You’re probably here to learn about activities in Cartagena. But first of all, I just really want to clarify this for MANY people (especially you, mom): It’s ColOmbia, not ColUmbia.
Now that we have the basics of the country name out of the way, let’s get down to the nitty gritty of the best activities in Cartagena.
I didn’t know what to expect traveling to Colombia as I had only been to South America once before. I traveled Peru with Backroads, a company that took us biking and hiking through all sorts of sights, villages, and trails we wouldn’t have found otherwise.
However, ColOmbia (yes, really hitting that point home for my readers) was much different than that, at least my experience with activities in Cartagena. Roaming and getting lost on the vibrant streets, ordering street food in Spanish, soaking in the sun’s rays on one of the 28 islands making up the Rosario Islands, and observing the local plaza come to life as the sun set made up most of our days spent in the city.
Soak in the Culture at Plaza de la Trinidad
It may seem random to put a plaza as the first thing on my list of “top 10,” but when I think of Cartagena, my mind immediately drifts to sitting on the stairs of the church in the plaza, drinking a street beer captivated by the activities of the plaza, from dancers to the street vendors to cute puppies and curious tourists wandering.
You might be wondering why my picture seems to be the opposite of what I just described, but that’s because during the day it’s pretty empty, and when we were there at night, I was too busy taking it all in to even think about taking a picture. It was a bonus moment when Americans asked if I spoke English because I was busy speaking in Spanish (maybe that’s why I like this square!). No, but really, this plaza will not disappoint. You won’t go hungry with the plethora of cheap bars and dinner spots surrounding the square. Stop by Demente for a beer and some tapas and pizza to view the plaza from a different point of view.
Walk the Wall
After all, Cartagena is a walled city so you might as well take advantage of walking on top of the wall to get a different vantage point of the winding streets within and the ocean beyond.
The wall was built in the 17th century as a means to protect the city, then an important economic and political center, from being pillaged as it had been before. While walking the wall, stop at Cafe del Mar for a coffee and to watch the sunset over the ocean.
Get Lost in the Streets
When the sightseeing seemed to be checked off the list, wandering the streets never got old. Each new corner we turned had an old colonial style building painted in a different color than the one before it. Quaint shops line the streets, flowers grow from trellis’, and moving fruit vendors (they legally have to stay on the move) brighten the streets even further.
Stroll through Getsemani
Getsemani is a bustling neighborhood located right outside of the walled city. Once avoided and engulfed with poverty, this is now the place to be. This is also where Plaza de la Trinidad lies on a map.
Here, the streets are vibrant, some filled with interesting graffiti and festive flags hanging across the street from building to building. Locals flood the streets and the square at night, and hotels and hostels are becoming more and more popular in this area.
Eat like a Local
When visiting Colombia, eating street food, arepas, and pan de bono (a cheesy bread specialty) is a must. You can find these while wandering around the town, both inside the wall and out.
For a cool down after wandering the hot streets during the day, stop at La Poletteria, which offers a wide selection of ice cream on a stick ranging from fruit flavors to more of your traditional ice cream flavors. Eat it fast though, or else you’ll find it melted all over your hand and the street.
If you’re looking for a casual bite, but a bit more fancy than street food, look no further than Demente or La Arsenal: The Rum Box, both located outside of the wall in Getsemani. Demente offers a laid back “ruin bar” vibe, if you’ve ever been to Budapest you’ll get the gist. It’s open air and string lights complete this bar’s decor.
La Arsenal offers rum tastings, ALWAYS paired with chocolate, when eating dinner or apps. The chocolate changes depending on the rum they give you…even more of a bonus. But, the food and cocktails are good, too. Also, they give out free hugs? I don’t know if this is always a thing, but why not go get a free hug?
Formal Dining
For a fancier dinner at one of the finest hotels in the area, book a reservation at the Sofitel’s 1621 Restaurant, converted from an old monastery. You can eat outside on the patio (which is open air and I recommend) or inside. The array of food and wine is quite vast from land to sea and everything in between. This was one of my favorite activities in Cartagena.
If you’re not exactly hungry, but thirsty like we often were, sitting on the street outdoors or in a plaza allows for people watching while enjoying a local beer or cocktail. For a beautiful view of the sunset on one of the highest rooftop bars, visit Hotel Movich. Get there before the sun is about to set, as seats fill up.
Tour Castillo de San Felipe
Built in the 1600s, the fort offers impressive views of the surrounding areas of Cartagena. There are multiple levels and areas to climb around, as well as tunnels to search. If self-guided, there is an information video located in the hospital of the fort that offers a plethora of information.
It also offers a horrible animation and funny remarks in the video, which makes it even more entertaining and you may even get a laugh in there.
See the Churches
Wander inside St Catherine of Alexandria Cathedral and the Sanctuary of Saint Peter Claver on one of your relaxed days of getting lost in the streets. Services are often going on, but catching a glimpse of the inside is still worth it.
Cook with a Local
Cooking with a local chef in a stranger’s home was one of the highlights of our trip to Colombia. Not only did we learn local recipes, but I ate many dishes out of my usual comfort zone.
I can’t say that I spend my time at home ripping the heads of lobsters off, getting the guts out of the lobster, eating octopus, or preparing ceviche all from the local market. But, now I definitely can say that I have done all of this and more!
Shop at Bazurto
Before we did our local cooking excursion as one of my favorite activities in Cartagena, we were brought to the local market to see how exactly barters took place and where most locals shopped for their goods. The hustle and bustle, mix of aromas, and food sights reminded me of markets in Morocco and Spain.
Chickens were in cages waiting to be killed and feathered for whoever wanted chicken for dinner (sad, I know), workers were descaling fish, and other stands had vegetables to pair with the fresh meats. Travel further back and you’ll find hat, vitamin, sock, and toy stores in the market.
One of the Best Activities in Cartagena: Relax on the Rosario Islands
A day of its own, boating around the Rosario Islands allows for relaxation and definitely some sun tanning. Private or public tours are available by boat to see the islands, some of which include snorkeling, visiting the party island where most locals stay on their anchored boats, and lunch at a restaurant on one of the islands after (beware if you order the fish, you will be getting an entire fish with the head on…this took me by surprise). Although slightly touristy, seeing the islands is a must as the water is a beautiful turquoise and perfect for snorkeling around and the beaches are nothing but sand and sun.