Things to do in Cartagena
Explore top experiences
Top 10 attractions in Cartagena
San Felipe de Barajas Fort
San Felipe de Barajas Fort stands on San Lázaro Hill, east of the old city of Cartagena, and is a military fortress built during the Spanish colonial period to defend against pirates and foreign enemies. Its prototype dates back to the 16th century, and the grand scale seen today was mainly formed by continuous expansion in the 17th and 18th centuries, built primarily by African slave labor under the supervision of the Spanish. The entire fortress was built along the mountain with layered defenses. The zigzag ramps were designed specifically to disrupt the pace of attackers, the walls are wider at the bottom and narrower at the top, and the various cannon emplacements cover each other. Don't miss the crisscrossing tunnels when visiting: the main passage extends along the perimeter of the fortress, winding and deep, with footsteps echoing clearly against the stone walls. Back then, the defenders used the tunnels to quietly mobilize troops and ambush the enemy, and some dark chambers were even designed as detonatable traps to block enemies climbing over the walls. In front of the entrance stands a statue of the one-eyed, one-armed, and one-legged Spanish Admiral Blas de Lezo—in 1741, he defended Cartagena by relying on this fortress with far fewer men than the British fleet. Climb the ramp to the top battery for a wide-open view, where you can take in the colorful rooftops of the old city, the Getsemaní neighborhood, and the Caribbean Sea in the distance. The soft light in the evening is especially suitable for taking photos.Cartagena · 1.2 km from downtown
Rosario Islands
Rosario Islands are scattered across the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Cartagena. They consist of 27 small coral islands and sandbars and are part of the Corales del Rosario y San Bernardo National Natural Park. The main part of the park is underwater: the seabed, ranging from a few m to tens of m deep, is covered with vast coral reefs, home to hundreds of species of fish and dozens of types of coral. Because of this, snorkeling and scuba diving are the main activities in the archipelago. Put on a mask and snorkel and head into the water, where schools of tropical fish swim right by your feet, with colorful coral right before your eyes. The main island in the archipelago, Isla Grande, is crisscrossed with coconut groves and mangroves, where you can kayak through mangrove waterways. After dark, you can see lagoons that glow with a faint blue light, as the bioluminescent plankton in the water light up when disturbed. The island also has an aquarium that exhibits marine animals such as sharks, sea turtles, and dolphins. Travel between the islands is entirely by boat. You can take a round-trip island-hopping tour from Cartagena in a single day, or stay overnight on the island. Meals on the island are primarily Caribbean-style.Cartagena · 34.6 km from downtown
Walls of Cartagena
The Walls of Cartagena is one of the most historically and culturally interesting places to visit in Colombia. Located on the Caribbean coast, the city is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and rich historical background. Surrounded by sturdy stone walls, the walled city was originally built to protect against pirates and hostile forces. Today, these ancient walls are not only a testament to history, but also a great place for tourists to stroll and enjoy panoramic views of the city. In the Walls of Cartagena, visitors can explore colorful streets lined with well-preserved Spanish colonial buildings. A must-see is the Castillo de San Felipe, whose complex fortifications and underground tunnels show the military engineering wisdom of the time. In addition, tourists can also visit the Cartagena Cathedral and the Church of San Pedro Claver, which are religious buildings that are not only of historical significance but also show beautiful architectural art. The Walls of Cartagena is mainly pedestrian-only, and visitors can easily navigate the narrow streets. The restaurants and cafes here serve authentic Caribbean cuisine and are a good place to experience the local flavor.Cartagena · 2.2 km from downtown
Monumento Torre del Reloj
Monumento Torre del Reloj is one of the landmarks of Cartagena, located in the Bolivar Department of Colombia. This bell tower is the main entrance to the historic center of Cartagena and has important historical and cultural significance. The unique architectural style, which incorporates colonial design elements, attracts many tourists to visit. The yellow exterior walls and towering spire of the bell tower are particularly eye-catching in the sun, making it a popular spot for taking pictures. Visitors can stroll around the bell tower, admire the surrounding ancient buildings and lively street scenes, and feel the unique charm of Cartagena. The surrounding square is a vibrant place, with street performers and vendors selling local specialties, providing tourists with a rich cultural experience. Monumento Torre del Reloj is not only a historical landmark, but also a starting point for understanding the rich history and culture of Cartagena.Cartagena · 2 km from downtown
