what to do in cartagena

Imagine the following: cobblestone streets that tell ancient stories, happy people from all corners of the world walking those paths under the Caribbean sun and the sea breeze caressing your face. If you are wondering what to do in Cartagena de Indias, you have just landed on the most complete and updated guide for 2025.

Here you have a 4-day Cartagena itinerary step by step, with schedules, prices in Cartagena 2025, practical tips, and useful links so you can enjoy every minute (and every peso) to the fullest.

Get ready to discover activities in Cartagena and plans in Cartagena that combine history, beach, gastronomy, and local culture.

Before traveling to Cartagena: Key tips

Best time to visit

Dry (December–April): sunny days, calm sea, and more events; it is high season (higher prices).
Rainy (May–November): short showers, less tourism, and better deals; low season ideal if you are looking to save.
Holidays and vacations (January, Holy Week, mid-year, end of the year): book in advance.

How to get around

On foot: the Walled City and Getsemaní are best enjoyed by walking.
Taxis and apps: use apps (with estimated fare) or ask for official fare before getting in to avoid extra costs. One of the most used apps in Cartagena is inDrive.
Boats: for day trips in Cartagena to Rosario Islands leave from the La Bodeguita Pier located on Avenida Blas de Lezo, in the city center (a port fee is charged; I will give you the value below).

Safety

Cartagena is touristy and lively, but apply the basics: avoid displaying valuables, use ATMs in crowded places, take official taxis/apps at night, and, at beaches, agree on prices in advance.

Indicative daily budget (per person)

Economical: 180,000–300,000 COP (hostel, daily menus, transport in apps, occasional entries).
Medium: 350,000–650,000 COP (3–4★ hotel, well-rated restaurants, tours).
Luxury: 800,000–1,500,000+ COP (boutique/5★ hotel, private experiences).

Note: Actual spending varies by season and your plans in Cartagena. In each day of the itinerary, I include key data with updated rates when applicable.

Detailed itinerary: Cartagena in 4 days

Day 1 — Immersion in the Walled City

Morning: Tour + iconic squares
Walk through the Plaza de los Coches, enter through the Clock Tower, and treat yourself at the Portal de los Dulces with cocadas and alegrías. Ideal for a first look at the colonial architecture and the history of the city.

Afternoon: Museums and heritage

Plaza de Bolívar: shaded lung in the heart of the historic center.
Zenú Gold Museum: small, free, and magnificent for understanding the pre-Hispanic cultures of the Caribbean. Reference hours: Tue–Sat 9:00–17:00; Sun 10:00–15:00; Mon closed. Free entry. Confirm changes on the official page of the Bank of the Republic. (Banrep Cultural)
Official page of the Zenú Gold Museum.
Historical Museum of Cartagena (MUHCA – Palace of the Inquisition): powerful exhibition on local history and the Inquisition. Hours: Mon–Sat 9:00–18:00; Sun and holidays 10:00–16:00. 2026 Rates: adults $24,000; children/students/teachers/seniors $20,000; under 5, free. (www.muhca.gov.co)

Evening: Sunset on the wall
End the day watching the sun set over the Caribbean. You can do it for free sitting on the walls or with a drink in one of the cafes, bars, or restaurants you will find on your way (medium-high consumption).

Key data for Day 1

Zenú Gold Museum: entry free; hours above; check on the Bank of the Republic's website. (Banrep Cultural)
MUHCA (Palace of the Inquisition): $24,000 adults / $20,000 reduced rate; hours above. (www.muhca.gov.co)

Day 2 — History, Getsemaní, and local culture

Morning: Visit the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas
Go early (before 9:00) to avoid heat and crowds. Bring hat, sunscreen, and water.

2026 Hours: 7:00–18:00.
2026 Rates (Resolution 004 of 2025): Full rate $36,000 (international); national rate $31,000; reduced $15,000 (children between 6 and 13 years).
Fortifications of Cartagena – official page.

