Cartagena, Colombia: Your Ultimate Travel Guide
Welcome to Cartagena, Colombia, a city that truly captivates the heart with its romantic ambiance and timeless charm. From the moment we arrived, we were already planning our next visit— that's how special this place is! The stunning architecture, vibrant colors, and historic feel make Cartagena feel like a journey back in time.
During our three-week trip to Colombia, we took over 2,000 pictures and videos. A thousand of those were taken during our 3-day trip to Cartagena—that's how enchanting this city is! And let me tell you, the food and drink scene here is fantastic. Cartagena has many award-winning bars and restaurants, ensuring you'll have a culinary adventure to remember.
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Table of Contents:
Feel free to click on any section title to jump directly to that part of the post.
Best Time to Visit Cartagena, Colombia + Weather
The Closest International Airport to Cartagena, Colombia
Transportation in Cartagena, Colombia
Best Hotels to Stay in Cartagena, Colombia
Best Restaurants & Bars in Cartagena, Colombia
Best Things to Do in Cartagena, Colombia
What NOT to Do in Cartagena, Colombia. Is Cartagena Safe?
How Long Should I Stay In Cartagena, Colombia?
What Should I Pack For Cartagena, Colombia?
Explore Our Journey: Interactive Map of Featured Destinations
Cartagena, Colombia, is a lively city with a tropical climate, making it an appealing destination year-round. However, the optimal time to visit is during the dry season from December to April. This period offers sunny days and lower humidity, creating perfect conditions for exploring the city's historic streets.
Cartagena is a popular destination, so it's best to plan your visit early in the week to avoid the crowds.
The evenings here can be pleasantly breezy, offering a nice break from the heat of the day. We experienced a high of 93°F during our time in Cartagena! (average temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit (24-30°C).
If you want to steer clear of crowds and steep prices, the shoulder seasons of May to June or November provide an excellent alternative. Although there might be some rain, it usually doesn't last long and can offer a refreshing break from the heat. (with average highs in the mid-80s Fahrenheit (around 30°C) and lows in the mid-70s Fahrenheit (around 24°C).
July to October is the wettest time of year in Cartagena, with frequent rain showers and higher humidity. While this can make outdoor activities a bit challenging, it's still possible to have a great time exploring the city if you don't mind the occasional downpour. (with highs in the mid-80s Fahrenheit (around 30°C) and lows in the mid-70s Fahrenheit (around 24°C).
The closest international airport to Cartagena, Colombia, is Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG). The flight from Medellín to Cartagena typically takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. The airport is located approximately 4 miles (6.5 kilometers), 15-20 minute drive, from the walled city of Cartagena.
Use Ubers or Taxis to get around:
Before getting into a taxi, make sure to agree on the fare. In Colombia, taxi drivers sometimes overcharge tourists. Agreeing on a price beforehand can help prevent this.
Always double-check that the taxi meter is reset before your cab takes off. You should only see the base fare on the meter, which will depend on your location.
In Cartagena, we only used Uber for a ride to and from the airport, and it was surprisingly budget-friendly!
Remember to lock your doors while in taxis or Ubers for added safety!
Driving in Cartagena is even more intense than in Medellín! To keep my stress levels down, I found it best not to pay too much attention to it. The drive from the airport to our hotel was only about 15 minutes, which was a relief.
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Ready for an unforgettable stay in Cartagena, Colombia? I've got you covered with my guide to the top hotels in the area. Whether you're into all-inclusive resorts, fancy a luxury hotel in the walled city, or dream of a beachfront escape, Cartagena has it all. Let's dive in and find your perfect Cartagena getaway!
Where we stayed
Hotel Capellán de Getsemaní was absolutely stunning! We were completely in awe of its beauty. Our room exceeded all expectations, and the cozy, comfortable stay made it difficult to leave. The pool and rooftop were perfect retreats; we often had them all to ourselves! The service was fantastic too—every detail, from the friendly staff to the lovely hotel scent, was just perfect. We stayed in the premium room and loved every moment of it.
The hotel was in the perfect location, making it easy to explore the vibrant art and graffiti scene the area is known for. Even if you're not staying in Getsemaní, it's definitely worth a visit. The hotel was conveniently close to the walled city, just a short 5-minute walk through the park.
One of the highlights was the pool, which was rarely busy in the morning or afternoon, allowing us to enjoy it almost exclusively. We found ourselves having lunch at the pool several times, particularly since we were already there around that time. The chicken sandwiches were our favorite!
