Best of Cartagena Colombia: A Guide to the City’s Top Attractions and Experiences

By Esteban Parcero •  Updated: 02/02/24 •  13 min read

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Best of Cartagena Colombia:

Welcome to the historic gem of Cartagena! Immerse yourself in the enchanting Walled City, where centuries-old architecture and cobblestone streets transport you back in time.

Marvel at the engineering prowess and historical significance of Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, a fortress that has stood the test of time. Gain a glimpse into Cartagena’s cultural heritage at the Caribe Jewelry Museum & Factory, where you can admire exquisite craftsmanship.

Uncover Cartagena’s religious traditions at the Sanctuary of Saint Peter, a serene and spiritual site.

Experience something truly unique by visiting Totumo Mud Volcano, an unforgettable adventure like no other.

Embark on walking tours to explore the city’s rich history, diverse architecture, and vibrant neighborhoods. Indulge in delightful street food and savor the flavors that make Cartagena’s cuisine so special. Discover breathtaking shorelines that offer beach bliss in every corner of this coastal paradise. Take day trips to Islas Rosario for a slice of island paradise just off the coast.

And don’t forget to savor world-renowned Colombian coffee during your visit! With optimal travel options available, exploring more of Colombia from Cartagena is a breeze.

Recommended Timeframe:
Maximize your adventure by spending ample time exploring all that Cartagena has to offer!


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Walled City of Cartagena: A Historic Gem to Explore

If you’re searching for the best things to do in Cartagena, Colombia, nothing matches the charm and allure of the Walled City of Cartagena. Now that I think about it, no trip to this vibrant city would be complete without exploring this historic gem.

The Walled City, a labyrinthian maze of narrow streets, offers an excellent opportunity for wandering and discovering hidden treasures at every corner. By the way, if you’re looking for a place to stay, there are some fantastic best Airbnb options in the Walled City of Cartagena.



Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas: Engineering Marvel and Historical Landmark

In any case, your next stop should be at Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas. This fort stands as a testament not just to Colombia’s rich history but also its impressive engineering prowess. All things considered; it’s surely a historical landmark that has been quite rightly placed on most best maps of Cartagena Colombia.



Caribe Jewelry Museum & Factory: A Glimpse into Cartagena’s Cultural Heritage

You see, one thing I love about this city is its rich cultural heritage – and what better way to explore that than through its Caribe Jewelry Museum & Factory? If you’re interested in getting an insider’s view into how these beautiful pieces are crafted, this place is definitely worth your time.



Sanctuary of Saint Peter: Uncovering Cartagena’s Religious Traditions

The Sanctuary of Saint Peter gives you an intimate look into the religious traditions woven deep into the fabric of the city. This sacred place tells a fascinating story, and it’s no wonder that it’s often mentioned as one of the best things to do in Cartagena, Colombia.



Totumo Mud Volcano: A Unique and Unforgettable Experience

Moving on, let me tell you about an experience that is truly like no other – a trip to the Totumo Mud Volcano. It’s not every day you get to bathe in warm mud! This unique activity is easily one of city’s top attractions and has often been referred to as one of the city’s unmissable experiences.



Exploring Cartagena’s History, Architecture, and Neighborhoods on Walking Tours

Cartagena also offers various walking tours allowing you to dive into its colorful history, exquisite architecture and vibrant neighborhoods like Getsemani. Speaking of which, remember to indulge yourself in nightlife in the Walled City of Cartagena, it certainly is a worthwhile experience!



Delightful Cuisine: Exploring Cartagena’s Street Food Scene

For food lovers out there, don’t forget about street food tours! After all, Cartagena is famous for its delightful cuisine. You can find many best restaurants in the Walled City of Cartagena.



Beach Bliss: Discovering Cartagena’s Beautiful Shorelines

The beauty doesn’t stop at historical sites though; there are numerous beaches around with Playa Blanca being one of the most famous ones due to its white sandy beaches. By looking for best rentals in Cartagena Colombia that are beachfront, you can have the ocean as your backyard!



Island Escapes: Day Trips to the Stunning Islas Rosario

If you’re up for a little more adventure, make sure to book a day trip out to the stunning Islas Rosario. As far as water activities go, snorkeling experiences here are top-notch!



Colombian Coffee: Savoring the Rich Flavors in Cartagena

Before I forget, no visit to Colombia would be complete without sampling its world-famous coffee. Whether it’s from a fancy café or sold by locals out of thermos in parks, don’t miss out on this rich, full-flavored delight.



