THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Cartagena (2025) - Must-See Attractions
Revenue and your browsing history impact the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Things to Do in Cartagena
Explore the best-preserved old colonial city in Latin America from the comfort of a party bus, or while on a walking tour. Prefer beaches instead? The Rosario Islands await. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
Powered by AI
BETA
Revenue and your browsing history impact the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Explore popular experiences
See what other travellers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings.
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Cartagena.
- fromper adult£57
- fromper adult£78
- Day Tripsfromper adult (price varies by group size)£83
- Street Food Toursfromper adult£37
- Private and Luxuryfromper adult£20
- fromper adult£89
- Half-day Toursfromper adult£39
- 4WD Toursfromper adult£111
- Cooking Classesfromper adult£50
- Car Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)£97
Historic Sites
Historic neighborhood with preserved colonial architecture and cobbled streets, ideal for walking tours. Features cosy squares, museums, and a vibrant street vendor scene.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Speciality Museums
Emerald-centric attraction in the old city district provides insights into gem history and processing; includes a jewellery showcase and impromptu tours.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Neighbourhoods
Vibrant neighborhood known for its colourful street art and murals with a lively atmosphere, featuring a mix of dining options, bars, and cultural events amidst historic cobbled alleys.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Historic Sites
Historic site with lush gardens, museum, and religious artworks. Discover the legacy of human rights advocate Pedro Claver, enjoy scenic balcony views, and serene ambiance.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Shopping Malls
Transformed historic bullfighting arena featuring high-end retail, top-floor dining with panoramic city views, and striking architecture. A blend of shopping and cultural allure.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Religious Sites
Convent with a history since the 1600s, featuring informative exhibits, charming courtyard, and panoramic Caribbean views. Accessible by taxi, includes a gift shop.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Volcanoes
Geothermal mud bath experience with warm, odorless mud and on-site assistance, complemented by a refreshing lagoon dip and optional photo service. Basic changing facilities available.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Historic Sites
History Museums
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Historic neighborhood's vibrant plaza surrounded by significant landmarks, with street vendors, live music, and shaded spots for relaxation amidst colonial architecture.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Other Top Attractions around Cartagena
Revenue and your browsing history impact the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Learn more about this content
Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
What travellers are saying
- jads4uAurora, CO221 contributionsTook a tour with Daniel through our cruise ship. He was excellent and brought is to several sites including the Fort de Filipe, Saint Pedro church and grounds and the walled city. Very informative with great suggestions for food and gifts.Written 5 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- lucycanSan Diego, CA3,714 contributionsGreat historic fort that over looks the city. Its like 36k COP to enter. Make sure you walk all around and check out the tunnels. Try and go earlier in the AM to avoid the big tours and crowds. This is a must see.Written 3 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Tony G4 contributionsWe had the most wonderful experience today at Caribe Emeralds here in Centro Cartagena. Our sales person, Darlene, was just great. Friendly, patient, professional and spent a lot of time with us helping us and made our purchase so very pleasant. We were never pressured and only educated about the magnificent emeralds in the store. If you visit beautiful Cartagena and want to purchase the finest emeralds, by all means, visit Caribe and seek out Darlene.Written 12 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- lucycanSan Diego, CA3,714 contributionsThis is THE neighborhood in Cartagena. Its in the old city. It has many shops and restaurants and bars. The people seem super friendly. Many places to stay in this area as well. We stayed in a house here. We would definitely stay in the area again.Written 3 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- R. K. V.Bogota, Colombia2,696 contributionsone of my absolute favorite places in Cartagena- a sobering piece of history thru the lens of a historical figure and a true saintWritten 26 July 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- stephanie vLaval, Canada10 contributionsBeautiful architecture. I have never seen anything like it. A must see if visiting Cartagena. Nice shops as well for those who want to spend .Written 19 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Allen BMuskegon, MI1,282 contributionsThis is a must do while in Cartagena. Columbia, if not for the amazing history and artifacts, then for the breath taking view over the city.Written 10 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- elizabeth M51 contributionsThis was fun but a bit dirty alot of bugs in the mud. The staff was funny and friendly it's a unique experience. Be ready to tip for everything shower, massage, bathing etc.Written 7 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- RschagrinDelray Beach, FL15,638 contributionsVery nice plaza in the middle of the walled city. Surrounded by tons of stores and restaurants. There are tables in the middle of the plaza so you sit and eat and at night, enjoy the music.Written 1 January 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Aprylgem5Norfolk, VA507 contributionsThis was definitely the hub of the city. There was always something going on and so much to see. Vendors, locals, restaurants, shops etc.Written 2 June 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ksufan88Wichita, KS7,045 contributionsWe had hoped to visit this free (air-conditioned) museum on a Monday, but that is the day that they are closed so we rearranged our schedule to visit instead on Tuesday. Immediately after we entered, an employee encouraged us to enter a small room on the ground floor where a video was being shown about the musical instruments of the indigenous people that we would later see displayed in the museum. This movie was not all that interesting but it did help us better understand what we later saw. The upper floor has lots of gold exhibits but also many artifacts that the native people used. The final room on this floor had another video being shown about how the locals weave hats and make filigree jewelry. This video was very interesting, and I would recommend visitors take the time to watch it entirely.Written 25 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- RschagrinDelray Beach, FL15,638 contributionsOne of the 100's of Plaza de Bolívar throughout South America. Naturally there is a statue of Simon Bolivar in the middle. The plaza is surrounded by a Cathedral, the Palace of the Inquisition and a gold museum.Written 1 January 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
When to Visit
- January27 ºCColdest month1 day of rainVery busy
- February27 ºC1 day of rainModerately busy
- March27 ºC1 day of rainVery busy
- April28 ºC4 days of rainModerately busy
- May28 ºCHottest month10 days of rainModerately busy
- June28 ºC11 days of rainLess busy
- July28 ºC11 days of rainVery busyBusiest month
- August28 ºC12 days of rainVery busy
- September28 ºC14 days of rainLess busyLeast busy month
- October28 ºC16 days of rainWettest monthLess busy
- November28 ºC11 days of rainLess busy
- December27 ºC4 days of rainModerately busy
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information.
Reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.