Afternoon: What to see in Getsemaní
Cross the bridge and enter Getsemaní, the most vibrant neighborhood:

Plaza de la Trinidad: local epicenter; musicians, children playing, and street food.
Calle de la Sierpe (graffiti): photogenic murals and social message.
Author cafes, galleries, design shops, and creative cocktails.

Evening: Dinner in Getsemaní
To try the local vibe, have dinner in a Caribbean bistro, a cevichería, or a fondita with live music. We recommend making a reservation if you go on a weekend.

Key data for Day 2

Castillo de San Felipe: go early, stay hydrated, and wear comfortable shoes; official hours and rates 2026 above.

Day 3 — Caribbean paradise: Rosario Islands (day trips)

Introduction to the Islands
45–60 minutes by boat, the Coral National Park of Rosario and San Bernardo offers you turquoise waters, corals, and perfect beaches for a day of disconnection. It is a must-do excursion in Cartagena and one of the best beaches in Cartagena if you are looking for white sand and crystal-clear sea (especially in Barú and Rosario Islands). Here you have three options separated by type of activity:

Option A — Resort & Relax (day trip with beach club)

Day trip at Cocoliso Resort: ideal if you want total comfort: pool, restaurant, relaxation areas, and calm sea. The typical plan includes boat transport, lunch, and use of facilities. Check the prices and additional information below, in the section “Practical information and prices”.
Day trip at Hotel Isla del Sol: this hotel stands out for offering personalized service and spaces designed for families, couples, and friends. Dive into its filtered seawater pool, relax on its beautiful beach with crystal-clear waters, and enjoy exquisite cuisine in its restaurant, accompanied by refreshing tropical cocktails.

Both are day trips in Cartagena very popular for their quality/price ratio and simple logistics. Check all the information and prices below, in the section “Practical information and prices”.

Option B — Nature & Marine Life

Visit to the Oceanarium of the Rosario Islands: perfect plan for families and nature lovers. Learn about Caribbean species, their conservation work, and enjoy the dolphin show (check the day's schedule). As a recent reference, adults $40,000 and children $30,000 in 2025; check for updates upon arrival.

Option C — Combine Relax and Adventure

Visit to the Oceanarium and Cocoliso Resort in the Rosario Islands: perfect plan for those who want to experience both. As a recent reference, adults $390,000 COP and children $290,000 COP in 2025.

Practical information and prices

“Rosario Islands tour price”: depending on the beach club, type of boat, and services, a day trip costs approximately $250,000–$470,000 COP per person (usually includes transport + lunch + use of facilities). Examples 2025:
- Day trip at Isla del Sol: from ~370,000 COP (isladelsol)
- Sibarita Express (day trip/mar plan): references in that range for 2025. (Tripadvisor)
- Bonaventure Tours: day trips to Isla del Encanto in similar ranges. (Facebook)
Pier tax/fee (La Bodeguita Pier): not included in most tours. In 2025 it usually ranges around $29,000 COP per person, depending on the operator and route.
Tips: arrive at the pier 30–40 min early, bring cash for the fee, sunscreen (coral-friendly), towel, and a dry bag for your phone.

Day 4 — Panoramic views, shopping, and farewell

Morning: Convent of La Popa
The highest point in the city offers the best 360° view.

Hours: the sanctuary informs general attention 7:00–18:00 (check their website). (Candelaria La Popa)
2025 Rate (local reference): $14,000 adults; $12,000 children (reported by regional press). Operating hours 8:00–17:15 on typical days; may vary due to events.
How to get there: take a taxi/app (the most comfortable) or on a city tour that combines Castle + Popa.

Afternoon: The Vaults + San Diego + Shopping at La Serrezuela
Return to the center to buy handicrafts at The Vaults (Wayuu backpacks, hats, coffee, certified emeralds). Then, stroll through San Diego, more residential and quiet, with colorful houses and charming patios.

End the midday at the shopping center La Serrezuela, an old bullring, one of the most exclusive and visited places in Cartagena, with some beautiful spots for photographs and where you can buy some luxury brands.

