This spring break, our family spent a wonderful week in Cartagena, a beautiful and lively Caribbean city in Colombia. We were amazed by the city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and family-friendly activities. For anyone planning a trip to this exciting destination, I have compiled a detailed guide to help you make the most of your visit. You’ll find everything you need to know about the things to do in Cartagena, the city’s best attractions, restaurants, and more so you can plan a perfect trip that suits your preferences.
1. Walk the tunnels of Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas
Built in the 1600s, the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. This fortress offers insight into Cartagena’s colonial past and is a significant example of Spanish colonial military architecture.
It was built to protect the city from pirates and invaders, thanks to its strategic location on San Lázaro Hill (hence, you can enjoy the panoramic views of Cartagena).
Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas is famed for its robust design, including a complex network of tunnels for defense and communication. Our girls definitely enjoyed walking those narrow tunnels, searching for an exit.
Fun fact: while the fortress looked way too steep to walk to the top, and I actually turned on the “outdoor workout” on my watch, it took us less than five minutes to get there.
Admission costs around $9 per adult, kids under 6-13 are around $4, and kids under 6 enter for free, (guided tours are available for an additional fee).
Plan to spend at least 1-2 hours exploring the fortress and enjoying the views of the city.
2. Wander around the Walled City of Cartagena
Cartagena’s Walled City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is rich in history and culture. When I say “Walled City,” that is literally what it is—a city with 11 kilometers of walls built around it. These days, the Wall built in 1586 to defend the city, separates the Old Town from the rest of the city.
Take a leisurely stroll through its cobbled streets, admiring the colorful facades and visiting landmarks like the Clock Tower and Plaza de Bolivar. Stop at one of the coffee shops or grab a bite at one of the restaurants.
Entrance to the Walled City is free, but guided walking tours are available for around $20-30 USD per person.
3. Encounter wildlife at Parque Del Centenario
The most unexpected thing that happened to us in Cartagena, Colombia, was encountering a family of wild sloths in the city park! After missing out on seeing sloths during our recent trip to Costa Rica, we stumbled upon a whole family of them here at Parque Del Centenario!
There, you can encounter wild sloths (and other animals, including tamarin monkeys and iguanas) in their natural habitat. The park is free to enter, and sloth sightings are common, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. Remember to respect the animals’ space and observe them from a distance.
4. Visit the museums
Cartagena boasts several museums showcasing its rich cultural heritage. We had a chance to explore the two of them: the Historic Museum of Cartagena and Museo del Oro Zenú.
The Historic Museum of Cartagena, also known as Museo de la Ciudad, is located in the Palace of the Inquisition in the old city center and showcases the city’s history and culture. The museum features exhibits on the city’s colonial past, including the Spanish conquest and the African slave trade. It also displays the city’s architecture, art, and music.
Admission prices to the Historic Museum of Cartagena vary from $5-7 USD per person.
While we had a great time visiting this museum, most of the signs were in Spanish, which made it a bit hard to understand what the exhibits were about.
The Museo del Oro Zenú features a collection of gold artifacts from the indigenous Zenú culture. The museum provides insight into the pre-Colombian history and culture of the region.
When you enter The Museo del Oro Zenú (with free admission), you are directed to the movie room right away to see a short 10-minute movie introducing the Zenú’s advanced agricultural practices, social structures, and craftsmanship, particularly in gold (with English subtitles).
Our girls had a great time at this small museum. They enjoyed looking at the jewelry exhibits and listening to the sounds of ancient flutes using the QR codes.
This museum is open daily except for Mondays.
5. Take a boat ride to the Islas del Rosario
The Rosario Islands, also known as Corales Islas del Rosario (Coral Islands of Rosario), are a stunning 27 Islands worth exploring. This archipelago is recognized as one of Colombia’s 46 Natural National Parks.
Take a boat trip to the Islas del Rosario for a day of sun, sand, and snorkeling. Boats depart regularly from Cartagena’s harbor, with round-trip tickets costing around $20-30 USD per person. Several companies offer speedboat rides, which take only about 1 hour; this time, our hotel arranged our transfer.
Once on the islands, you can enjoy swimming in the turquoise waters and exploring the coral reefs. For a truly immersive experience, consider staying overnight at one of the island’s eco-hotels, which we ended up doing. Our activities during our stay included swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, and taking an evening boat ride to see the bioluminescent plankton!
We spent two nights at Hotel Isla del Sol and absolutely loved it. We booked the Bungalow With a Fan so the four of us could easily fit in the room.
It’s interesting to note that all of our meals were included in our stay. However, it was not the typical all-inclusive style of dining. Instead, we preordered our meals every morning for lunch and midday for dinner from the menu. Upon arrival at the restaurant, everything was brought to our table. Despite paying for only two nights, the total cost covered seven meals, including three lunches, two breakfasts, and two dinners.
6. Visit Santuario de San Pedro Claver
Visit the Santuario de San Pedro Claver to pay homage to the 16th-century saint known for his advocacy for human rights.
Entrance to the sanctuary is free, and guided tours are available for a small fee. Spend around 30 minutes exploring the church and learning about its history.
7. Explore a colorful neighborhood of Getsemani
Explore the vibrant neighborhood of Getsemani, known for its colorful colonial architecture and lively street art. Wander through its narrow alleys, stopping to admire murals and browse local artisan shops. Getsemani comes alive at night with street food vendors and live music, making it the perfect spot for an evening stroll.
8. Try local cuisine
Don’t miss the chance to sample Cartagena’s delicious cuisine at one of its many restaurants. Try traditional dishes like empanadas, ceviche, and patacones, washed down with a refreshing limonada de coco. Prices vary depending on the restaurant, but you can expect to pay around $10-15 USD per dish.
Here are some of the restaurants that we recommend visiting while in Cartagena:
- El Gobernador (Bastión Luxury Hotel)
- Restaurante Candé
- ALMA Restaurante – Bar
- Carmen Cartagena
- Mistura Cartagena
- Restaurante Celele
Coffee shops and popsicle shops:
- La Palettería (cash only)
- Café San Alberto Cartagena on Plaza Santo Domingo
- Ábaco Libros y Café
When in Cartagena, it is a must to visit one of the rooftop restaurants and bars. They are very popular, and the views are breathtaking.
9. Visit Catedral de Santa Catalina de Alejandría
Marvel at the beauty of Cartagena’s oldest cathedral, the Catedral de Santa Catalina de Alejandría. Entrance is free, and visitors are welcome to explore the cathedral’s interior and admire its stunning architecture. Plan to spend 30 minutes here, taking in the atmosphere and snapping photos.
The girls obviously seemed to have the most fun chasing the pigeons outside the building. 😅
10. Stop by Plaza de la Trinidad
End your Cartagena adventure with a visit to Plaza de la Trinidad, a lively square where locals gather to socialize and enjoy live performances.
Grab a snack from one of the street food vendors and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. The plaza is free to enter, and performances usually start in the evening.
Bottom line
Cartagena is an amazing destination for families that offers a diverse range of experiences. The city is known for its rich history and culture, which can be seen in the well-maintained fortresses and the beautifully preserved Old Town. In addition, the city boasts a vibrant culinary scene which serves up some of the best local cuisine in the region. And let’s not forget about the beaches! Cartagena has some of the most stunning beaches in Colombia, each with its own unique charm.
By following the guide, you can make the most out of your time in this captivating city. You can explore the old fortresses to get a glimpse of the city’s past, walk through the charming streets of the Old Town, and indulge in some of the most delicious local dishes.
Overall, Cartagena is a must-visit destination for families looking for a mix of history, culture, great food, and stunning beaches.
