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Things to do In Cartagena: TOP 10 activities to enjoy Cartagena de Indias
if you’ve made it to this blog, it’s definitely because you’re planning a trip to my city, or perhaps you’ve already booked your tickets to visit my beautiful Cartagena de Indias. Either way, you’re in for an unforgettable experience!
As a local and lifelong resident of this incredible city, I want to share my personal recommendations on what to
do in Cartagena to help you experience it like a true local.
First and foremost, Cartagena de Indias is a city that captivates everyone with its magic and charm. The beauty of its architecture makes people fall in love instantly. Furthermore, with a perfect blend of gastronomy, nightlife, history, and the warmth of its people, the only real risk you’ll take is wanting to stay forever.
So, what to do in Cartagena? I’ve created a list of 10 things you absolutely must do while visiting Cartagena de Indias. Not only will you experience the city as a local, but you’ll also be able to enjoy all the famous tourist attractions without missing a thing.
Take a Walking Tour and Learn About Our History
When you visit my city, one of the first things I recommend is taking a walking tour to learn about our rich history. Although Cartagena was officially founded in 1533, our story stretches back even further, offering a glimpse into an incredible past that shaped the city into what it is today.
As you walk through the streets, you’ll hear captivating tales of pirate attacks and the monumental efforts that went into building Cartagena. In fact, I’m certain that once you start learning about these fascinating stories, you’ll want to dive even deeper.
Cartagena’s history is a unique blend of European, Indigenous, and African influences. Together, these cultures have left an enormous legacy that’s still very much alive today. So, learning about them is the perfect starting point to truly understand Cartagena’s essence.
For a private walking tour with a local expert, you can book here.
Visit Getsemani
Getsemaní is the kind of place you instantly fall in love with because of its unique blend of bohemian, tourist, and local vibes. Back in the ’90s, this area was considered dangerous, but after Havana Bar opened its doors, the neighborhood gradually became more attractive to tourists.
Today, Getsemaní has captivated every single traveler who visits. In fact, it was named one of the coolest
neighborhood in the world in 2017 by Forbes magazine and the coolest neighborhood that same year according to TripAdvisor.
What I love most about Getsemaní is the feeling of being wild, young, and free. There’s always something happening, whether it’s street performers captivating audiences or the delicious street food that is simply irresistible.
Additionally, there’s an abundance of street art, full of meaning and vibrant colors, that truly represents the essence of Colombian culture.
For those seeking adventure, this is a place you absolutely cannot miss, especially at night. I highly recommend heading to Callejón Ancho, grabbing a drink, and soaking in the lively street atmosphere.
To learn more about the stunning murals and the rich history of Getsemaní, we recommend booking our private walking tour. You can reserve your spot here
Dance salsa music and have a beer
Visiting Cartagena is synonymous with dancing to salsa music and enjoying a cold beer. For those who may not know, Cartagena’s culture has been deeply influenced by Puerto Rico, which is why one of the favorite pastimes of locals is heading to a salsa bar to dance and sip a beer. The genre is so popular that on Fridays after work, it’s common for friends to gather and head to a salsa bar to kick off the weekend. So, if you’re in town on a Friday, it’s the perfect opportunity to experience the vibrant nightlife with the locals.
While you’re here, don’t miss the chance to try Costeñita beer. It’s a beloved beer from Colombia’s Caribbean coast that locals love to drink, especially when the weather is hot (which is pretty much always!). Additionally, another favorite is Club Colombia. Though it isn’t local to Cartagena, it’s often considered the most delicious Colombian beer.
You can check out our salsa tour,led by a professional dancer where you’ll visit 3 of Cartagena’s most unique bars and enjoy the vibrant nightlife.
Eat on the streets
If you visit a new place and don’t eat on the streets, you haven’t truly experienced the local culture. That’s why I want to give you some tips on what to eat and try when you visit Cartagena de Indias. First and foremost, don’t leave Cartagena without having an arepa! There are many different kinds, but my favorite is the cheese arepa.