Evening: Farewell dinner
Celebrate the last sunset with a special dinner: contemporary Caribbean cuisine (fish, seafood, cartagena-style beef) and, if you have energy left, a cocktail on the rooftop of a boutique hotel to toast to the trip.

Key data for Day 4

Convent of La Popa: general hours 7:00–18:00 (sanctuary website); reference press 2025 for rates. Check for changes before going. (Candelaria La Popa)

Cartagena gastronomy: Flavors you can't miss

Arepa de huevo: queen of street food. Look for it in local fritanguerías or trusted carts. Price: $4,000–$8,000 COP each.
Posta cartagenera: beef in sweet-salty sauce (panela and spices), usually with coconut rice and patacón. Where: traditional restaurants in the Center and Getsemaní. Price: $45,000–$85,000 COP.
Seafood casserole: creamy, abundant, with shrimp, squid, fish, and mussels. Price: $55,000–$110,000 COP depending on the place.
Coconut rice and patacones: essential side dishes; ask for suero costeño.
Coconut lemonade: refreshing for the heat; perfect beach companion.
Ceviches and cocktails (shrimp, conch): try famous stalls or recognized cevicherías.
Typical sweets (cocadas, alegrías, enyucados): your stop is the Portal de los Dulces.

Saving tip: combine safe street food (breakfast or snacks) with daily menus at noon and top restaurants at night. This way, you control the budget without sacrificing gastronomic experiences.

If you stay on rental platforms like Airbnb, you can buy groceries to prepare breakfasts and eat the rest outside to save money.

High-value external links

Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas (official prices and hours 2026):
Fortifications of Cartagena – Official site.
Zenú Gold Museum (information, agenda, and updates):
Bank of the Republic – Zenú Gold Museum. (Banrep Cultural)

Also, for hours and rates of museums in the Center (including MUHCA and Zenú Gold Museum) this local press reference 2025 is useful: El Universal Cartagena. (www.muhca.gov.co)

Frequently asked questions and mini-tips (bonus)

What are the best beaches in Cartagena?
Bocagrande (urban, comfortable, and most visited), La Boquilla (local atmosphere and kitesurfing), Playa Blanca – Barú (white sand, turquoise water; ideal on weekdays and early) and those of the Rosario archipelago (day 3 of the itinerary).
Is it worth changing money?
We recommend paying in local currency (Colombian Pesos COP) for direct transactions with sellers. Bring some cash for tips, taxis, handicrafts, and the pier fee (generally $23,000–$29,000 COP in 2025, paid separately from the tour).
Is it mandatory to book tours in advance?
In high season, yes (day trips, popular restaurants, rooftops). In low season, you can decide with more flexibility.

Daily summary with indicative costs (2026)

Day 1: Historic center + museums
- MUHCA: $24,000 adults / $20,000 reduced. (www.muhca.gov.co)
- Zenú Gold Museum: free (check hours). (www.muhca.gov.co)
Day 2: Visit the Castillo de San Felipe + Getsemaní
- Castle: $36,000 full / $31,000 nationals / $15,000 reduced; 7:00–18:00.
Day 3: Rosario Islands
- “Rosario Islands tour price”: $250,000–$470,000 COP (depending on club/services). (activitiesencartagena)
- Pier fee: $23,000–$29,000 COP per person (not included).
- Oceanarium (reference): $40,000 adults / $30,000 children.
Day 4: Convent of La Popa + shopping
- Popa (2025 reference): $14,000 adults / $12,000 children; general hours 7:00–18:00 (check the day). (Candelaria La Popa)

Conclusion

Cartagena is a living postcard: history in coral stone, flavor on every corner, and the Caribbean shining just minutes away by boat. With this 4-day itinerary and the prices in Cartagena 2025 up to date, you have everything to enjoy the city without stress: culture, best beaches in Cartagena, gastronomy, and day trips in Cartagena that you will remember for years. What excites you the most about visiting Cartagena: the wall at sunset, Getsemaní, or the Rosario Islands?

Click here and find the best plans in Cartagena.