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Cartagena travel guide

Colombia

Basics

CountryColombia

Time zoneAmerica/Bogota

CurrencyCOP

Official language(s)Spanish

For safe travel, visit well-known tourist areas and be cautious when using local transportation.

Places to visit

Museum of the Inquisition

A museum housed in the former colonial Inquisition palace, showing Cartagena’s colonial history and justice system. The building itself is also worth seeing for its baroque architecture.

LocationPlaza de Bolívar, Cartagena de Indias, Bolívar, Colombia

Nearest stationPlaza de Bolívar

HoursDaily 09:00–18:00

AdmissionPaid

Travel tipA good indoor stop to escape the midday heat. Check on-site rules for photography.

Caribbean Museum

A museum covering the history, music, and nature of Cartagena and the Colombian Caribbean. Its accessible exhibits make it a good stop for families and casual visitors.

LocationCentro, Cartagena de Indias, Bolívar, Colombia

Nearest stationMuelle de Los Pegasos

HoursDaily 10:00–18:00

AdmissionPaid

Travel tipEasy to combine with a walk in the historic center. Allow extra time if you want to read the exhibits.

Bocagrande Beach

A well-known beach area easily accessible from Cartagena’s city center. It’s lined with hotels, malls, and restaurants, making it a convenient urban beach stop.

LocationBocagrande, Cartagena de Indias, Bolívar, Colombia

Nearest stationBocagrande

HoursDaily 24 hours

AdmissionFree

Travel tipGood for a sunset walk as well as a swim. It can get very crowded on weekends and holidays.

Santo Domingo Square

One of Cartagena’s liveliest squares, filled with restaurants, cafés, and street performers. Botero’s sculpture and the surrounding colonial buildings make it especially memorable.

LocationPlaza de Santo Domingo, Cartagena de Indias, Bolívar, Colombia

Nearest stationNo station

HoursOpen 24 hours daily

AdmissionFree

Travel tipIt is most atmospheric in the evening, and it is a great place to sit at an outdoor café and watch people pass by.

Castillo San Felipe de Barajas

A historic fortress and iconic landmark of Cartagena.

Hours24 hours

AdmissionFree

Travel tipVisit early to enjoy the scenic view in the morning.

Museo de Arte Moderno

A museum where you can explore history and culture.

Hours10:00 - 17:00

Admission10,000 COP

Travel tipUse a guide for a deeper understanding.

Clock Tower

A historic symbol of Cartagena, boasting beautiful scenery.

Hours09:00 - 18:00

Admission15,000 COP

Travel tipA great spot for photography.

Parque de la Marina

A park where you can enjoy the beautiful views of Cartagena.

Hours05:00 - 22:00

AdmissionFree

Travel tipVisit in the evening for beautiful sunsets.

Iglesia de San Pedro Claver

One of the most beautiful churches in Cartagena.

Hours09:00 - 17:00

AdmissionFree

Travel tipAvoid busy days and enjoy quieter times.

Food to try

Candelaria Cartagena

A popular restaurant for Caribbean seafood and modern Colombian dishes. Its central location in the old town makes it easy to fit into sightseeing plans.

LocationCentro Histórico, Cartagena de Indias, Bolívar, Colombia

Nearest stationNo station

HoursDaily 12:00–23:00

AdmissionMain dishes mid to high range

Travel tipA reservation is helpful for dinner, and seafood dishes are great for sharing.

Las Bóvedas

Restaurants and shops set in the historic archways inside the city walls. It is popular with visitors for snacks, drinks, and souvenirs in one stop.

LocationCalle del Cuartel, Cartagena de Indias, Bolívar, Colombia

Nearest stationNo station

HoursDaily 09:00–19:00

AdmissionVaries by item

Travel tipIt is a good place for a short break during a walk, but prices may be a bit high for the historic center.

Events

Hay Festival Cartagena

An international cultural festival centered on literature, ideas, and the arts, with talks, interviews, and performances by writers and artists. It is one of Cartagena’s signature intellectual events.

WhenEvery late January to early February

LocationCentro Histórico y sedes asociadas, Cartagena de Indias, Bolívar, Colombia

Nearest stationNo station

HoursAnnual event, usually late January to early February

AdmissionVaries by event

Travel tipPopular sessions can fill up quickly, so check the program early and prioritize the events you want to attend.

Cartagena International Music Festival

A festival where you can enjoy diverse music from around the world.

WhenAround February Every Year

HoursAnnual event, usually around January

AdmissionPaid per performance

Travel tipCheck the schedule in advance to plan your performances.

Cartagena Film Festival

A festival where you can enjoy films from various genres.

WhenSummer (July to August)

Travel tipConsider buying tickets in advance!

Basic travel phrases (Spanish)

Hola

Hola · Greeting

Gracias

Gracias · Thanks

Mucho gusto

Mucho gusto · Nice to meet you

Que tengas un buen día

Que tengas un buen dia · Wishing a good day

Bienvenido

Bienvenido · Welcome

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