Things To Do

About Cartagena

Here is a comprehensive guide to Cartagena, provided by our wedding planner. This document will serve as a great reference while visiting the city!

Free Walking Tour Cartagena

Cartagena is an incredible walking city. For those who want a bit more structure to their stroll, there are a number of free walking tours available. These tours are an amazing and quick way to learn more about the city during your short stay. Feel free to 'Google' to learn about other available walking tours.

Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas

The greatest fortress ever built by the Spaniards in any of their colonies, the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas still dominates an entire section of Cartagena's cityscape. It should definitely be the first fortress you visit. It was built way back in 1657 to protect against pirates looking to make off with the silver and gold that was bound for Europe.

Convent of Santa Cruz de la Popa

On a 150m-high hill, the highest point in Cartagena, stands this convent. The views from here are outstanding and stretch all over the city. The convent's name literally means the 'Convent of the Stern,' after the hill's similarity to a ship's back end. Founded by Augustine fathers in 1607, it was initially just a small wooden chapel, but when the hill was fortified two centuries later it was replaced by a stouter construction.

Emerald Museum. Joyeria CARIBE

The city’s Emerald Museum is located in a colonial house, and contains large varieties of different colored emeralds and other gem stones that were discovered all over the country. Emeralds can be found, and were previously mined all over Colombia, and the museum allows visitors to experience and learn about the history of emeralds in the country, how the gem stones are mined in Colombia, and information regarding the seven mines currently operational in the country. The museum contains a variety of exhibitions, guides, information, and details about the gems and how they are used.

Palace of the Inquisition Cartagena Historical Museum

The Inquisition Museum is located in a Spanish colonial building, within the city’s Plaza de Bolivar. The museum provides information regarding the history of Spanish torture methods, with the museum itself located in a building which was once where death row criminals were incarcerated. The colonial house has a torture dungeon and division which was used in the 16th century, along with various objects preserved from the period. The museum’s second floor is home to the History Museum of Cartagena, which teaches visitors about Cartagena’s indigenous culture, traditions, and offers a glimpse into what life was like in the city at that time.

La Cevichería

Featured on the late Anthony Bourdain's show, No Reservations, la cevicheria lives up to the hype serving deliciously fresh ceviche! Try to make a reservation online, because this little place gets busy! A must try restaurant to experience the best of the best ceviche in Cartagena!

Restaurante Candé

Great restaurant with a live music and dancers- an amazing dining experience!

Mistura Cartagena

Alma

CARMEN RESTAURANTE

El Mirador cafe bar

Definitely check out this rooftop - Great place to grab a drink and a bite to eat after checking out the clocktower plaza. We recommend going around 6 to get the sunset and the glorious breeze!

Lobo de Mar

Mar y Zielo

Alquimico Bar

Cool bar in the heart of the old city

Members Only

Epoca Espresso Bar - Arzobispado

Great place to get some delicious Colombian coffee with breakfast! Highly recommend!!

Rosario Islands

There are many companies offering boat tours to the breathtaking Rosario Islands, each offering different experiences. Playa Blanca, Isla Bela and Isla Grande are great stops to enjoy the clear blue waters and bright white sand! For the lively: Cholon Island is definitely more of a party scene!

Playa Blanca

Playa Blanca is one of the most popular beaches to visit in Cartagena and can only be reached by boat. Plenty of tours offer rides there and experiences on the island. I've linked one tour option, but a quick Google will give you tons of options!

Blue Apple Beach

Blue Apple Beach is about a 30 minute boat ride from the heart of the old city marina (Muelle de la Bodeguita Avenida Blass De Lezo). During the week it's relaxed, with background music all day. On weekends and holidays we are popular with local Cartageneros, who can often be found dancing poolside to our in-house DJ (1pm - 5pm). Spend the day relaxing by the pool! You can book a day or overnight stay and check out all their details on the website linked here!