There are countless different ways to plan your trip to the Colombian city of Cartagena. It can get overwhelming! After spending almost an entire month in the city, I created this great Cartagena travel guide to help you make the most of your time.
From the best things to do and restaurants you can’t miss to where you should stay, this guide will help you plan the perfect itinerary for your trip. And this little taste of Colombia might even inspire you to return to the country to explore even more.
➞ If you are short on time, I’ve made the perfect one day cartagena itinerary for you.
Planning Tips for Visiting Cartagena
Best Time to Visit
One of the best times to visit Cartagena is from December to April, when the weather is sunny and dry. I went in February and the weather was quite warm during the day with highs in the low 90s, though it cooled down to the 70s at night, which was perfect.
How Many Days to Spend in Cartagena
Even though I stayed for almost a month in order to do lots of research, a 3-4 day trip is ideal. This gives you time to explore the old town, visit a nearby island and take a local tour or two.
Where to Stay
I stayed in an Airbnb condo in Bocagrande, a residential neighborhood about a 10-15 minute Uber ride from the city center. It was the perfect spot for a longer stay, offering a more local feel while still being close enough to all the action.
But, for a shorter stay, I’d recommend these hotels in the city walls (or close by)::
Things to Know Before Visiting Cartagena
Getting Around
Getting around Cartagena is fairly easy, especially in the Old Town and Getsemaní, which are best explored on foot. If you need a ride, taxis are readily available, but they don’t have meters, so be sure to agree on a price before getting in.
Personally, I mostly used Uber because I absolutely hate negotiating with taxis. The easiest place to catch a taxi or an Uber is at the Clock Tower, the main entrance to the Old City—this is where most drivers pick up and drop off passengers.
Airport Transportation: I don’t like to worry about navigating transportation when I first arrive at a destination, so instead I prepooked an airport shuttle on Viator for about $25 for the two of us. But, you could also take a taxi upon arrival if you prefer. It’s much cheaper.
Just outside of both domestic and international arrivals, you’ll find a line of yellow taxis ready to take you into the city. The fare to the Walled City should be around $5, but always double-check before hopping in.
The airport actually has a taxi fare sheet you can download here—though fair warning, these might not be the exact price they ask from you, so always confirm the price with the driver before getting in.
➞ I’d steer clear of any drivers who approach you the moment you step out of the secure area and instead head to the designated taxi lineup for a more official ride.
Language
Spanish is the official language, and while many locals in touristy areas speak a little bit of English, I found that learning a few basic phrases will go a long way. But, I always also recommend downloading a translation app, like Google Translate.
Currency/Credit Cards/Banks
Colombia uses the Colombian Peso (COP). ATMs are widely available, and exchange rates are typically better at official currency exchange offices than at the airport.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it’s good to carry some cash for smaller shops, markets, and taxis.
Bancolombia, one of Colombia’s largest banks, offers the best exchange rates in Cartagena, making it ideal for exchanging larger sums. Just be sure to go early or right after they reopen at 2 PM to avoid long lines. You’ll need your passport to exchange money.
If you’re in the Walled City, you’ll find plenty of currency exchange spots, especially along Carrera 7 near the Clock Tower. Rates are similar everywhere, but this area is a popular and safe choice with good police presence.
What Things Cost
- Street food (arepas, empanadas): $1–$3 USD
- Local meal: $10–$15 USD per person
- Fancy dinner: $20–$50 USD. Our most expensive meal was at Celele, rated one of Latin America’s top 50 restaurants and it cost $81.98 for two of us (totally worth it!). But, most of the other fancy restaurants fell in the $50 range for two.
- Taxi ride within the city: $3–$7 USD
- Bottled Water: $0.40
Safety
Cartagena is generally safe, and I felt comfortable even when traveling solo. I followed standard travel safety precautions, like avoiding walking alone late at night, and never had any issues.
As with any destination, it’s important to stay aware—avoid flashing valuables, keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas, and be cautious at night, especially outside tourist zones.
For transportation, stick to official taxis or ride-sharing apps like Uber. Also, be mindful of health precautions—tap water isn’t recommended, so stick to bottled water to avoid stomach issues, and don’t forget mosquito repellent, especially if you might be visiting the Rosario Islands or areas near the mangroves. For the latest safety updates, check Travel.state.gov.