Aditionally, you should head to the San Diego neighborhood and check out the street corners, where you’ll find delicious fritos—fried foods cooked by locals. Be sure to try arepa de huevo with suero and carimañolas, which are also among my favorites.
For those looking to learn and sample delicious street food. Check out our street food tour with a local guide to try Cartagena’s most delicious delicacies.
Enjoy Cartagena de Indias from the Rooftops
Cartagena de Indias is a beautiful city with breathtaking landscapes, and one experience you absolutely can’t miss is visiting its rooftops. The combination of the refreshing breeze, chill-out music, and great drinks will make you fall in love with the city even more. Plus, many charming hotels offer free access to their rooftops, giving you the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the view.
I recommend heading to the rooftops between 4:30 PM and 5:00 PM so you can secure a good seat and fully enjoy the sunset.
Here’s a list of the rooftops I recommend:
– Movich hotel
– Sophia Hotel
– Townhouse
– Alquimico
– Restaurante Bonavida
Choose Your Perfect Spot in the Rosario Islands
What I like most about the Rosario Island is the chance to disconnect from Cartagena’s hustle and bustle. Whenever I need a day escape, I always choose the Rosario Islands. This is place is an hour away from Cartagena. Just an hour away from Cartagena, they consist of over thirty small islands—some private, but several open to visitors. There are plenty of activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, paddleboarding, and more. The serene atmosphere and adventure options make it the perfect retreat.
If you love to party and enjoy music, then Bora Bora in the Rosario Islands is the perfect place for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more laid-back vibe with good food and drinks, Rosario de Mar is my top recommendation. For those who are passionate about snorkeling, Majagua is your go-to option. If sustainability and spending time with dogs sound appealing, Islabela is your spot. And finally, for families traveling with kids, Isla del Encanto is an ideal choice.
Visit the public Market
When thinking of a truly unique place in Cartagena, one spot immediately comes to mind: the Bazurto Public Market. Believe it or not, this market has started gaining popularity among locals thanks to tourists. To explain this, it’s important to clarify that our market has often been overlooked because of its strong smells, dirt, and the hustle and bustle. However, it’s also clear that this is the place where locals do their shopping. What makes a place unique for some can feel overwhelming for others.
After all, it wasn’t until the famous Anthony Bourdain visited Bazurto years ago that tourists really began to take notice. Since then, the market has become quite popular, with more and more people wanting to connect with its magic.
This is definitely a place for adventurous souls. If you decide to go, we highly recommend experiencing it with a local—there’s no better way to explore Bazurto.
Experience Authentic Caribbean Food by Cooking with a Local
Caribbean food is, without a doubt, a must-try while you’re in Cartagena. But even better, why not cook a delicious homemade meal with a local? We highly recommend learning how to prepare some authentic dishes, like flavorful coconut rice made with fresh coconut, crispy patacones with garlic, cheesy empanadas, boiled plantain cooked in local soda, savory ropa vieja, and a refreshing passion fruit juice to top it off.
For an unforgettable experience, we recommend joining our cooking class with a local mom who will guide you through these mouthwatering preparations
Visit Café del Mar for an Unforgettable Sunset
When it comes to watching the sunset in Cartagena, I definitely recommend visiting Café del Mar. What makes this place special is its location atop the historic city wall, offering one of the most beautiful sunsets you’ll ever experience. With chill-out music and amazing cocktails, this spot is truly a must-visit.
To ensure you get a great seat, I recommend making a reservation or arriving around 4 PM to secure a table and fully enjoy the view.
Visit San Basilio de Palenque
Last but certainly not least, visiting Palenque is something no one should miss when coming to my city. San Basilio de Palenque, the first free town of former slaves in the Americas, is a magical place located just an hour and a half away from Cartagena. A visit to Palenque is a chance to connect with the African Diaspora and witness how this incredible community has preserved its rich traditions for over 400 years.
Enjoy with us this experience, book here
