Things to do in Cartagena

Activities, attractions and tours

A narrow street lined with colorful buildings, featuring balconies and potted plants.
A coastal cityscape at night with a prominent cathedral and a modern skyline.
A coastal cityscape with high-rise buildings along a curved shoreline.
A coastal cityscape with a prominent skyscraper, a marina with boats, and historic buildings with red-tiled roofs.
A coastal cityscape with high-rise buildings, a marina, and a lighthouse.

Things to do

Cartagena Island Hopping: 5-Stop Rosario Islands Tour with Lunch

Cartagena 5 Island Hop Tour: Lunch, Snorkel, Beach Clubs, & More

P4,368
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
Cartagena 5 Island Hop Tour: Lunch, Snorkel, Beach Clubs, & More
Black Lives Matter in the first free land in America, continuing the fight for equality.

Freedom Tour of Palenque

P6,877
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Freedom Tour of Palenque
Enjoy a beautiful sunset

Luxury Cartagena Sunset Pirate ship Adventure, Cannon Show&Drinks

P3,438
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Luxury Cartagena Sunset Pirate ship Adventure, Cannon Show&Drinks
Street Food Tour in Cartagena

Cartagena Street Food Tour: 10 Local Tastings in the Walled City

P3,251
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Cartagena Street Food Tour: 10 Local Tastings in the Walled City
Full-Day Volcano of Totumo

Full-Day Volcano of Totumo With Lunch, 5 pools and prívate Bach

P3,751
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Full-Day Volcano of Totumo With Lunch, 5 pools and prívate Bach
Cartagena: Rosario Islands and Playa Blanca Excursion with Snorkeling or Aquarium

Cartagena: Rosario Islands and Playa Blanca Excursion with Snorkeling or Aquarium

P4,838
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Cartagena: Rosario Islands and Playa Blanca Excursion with Snorkeling or Aquarium
Our ecological symbol

All-inclusive beach tour from Cartagena

P1,876
per adult
All-inclusive beach tour from Cartagena
Cartagena: Paratriking Flight from the Beach

Cartagena: Paratriking Flight from the Beach

P3,871
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Cartagena: Paratriking Flight from the Beach
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What to do in Cartagena

Stay near popular Cartagena attractions

A coastal cityscape with a beach, high-rise buildings, and a clear blue sky.

Bocagrande Beach

8.0/10 (2,390 reviews)
This urban shoreline offers a lively blend of beach relaxation and city convenience in Cartagena's Bocagrande district. Enjoy the warm, calm waters while high-rise hotels and local vendors create a vibrant atmosphere.
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Where to stay in Cartagena

Find the best Cartagena areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Cartagena
Learn more about Cartagena
A coastal cityscape with a prominent cathedral and modern skyscrapers.

Cartagena Walled City

Cartagena Walled City is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Clock Tower and Bolivar Square while in the area.

A coastal town with a prominent church featuring a tall bell tower and a domed roof.

Getsemani

Travelers come to Getsemani for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Plaza de la Trinidad and Ciudad Movil Cultural Center while you're in town.

A coastal cityscape at twilight with high-rise buildings, a beach, and a long swimming pool.

Bocagrande

Bocagrande is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Rio Cartagena Casino and Bocagrande Beach, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Cartagena.

A city skyline at dusk with illuminated buildings reflecting on the water.
Photo by Paula Vernimmen
Open Photo by Paula Vernimmen

El Laguito

The beaches and abundant dining options are top of the list for many visitors to El Laguito. A stop by El Laguito Beach or Bocagrande Beach might round out your trip.

A street with colorful buildings, a man pushing a cart, and a blue door with decorative columns.
Photo by Sebastião Mesquita e Carmo
Open Photo by Sebastião Mesquita e Carmo

Manga

Travelers like the historic sites in Manga, and Port of Cartagena is a top attraction you might want to visit.

A tropical beach with clear turquoise water, palm trees, and a thatched-roof hut.

Rosario Islands

Frequently asked questions

Is Cartagena worth visiting?
Famous for its nightlife and culture, discovering fun things to do in Cartagena is a breeze. Remember to add Playa Manzanillo to your itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Cartagena?
Once you've checked off key attractions like Playa Manzanillo and Castillo Grande Beach, spend some time discovering Cartagena's shopping and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Cartagena?
Playa Manzanillo is one of the top tourist attractions in Cartagena and should feature high on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Cartagena?
You can easily tick off popular sights like Castillo Grande Beach, San Felipe de Barajas Castle and Marbella Beach with a three-day stay in Cartagena. On average, many travelers book four days here. There's plenty to discover nearby too, so linger longer and venture to Marbella.
Is Cartagena a walkable city?
With exciting neighborhoods and leading attractions within walking distance of the city center, Cartagena is a good destination to explore on foot. Enjoy wandering between Castillo Grande Beach and San Felipe de Barajas Castle. Then take a stroll through Cartagena Walled City, located 0.16 kilometers from downtown, and Bocagrande, which is roughly 2 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Cartagena with kids?
If you're looking for sights and tours for all the family, check out these fabulous ideas for what to do in Cartagena with kids.

What to do in Cartagena for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or outdoor adventurer, there are loads of things to do in Cartagena for adults including Cartagena Fishing Club and Las Americas International Convention Center.
Are there free things to do in Cartagena?
From checking out parks to strolling around vibrant neighborhoods, it's easy to find free things to do in Cartagena. If you need inspiration, ask a local tour guide for some tips. Castillo Grande Beach is a great spot for anyone planning to save on their travel adventures.

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