Cartagena is a modern port city on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. At its core is the walled Old Town, with 16th-century plazas, cobblestone streets and colorful colonial buildings. With a tropical climate, the city is a popular beach destination. Reachable by boat are the nearby shores of Isla de Barú and Islas del Rosario, known for their coral reefs and scuba diving.

Cartagena is one of the most historic cities in Colombia. All the commercial development started here and the first steps toward the abolition of slavery were taken by a Spaniard Jesuit priest, San Pedro Claver, who, seeing the poor conditions of the slaves, began enacting what was then called Equal Human Rights. If you are walking around the old city, you can feel the mystical combination of the Spanish wealth and the black slave hands. Every street has a history that unfolds in front of those who are looking beyond the curious shapes and stones.

The buildings and the great walls carry the weight of history, of war, of violence, of racism. After many years, you can see the miscegenation in every street. People are proud of their roots, and you can see the mixture of cultures, religions, languages and instruments, especially through music.

It’s safe, don’t you worry. Aside from having the usual precautions, like not walking alone in a dark street or leaving your purse or wallet behind, it’s pretty safe to walk around in Cartagena. And this is the best thing you can do, walk. Maybe not at noon, because it is too hot, but in the afternoon and sunset it’s very pleasant.

If you’re looking for restaurant and bar recommendations, this map has all my favorite places. Of course, there are a lot more, but you can enjoy a real Cartagena experience here.

Most Recent Things to Do in Cartagena

Plaza Santa Teresa

This plaza on the southwest side of the walled city contains the Naval museum and Hotel Charleston. The hotel has a large outdoor restaurant that takes up quite a bit of the square, the city walls make up two sides of the square.

Jardin Botanico Guillermo Pineres

In the nearby town of Turbaco is a botanical garden. You can take a bus from Cartagena to get to Turbaco & a moto-taxi to the Garden. I forget, but think admission was 17.000 Was decent if you didn't plan to go into the jungle anywhere else.

Carriage Ride

The horse drawn carriages come out in the evening in Old Town. I highly recommend taking one your first night in town. They are romantic & fun. The driver points out some of the highlights of the area, so you know what to re-visit later. We bartered to 50.000 COP for the 30 minute ride.

Plaza de los coches

This has been the former meeting place for slaves on market days. Today there are just horse carriages that wait for tourists who wish to take a ride through the historical centre. This is also a night life spot as after sunset the square becomes the stage of several jazz performers.

Museo de Arte Moderno

This small modern art museum features local artists in the city's former customs house. The customs house was built in the 17th century. Today this museum in the plaza San Pedro features the work of local artist.

Palacio de la Inquisicion

This building once housed the headquarters of the Inquistion. Today it houses the city museum. The building was the home of the seat of the Inquisition since the 18th century where many locals were tortured into confessions of sin.