Cartagena’s Old City, also known as the Walled City, is the best place to experience the essence of Cartagena’s history and culture on foot. Here are several options for fun plans and great food during your stay in the city.

Cartagena is packed with history. The walled city is made up of pastel colonial buildings lined with flowers, cobblestone streets, horse carriages, and plenty of restaurants and boutiques. You can walk the city walls, explore the fortress that’s been protecting the city for hundreds of years, and try all of the area’s Caribbean cuisine, from fresh fish to exotic fruits.

Monumento del reloj is the main entrance into the Old Town, Cartagena. This monument separates the old city from the rest of Cartagena. Right in the backside of the clock tower is a lively plaza with food and street vendors, music, dancers, restaurants, and access to the rest of Old Town.

This convent that was initially founded in 1607 and fortified two centuries later, is located on the highest point in the city and you’ll get the best views of Cartagena and its beaches from here. There's a chapel with an image of La Virgen de la Candelaria and a beautiful courtyard.

The greatest fortress ever built by the Spaniards in any of their colonies, the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas still dominates an entire section of Cartagena's cityscape. It was commissioned in 1630, and construction began in 1657. It was truly impregnable and was never taken despite numerous attempts to storm it. Some of the original tunnels are lit and are open to visitors. You can enter the fortress and roam around its system of mazes, tunnels and bunkers by foot.

Calle de los Santos de Piedra,

Work on Cartagena’s cathedral began in 1575, but in 1586, while still under construction, it was partly destroyed by the cannons of Francis Drake. Notable inside are the huge stations of the cross carved in stone.

La Serrezuela was originally built in 1893 and use to be the central theatre boxing tournaments, concerts and bull-fighting stadium. Over time the building deteriorated, was abandoned and fell into disrepair. Now, the monument is reborn and is center of culture, gastronomy and exclusive shopping.

These iconic Churches are all located in the midst of Old Town and each has a plaza where you can see dancers while you enjoy drink or a delicious Colombian coffee. Catedral Santa Catalina de Alejandria. Iglesia De San Pedro Claver. Iglesia De Santo Domingo.

The modern neighborhood of Getsemaní is known as one of the coolest neighborhoods on earth according to Forbes magazine. Its main attraction is the Plaza de la Santísima Trinidad, where people gather to drink beer, listen to street artists, and eat grilled arepas at the adjacent stalls. The nearby streets, also known for their picturesque murals, feature lively pizzerias and casual bistros serving Colombian dishes. Craft breweries, cocktail bars, and the salsa bar Café Havana keep the party going into the early hours of the morning. I know my salseros will love this spot!

Cartagena is surrounded by beautiful beaches, but they are often crowded and frequented by many vendors. There are many island resorts & beach clubs that are accessible for day trips. Below are some of the most popular! Generally, a day trip includes transfer to the island and back via boat, a meal for lunch and use of the amenities for the day. You are able to book these online or through your hotel concierge.

Here are a few recommendations!