Cartagena is one of the most photogenic cities in the Americas — a kaleidoscope of bright colonial houses, bougainvillea-covered balconies, Caribbean sunsets, colorful murals, and lively street scenes. Whether you’re a content creator, casual photographer, or someone who simply loves beautiful corners, Cartagena is pure paradise.

This guide lists the best photography spots in Cartagena — from iconic postcard-perfect locations to hidden gems locals love.

🌅 Top Photography Spots in Cartagena — Quick List

Perfect for Instagram, travel blogs, or digital nomads:

Walled City:

1. Calle de los Siete Infantes

2. Callejón de los Mártires

3. Torre del Reloj

4. Plaza Santo Domingo

5. Plaza de la Aduana

6. Plaza Bolívar

7. Getsemaní Street Murals

8. Calle San Juan

9. Callejón Angosto

10. Cartagena Cathedral

11. Las Bóvedas

12. City Walls (Baluarte de Santo Domingo)

13. Teatro Heredia

14. Aduana Viewpoint (rooftops nearby)

Waterfront & Sunsets:

15. Café del Mar
16. Walls of Cartagena at sunset
17. Bocagrande Skyline View
18. Sunset on the Bay of Cartagena

Beaches & Islands:

19. Playa de la Artillería
20. Bocagrande Beach
21. Rosario Islands
22. Baru & Playa Blanca
23. Tierra Bomba Island

Night & Lifestyle:

24. Alquímico Rooftop
25. Charleston Santa Teresa Rooftop

📸 The 25 Best Photography Spots in Cartagena — Detailed Guide

1. Calle de los Siete Infantes (Iconic Flower Balconies)

Possibly the most photographed street in Cartagena.
Expect: pastel houses, hanging flowers, colonial balconies, golden hour magic.

Best time: Early morning (soft light, fewer crowds)

2. Callejón de los Mártires

A narrow, romantic alley with colorful buildings and bright pots.

Tip: Use a wide-angle lens for strongest effect.

3. Torre del Reloj (Clock Tower)

Cartagena’s famous yellow tower is the city’s symbol.

Best shot: Stand outside the gate to capture crowds, vendors, and the tower.

4. Plaza Santo Domingo

Home to Botero’s “Gertrudis,” charming restaurants, and colonial façades.

Night photography: Beautiful warm lighting.

5. Plaza de la Aduana (Elegant Colonial Square)

One of the most spacious squares in the city.
Perfect for wide architectural compositions.

6. Plaza Bolívar

Shaded, green, lively. Great for candid shots of local life.

7. Getsemaní Murals (Street Art Paradise)

Getsemaní is the heart of Cartagena’s creative scene.
Murals change often — making each visit unique.

Best locations:

• Calle del Guerrero

• Calle San Juan

• Calle de la Sierpe

8. Calle San Juan (Color Explosion)

Lined with paper flags, umbrellas, and murals.
A top Instagram spot.

9. Callejón Angosto (Umbrella Street)

Famous for its colorful hanging umbrellas.

Shoot early to avoid crowds.

10. Cartagena Cathedral (Santa Catalina de Alejandría)

A masterpiece with a stunning yellow dome.
Best captured from nearby rooftops.

11. Las Bóvedas (Historic Vaults)

Yellow arches create perfect symmetry for photography.

Best shot: The view under the arches.

12. City Walls / Baluarte de Santo Domingo

Golden hour here is unforgettable.

Tip: Use silhouettes for dramatic compositions.

13. Teatro Adolfo Mejía (Teatro Heredia)

A stunning neoclassical theater — the façade alone is gorgeous.

14. Rooftops Facing the Cathedral Dome

Especially at:

• Movich Cartagena

• Charleston Santa Teresa

• Sophia Hotel

Perfect for: Sunset skyline shots.

15. Café del Mar (Sunset Spot)

A legendary spot for wide-open Caribbean sunsets.

Best gear: Smartphone wide lens / mirrorless camera.

16. The Walls at Sunset (Anywhere Along the Ramparts)

Walk the full stretch — every angle is gold.

17. Bocagrande Skyline (Miami-Style Views)

Best place to photograph Cartagena’s modern skyscrapers.

Top viewpoints:

• Castillo Grande pier

• Laguito beach

18. Sunset on the Bay of Cartagena

Take a sunset cruise or capture long-exposure shots from the pier.

19. Playa de la Artillería (Old City Beachfront)

Not the best beach for swimming — but excellent for photos of the walls meeting the sea.

20. Bocagrande Beach

Great for sunrise, palm trees, and long coastal views.

21. Rosario Islands (Perfect Caribbean Blue)

Crystal-clear turquoise water, palm trees, and island vibes.

Drone-friendly in some areas (check restrictions).

22. Baru & Playa Blanca

White sand + blue water = stunning tropical shots.

Best time: Early morning before crowds.

23. Tierra Bomba Island

You get a rare angle of the Bocagrande skyline from across the water — perfect contrast shots.

24. Alquímico Rooftop

Cartagena’s trendiest bar.
Great for:

• cocktails

• nightlife photography

• rooftop vibes

25. Charleston Santa Teresa Rooftop

Offers one of the best views of Cartagena’s skyline + cathedral.

📷 Photography Tips for Cartagena

1. Early morning = best light + emptiest streets

Especially in the Walled City.

2. Bring a polarizing filter

Enhances sky + water colors.

3. Wear breathable clothes

The heat can be intense.

4. Use a small camera or phone in crowded areas

Pickpocket risk is low but possible.

5. Drones

Allowed in some areas — not inside the Walled City.

✔️ Final Thoughts

Cartagena is a city built for photography — every corner feels like a postcard. With its mix of colonial charm, Caribbean colors, modern skyline, and vivid street art, you’ll have no shortage of unforgettable shots.