Known as the “jewel of Colombia,” Cartagena has something for everyone with its extensive beaches, rich history, and buzzing nightlife.
Colorful alleys and flourishing market plazas dot the landscape, and the music, art, and Caribbean culture spill out onto every sidewalk. At its heart is a 16th-century walled city with original Spanish colonial architecture and narrow cobbled streets. The city is romantic, mysterious, and vibrant.
Read on for our top recommendations for what to do in Cartagena during the day.
1 – The Walled City
Cartagena was one of the first cities settled by the Spanish in the early 1500s. Inside the Walled City, you can still see the original Spanish colonial and Baroque buildings, streets, and architecture.
In 1984, UNESCO declared Cartagena a World Heritage Site of “outstanding universal value.” Around this city-within-a-city runs a seven-and-a-half mile wall, built in the 16th century to keep out pirates and the French!
You can easily spend an afternoon or a day walking around the old city. A few spots to make sure you visit during your daytime activities in Cartagena include:
- The Wall: You can walk along the wall itself and access stunning vistas of both the city and the ocean. Stop along the way for coffee or lunch at open cafes like the Café del Mar. You can also book a walking tour of the old city.
- Carriage Plaza (Plaza de los Coches) and the Clock Tower (La Torre de Reloj): One of the central squares in the old town, the Plaza de los Coches is home to bustling cafes, restaurants, and markets. The famous and picturesque Clock Tower flanks its main entrance. You’re also likely to catch live dance shows or other performances.
- Church of San Pedro Claver: Nestled among brightly colored houses, this gorgeous historic stone church is a site of Cartagena’s more gentle history. San Pedro Claver is a saint who committed his life to protect enslaved people’s human rights.
- Plaza de Santo Domingo and Plaza Bolívar: Both of these plazas in the old city offer the feeling of an oasis escape from the heat and sand. Beautiful old trees, fountains, and statues adorn the plazas, and entertainment extends through day and night.
2 – Beaches
Beaches are among the best daytime activities in Cartagena. As a port city, Cartagena grants visitors access to over 11 miles of sparkling Caribbean beaches. The town offers beach sports, luxurious resorts and spas, and oceanside restaurants.
The beaches closest to the city’s old town are humming with clubs and restaurants. Within the city limits, try these beach destinations:
- Bocagrande: The premier beach locale is the Bocagrande, a luxurious strip of hotels, resorts, and restaurants. It’s a tourist haven bustling with crowds and shopping.
- Playa de Marbella: Marbella beach is a public beach halfway between the city center and the airport. It’s not the most beautiful beach, but they have a very Instagram-worthy sign welcoming you to Cartagena.
The best beaches are a short drive or boat ride out of the city. We recommend two destinations:
- Isla de Barú: Just a short boat ride from Cartagena is the Isla de Barú, connected to the mainland by a bridge. Barú has some of the best beaches in the Caribbean, and our favorite is Playa Blanca, with crystal-clear water and white sands. We recommend an overnight stay at Playa Blanca to get the most out of the beach.
- Rosario Islands (Islas del Rosario): The Rosario Islands are a pristine archipelago a little over an hour outside of Cartagena. The islands offer the best snorkeling and diving adventures in the area. If you have an extra day or two on your trip, we highly recommend a visit.
3 – Getsemani
Formerly a red light district, Getsemani has transformed in the past decade to the city’s hippest “best-kept secret.” Like Williamsburg in New York City or Wynwood in Miami, Getsemani is an authentic, arts-focused, culture quarter where tourists feel like locals.
It’s certainly not so secret anymore, but Getsemani still draws us with its charm, street art, performers, and youthful vibe.
Here are a few must-sees in Getsemani:
- Murals & Street Art: Similar to the Wynwood design district in Miami, Getsemani is home to aspiring painters, graffiti artists, and musicians. Take a stroll just to admire the sprawling, colorful murals and graffiti art throughout the crisscrossing streets.
- Plaza de la Trinidad: Located in the heart of Getsemani, the Plaza de la Trinidad is a quaint square flanked by brightly colors homes and buildings – and yes, tons and tons of art. Buy fresh fruit from local stands or just enjoy the people watching.
- Food & Shopping: Getsemani has excellent flea markets, shops, and trendy restaurants, both old and new. Explore the neighborhood and stop in shops along the way for a bite to eat and some local art. At night, you’ll enjoy the live music spilling onto the streets from the quarter’s many restaurants.
4 – Museums
Cartagena has a long, often violent history featuring the rich culture of indigenous peoples, the invading Spanish, pirates, gold, and more. The city has several museums dedicated to keeping that history alive.
If you want to take a day out of the sun, check out a few of our favorite museums:
- Historical Museum of Cartagena: The museum is housed in the Inquisition Palace, a foreboding but gorgeous former courthouse for the Spanish Inquisition. Learn more about some of Cartagena’s more troubling history of violence, enslavement, and imperial rule.
- Zenu Gold Museum: The Zenu were the local indigenous tribe who settled the area long before the Spanish invaded. The museum displays incredible gold artifacts and ancient jewelry.
- Castillo de San Felipe: The Castillo de San Felipe is a fortress built by the Spanish to protect the gold they mined in Colombia. The San Felipe is the most prominent structure in the old city. You can climb up and explore the fortress and enjoy the museum inside.
Final Thoughts
Cartagena is a vibrant, provocative, oceanfront city with so much to offer locals and tourists alike. If you’re planning a trip, look no further to start your plans than this list of the best daytime activities in Cartagena.
Get lost in the history, the art, the music, the winding streets, and the sparkling beaches.
If you’d like more information on Cartagena vacation trips, vacation rentals, or concierge services in Cartagena, be sure to contact us today!