Things to Do in Cartagena
There’s no shortage of great things to do in Cartagena, so this is just a taste of my top picks. If you want the full list of all my favorites (there’s lots of them), be sure to check out my much longer list of the best things to do in Cartagena.
Take in the Street Art in Barrio Getsemani
Barrio Getsemaní has transformed into one of Cartagena’s most lively and artistic neighborhoods—and it was one of my favorite spots in the city! We spent hours here wandering through the colorful colonial streets checking out the powerful street art, and soaking in the buzzing energy.
Calle de la Sierpe is famous for murals, but don’t miss Callejón Angosto and Calle de la Magdalena, where colorful umbrellas create a dreamy canopy. This is where I took dozens of photos!
Plaza Trinidad is the neighborhood’s heart where you can grab a drink, chat with locals and, of course, snap a photo with the iconic Las Palenqueras, whose bright dresses and fruit baskets symbolize culture and resilience.
Enjoy Some Salsa Clubs – Cafe Havana, Donde Fidel
If you love music (or just love a good time), you can’t skip Cartagena’s electric salsa scene! My picks for the top two to go are Cafe Havana, a legendary hotspot with killer mojitos and live bands that will have you dancing whether you planned to or not, and Donde Fidel, a more intimate but equally high-energy spot where the music spills out into the streets.
Take a Colombian Cooking Class
If you love food as much as I do, then taking a cooking class at Lunatico is a must! I spent an afternoon with Chef Maria and her team, learning how to make mote de queso, plantanos en tentacion, and the freshest ceviche ever—it was so good!
The class was super hands-on, and I left not only stuffed but also feeling like I had a little piece of Colombian cooking to take home with me. If you want to try making the ceviche yourself, you’re in luck—I’ve shared my version of the recipe here: Sea Bass Ceviche with Banana Emulsion.
If Lunatico is all booked, I recommend one of these classes:
➞ If you love to try the traditional food of a country, then see my 15 Colombian Food Dishes to Try in Cartagena.
Explore Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas
We took an easy 10 minute Uber ride from the city center to Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas which is a fortress built by the Spanish in the 16th century and designed to keep out pirates and invaders. Of course the history was fascinating, but what I found really cool was that you can actually wander through its tunnels and climb up the battlements—and we did! But, the best part was the city views from the top. It’s worth going just for that.
Grab Cocktails & The Sunset at a Rooftop Bar
Rooftop bars in Cartagena are the best place to be for a perfect sunset experience, and I made it my mission to try a few. My absolute favorite? Alquimico. Their cocktails are next-level—creative, flavorful, and totally worth the hype.
But, there are plenty of others to check out too! Cafe del Mar sits right on the city walls with killer ocean views, Movich Hotel Rooftop has a stunning cityscape backdrop (plus a pool if you’re staying there), and 51 Sky Bar is the highest rooftop in town.
No matter which one you choose, make sure to either make reservations or get there well before sunset so you can get a prime viewing spot.
Stop by Museo Naval Del Caribe
If you’re even remotely into history (or just love a good pirate story), the Museo Naval Del Caribe is worth a visit. Tucked inside the historic Old Town, this place is packed with cool maritime artifacts—think model ships, old nautical gadgets, and paintings that bring Cartagena’s seafaring past to life.
You’ll get the lowdown on the city’s role during Spanish colonial times and beyond. Heads up—most of the signs are in Spanish, but you can grab a tour guide to fill in the gaps.
Take a Street Food Tour
If you’re a foodie like me, then you’ll agree that one of the best ways to taste the traditional food of a place is to eat the street food. But, I also want an explanation of what the heck I’m eating, so a street food tour is a must.
I loved wandering the city with a local guide, stopping at the busiest stalls to taste all the good stuff—crispy fried plantains, juicy grilled meats, fresh seafood, and of course, arepas (because no trip to Colombia is complete without one!). These little pockets of deliciousness are made from ground corn dough and stuffed with all kinds of tasty fillings.
➞ If you want to book a tour, the one I highly recommend is this one: Street Food Tour in Cartagena
Where You Should Eat (Best Restaurants)
Cartagena is a foodie’s dream, and honestly, one of the main reasons I chose to visit. You really can’t go wrong with the restaurants here, but these three were my absolute favorites. If you’re looking for even more delicious options, check out my list of the top 10 best Cartagena restaurants.
