Top Things to do in Cartagena
Top 10 Things to do in Cartagena, Bolivar Department
Cartagena, a gorgeous fishing village on Colombia's Caribbean coast, has excellent beaches, a historic old town (that's entirely walkable) and beautiful colonial architecture. It's also one of the safest places in the country, so it's no wonder it's a popular port of call for cruise ships. Need a break from exploring the cobblestone streets? Stop at an outdoor cafe for excellent pastries and people-watching.
Restaurants in Cartagena
1. Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12,870 reviews
Cartagena was always a desirable conquest for pirates and enemies of the Spanish Crown; and for this reason, the defense of the city from these threats was a question of priority for its inhabitants from the first decades of the existence of the city. Once the primitive nucleus of Cartagena and the outlying district of Getsemani were fortified, there was a need to erect a structure on San Lazaro Hill that would prevent an enemy attack from its peak, since the hill dominated the walls and the only entrance to the city, the Media Luna Entrance in Getsemani. In addition, this hill was the intermediate point between the city and the nearby Popa Peak, where some heavy guns and canons were installed between 1769 and 1780 to cross fire with the castle and make an enemy attack more difficult from the large beach of Playon Grande in Pie de la Popa.
Reviewed By myom624 - Coquitlam, Canada
A hilltop fortress (but just a 5-minute-or-so walk up from the bottom) with a "quite sprawling" area above the ramparts, this is really a site for a "high-ground walk" in I would categorize as generally 3 parts: the Central Part with the "national flag" (a good-sized one for a nice photo-op) where there's also a tunnel to go down below which connects with the North Part (a straight walk for just about 5 minutes to the other side but where inside are also some "diverging paths" to wander around a bit); the North Part which is the "most spacious" of the three where there's also like a higher promenade along its one side for some direct views to outside through the openings among the battlements alongside; and the South Part which is actually a 2-level one with its upper level being the "highest part" of the entire fortress (and likely due to that physical position being the "most number" of cannons of the Fortress to be found at that specific location). And yes, to enjoy above apart from spacious grounds are also great views all around especially to the south with just a "pretty phenomenal" view of the city's skyline (generally around the Bocagrande Beach area with really quite a number of modern high-rises spread along an impressive length!) and also to the east with La Popa Hill (a distant-but-clear view of its convent on top with actually also interestingly some of the cannons of this fortress pointed in that direction for some "unique scene" I would say). Just somewhat on the downside though (not personally for me) is that this is a site pretty much "all outdoor" except for some rest shelters, but be sure not to miss the small souvenir shop on the upper level of the South Part (which despite its size has a pretty good collection of a variety of souvenirs). If coming from the "Walled City", after coming out of its east side is just about a half-hour walk pretty much just a straight way (until arriving at the north end of the Fortress which is where to turn right for a further short walk to the ticket entrance), and also to pass by "at about halfway" along the way is the India Catalina statue right beside a big lake (one commemorating the tribal woman who accompanied Conquistador Pedro de Heredia in his quest to establish Cartagena). And actually as for statues, there's also one right at the bottom of this fortress (just to the left after coming back out of the ticket entrance) which is just somewhat of an interesting one featuring a "sword-weilding" commander or such (with my initial impression being one for the Spanish defenders in the 1740's War, but the inscription below mentioning actually being one for the British attackers!).
2. Walled City of Cartagena
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22,769 reviews
Reviewed By midwaytoheaven - Midway, United States
A PHOTOGRAPHERS DREAM! We loved exploring both the inside and outside of the Old City Walls of Cartagena. It is amazing that these walls still exist and standing after hundreds of years of history. Boy, if these walls could talk what stories they would tell. A MUST SEE when visiting Caratgena. BOTTOM LINE: What a fun place to see so much history in a compact area. You can wall atop many parts of the wall and get a different perspective of the old city, too. We found it fun strolling the old narrow cobblestone streets, seeing the Cartagena Cathedral, San Pedro Church, city hall, customs house square, shops, jewelry stores, historical statues, seeing street vendors, Yellow Clock squared and more. Plan to spend several hours strolling the streets and better appreciate the flavor of this walled old city. MY RATING: 9/10. Most of the old colonial homes have been nicely restored. You'll see some beautiful flowered balconies down every street. A photographers dream location. Photo and selfie stops around every corner!
3. Sanctuary of Saint Peter Claver
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,829 reviews
Four hundred years ago jesuits established in Cartagena and founded a school and a church in downtown. During the XVII century a father called Pedro Claver dedicated all his life to the protection of the african slaves and became saint 300 hundred years later. To keep alive his legacy, jesuits came back to the city at the end of XIX century and started to collect pieces for a museum that includes precolombian, religious and african caribbean art and, of course, the chamber and other spaces where the saint lived and died. Nowadays it is the museum with the most complete collection of religious art in Colombian coast, and the building preserves the spirit of Claver, the spirit of Human Rights.
Reviewed By ruthandvern - Wilton, United States
Not only is this a museum, it leads to the sanctuary. Within the exterior walls there is a wondrous courtyard full of plants and calm and quiet. The plants and flowers just light up the buildings. On three floors there are colections of ceramics of the saint's, his cell, the most complete collection of of religious art in the area, African arts and crafts both old and new. Workmen were working on the roof of the sanctuary and brought supplies up the narrow winding staircase from the sanctuary to the choral loft and on up to the bell tower. The tower was not available for viewing.
4. Plaza Santo Domingo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,902 reviews
Reviewed By tripswithtai - Jamaica, United States
Lots of local artists, sculptors and gem enthusiasts will approach you! Lots of beautiful art in the plaza and a beautiful statue of the plump saint
5. Caribe Jewelry Museum & Factory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,873 reviews
Reviewed By Orovalley2001 - Tucson, United States
We were given a chance to make our own emerald necklace and purchase some at a great discount. The mockup of an actual mine was very interesting.
6. Choco Museo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 885 reviews
ChocoMuseo is the cocoa and chocolate museum, we're only in Cartagena. Th entrance is for free and you can learn with us a lot about cocoa and chocolate in Colombia and the world, also you can visit our artisanal chocolate factory where the magic happens and enjoy all our chocolate products that are prepared on site. Also we have chocolate workshops for all ages, for kids, family, old people, everyone!! if you are staying in Cartagena, if you are local or tourist, don't forget to visit us and ask for your custom WorkShops and have a really nice an unique experience.
Reviewed By dandd6
Definitely a great place to visit if you love chocolate...lots of free samples and knowledgeable staff.
7. Centro Historico
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 243 reviews
Reviewed By TandTSwitzerland - Zurich, Switzerland
The historic center of Cartagena is one of the prettiest in the Americas, lots of beautiful houses, streets and squares. You need to share this experience with many tourists but it is worth it!
8. Plaza de La Trinidad
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 459 reviews
Reviewed By NashvilleontheRoad
I walked through here every night to people watch, shop, get dessert, and watch the performers. Plenty of good places to eat and drink in this area. And lots of people love to hangout in this plaza. Definitely take time to hang out and soak up this cool vibe in this great neighborhood.
9. Barrio Getsemani
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 587 reviews
Reviewed By JCNicolet75
A lively, vibrant part of the city, with multi-colored houses, cafes, bars, residents living their lives AND welcoming to tourists - all without the aggravating aggressive merchants in the walled city. A really great way to spend time in Cartegena.
10. La Popa Convent
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 4,376 reviews
Reviewed By Phillie_gal - Pinellas Park, United States
The drive up the winding road to the peak of Mount Popa is filled with great views with more to come upon arrival. The chapel and flower filled courtyard are worth seeing and a short visit as part of a city tour.
