Guide to Cartagena
Planning a trip to Cartagena de Indias? Here's everything you need to make the most of the walled city: what to see, where to eat, how to get around and the best experiences on Colombia's Caribbean coast.
Plan your trip to Cartagena
About Cartagena
Before visiting a city or region, it always helps to know as much as possible so your trip goes smoothly. Here's everything you need to know about Cartagena: its weather, the best time to go and our top tips for your visit.
Weather
Cartagena has a warm tropical climate all year, with temperatures between 24 °C and 32 °C. The dry season runs from December to April: it's the most popular time to visit, with less rain and more breeze, but also higher prices and busier hotels.
When to visit Cartagena
We recommend planning your visit between December and April: these months coincide with the dry season, so you can enjoy the beaches and the old town under sunny skies.
Tips for your visit
Where to stay: there are options for every budget. For a good location, we recommend the Historic Center, Getsemaní, Bocagrande or La Boquilla, all with plenty of restaurants, good connections to the airport and easy access to the main sights.
Best times to explore the city: explore the historic center in the morning or late afternoon, when the heat eases; between noon and 3 p.m., the sun and humidity can make walking tough.
Enjoy the city safely: Cartagena is a tourist city and easy to enjoy, but watch out for scams aimed at visitors, such as taxis with no agreed fare or street vendors charging inflated prices. Always agree on the price before accepting a service or buying anything.
Budget: Cartagena is one of Colombia's most expensive destinations, especially in high season (December to April and Holy Week), when accommodation in the historic center can rise considerably. These figures are for reference only and may vary by season and provider:
- Budget trip: between 220,000 and 320,000 COP per day (hostel, street food and local fondas, public transport).
- Mid-range trip: between 600,000 and 900,000 COP per day (3–4-star hotel, tourist restaurants, a paid activity).
- High-end/luxury trip: from 1,800,000 COP per day (boutique hotel inside the walled city, chef-driven restaurants, private transport).
Things to do in Cartagena
Cartagena has it all, from the colonial charm of its walled streets to crystal-clear beaches like those of the Rosario Islands, for an unforgettable experience.
Must-sees
Walled City and Historic Center
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984. Walk the ramparts around the center, get lost in its colorful streets and head to the Baluarte de Santo Domingo to watch the sunset over the sea.
Getsemaní
Cartagena's most authentic and vibrant neighborhood: street-art murals covering entire façades, music in the streets and some of the city's best restaurants.
Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas
The largest colonial military fortress in the Americas. You can explore its well-preserved tunnels, and the top offers one of the best panoramic views of the city.
Rosario Islands
An archipelago of crystal-clear beaches, ideal for snorkeling, just over an hour by boat from Cartagena. One of travelers' favorite day trips.
Bocagrande
The city's most accessible beach, with a seafront promenade, tents and chairs for rent and plenty of beachfront restaurants and hotels.
Clock Tower and Plaza de Santo Domingo
The traditional gateway to the historic center and one of its liveliest squares, surrounded by bars, restaurants and street performers.
Guided city tours
If you'd rather explore with a guide, Exploreti already offers several.
Most popular activities
Here you'll find the most popular experiences in Cartagena, along with their ratings. Open any of them to learn more.
Getting around Cartagena
How to get around Cartagena, a city best enjoyed on foot in its historic center.
On foot in the historic center
If you're staying in the walled city or Getsemaní, you can do almost everything on foot: it's the best way to enjoy the streets, squares and balconies.
Transcaribe (articulated bus)
An articulated bus system linking the center with areas such as Bocagrande, Crespo and El Laguito. It runs on a rechargeable card (around 4,000 COP) and a ride costs about 2,600 COP.
Taxis and ride-hailing apps
Taxis in Cartagena don't use meters, so agree on the fare before getting in or ask your hotel for the usual price. Apps like Uber or InDriver are a more predictable alternative.
Sightseeing bus
The Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing bus covers 14 stops and includes a tour of the historic center; 24- and 48-hour passes let you get on and off as often as you like.
From the airport
From Rafael Núñez Airport (CTG), the historic center and Bocagrande are just 15–20 minutes away by taxi or private transfer.
Food in Cartagena
Cartagena's cuisine is a reason to visit in itself.
Coconut rice and fried fish
The coast's signature dish: rice cooked in coconut milk, served with fried fish, patacón (fried green plantain) and salad. You'll find it at any fonda near the sea.
Posta negra cartagenera
Beef marinated overnight and slow-cooked in a sweet-and-sour sauce made with panela (unrefined cane sugar). One of the city's signature dishes.
Arepa de huevo
A fried arepa stuffed with egg, typical of the Caribbean coast. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack from any street stall.
Sancocho de pescado (fish stew)
A traditional broth with fresh fish, cassava, plantain and yam. A weekend classic at family gatherings across the Caribbean region.
Where to eat
Getsemaní and the historic center have the widest choice of restaurants, from traditional fish fondas to chef-driven cuisine. Bocagrande is a good choice for dining by the sea.
Map of Cartagena
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