Las Botas Viejas
Las Botas Viejas, known as "Old Boots" in Chinese, is a unique cultural landmark in Cartagena, Colombia. Nestled in the city's historic district, it's dotted with charming historic buildings and bustling plazas. This monumental bronze or copper boot sculpture, inspired by local poetry and literary traditions, symbolizes the city's people's spirit of growth and progress despite difficult times. The sculpture, often combined with surrounding green spaces, walkways, and seating, creates a public space ideal for strolling, photographing, and relaxing, making it a popular spot for tourists and locals to relax and take photos. The surrounding area reflects Cartagena's unique Caribbean charm: colorful architecture, vibrant street art, and a vibrant street food scene, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the city's vibrant culture while admiring the sculpture. A popular subject for photography enthusiasts, the area often serves as a meeting point for urban memory and literary history, making it a perfect spot for solo travelers, family outings, or gatherings with friends. When visiting, it is recommended to stroll through the surrounding alleys to learn about the historical background and poetic origins of the sculptures, and taste authentic snacks in the nearby square to experience the enthusiasm and charm of Cartagena.Cartagena · 948m from downtown
Muelle de la Bodeguita
Muelle de la Bodeguita is an open dock where visitors can enjoy beautiful views of Cartagena Bay and experience various water activitiesCartagena · 2 km from downtown
Plaza de la Trinidad
Plaza de la Trinidad is a historic square in the Getsemaní district of Cartagena, Colombia. Surrounded by vibrantly colored buildings and streets, it embodies the city's unique charm. As the heart of this historic area, the square is both a hub for local residents' daily activities and an ideal spot for visitors to immerse themselves in Cartagena's traditional way of life. Plaza de la Trinidad boasts a relaxed atmosphere, where many people gather to enjoy the surroundings and the performances of street performers. The square is surrounded by numerous cafés and small shops, where visitors can sample local snacks or purchase handicrafts, embodying the rich local character. For those seeking to immerse themselves in Cartagena's culture, Plaza de la Trinidad offers a relaxing setting.Cartagena · 1.5 km from downtown
Oceanarium Rosario Islands
Oceanarium Rosario Islands is an aquarium located on a beautiful island that offers a unique marine ecosystem experience. This aquarium is situated in the clear waters of the Rosario Islands, where visitors can observe a variety of marine life up close and enjoy an intimate encounter with nature. The aquarium not only showcases a rich variety of marine species but also provides interactive experiences, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the marine ecosystem. Visitors can see colorful coral, schools of tropical fish, and other marine life, such as sea turtles and sharks. It also features multiple touch pools and exhibit areas, providing opportunities to interact with marine life. In addition to the aquarium itself, it offers various guided tours and educational activities aimed at raising public awareness of marine conservation. Here, visitors can not only enjoy a relaxing time by the sea but also learn important knowledge about the marine environment and ecological conservation.Cartagena · 37 km from downtown
Monumento India Catalina
The Monumento India Catalina is located in Cartagena, Bolivar, Colombia. It is one of the city's iconic cultural sculptures and an important landmark commemorating the female figure India Catalina. Created by Spanish sculptor Eladio Gil Zambrana and unveiled in 1974, this bronze statue uses the image of India Catalina to showcase the historical memory and cultural heritage of Colombia's early inhabitants. The India Catalina depicted in the monument was a 16th-century historical figure. According to records, she was born in what is now the Bolivar region and served as a translator and communicator during the Spanish colonial period due to her command of both Spanish and local languages. Due to her complex history, her image holds multiple meanings in local culture, representing both the exchange between different cultures and prompting reflection on colonial history, cultural integration, and identity.Cartagena · 1.8 km from downtown
Santo Domingo Square