Celele
Celele is the kind of place that will completely change how you view Caribbean food. Chef Jaime Rodríguez spent years traveling through Colombia’s coastal communities, unearthing forgotten ingredients and techniques, and he’s turned them into one incredible menu. No wonder it’s ranked among the World’s Best Top 50 Restaurants—every dish is a work of art!
I chose Celele for my birthday dinner, and it was totally worth it. While it’s on the pricier side (around $80 for the two of us), the experience is unforgettable. Don’t miss the Caribbean flower salad with pickled cashew fruit, Emperor’s cane flower, and gulupa dressing—it’s as stunning as it is delicious. And a heads-up: definitely book your reservations in advance (I grabbed mine two weeks out!).
El Burlador Gastro Pub
The term “gastrobar” doesn’t quite capture what El Burlador is all about—it’s a place that takes its food and wine list just as seriously. Located in the heart of the Walled City, El Burlador masterfully blends Mediterranean flavors with Cartagena’s freshest ingredients.
I loved it so much that I had to make it my final meal in the city on my last night. What to order? The truffle eggplant chips and beef carpaccio—just trust me, you won’t regret it.
Mar y Zielo
Mar y Zielo is a restaurant that beautifully blends traditional Colombian recipes with modern techniques, bridging the past and present. The kitchen team has traveled across Colombia, learning from market vendors and home cooks, creating a menu that’s both deeply authentic and creatively innovative.
What to order? The Titote Mar Y Tierra—a stunning dish with octopus, shrimp, langoustine, and pork belly in a tamarind sauce. All I can say is “Yum”!
Traditional Things to Eat in Cartagena
Cartagena’s food scene is bursting with flavor, and these are the must-try traditional dishes you can’t leave without tasting. But if you’re hungry for more, check out my full list of traditional Colombian foods to eat in Cartagena.
Arepas de Huevo
Arepas are Colombia’s answer to the perfect street snack! These crispy, deep-fried corn cakes are stuffed with an egg, fried once, then cracked open to add the egg before going back in the fryer for round two. The result? A golden, crunchy outside with a soft, savory center. You’ll find them everywhere—from market stalls to beach vendors—and definitely on a street food tour.
Ceviche
Sure, you’ve probably had ceviche before, but Cartagena does it their way. Here, shrimp or fish are marinated in lime juice with onions and spices, sometimes tossed in a tangy, tomato-based sauce. Unlike the citrusy, raw Peruvian style, Colombian ceviche has a bold, refreshing twist that’s perfect for the Caribbean heat.
Sancocho
Sancocho is a hearty Colombian stew packed with chicken, beef, or fish, plus plantains, potatoes, yuca, and corn, it’s a warm, flavorful hug in a bowl. Some versions even throw in tomatoes, scallions, and a cob of corn for extra richness. It’s typically served with rice and avocado on the side—because, of course, more is more!
Traveling Soon? Use my Favorite Resources for Booking Your Trip!
Book Your Flight
Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine, because it checks dozens of airlines so you can easily find the best fare deals. You can also select ‘cheapest month’ to find the lowest fares for your destination (I use this all the time!).
Book Your Accommodations
I use both Booking.com and Expedia for hotels, because each offers a couple different hotel choices and I like to compare the reviews on each one. If you have a group or are looking for more of a home atmosphere, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range.
Book Your Rental Car
If love the freedom to explore like I do, driving from place to place is the best option! I always book with Discover Cars for the best prices and top brand options.
Book Some Fun Tours!
Viator and Get Your Guide are my go-to search engines for cool bucket list experiences! Each one can have different tours, so check both—why limit yourself, right?
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel can be unpredictable. Whether it’s a last-minute cancellation, an injury, or (ugh) theft, things happen. That’s why I recommend never leaving the country without travel insurance. Here are my faves: Safety Wing and World Nomads.
Get Packing & Travel Essentials Ready
Check out the Bucket List Journey Amazon Store to find all my favorite travel essentials. Everything from Packing cubes, to travel adapters and toiletry containers to walking shoes.
*Lastly, check travel.state.gov for visa requirements and safety information.
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