Best Things To Do in Cartagena, Colombia

Have you ever visited a new place and felt ‘wow’ about it? For many visitors, it happens at Cartagena.

Cartagena may not be as popular as other cities in Colombia, but don’t let that fool you. Cartagena is a smaller but beautiful upcoming tourist destination that is worth a visit. You will be surprised by some of the unique things to do and places you can explore at this hidden destination.

You can definitely plan a few hours of a side trip here while traveling to Barranquilla. You might wish to revisit it someday again, to take a break and relax at Cartagena.

If you have plans to visit Colombia and are not sure if Cartagena should be included in your itinerary, keep reading. In this list, we have put together some of the things to do in Cartagena and around. We have a hunch that if you include this city in your travel plans, you will be thrilled you did so.

Tourist Attractions in Cartagena

Here is the list of things to do in Cartagena and tourist attractions in city.

  1. Castillo De San Felipe De Barajas

    Castle, Historical Site

    Address: Cra. 17, Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia

    First constructed in 1536, then expanded in 1657, this triangular fortress atop a hill was named after King Philip IV of Spain. Cartagena Governor Don Francisco de Murga had it constructed to prevent enemies from attacking from behind the city. In the 1741 Battle of Cartagena de Indias, it held off British Admiral Vernon’s invading forces ...Read more
  2. Plaza Santo Domingo

    4.6 (288 Votes)
    Plaza Santo Domingo

    Monument, Cafe, Square

    Address: Cl. 35, Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia

    Today this pretty square is one of the city's favorite hangouts. There are a plethora of restaurants, cafes and bars surrounding it, and almost all of them offer delicious fare. Hundreds of tables spill out from the restaurants into the plaza. The eateries themselves are housed inside oldbuildings of charming architecture. Buskers entertain you ...Read more
  3. Joyeria Caribe Emerald Museum And Factory

    Museum

    Address: Bocagrande, Calle 5 #2-51, Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia

    In addition to the stores around town, the Caribe Jewelry firm has also set up a fascinating little museum. Covering the history of emeralds and emerald mining in Colombia, the engagingly chambers of this unexpected exhibit also have detailed and explanatory displays of the jewels themselves. There’s even a small exploration of the legenda...Read more
  4. Iglesia De San Pedro Claver

    Church, Religious Site

    Address: Carrera 4 No. 30-01, Centro, Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia

    San Pedro was a Spanish Jesuit priest and missionary who became the patron saint of slaves and seafarers. In Christianity, he is considered to be one of the greatest examples of what the exercise of human rights should look like. It’s said he personally baptised over 300,000 souls. Today, he is considered a national hero. The relics of the...Read more
  5. Plaza De San Diego

    4.7 (320 Votes)
    Plaza De San Diego

    Landmark, Walking Area, Streets

    Address: Cra. 9, Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia

    There probably isn’t a better place to spend an evening in Old Town than at this charming and lively plaza. Buskers and dancers all come out to play; vendors hawk more goodies than you can probably carry all by yourself; vehicular traffic is ended for the day so that the cafes, bars and restaurants can spread their tables and chairs out in...Read more
  6. Torre Del Reloj

    4.6 (51 Votes)
    Torre Del Reloj

    Landmark, Tower

    Address: Boca del Puente, Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia

    The clock tower you see here today was actually a later 19th century addition. The main historical relevance of this places is as the historical primary entrance gate to the Old Town. Inside the entrance walls used to be an armory and and a chapel. Note the Tuscan style portico. The square surrounding the tower has lots of shops and is a great p...Read more
  7. Plaza Bolivar

    4.6 (339 Votes)
    Plaza Bolivar

    Monument, Plaza, Square

    Address: Inquiscion, Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia

    Over the centuries, the plaza has taken its various names from the monuments that surround it. At first it was the church, when it was called the Plaza de la Iglesia. When the Holy Tribunal of the Inquisition set up operations here in 1614, it became known as Plaza de Inquisición. Today, it’s a shady hangout surrounded by beautiful ...Read more
  8. Convento De La Popa

    4.5 (16 Votes)
    Convento De La Popa

    View Point, Monastery

    Address: Cl. 37, Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia

    This monastery, up on the highest hill around, is among the most iconic places of the city. Inside the convent is a beautiful courtyard, one of the prettiest cloisters in the whole country. It was founded by Father Alonso de la Cruz, an Augustinian monk. Much of the history of the convent has been lost in the numerous invasions. But there are a ...Read more
  9. Church Of The Holy Trinity

    Church, Religious Site

    Address: Plaza del Pozo, de la Trinidad, Cartagena, Colombia

    First erected in 1600, taking its final form in 1716, this is the second oldest church in city. Its look and design is inspired by the Cathedral of Cartagena. Check out the Mujedar style coffered ceilings and the painting of Purgatory on the altarpiece which has an image of st. Michael. The interior is otherwise sombre and austere. This is in st...Read more