Santo Domingo Square is very suitable for rest. It is surrounded by alleys and there are many tables and chairs on the square. Tourists can sit here and quietly appreciate the vendors, dancers, and horse riders on the square. At the same time, it is a very pleasant thing to appreciate the surrounding buildings and feel the historical atmosphere here.Cartagena · 2.3 km from downtown
Experiences you can't miss in Cartagena
Featured Day tours in Cartagena
View all Day tours
Book now for tomorrow
From€51.91
Free cancellation
Book now for today
From€95.63
Featured Cultural experiences in Cartagena
View all Cultural experiences
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for today
From€5.00
Free cancellation
Book now for today
20% off
Limited-time sale
From€6.39€7.99
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for today
From€7.00
Free cancellation
Book now for today
20% off
Limited-time sale
From€5.19€6.49
5.0/5
· 44 reviewsFree cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
44 consecutive positive reviews
From€49.16
5.0/5
· 7 reviewsFree cancellation
Book now for today
5% off
Limited-time sale
From€17.19€18.1
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
5% off
Limited-time sale
From€62.68€65.98
5.0/5
· 1 reviewFree cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
5% off
Limited-time sale
From€37.26€39.23
Featured Food & drink in Cartagena
View all Food & drink
5.0/5
· 387 reviewsFree cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
100 consecutive positive reviews
From€52.73
5.0/5
· 16 reviewsFree cancellation
Book now for today
5% off
Limited-time sale
From€33.88€35.67
4.9/5
· 398 reviewsFree cancellation
98.5% of travelers recommend
From€46.48
4.9/5
· 568 reviewsFree cancellation
Book now for today
100 consecutive positive reviews
5% off
Limited-time sale
From€48.58€51.14
4.9/5
· 65 reviewsFree cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
98.5% of travelers recommend
From€67.03
4.9/5
· 51 reviewsFree cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
96.1% of travelers recommend
5% off
Limited-time sale
From€69.16€72.8
4.9/5
· 60 reviewsFree cancellation
55 consecutive positive reviews
5% off
Limited-time sale
From€60.23€63.4
5.0/5
· 2 reviewsFree cancellation
Book now for today
5% off
Limited-time sale
From€68.30€71.9
Featured Outdoor experiences in Cartagena
View all Outdoor experiences
4.9/5
· 321 reviewsFree cancellation
Book now for today
51 consecutive positive reviews
From€102.78
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
From€134.06
From€53.63
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
From€95.36
More things to do
Group Tours in Cartagena
View More Group Tours in Cartagena
Free things to do in Cartagena
What travelers say about Cartagena
青岛老韩October 8, 2026
4.0
There wasn't anything particularly memorable, except for the dungeon. The dungeon was low, gloomy, damp, and oppressive, allowing one to empathize with the helplessness and terror of the slaves locked inside.
San Felipe de Barajas Fort
くろすけくんFebruary 22, 2023
5.0
The Rosario Islands are about an hour away from Cartagena by small boat.
The boat runs at high speed so I was worried about getting seasick, but it was no problem at all 🙆♀️
Unlike the area around Cartagena, the beaches are as beautiful as you would expect from the Caribbean Sea!
At the aquarium, the sharks have gotten used to it and are performing tricks?!
You can also experience SUP, kayaking, diving, and more.
Be careful of the salt water in the showers and pools! ️
There are also banana boats, jet skis, and other activities to enjoy.
Rosario Islands
还不曾去过倒悬山！April 2, 2025
4.0
Colombians are generally the best in appearance and temperament among the Westerners I have ever met. This is due to their special mixed race and the country's superior natural and social environment. Therefore, many of the winners of Miss World and Miss Universe are Colombians, and Colombia has also been labeled as a country of beauties. In fact, if you stay in Medellin for a long time, you don't have to worry about having nothing to do. The simplest and most pleasant way to travel is to find a large shopping mall or park and sit there for a day, just looking at the beauties passing by.
Walls of Cartagena
Sarah HsMarch 15, 2021
5.0
The Bell Tower Monument continues the surrounding city walls, separating the old city and the new city of Cartagena. The middle city gate is like a time travel gate. On one side is Independence Square and on the other side is the port. It is always full from sunrise to sunset. Tourists, remember the feelings of history.
Monumento Torre del Reloj
sculptorJune 28, 2020
4.0
The city of Cartagena de Indias is a major port founded in 1533 and is located on the northern coast of Colombia in the Caribbean coast region. Next to the old town of Cartagena there is a sculpture monument with a statue of India Catalina, an indigenous woman who was translated by Spanish and was the daughter of a local chief. She played a role in the Spanish conquest of Colombia.
Monumento India Catalina
