Things to do in Cartagena, Colombia

Once you’ve walked along the picturesque Boca Grande harbour, reminiscent of Miami Beach, and taken in the city’s fascinating mix of elaborate Spanish-style architecture and sun-glazed skyscrapers, you’re probably wondering, what else is there to do in Cartagena? We hope you’ve packed some comfortable shoes, because this vibrant cultural jewel is just waiting to be discovered.

Here are some of the most popular tourist attractions in Cartagena:

Cartagena Tourist Attractions

• No list of places to visit in Cartagena is complete without mentioning the Walled City. Known to locals as 'the old town', book a walking tour (it takes about three hours) and take in the splendour of the church-lined streets, steeped in centuries of Spanish history.
• The Torre del Reloj Público (clock tower) is an attractive and practical tourist attraction in Cartagena. Why practical? This is usually where groups meet before they enter the old town. The clock was replaced in the 19th century.
• While we're on the subject of magnificent historical buildings, both the San Felipe de Barajas Castle and the Sanctuary of Saint Peter Claver have won TripAdvisor Traveller's Choice Awards, and are great places to visit in Cartagena, Colombia.
• Other notable buildings to visit are the La Popa Monastery and Convento La Popa de la Galera, a convent dating back to 1607. Both offer up incredible views of the city and surrounds.
• Then, of course there are the countless plazas! These popular Cartagena tourist attractions are town squares offering plenty of photo and shopping opportunities. The Plaza Santo Domingo is bustling with bars and restaurants, and the Plaza de San Diego is more authentic and has street vendors galore. Plaza Bolívar is smaller and quieter, a quaint spot to stop for coffee and browse for souvenirs — just look out for the monkeys!

Places To Visit in Cartagena, Colombia

(for nature lovers)

• When you're in the Caribbean, you can't pass up an opportunity to go snorkelling — it's a must on your "Things to do in Cartagena" list. Take a day trip out to the Rosario Islands, it's an ecotourism delight.
• The Oceanario Colombia is fairly small as far as aquariums go, but is lovingly curated by environmentalist Rafael Vieira and most of the enclosures are in the ocean so the sea creatures remain in their natural habitats.

Adrenaline-lovers, we haven't forgotten about you. Kite-surfing is another thing to do in Cartagena, Colombia, that you can't miss! There are kite schools on most of the beachfronts, and you can get your surf on at the Waveflow Club House in the Boca Grande district.

The Sun Nao Casino, tucked away in the Nao shopping centre, is the perfect rendezvous. There's a food court nearby, and after a busy day of exploring all the things to do in Cartagena, relax with a cocktail at the bar.