Cartagena

Colonial walls, Caribbean beaches and nightlife

Cartagena sits on Colombia's Caribbean coast, about 90 minutes by air from Bogotá. The old walled center has narrow streets, colorful balconies and small plazas. The walls themselves are open to walk. Beyond them, the Getsemaní neighborhood has street art and bars, while Bocagrande is the high-rise beach strip. The heat is constant, so mornings and evenings are the best times to walk around. Day boats reach the Rosario Islands for swimming and snorkeling. Most visitors spend two to four nights. Nights are lively, with bars and music in the squares.

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City in Colombia

$$$

$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

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Safety: 5.0

General Safety:	5
Health & medical:	6
Accessibility:	3
Tap water:	4

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3/5

English is spoken in most hotels, upscale restaurants, and tourist services, but less so in markets or with street vendors. Basic Spanish is helpful, though you’ll usually find someone who can assist.

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Last update: Oct 23, 2026

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Cartagena Summary

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Outstanding for colonial streets and Caribbean culture. Walk colorful old town walls, enjoy lively plazas, relax on nearby beaches and taste local seafood.

Place score

7.2

Best at:

Architecture

Historic sites

Romantic

Sea

Guided tours

Personal score

Suited for

👶 5

Families

🧓 4

Seniors

❤️ 9

Couples

🛡️ 6

Travel Beginners

Colombia – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	110 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B Type A: Type B: Read about power adapters
Currency:	Colombian Peso (COP) $1 ≈ COP 3,158.18
Cashless info:	Rating 3/5 Cashless payments are becoming more common, especially in cities. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but cash is still preferred in many rural areas. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is not obligatory, but a tip of 5-10% is appreciated in restaurants. Taxis generally do not expect a tip, but rounding up the fare is common.
Public drinking:	Public drinking is not allowed in some areas, especially in cities. It is best to consume alcohol in licensed venues like bars or restaurants.
Public smoking:	Smoking is prohibited in indoor public spaces, including restaurants, bars, and public transport.

Independence Day (July 20)	National holiday celebrating Colombia's independence with parades and festivities
Christmas (December 25)	Celebrated with family gatherings and festive meals

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 123
Taxi apps:	Uber, Cabify
Other:	Colombia is known for its coffee, vibrant culture, and beautiful landscapes, including the Andes mountains and Caribbean beaches.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colors of the months:
The color shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the color is shows the travel season: full color means high season, soft color means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The gray info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Cartagena, Colombia

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Jan

🌬️

Feb

🌬️

Mar

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Apr

🌦️

May

🌦️

Jun

🌦️

Jul

🌦️

Aug

🌦️

Sep

⛈️

Oct

🌦️

Nov

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Dec

High season:	Jan. - April, Dec.
Shoulder season:	May - Aug.
Crowdedness:	9 (Very crowded)

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Climate details

Rainy season May to November, heaviest September to November, with street flooding in the old town

Christmas to New Year and Easter week: prices peak, book weeks ahead

Boat trips to the Rosario Islands are best December to April, when seas are calmest

Don't miss

🏰 Walk the historic Walled City and soak in colors
🛡️ Explore Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas fortress
🍉 Photograph the vibrant Palenqueras fruit vendors
⛴️ Take a boat trip to the Rosario Islands
🌮 Enjoy street food tours for authentic Colombian flavors
🌅 Watch sunset from Cafe del Mar on the city walls

You've been here?

Why travel to Cartagena?

Cartagena suits people who want a colonial city and a Caribbean beach in the same trip. The Old Town is a walled district of balconied houses, shaded plazas and churches. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the best part of the city to see on foot. Walk the top of the walls at sunset and pass through the Torre del Reloj, the clock tower at the main gate. The Palace of the Inquisition and the San Pedro Claver church and convent show the city's colonial history, including its role in the slave trade. Outside the walls, the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas is a huge fortress on a hill above the city, built by the Spanish to defend the port. Getsemaní is the lively neighborhood next door, with street art, small plazas and bars that fill up at night. Bocagrande has high-rise hotels and a city beach, but the sand is busy and not the best on this coast. For clear water, take a boat to the Rosario Islands about an hour away or to Playa Blanca on Barú. The Totumo mud volcano is a half-day trip inland. Many agencies sell these tours, so choose an operator on the authorized list of the tourism corporation. The city is hot and humid all year, so plan sightseeing for the morning and late afternoon. Two full days cover the Old Town, the fortress and Getsemaní. Add a day for the islands. Crowds and prices rise around Christmas, New Year and Holy Week.