Getting Around Colombia: Optimal Travel Options for Exploring More

Finally, let’s talk about travel logistics. Getting between major cities like Medellín and Cartagena is easy with flights being the optimal option.



Recommended Timeframe: Maximizing Your Cartagena Adventure

To truly enjoy all that Cartagena has to offer at your own pace you should consider spending at least two days or even a week if your schedule allows! After all, when it comes to best of Cartagena Colombia, there’s no rush – just plenty of Colombian magic waiting for you!</p

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best of cartagena colombia

 

If you’re trying to decide on the best part of Colombia to visit, Cartagena should definitely be on your list. This city, with its colorful colonial architecture and vibrant street life, is often regarded as a highlight of any Colombian journey. If you want more advice for your trip, check out the useful tips and advice we provide in our post about traveling to Colombia.

When you explore Cartagena, you will not only witness its timeless beauty but also experience some of the country’s rich culture. A significant highlight being the types of Colombian music that are native to this region. You can learn more about these unique genres in our detailed article on Colombian music.

Cartagena is not just a feast for your eyes and ears; it’s a paradise for food lovers too! Offering a variety of dishes that would leave anyone’s mouth watering. Check out our list of the top 10 Colombian dishes that will surely tempt your palate.

One concern many travelers have before visiting a foreign country is safety. We address this issue in our article: ‘Is Colombia safe to live?‘, which provides an unbiased viewpoint about the safety conditions in Colombia including cities like Cartagena.

We understand how essential it is to stay connected while traveling abroad and therefore we’ve covered all information regarding financial transactions during your trip under ‘Can you use Revolut in Colombia?‘.

Finally, if you’re already falling in love with the idea of Cartagena and contemplating your move here, don’t miss out on our article ‘Reasons to move to Colombia‘. It will provide you with a clear understanding of the advantages this beautiful country has to offer its residents.

My Personal Take about Best of Cartagena Colombia

Hey there, my friend! It’s Esteban Parcero, your go-to guy for all things travel Colombia. Today, I want to share with you the ultimate guide to experiencing the best of Cartagena, Colombia’s vibrant coastal gem. Trust me, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure! Picture yourself strolling along the cobbled streets of the walled city, where history whispers through every colonial building and colorful façade. Marvel at Plaza de Bolivar, as its grandeur takes your breath away. Can’t get enough? Hop on a horse-drawn carriage and take a leisurely ride through Cartagena’s Old Town. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a magical time capsule.

Now let’s talk beaches! Sink your toes into warm golden sand at Bocagrande Beach or escape to the tranquil shores of Isla Barú. Snorkel around coral reefs or simply unwind with a coconut cocktail in hand – it doesn’t get much better than this!

But wait, there’s more! Don’t miss out on visiting the iconic Castillo San Felipe de Barajas fortress, where centuries-old walls have endless stories to tell. And if you’re up for some shopping therapy and fresh local delicacies, wander through bustling markets like Las Bóvedas </ b>-a paradise for handicraft enthusiasts.

Friend, Cartagena is just a taste of what Colombia has in store for you. From breathtaking landscapes to mouthwatering cuisine and warm-hearted locals, this country will awaken your wanderlust like never before. So pack your bags and embark on an adventure that promises countless memories waiting to be made – Colombia is here, ready to embrace you with open arms . ¡Vamos!

 
 
 
 
 
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Before you go…

If you are planning to visit Colombia and wondering where to vacation in Colombia, Cartagena stands as one of the must-visit destinations. Regarded as one of the best of Cartagena, Colombia, this historic city offers a blend of old-world charm and modern amenities. From its vibrantly colored buildings in the old town to its beautiful beaches and delectable cuisine, Cartagena offers a unique experience for every traveler.

But, if your itinerary allows you to explore more than just one city, make sure to check out our listicle on the best cities of Colombia. Apart from Cartagena, there are other remarkable cities such as Bogota, Medellin, Cali that exhibit a rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes. Each city has its own distinct charm but all equally contributing to what makes Colombia truly captivating.

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Esteban Parcero

Esteban Parcero, a Puerto Rican, that has a deep connection with Colombia, which he considers his second home. He has been frequently visiting the country for over a decade, immersing himself in the vibrant culture, music, and cuisine. Esteban has made many friends in Colombia and particularly loves Medellín for its stunning landscapes, nightlife, and people. Through his travels, Steve has gained a unique perspective on Latin American culture and has become an advocate for promoting cultural exchange between different countries.