While the complimentary breakfast wasn't anything out of the ordinary, it did offer a choice of eggs and a small buffet with fruit and bread. We only had breakfast at the hotel once during our stay.
Additionally, we were grateful for the late checkout option, which let us enjoy our last day in Getsemaní without feeling rushed. Overall, our stay was incredibly relaxing and enjoyable.
Other hotel options in Getsemaní
The best hotels to stay in Cartagena in the Walled City
The Movich Hotel Rooftop Bar
All-inclusive hotel in Cartagena
All-inclusive & Luxury hotel in Cartagena
Dreams Karibana Cartagena Golf & Spa Resort - includes an unlimited luxury all-inclusive experience. Located 30 minutes from Cartagena.
Hotels a few steps from the beach in Cartagena
Cartagena, Colombia, is a food lover's dream. Its lineup of award-winning dining spots is bound to leave you impressed. But before you dive into the culinary scene, here are a few quick tips to make sure your experience is as smooth as can be:
Payment Ease: When making purchases, vendors might offer installment plans. To avoid additional fees, always choose to pay in a single installment ("1").
Price Check: Before buying from street vendors or taking a taxi, it's wise to inquire about the cost. This simple step can prevent any misunderstandings later on.
Now that we've covered these tips, it's time to dive into a culinary adventure through Cartagena's best restaurants and bars!
Best for Brunch:
Pascal - Located in Getsemaní. Breakfast sandwiches were delicious.
Epoca Cafe - Explore the upstairs seating—it's worth checking out before you decide where to settle in. Their Huevos Divorciados and fluffy pancakes are absolute must-tries! We were about to order another round of Huevos Divorciados because it was THAT good! This spot quickly became our top breakfast pick! Our only regret was not finding this place sooner so we could have returned for more!
Best for Lunch & Dinner:
Niku - Amazing sushi! It was recommended by our friendly concierge, and it did not disappoint. The best part? You can order half-rolls here so you can try more! Our favorites were the Thai roll, Nagara, and Tocashi rolls.
Candé Restaurant - It's such a cute spot, and they even have live entertainment! The staff were so attentive, making sure everything was just perfect. And the drinks? They were not only delicious but also really creative and fun! Candé was our most expensive dinner while in Cartagena (around $90 USD).
El Burlador Gastrobar - We tried the Salmon & Skin and Steak, and it was absolutely delightful! The meal hit the spot, and the service was fantastic.
Cafe Del Mar: Perched on the city walls with stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. This place is THE spot for watching the sunset, so it's always super busy. They weren't taking reservations during our time in Cartagena, and the line for a table was crazy long! But even though we couldn't try their cocktails and food, we still soaked in the gorgeous sunset and vibe. Definitely add this place to your list and try to reserve a spot if you can!
More restaurant options for Lunch & Dinner:
Alma - vegetarian-friendly
Best Bars for Cocktails:
El Baron - We sat outside with a view of the church. Their cocktails are delicious, especially the Rosarito—it's their most popular drink and has this spicy kick that really grew on me! We ended up spending around $42 for three drinks, which was reasonable. The service was really attentive, and we even got to enjoy a few live shows! If you like the performers, don't forget to show your appreciation with a tip!
Seven Times Rooftop in Getsemaní - located just down the block from our hotel. The DJ set was what lured me in.
Casa Palenque in Getsemaní - has these super cool jungle-themed rooms spread out over different floors, offering various seating options including rooftop, balcony, and indoor areas. The main bar area had the DJ pumping out reggaeton music all night long (my fave!), and we wrapped up the evening with some epic salsa moves!
Mirador Gastrobar Rooftop - It's a must-visit with its breathtaking views of the clock tower, delicious Piña Coladas, and mouthwatering shrimp tacos. The live DJ and energetic vibe just add to the experience!
Alquimico Bar - The second floor gave us the best view of the downstairs bar. This place is a three-story wonder (including a rooftop), with each floor usually having its own cocktail menu. But we lucked out and got to try drinks from all three menus in one night! And the vibe was on point thanks to a live DJ.
The Movich Hotel Rooftop Bar - has a great view of the city.
Cafe Havana - is a very popular spot in Cartagena and it was only a block from our hotel. They're closed on Mondays, but the rest of the week, they open at 8 pm. Just a heads up, there's a cover charge of $60,000 COP.
Let's dive into the best things to do in Cartagena, Colombia! Whether you're up for exploring the lively nightlife, finding fun free activities, or seeking out adventurous outings, Cartagena has it all!
