as well, but you’d generally need a taxi.
End Your First Day In Cartagena With A Sunset Cruise
It’s great if you have some time to explore, but the perfect first night activity would be relaxing on a sunset cruise on the bay. One of the more popular ones is the sunset cruise aboard the Catamaran Bona Vida. This cruise includes cocktails as well as snacks and takes you out to the edge of the bay to enjoy the sunset over the Caribbean Sea. On the way back you’ll get some terrific night time views of the city.
After your cruse, you’ll surely be ready for a bite to eat. For a fun introduction to Cartagena’s rich seafood inspired cuisine, head to Buena Vida Marisquería, a rooftop spot with a fantastic menu and excellent cocktails.
Nightspots In Cartagena
Cartagena has tons of bars and clubs which makes for the perfect ending to a day of travelling or fueling up before a night on the town. If you’re in the mood for some dancing, consider heading to Mister Babilla or Cafe Havana. For more relaxed atmosphere consider heading to Townhouse’s great rooftop bar. For people watching, the tables on the plaza next to Cartagena’s iconic clocktower at Donde Fidel is the perfect spot. If you’re into cigars and fine rums or whiskies then Ron y Tabaco is your spot.
Day 2: Explore The Historic Sites And Districts
The best way to start your first full day in Cartagena is by visiting the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas Fortress. Try to go first thing in the morning to beat the crowds and heat. This impressive fort was actually the largest fort built by the Spanish on the South American mainland, and played an important part in defending the city against a massive British invasion force in 1741.
Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
The fort was build out of a hill. The Spanish basically encased it in stone to create a very unique architectural wonder. Most forts from this era were built in the shape of a square or rectangle, but due to the shape of the hill, the fort is very abstract. You can take a taxi to the fort and do a self tour. This is a very popular spot as it’s included on practically every organized Cartagena city tour. There are some great views of the city from atop the fort. The underground tunnels are not to be missed as it’s quite eerie and it makes you feel like you’ve gone back in time.
Explore The Walled City
After visiting the fort, head back to the Walled City. Even if you explored a bit on your first day, it’s time to see the main sites on the second day. Start at the main entrance with the clocktower, or Torre del Reloj, at your back and head through the plazas to your left.
Iglesia de San Pedro Claver
In the Plaza de San Pedro Claver you’ll find the Iglesia de San Pedro Claver and its convent. It’s a beautiful church named after the Jesuit priest Peter Claver who spent much of his life advocating for better treatment of Cartagena’s slave population. Considered the patron saint of human rights, Pope Francis famously gave a mass here during his visit to Colombia. It is the prettiest church in Cartagena and has an imposing stone facade. There’s a small entrance fee but its totally worth it to explore the church’s interior.
Museo Naval del Caribe in Cartagena, Colombia.
On the backside of the church is the Museo Naval del Caribe, or Naval Museum. For those interested in learning more about Cartagena’s history, it is the best museum to do so. There are numerous exhibits here on colonial Cartagena, including the various pirate and foreign attacks on it, the important role the city played in the wars for Colombian independence, and on the modern Colombian navy.
Plaza Bolívar
Nearby, you’ll find the Plaza Bolívar, where you can see a statue of independence leader Simón Bolívar that is ubiquitous in all Colombian cities. Off the plaza is the Palacio de la Inquisición, the former seat of the Spanish Inquisition. Today, it doubles as a Cartagena history museum and museum on the Inquisition and even has some torture devices on display.
On the other side of the plaza you’ll find the Cartagena Gold Museum. This museum has many exhibits about Colombia’s indigenous people’s precolonial gold work. It’s also free to enter.
The Wall
After touring the museums you should head out to the wall itself. Cartagena is one of the few places with much of its colonial era wall still in tact, and you can even walk atop most of it. It offers up unique views of the Caribbean Sea on one side and the narrow colonial streets of the city on the other.
Lunch
Most people are ready for lunch after spending the morning getting in their steps while exploring the plazas of The Walled City.
La Mulata is where you go for classic, traditional Cartagena dishes for reasonable prices. Espiritú Santo is another favorite with cheap prices. Another popular spot is La Cevichería, located off on the Plaza San Diego, made famous after Chef Anthony Bourdain visited.
The Getsemaní Neighbourhood
After lunch, head over to the Getsemaní neighborhood. This historic neighborhood was home to the city’s colonial era artisan class, many of them former slaves. It is often considered the birthplace of Cartagena’s Caribbean culture which blends Spanish, African, and Indigenous traditions.
Today, it is home to some terrific street art and beautiful photo ops. Actually some people say Getsemaní has some of Cartagena’s best Instagram spots. You’ll especially want to stroll under the multicolored flags on the Calle San Andrés, the colorful umbrellas on the Callejón Angosto, and the international flags on the Calle de la Sierpe. If you get thirsty, or hungry, pop in to one of the many trendy bars and cafés for a snack, a cold drink, or some of Colombia’s famous coffee. At this time of the day it’s quite hot so it’s the perfect opportunity to sample a Limonada de Coco or coconut limeade.
