cartagena

Cartagena

Colombia

Best Time to Visit
December to April (dry season)
Getting Around
Well Connected
Travel Style
City & Culture

Overview

A magical walled city on Colombia's Caribbean coast where colonial architecture in jewel tones, tropical energy, and world-class cuisine create an intoxicating atmosphere.

Cost of Travel

Daily budget guide for Cartagena — what you can expect to spend per person including accommodation, meals, transport, and activities.

Budget~$25–~$45

per person per day

Mid-Range~$60–~$110

per person per day

Premium~$180–~$400

per person per day

Approximate costs in USD based on today's exchange rates.

Explore Cartagena

⭐ Do

Walls of Cartagena

★★★★★4.8(33,896)Maps

Defensive stone walls snaking 11km around Cartagena, dating to the 1600s & known for sunset vistas.

⭐ Do

Centro Histórico de Cartagena

★★★★★4.8(3,914)Maps
⭐ Do

Aviario Nacional de Colombia

★★★★★4.8(3,448)Maps

Sprawling aviary complex with varied habitats home to colorful parrots, peacocks, flamingos & more.

📍 See

Castillo San Felipe de Barajas

★★★★★4.7(66,784)Maps

Imposing hilltop fortress built in the 1600s with a complex tunnel system & offering audio tours.

⭐ Do

Plaza de Santa Teresa

★★★★★4.7(5,258)Maps
⭐ Do

Bendita Beach

★★★★★4.7(1,476)Maps

Where to Stay

🏨 Stayultra-luxury

Sofitel Legend Santa Clara

★★★★★4.8(4,628)Maps

A converted 17th-century convent in the Walled City, blending colonial grandeur with French luxury and a stunning pool.

🏨 Staymid-range

Hotel Quadrifolio

A beautifully restored colonial house in San Diego with lush courtyards, a rooftop plunge pool, and personalized service.

Where to Eat

🍽️ Eatfine-dining

Carmen

Colombian Contemporary

An innovative restaurant celebrating Colombia's biodiversity through creative dishes using ingredients from every region.

🍽️ Eatmid-range

La Cevicheria

Seafood

A vibrant Walled City restaurant famous for its fresh ceviche varieties and creative cocktails in a colorful setting.

Travel Tips

  • Walk the city walls at sunset for spectacular views
  • Try fresh ceviche and coconut rice at a plaza restaurant
  • Take a day trip to the Rosario Islands or Playa Blanca
  • Bring mosquito repellent — the tropical climate means bugs
  • Haggle politely at markets and with street vendors
  • Stay hydrated — the Caribbean heat and humidity are intense

Getting There & Around

The Walled City is best explored on foot — it's compact and pedestrian-friendly. Taxis are affordable and abundant. Uber operates in the city. Horse-drawn carriages offer scenic tours of the historic center. Boats to Rosario Islands depart from the port. TransCaribe bus system connects main districts.

Book & Reserve

Meera may earn a commission — your price stays the same.

Ready to Visit Cartagena?

Let Meera plan your perfect trip to Cartagena.

Start Planning