Cartagena is like that one friend who’s impossibly good-looking, effortlessly cool, full of stories, and somehow always dancing. Located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, it’s a place where you’ll fall in love with colonial streets, party under the stars, and sweat through your clothes by 9 AM — but still not care. Cartagena isn’t just a city. It’s a mood.
So if you’re planning your 2025 escape and typing “things to do in Cartagena Colombia” into every travel site known to mankind — relax. You found the right guide.
Here’s everything you need to experience in Cartagena this year — a mix of history, beaches, food, music, and weird mud volcanoes because, why not?
1. Wander Aimlessly Through the Walled City (Ciudad Amurallada)
Let’s start with the obvious —The heart of Cartagena is its 16th-century Walled City — a UNESCO World Heritage Site that feels like stepping into a Gabriel García Márquez novel. Picture this: brightly painted colonial buildings, balconies overflowing with flowers, and horse-drawn carriages clip-clopping past you like it’s 1741 and you’re late for your duel.
But don’t just visit — get lost. Walk those cobbled streets with no plan. Duck into a courtyard café. Stop for an arepa from a street vendor who will try to upsell you five sauces (say yes). Snap a photo under every bougainvillea-draped window like your Instagram depends on it.
The Walled City is the soul of Cartagena, and it’s where every visit should begin.
2. Visit the Palace of the Inquisition (It’s Dark, But It’s Important)
Cartagena isn’t all mojitos and beach breezes — it also has a layered, sometimes painful history. The Palace of the Inquisition, right in the heart of the Old Town, is one of its most somber and thought-provoking sites.
Inside, you’ll find eerie instruments of torture, colonial relics, and stories about the Spanish Inquisition that aren’t exactly cheerful — but deeply important to understand the roots of the city.
It’s haunting. It’s educational. And yes, you’ll leave whispering, “damn, that was intense.”
3. Watch the Sunset from the City Walls Like a Telenovela Star
Here’s a Cartagena rite of passage: grab a drink (or two), climb up to the Baluarte Santo Domingo, sit on the old fortress wall, and watch the sky lose its mind in oranges and purples.
Locals and tourists gather here like it’s a daily ceremony — which it sort of is. If you want to be extra fancy (and get a table), try Café del Mar, but even the wall itself is magical.
Pro tip: if you’ve just gotten back from the Rosario Islands and you’re still covered in salt and existential happiness, this is how you end your day.
4. Eat Like a King, Cry Like a Baby (From the Spice)
One of the absolute best things to do in Cartagena Colombia is eat. This city doesn’t just serve food — it flirts with your taste buds.
You can start with street snacks like cheesy arepas, then move to seafood-rich Colombian specialties like cazuela de mariscos (aka seafood stew that’ll make you question every past-life decision). Don’t forget coconut rice. It’s like the city put its sunshine into food form.
Make a reservation at La Cevichería (yes, the one Bourdain made famous), or go rogue and follow your nose to local joints where grandmas cook with love — and zero mercy on your diet.
5. Take a Day Trip to the Rosario Islands (Because You Deserve a Turquoise Break)
Cartagena is amazing, but let’s be real — sometimes you need to escape the hustle and trade horns and heat for hammocks and waves. That’s where the Rosario Islands come in.
Hop on a boat and you’ll be in a tropical paradise in under an hour. White sand. Gin-clear water. Snorkeling with fish that look like they were designed by Pixar.
Spend the day sipping piña coladas, taking selfies that scream “I quit my job to move to an island,” and letting your worries sink into the sea.
6. Dive into the Art-Fueled Chaos of Getsemaní
If Cartagena’s Walled City is her elegant side, Getsemaní is her rebellious little sister. Once a working-class neighborhood, it’s now a mosaic of murals, street performers, and late-night music.
You’ll find locals playing dominoes, travelers drinking $2 beers, and street art that deserves a gallery. It’s gritty, soulful, and buzzing with life.
At night, head to Plaza Trinidad. People dance, snack, flirt, and debate politics under warm lights — it’s basically a Netflix series waiting to happen.
7. Get Your History Fix at Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
Want to play Pirate for the day? This 17th-century fortress was built to protect Cartagena from actual pirates — and it did a damn good job. The Castillo San Felipe de Barajas is still standing strong, overlooking the city like a stone giant.
Walk its labyrinth of tunnels (nope, you won’t get lost… probably), climb to the top, and snap panoramic views of the city.
Bonus: you’ll burn enough calories climbing those ancient stairs to justify a full dinner of fried fish and coconut rice later.
8. Visit the Bazurto Market (And Maybe a Therapist After)
This is not your average touristy market. The Bazurto Market is loud, messy, chaotic, authentic — and unforgettable. It’s where Cartagena’s real pulse beats.
Expect: buckets of fish, jungle fruit you’ve never seen before, the occasional live chicken, vendors shouting prices in Spanish faster than you can process, and smells you can’t describe.
Is it overwhelming? Yes. Is it awesome? Also yes.
9. Hunt for Handicrafts at Las Bóvedas (Souvenirs That Don’t Suck)
We know, souvenir shopping sounds like a tourist trap waiting to happen. But Las Bóvedas? Different story.
These 18th-century dungeons (yes, dungeons) were once used as military storage and jail cells — now they’re home to a stretch of colorful artisan shops packed with locally made jewelry, woven bags (mochilas), hammocks, paintings, and more. It’s like Etsy came to life inside an old fort.
You won’t just be buying fridge magnets here (though they do have those). You’ll be picking up real Colombian craftsmanship, chatting with local vendors, and maybe getting a little history lesson while you browse.
10. Chill Out on Playa Blanca (Then Vow to Never Leave)
Playa Blanca, on Isla Barú, is the beach Cartagena dreams about. While it can get crowded, there’s a reason for the hype: clear water, soft white sand, and a vibe that says, “You don’t need shoes here.”
Sure, vendors will try to sell you sunglasses, bracelets, and even massages. But honestly? Just lean into it. Order a cold beer. Eat fresh fish. Let the waves do their thing.
Want it quieter? Book a stay overnight. When the day-trippers leave, the beach becomes calm, magical — and all yours.
Conclusion: Cartagena Is a Love Affair Waiting to Happen
Whether you’re salsa dancing until 3 AM or floating in a mud volcano questioning your life decisions, Cartagena delivers adventure, romance, and that magical chaos that makes travel unforgettable.
This isn’t just a list of things to do in Cartagena Colombia — it’s a recipe for falling in love with life again. In 2025, the city’s as vibrant and alive as ever. So book that ticket. Don’t overthink it. Cartagena’s waiting.
And when you’re planning your trip, don’t forget — Get Visa Info has everything you need to know about travel, visas, food, immigration tips, and more to help you hit the ground dancing (literally) wherever you go.