Callejon Angosto in the Gesemani neighbourhood in Cartagena, Columbia.
Nighttime In The Walled City
Before the sun goes down, head back into the Walled City and snag a spot at the rooftop bar at Hotel Movich. The bar offers up some of the best views in the city, and there’s no better time to enjoy it than at sunset. It’s often closed for private events, so if you can get in don’t pass up the opportunity. If it does happen to be closed, head over to Café Del Mar, atop the wall itself with an amazing view of the sun setting over the Caribbean Sea.
Sunset at Cafe Del Mar
For a budget friendly dinner consider heading over to the food trucks at the Terreza Municipal overlooking the bay, the tasty brick oven style pizza at Demente, or living like a true local and sampling some street food at the Plaza de la Trinidad. This is also a great spot to enjoy a street beer from the corner store and do some people watching.
If you’re looking for something fancier, consider making a reservation at the excellent Restaurante Fuerte El Pastelillo, located atop a small colonial era fort or Carmen, arguably Cartagena’s finest dining. Candé, or Andé are both great choices for something less formal but nicer than street or bar fare.
Day 3: Spend The Day In The Rosario Islands
You can’t come to the Caribbean and not enjoy some sea, sun, and sand!
The beaches in Cartagena are fine but they tend to get overcrowded, and the vendors can be a little aggressive.
To really enjoy beach life consider getting out of the city to the beautiful beaches of the nearby Rosario Islands. These coral islands are about an hour off the coast and there are different options on how to get there. If you have the budget or can put together a group then renting a private boat is tons of fun. You can spend some time snorkeling, partying at Cholón Island, or visiting multiple beaches around the various islands.
Rosario Islands
If you can’t make the private boat work, don’t worry! There are a number of Rosario Islands tours, like the day trip with Bona Vida Catamaran. You could also opt to do a day pass at one of the beach clubs like Bora Bora or hotels like IslaBela and Isla del Encanto out on the islands.
Once back in town, head to Café Del Mar or Hotel Movich, to end the day with a gorgeous sunset.
Day 4: Goodbye To Colombia’s Colonial Gem
Most likely you’ll be struggling to say goodbye to this beautiful city. For your last morning in Cartagena, head to Café Epoca for a last cup of Colombian coffee and brunch. La Brioche and Café Lunático are two more great breakfast and brunch spots. If you’re lucky to have a later flight on a weekend, head to Townhouse’s all you can eat Boozy Brunch!
If bottomless drinks aren’t your thing then this would be a perfect time to visit any museums you may have missed. Or just take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the charm of Cartagena a bit more. For last minute souvenir shopping, look to see if there’s an artisan market set up in the Parque Centenario. If you’re looking for hand-made crafts then head over to Las Bóvedas. One of the best things to buy in Colombia is a pack of cocadas, or coconut patties, which you can find at the Portal de los Dulces near the clocktower.
Some Additional Ideas To Extend Your Stay
If you can swing more than 4 days in Cartagena, there is plenty more to do. If you didn’t get to visit the Rosario Islands then consider spending a night or two out on the islands. There are a number of great places to stay in the Rosario Islands and they range from high end luxury bungalows, to more traditional style resorts, to no frills rustic style cabins.
Bazurto Market
If you’re a food lover then a tour to the Bazurto Market should definitely be added to your Cartagena itinerary. A lot of the restaurants in Cartagena normally source their ingredients from this market. From exotic fruits to fresh seafood to the most authentic of Colombian dishes, it’s all here. This was another spot where Anthony Bourdin visited for an episode of ‘No Reservations’ back in 2008. The market can be overwhelming to navigate on your own so it’s recommended to go with a tour group.
Take A Day Trip To San Basilo del Palenque
Another spot of cultural importance to Columbia is the town of San Basilo del Palenque, or simply Palenque. This village of runaway slaves was the first in the Americas to be granted formal free status, and its residents maintained many traditional African beliefs and practices. It’s a place to learn more about Colombia’s often under recognized African cultures and traditions as well as see the too often neglected rural areas of the country while supporting community based tourist projects.
Other Stops
Some other interesting things to do outside the city are the Totumo Mud Volcano, located about 45 minutes north of the city, and the nearby Pink Sea of Galerazamba, where salty waters and microorganisms give the sea a pinkish hue. The pink effect is not always visible, so it’s best to double check before going there. Finally, you could also visit the Colombian National Aviary, on the island of Barú south of Cartagena and near the famous but often overcrowded beach of Playa Blanca.
Four Day Cartagena Itinerary Conclusion
Hopefully this article has provided you with some great ideas on how to spend four days in Cartagena, Colombia, and even more if you’d like to extend your stay.
Colombia is working hard to overcome its difficult past and legacy and Cartagena is set to grow as word gets out about this unique city and it finds it’s place as one of the more popular international destinations.
Huge thanks to Adam McConnaughhay who lived in Cartagena from 2011 to 2022 and writes about it and other destinations in Colombia for this guest post. Check out his website at CartagenaExplorer.com for everything related to Cartagena.
