Things to do in 

Cartagena

Cartagena beckons with a blend of history, culture, and vibrant colors. Among the things to do in Cartagena, exploring cobbled streets framed by colonial architecture stands out, while age-old churches offer pockets of tranquility. Seasonal festivals bring a riot of local flavors and joyful rhythms to the city that's feisty and alive all year round. Diving deep, beyond the usual tourist trails, you'll find quiet coastal corners and bustling local markets that continue to narrate the city's rich history.

Explore Cartagena off the beaten path

Skip the headline sights and slip into Cartagena’s quieter corners with your local guide, where you can breathe, wander, and still find the good stuff.

Cultural experiences: Go mid-morning to Mercado de Santa Florentina to try olives, pimentón, and salazones while you chat with stallholders. Have a relaxed seafood lunch at the chiringuito on Cala Cortina, then ease into evening with tardeo on Plaza de San Francisco or along Calle Jara over a caña and a marinera.

Small museums and galleries: Duck into Casa de la Fortuna, a tucked-away Roman house with mosaics and frescoes just below street level. Step over to the Punic Wall Interpretation Center to stand inside a 3rd‑century BCE rampart and its tiny chapel. For art without the crowds, the Museo Regional de Arte Moderno (MURAM) in Palacio Aguirre is usually calm and shows early 20th‑century works from the region.

Less crowded scenic viewpoints: Walk up Parque Arqueológico del Molinete for wide views over the rooftops and the port, with Roman remains under your feet. At golden hour, follow the Muralla del Mar promenade or the breakwater to the red Faro de Navidad for sunset over the bay.

Shop for local products & souvenirs: Fill a tote at Mercado de Santa Florentina with Murcia paprika, local olive oil, and a small pack of salazones. For something handmade, the Centro Regional de Artesanía de Cartagena has esparto-grass baskets and Totana ceramics that travel well. Before you go, pop into Confitería Maestre near Calle Mayor for almond cordiales, then pick up an asiático coffee glass from a nearby shop on Calle Mayor so you can make the city’s spiced coffee at home.

Popular neighbourhoods

Unlock the distinct character of Cartagena by exploring its vibrant neighbourhoods. Each district paints a different story, showcasing colossal forts, charming pedestrian streets, and tranquil beachfronts.

Old Town: Wander along the cobblestone alleys under the canopy of vibrant buildings. While here, take a stroll around Plaza de Bolivar, known for its origami-like sculptures and ample shade under tamarind trees.

Harborfront: Delight in the comings and goings of nautical vessels. Let the seagulls' calls accompany your visit and revel in the peaceful beauty of shimmering waters under the Colombian sun.

Concepción Hill: Embark on a gentle climb to the top of this hill adorned with pastel-hued houses. Here, you'll find sweeping panoramas of the city's skyline and the deep blue Caribbean sea.

Molinete: Uncover the echoes of the Roman past in this archaeological park. Marvel at the centuries-old amphitheater or rest amongst the fragrant bloom of ancient olive trees.

Santa Lucía: Feel the coastal breeze while strolling along palm-lined paths in this tranquil neighbourhood. Watch as local fishermen showcase their daily catch along the emerald shaded shores.

Things to do in Cartagena by season

Spring: Breathe in sea air along the harbour as jacaranda trees start to bloom and terrace tables spill onto sunlit plazas. Watch Semana Santa processions glide through the old town at night, a moving scene families and photographers linger over in the mild temperatures.

Summer: Claim a morning swim at Cala Cortina or set out to the coves of Calblanque before heat builds, then laze over late seafood dinners by the port. Couples chase golden-hour views from castle ramparts while beach-loving travellers keep kids happy with calm, clear water.

Fall: Settle into warm seas and quieter streets, often the best time to visit Cartagena. Hike coastal batteries around Cabo Tiñoso and linger over a caldero rice lunch, a relaxed pace seniors and culture seekers tend to favour.

Winter: Step inside the Roman Theatre and the Civil War Shelter Museum between gentle strolls on the waterfront. Christmas in Cartagena brings nativity scenes, twinkling lights, and the Three Kings parade, an easy-going season for families and history fans alike.

Annual traditions set the rhythm: Holy Week’s precision processions in spring, the July buzz of La Mar de Músicas across open-air stages, and September’s Carthaginians and Romans festival filling streets with parades, camps, and reenactments.