Cartagena is one of those cities that instantly pulls you into its rhythm. Between the pastel-colored colonial buildings, tropical heat, lively plazas, Caribbean beaches, salsa bars, and historic fortresses, it’s hard not to fall in love with this city the moment you arrive.

Whether you’re visiting for a short stop during a Colombia trip or planning a longer, slow-travel experience, this guide gives you the perfect Cartagena itinerary for 1, 2, 3, and 5 days — including must-see attractions, hidden gems, food recommendations, and practical tips to make the most of your time.

Why Visit Cartagena?

Cartagena is the kind of destination that blends history, beach life, nightlife, and culture in one colorful package. Here’s why travelers love it:

• The Walled City (Ciudad Amurallada) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of vibrant streets, charming cafés, and photogenic colonial architecture.

• Beaches & islands are easily accessible — from city beaches to the Rosario Islands.

• Great food scene: seafood lovers and Colombian cuisine fans will be delighted.

• Warm, Caribbean climate year-round.

• It’s easy to explore on foot, making it perfect for short and long stays.

Let’s jump into the itineraries.

🟡 1-Day Cartagena Itinerary (Perfect for Cruise Stops or Short Visits)

If you only have one day, focus on Cartagena’s essentials — the historic center, the old fortress, and a sunset to remember.

Morning: Wander the Walled City

Start early before it gets hot. Stroll through:

• Plaza Santo Domingo

• Calle de las Sombrillas (Umbrella Street)

• Plaza Bolívar

• Cartagena Cathedral

• Las Bóvedas (for artisan shopping)

Take your time soaking in the colors, balconies dripping with bougainvillea, and the city’s colonial charm.

Coffee Break

Stop at one of these cafes:

• Café del Mural (Getsemaní, experimental coffee!)

• Ábaco Libros & Café (bookstore + café heaven)

Midday: Visit Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas

Hop in a taxi or ride-share to Cartagena’s iconic fortress — the largest Spanish-built fort in South America.

Explore:

• Underground tunnels

• Hilltop viewpoints

• Defensive walls

• Cannons & history exhibits

Plan around 1.5 hours.

Lunch: Taste Local Flavors

Great choices:

• La Cevichería (famous seafood)

• Café Lunático (fusion)

• La Mulata (local favorites)

Afternoon: Explore Getsemaní

Walk through the coolest neighborhood in Cartagena:

• Graffiti murals

• Plaza Trinidad

• Street food

• Indie cafés

Perfect for photos and people-watching.

Evening: Sunset at Café del Mar

It’s touristy — but iconic.
Sit on top of the city wall with a drink and watch the Caribbean sky turn gold.

Optional Night Activity

• Salsa at Havana Club

• Dinner in Getsemaní

• Walk the city walls after dark

🟡 2-Day Cartagena Itinerary (Add More Culture & Food)

With a second day, you can explore more neighborhoods and enjoy extra viewpoints.

Morning: Convento de la Popa

Head up to Cartagena’s highest point. The 1607 convent offers:

• Spectacular panoramic views

• Lovely cloisters

• A peaceful garden

• A look into Cartagena’s religious history

Come early to avoid crowds and heat.

Midday: Mercado de Bazurto (For Adventurous Travelers)

This is Cartagena’s real, gritty, chaotic central market — a sensory overload of fish, fruit, spices, and local life.

Join a guided tour unless you know Spanish well.

Lunch Options

• Caffé Lunático

• Di Silvio Trattoria (Getsemaní)

• Gelateria Paradiso for dessert

Afternoon: San Diego Neighborhood

A quieter, elegant area inside the walled city.

Walk:

• Plaza de San Diego

• Hotel Santa Clara courtyard

• Calle de las Flores

Evening: Dinner & Nightlife

Try:

• Alquímico (3 floors, Latin America’s #10 bar)

• El Baron (cocktails)

• Celele (award-winning Caribbean cuisine)

🟡 3-Day Cartagena Itinerary (Add Beaches or Islands)

By day three, you’re ready to explore Cartagena’s coastal side.

Option A: Day Trip to the Rosario Islands

The absolute best thing you can do with your third day.

Choose between:

• Playa Blanca (Barú) — beautiful but can be crowded

• Isla Grande — quieter, rustic

• Isla Cholón — party vibe

• Isla del Encanto / Bora Bora / Gente de Mar — private beach clubs

• Isla Coralina or Blue Apple Beach — boutique and upscale

Expect:

• Turquoise water

• Snorkeling

• Coral reefs

• White sand

Option B: Beach Day Near Cartagena

If you don’t want a full day trip, try:

• Bocagrande Beach (urban)

• Castillogrande (quiet)

• La Boquilla (local vibes, kitesurfing)

Evening: Sunset Cruise

A catamaran sunset trip is magical — especially around Cartagena Bay with city lights glowing.

🟡 5-Day Cartagena Itinerary (Perfect Pace for Slow Travelers)

With five days, you can see everything Cartagena offers plus hidden gems.

Day 4: Food + History + Relaxation

Cooking Class or Food Tour

Try a Caribbean-style cooking class or a guided food tour through Getsemaní.

You’ll learn:

• Coconut rice

• Patacones

• Fresh fish

• Local fruits

Visit the Naval Museum of the Caribbean

A surprisingly good museum with:

• Naval history

• Pirate stories

• Replicas of ships

• Interactive exhibits

Day 5: Choose Your Adventure

Your final day could go in several directions:

Option 1: Mangrove Tour in La Boquilla

Peaceful canoe rides, birdwatching, and Afro-Colombian culture.

Option 2: Visit Tierra Bomba Island

Closer than the Rosario Islands, with beaches and nice beach clubs.

Option 3: Rum Tasting & Salsa Night

Cartagena is a great place to learn salsa and enjoy Colombian rum.

Option 4: Spa Day in a Colonial Mansion

Relax with:

• Massages

• Rooftop pools

• Hammams

Option 5: Shopping + Souvenirs

Great spots:

• Las Bóvedas

• Casa Chiqui

• Canoa

• Loto del Sur

Where to Stay in Cartagena

Best Areas:

• Centro Histórico: Best for first-timers.

• San Diego: Quiet and charming.

• Getsemaní: Trendy and budget-friendly.

• Bocagrande: Beach access + modern hotels.

Sample Hotels

• Luxury: Hotel Casa San Agustín, Sofitel Santa Clara

• Midrange: Casa India Catalina, Casa Claver

• Budget: Life is Good Hostel, Santuario Hostel

What to Eat in Cartagena

Try these must-eats:

• Posta Negra Cartagenera

• Ceviche

• Arroz con coco

• Arepas de huevo

• Bollo de mazorca

• Fresh tropical fruit

Best Time to Visit Cartagena

• Dry season: December–April (peak season, best weather)

• Green season: May–November (hotter, short rain bursts, fewer crowds)

Caribbean weather is warm year-round.

Practical Tips for Visiting Cartagena

• Wear light clothing — it’s humid.

• Withdraw cash before the islands (ATMs there are limited).

• Book restaurants in advance in high season.

• Use taxis or InDriver — very safe and cheap.

• Avoid midday heat for long walks.

• Don’t swim at Bocagrande if the waves are rough.

Final Thoughts

Cartagena is the kind of place that stays with you long after you’ve left. Whether you’re wandering the walled city, dancing to Caribbean rhythms in Getsemaní, or relaxing on an island beach with turquoise water at your feet, the city always feels alive, colorful, and full of stories.

Whether you have 1 day or 5 days, this itinerary helps you experience the best of Cartagena — at your own pace, with all the highlights, hidden gems, and delicious food along the way.