Explore the city in the mornings, soaking in the sights and sounds. When the afternoon heat kicks in, retreat to the shade or take a dip in the pool to cool off. As the day winds down, head out again in the late afternoon to enjoy some drinks and delicious dining options.
2. The early bird gets the best photos! Sunrise is the perfect time to capture Cartagena's beauty without the crowds or traffic. To get the best shots in the old town (the walled city), venture away from the central areas with restaurants and shops, and explore the hidden corners deep within the city. Just get lost and you’ll find all the right spots.
3. Take photos with The Palenqueras (fruit ladies): The Palenqueras of Cartagena are living symbols of Colombia's vibrant culture and history. Dressed in their colorful traditional dresses, these women carry on a tradition that dates back generations. What began as a means to make a living by selling fruit has evolved into a beautiful cultural exchange, as they graciously pose for photos with visitors. Don't miss the chance to capture a moment with these iconic figures when you're in Cartagena!
4. Explore Parque del Centenario (park). A morning stroll through the park from Getsemani to Old Town Cartagena turned into a wildlife safari, with sloths, monkeys, iguanas, and parrots greeting us at every turn. Keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready—you never know what you'll spot next!
5. Looking for a great photo spot? The Movich rooftop opens at 12 pm and offers stunning views of the city.
6. Every corner in Cartagena is a photo opportunity, especially with its colorful doors and vibrant streets.
More pretty doors!
7. Visit La Serrezuela - a former bull ring transformed into a vibrant shopping and dining destination. Definitely worth the visit.
8. Need a caffeine boost? Stop by Café San Alberto for a quick coffee break and try their paradise drink with a shot.
Café San Alberto
9. Visit the Eteka Hotel Beach Lounge for a day - This stunning boutique hotel offers day passes to their beach lounge. The day pass includes Roundtrip boat transportation - A welcome cocktail - 1 towel per person - Use of the semi-private beaches and lounge facilities - a 3-course meal experience - and a Live DJ on Saturdays.
10. Take a day trip to the nearby Rosario Islands for a taste of paradise.
11. Walk on top of the city wall for panoramic views of Cartagena. For a more comfortable experience, do this first thing in the morning or in the evening to avoid the heat.
12. Visit Castillo San Felipe de Barajas early in the morning to beat the crowds and explore this historic fortress at your own pace.
13. Explore Getsemaní - This lively neighborhood just outside the walled city is a must-visit spot, known for its colorful murals, vibrant streets, and authentic charm. Get lost in its colorful art scene, enjoy the local cafes, and soak up the energetic vibe of this unique area.
14. End your day with a relaxing sunset cruise, a perfect way to unwind and take in the beauty of Cartagena from the water.
Spice up your trip to Cartagena with some awesome activities from Viator!
While the walled city and Getsemaní felt safe, it's advisable to avoid walking outside well-lit and populated areas at night, as the streets outside these areas could be sketchy. Exercise caution and stay aware of your surroundings.
Avoid drinking tap water in Cartagena. Stick to bottled water to stay safe and avoid any potential health issues.
Beware of the rapper guys who might approach you (within the walled city), hoping to rap for you and get a tip in return. While it can be a bit of a nuisance, a polite "No gracias" usually does the trick. This became like a game for us, trying to dodge them throughout our entire trip.
If you’re wearing a long dress for those cute pictures, watch out for the many (what smelled and looked like urine) puddles on the ground.
I'd recommend spending around 3-4 nights in Cartagena. This should give you plenty of time to explore the city, soak up the atmosphere, and really get a feel for the place.
Hotel Capellán
Dresses are perfect for those Instagram-worthy shots but opt for breathable ones to beat the heat.
Consider bringing a handheld fan to stay cool on those hot days.
While heels may seem like a good pairing with your dress, the uneven pavements and lots of walking might make flats a better choice to avoid blisters or ankle twists.
Pack some mosquito repellent and don’t forget your sunscreen.
So, there you have it—Cartagena, Colombia, a city that's sure to steal your heart with its timeless beauty! From the stunning architecture to the lively culture, Cartagena's charm is truly captivating.
Whether you're wandering the historic streets of the walled city, savoring the flavors of its award-winning restaurants, or simply taking in the breathtaking views, Cartagena offers an experience like no other.
So, pack your bags, book your flight, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime in this beautiful city!
Hotel Capellán
Enjoyed reading about Cartagena? Don't miss out on my other Colombian adventures! Check out my blogs for more travel tips, guides, and stories from Colombia. Happy reading!↴
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Join the conversation:
If there are any awesome Cartagena places I've missed, feel free to share them in the comments below!