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Iglesia de Santo Domingo
2 Museo del Oro Zenú
3 Plaza de La Trinidad

🎡Places for activities

1 Museo Naval del Caribe
2 Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
3 Cafe del mar
4 Plaza de La Trinidad
5 Palacio de la Inquisión
6 Avenida de la Serrezuela
7 Muelle de Los Pegasos
8 Baluarte de Santo Domingo

🏞️Natural landmarks

1 Playa Blanca
2 Bocagrande
3 Isla El Mirador
4 Manzanillo del Mar
5 Laguna de San Lázaro
6 Rosario islands
7 El Totumo

🛍️Shopping

1 Centro Comercial La Serrezuela
2 Centro Comercial Plaza Bocagrande
3 Portal de los Dulces

🎈Events

Cartagena International Film Festival
Hay Festival Cartagena
Independence Day Carnival (November)
Fiestas de la Virgen de la Candelaria
Barranquilla Carnival (nearby)
Christmas and New Year’s festivities
Holy Week processions
National Beauty Pageant
Festival del Dulce
Jazz Festival

Explore on map

Open map view

Knowledge before you go

Walk the city walls at sunset when the heat eases.
Book island trips only with licensed operators and agree in advance what the price and lunch include.
Agree the taxi fare before you get in or book through an app or your hotel.
Use ATMs inside banks or shopping centers in daylight and carry only the cash you need.

How to travel to Cartagena

Most visitors arrive by air at Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG), a short drive from the Old Town. Flights from Bogotá take about 90 minutes and Avianca, LATAM and other airlines also fly from Medellín and Cali. Direct international flights come from several US cities and Panama City. From elsewhere you usually connect in Bogotá or Medellín. An official airport taxi to the Old Town has a set fare. The TransCaribe bus also runs from the airport. Intercity buses connect Cartagena with Barranquilla and Santa Marta and arrive at the bus terminal on the edge of the city. Cruise ships dock at the port, which is a short ride from the Old Town. Many nationalities, including UK citizens, can stay up to 90 days without a visa. You need to show an onward or return ticket. Your passport must be valid on arrival and six months of validity is recommended. The online Check-Mig form is optional but can speed up entry. A yellow fever certificate is needed if you arrive from certain countries.

Access summary

From Rafael Núñez Airport (CTG): Taxi or shuttle to Old Town, about 15–25 minutes.
From Bogotá: Frequent direct flights to Cartagena, flight time roughly 1–1.5 hours.
From Medellín: Direct flights around 1–1.25 hours; overnight buses 12–14 hours.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay in Cartagena

The right area depends on whether you want atmosphere, nightlife or a beach hotel. Most places have air conditioning, which you'll want in any season. The Old Town is the most atmospheric base, with boutique hotels in restored colonial houses. It's the most expensive area and the plazas can be noisy at night. Getsemaní is next door, with hostels, guesthouses and mid-range hotels. Its bars and music suit younger travelers. Both are walkable to the sights. Bocagrande and Castillogrande are high-rise areas with beach hotels and apartments. They're quieter in the evening but a taxi or bus ride from the walls. Manga is a calmer residential area. For island stays, simple lodges and cabins on the Rosario Islands and Barú suit a night or two. Rooms fill up fast in the peak weeks of December and January, so book early.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

Hotel Caribe Cartagena

8.8

Las Americas Torre Del Mar

8.9

Hotel Almirante Cartagena

7.9

Hotel Capilla del Mar

8.8

Hotel Las Islas

9.1

Hotel Casa Lola Deluxe Gallery

9.1

Osh Hotel Cartagena

9.6

Hotel Casa San Agustin

9.8

Hostal Casa Torres Cartagena Centro Histórico - Adults Only

8.6

Vista Mare Beach House

8.6

Explore more accommodations

How to get around Cartagena

The Old Town and Getsemaní are small enough to cover on foot. You only need transport for the fortress, the beach districts, the airport and the islands. The heat is strong, so walk early and late.

