Best Places to Visit in Cartagena — Colombia Travel Guide

Last Updated on June 21, 2026 by I Love Spanish Club

Cartagena de Indias is Colombia’s crown jewel — a UNESCO World Heritage walled city on the Caribbean coast that combines 500 years of colonial history with turquoise waters, vibrant street life, and world-class cuisine. Walking through its colorful cobblestone streets feels like stepping into a living history book. Whether you’re a history lover, beach enthusiast, or foodie, Cartagena will leave you breathless. In this guide you’ll find the best places to visit in Cartagena — from the iconic Old City to hidden underwater museums. ¡Cartagena te enamora! (Cartagena will make you fall in love!)

🏰 Quick Facts About Cartagena

🏛️ 1. The Old City (Ciudad Amurallada) — A Living UNESCO Treasure

The Old City — or Ciudad Amurallada — is the heart and soul of Cartagena. Enclosed by massive stone walls built by the Spanish in the 16th and 17th centuries, it’s one of the best-preserved colonial cities in the Americas. Wander its narrow cobblestone streets lined with colorful bougainvillea-draped balconies, explore the Cathedral, the Palace of the Inquisition, and the Gold Museum, or simply sit at a café and watch the world go by. Every corner reveals a new architectural gem.

🌿 2. Tayrona National Park — Jungle Meets Caribbean Sea

About 2 hours from Cartagena, Tayrona National Park is one of Colombia’s most spectacular natural treasures — where the Sierra Nevada mountains meet the Caribbean coast. The park protects pristine beaches fringed by jungle, coral reefs, ancient indigenous ruins, and extraordinary biodiversity. The legendary Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) — a pre-Colombian site older than Machu Picchu — is accessible from nearby Santa Marta. Tayrona is a must-do for any nature lover visiting the Caribbean coast.

🤿 3. Rosario Islands — Crystal Clear Caribbean Waters

The Rosario Islands (Islas del Rosario) are a stunning archipelago of 27 coral islands about 35km off the coast of Cartagena. The waters here are crystal clear and turquoise, perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving among vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles, and rays. Day trips from Cartagena are easy to arrange and very affordable — one of the best ways to experience the Caribbean on a budget.

⛪ 4. La Popa Monastery — Views Over the City

Perched 150 meters above the city on the highest hill in Cartagena, the Convent of La Popa (Our Lady of the Candelaria) is a breathtaking 17th-century monastery that offers the most spectacular panoramic views of Cartagena, the bay, and the Caribbean Sea. The monastery itself is a beautiful example of colonial religious architecture, housing religious artifacts, a lovely courtyard garden, and a small museum. The views alone make the trip worthwhile.

🌊 5. Underwater Museum of the Caribbean — Art Beneath the Waves

Located in the waters around the Rosario Islands, the Underwater Museum of the Caribbean is one of the most unique and unforgettable attractions in Colombia. A collection of sculptures and art installations have been submerged just beneath the surface, creating a surreal underwater art gallery. Snorkelers and divers can float above or swim among the artworks — an experience unlike anything else in South America.

✝️ 6. San Pedro Claver Church — Baroque Beauty

The Church and Convent of San Pedro Claver is one of Cartagena’s most important and beautiful religious landmarks. Built in the 17th century and dedicated to Saint Peter Claver — a Spanish Jesuit priest who spent his life ministering to enslaved Africans brought to Cartagena — the church is a masterpiece of Spanish Baroque architecture. Its stunning interior features wood carvings, colonial paintings, and religious artifacts. The saint’s remains are preserved in an urn beneath the main altar.

🎨 7. Getsemaní — The Hippest Neighborhood in Cartagena

Just outside the Old City walls, Getsemaní is Cartagena’s most vibrant and authentic neighborhood — and one of the most exciting places in Colombia right now. Once a working-class barrio, it has transformed into a hub of creativity, culture, and nightlife while maintaining its soulful Caribbean character. The streets are covered in extraordinary murals and street art, and the square (Plaza de la Trinidad) comes alive every evening with locals, musicians, street food vendors, and travelers. This is Cartagena at its most real and alive.

🗣️ Useful Spanish Phrases for Cartagena

✈️ Ready to Visit Cartagena?