Walking:
You can cross the walled center in about 20 minutes. Getsemaní is a short walk east of the Torre del Reloj. Streets are narrow and the pavements are uneven, so wear flat shoes.

Taxis:
Taxis have no meters and official fares are set by decree, so agree the price before you get in. UK advice is to book by app (Uber and Cabify are named) or through your hotel instead of hailing one on the street.

Buses:
The TransCaribe bus rapid transit runs in dedicated lanes. One route serves the airport and another links the Old Town with Bocagrande and Castillogrande. Cash isn't accepted, so you need a rechargeable TuLlave card. Buses run later on weekdays than at weekends.

Boats:
Boats to the Rosario Islands leave from the pier at La Bodeguita near the Old Town and take about an hour. Choose an operator on the tourism corporation's authorized list.

Food in Cartagena

Food in Cartagena follows the Caribbean coast, with fresh fish, coconut, plantain and corn. Restaurants in the Old Town and Getsemaní range from simple local kitchens to high-end dining rooms. Street food and fruit sellers are everywhere. Many restaurants add a voluntary service charge of about 10 percent, so check the bill before tipping.

Coconut rice:
Arroz con coco is rice cooked in coconut milk and often served with a whole fried fish, plantain and a simple salad. It's the classic coastal lunch.

Arepa de huevo:
A fried corn cake with an egg cooked inside. It's sold by street vendors as a filling breakfast or snack and is best eaten hot.

Seafood:
Ceviche, shrimp and fish stews are common, especially at lunchtime. Cazuela de mariscos is a creamy seafood stew that's popular in restaurants in the Old Town.

Street snacks and fruit:
Empanadas, carimañolas and fried cheese-filled snacks are sold from carts. Women in traditional dress, known as palenqueras, sell fruit from bowls carried on their heads. Fresh fruit juices are found on nearly every corner.

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when traveling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customize this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

-52 %

Daily expenses in Cartagena are around 52% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.

Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

+29 %

Your exchange rate (USD to COP) is 29% worse than in recent years. That means traveling now is considerably more expensive compared to the past.

Travel costs

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when traveling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

	Backpacker	Mid-range	Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation	$59	$113	$268
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person	$30	$60	$120
🍝 Food per day	$24	$46	$117
🚕 Transportation per day	$5	$7	$31

Food & Drink

🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person	$25
🍛 Lunch Set, per person	$7
🍟 Fast food combo	$11
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day	$8.50
☕ Cappuccino	$1.80
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l / 16 oz	$0.95

Transportation

🚌 Public transport ticket	$0.95
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi	$19
⛽ Gas, 1 l / ¼ gal	$1.10

Other

🎞️ Movie ticket	$3.20
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult	$24
🤧 Cold medication	$3.30
💇 Basic haircut	$7

Safety information overview

General safety

The tourist areas around the Old Town are busy and mostly safe by day. Petty theft is common, so carry little cash and use ATMs by day. Drink spiking is a known risk in bars, so never leave a drink unattended.

Health & Medical

Private clinics in Cartagena provide good routine and emergency care, but public hospitals can be poorly equipped. Insurance with medical evacuation cover is advisable. Dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases occur, so use repellent. Check yellow fever advice before you travel.

Accessibility

The Old Town is flat but has narrow, uneven pavements, cobbles and high curbs, which is hard with a wheelchair. Larger hotels in Bocagrande are more likely to have step-free access. Boat trips to the islands involve steps and jetties.

Tap water

Official advice is to drink bottled water everywhere in Colombia except Bogotá. That includes Cartagena. Avoid ice from street stalls and use bottled water for brushing your teeth if you have a sensitive stomach. Bottled water is cheap and sold everywhere.