Home to the Instagramable City, filled with bright colors and fun culture all around is Cartagena, Colombia.
After my Bogota trip, some friends and I decided to take a few vacation days to visit this beautiful city. We researched beforehand to ensure to hit the top spots first and at the right times.
So although we only had two full days to visit the top attractions, we were still able to get many of the top things to do in Cartagena done. I’ll share those with you now to help you plan your trip to Cartagena by ensuring you add the ones below to your itinerary!
Related Post: Best Place to Stay in Cartagena, Colombia
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All images taken by Cheers to Travel Blog.
Top Things to Do in Cartagena
Okay, so once you get to Cartagena – what do you do??
Let me tell you something. I only went for two days and that was not nearly enough time to take in all the beauty such a small city has to offer.
But since I knew this ahead of time, I made sure to do tons of research to ensure I could at least visit some of the best spots! Here is everything we were able to do and visit in the short time frame we were there.
Follow these tips on things to do in Cartagena to make the most out of your trip (even if you are going for longer).
Walk Along the Oceanside
Cartagena is such a beautiful, small city that pretty much revolves around the ocean. So why not enjoy the nature and take a walk?
There is sooo much to see all around that it doesn’t make sense to use a taxi for nearby destinations. If the location you are trying to get to is only a few blocks away, then WALK!
By doing this, we were able to see some attractions we didn’t even think of!
And whoa, how about that view of the city and ocean behind me in that first picture? Isn’t it beautiful?? We would have never been able to find that had we been in a car.
So out of all the things to do in Cartagena, I strongly recommend you take a walk along the fresh ocean air to discover some unique, local attractions. Plus some make for some great picture spots as well! 😉
Visit the Cartagena Sign
Okay… you CANNOT leave Cartagena without taking a picture with THE Cartagena sign, I mean.. just no way!
This sign is by far, the most beautiful and colorful one I have ever seen. Plus it’s HUGE! And if you look closely at each letter, you’ll notice each has its own unique art on it that represents a part of the Cartagena culture and community. Isn’t that super cool??
And once again, this city is just filled with scenery all over. So regardless of which way you turn, you are bound to get some nice shots. 👍🏻
However, this is a very popular free attraction so it does get pretty busy. We were lucky to arrive right before the crowd and the few people that were there were being courteous and allowed us our alone space in the pictures (thank you people!). So this is definitely one attraction you should plan ahead of time!
Watch the Sunset at Baluarte de Santo Domingo
Baluarte de Santo Domingo or Bastion of Santo Domingo, is another one of the great things to do in Cartagena. And if you can plan it out to where you can watch the sunset from here, even better.
However, watching sunsets in Cartagena seems to be a popular activity as all the top locations are usually busy during these hours. So you would need to get there early to find somewhere to post up and relax until the sun starts to set.
But let me tell you. This attraction is not only known for it’s great sunset views. The grounds you walk on and the walls you see were actually built as a defense mechanism back in the 17th century. It’s a piece of history that has remained alive throughout all these years. Therefore, this attraction is a great place to visit to enjoy the city’s history, architecture and beautiful views.
Walk the Streets of Walled City
The Walled City of Cartagena is absolutely a must see attraction! It is a small “city” with bars, restaurants and shops so almost like a local downtown area except all these walls are filled with bright colors and huge doors.
Have you ever seen so much historic color before?
Walled City is now also referenced to as the “Instagramable City” of Cartagena because of this. The pictures you take during the day are truly breathtaking and require little to no editing. The images speak for themselves as is.
But don’t be fooled by the word “small.” You will do plenty of walking here so make sure you wear comfortable shoes! My favorite ones to wear are the Sanuk Women’s Yoga Sling Sandals because you are literally walking on a yoga mat (seriously)! They’re the ones I wore during my trip when I didn’t feel like wearing tennis shoes. And I got them in nude so I wouldn’t have to worry about matching them since nude goes with everything. 😉
So remember, when walking the streets of Walled City, be sure to take your camera, look cute and wear comfortable shoes because this will be a place where you’ll want to spend a good chunk of your time.
Take a Boat Ride to Punta Arenas Playa
So you’re going to a city that’s surrounded by beautiful beaches – how can you not go to one?? That’s like, not even allowed!
If you walk along the oceanside like I recommended above, you will see plenty of boat ride options. Lucky for us, the Hilton Cartagena Hotel that we stayed at, had an exclusive private beach. This is where we found our boat ride to Punta Arenas Playa!
I know what you’re thinking… why take a boat ride to another beach when you are right by the ocean anyways? Well, sure. Of course you can enjoy the beach around you, but if you’re paying a bit extra to visit another part of the beach, it won’t be as crowded (so you can enjoy the water a bit more).
Plus, the boat ride breeze is just so nice!! And it’s not far at all. It only took around 30-40 minutes to reach Playa Punta Arenas from our hotel so it is totally worth the ride!
Click here to see more hotel details.
Have Fun at the Punta Arenas Beach
And lastly, enjoy the beach!! Walk along the ocean and feel the sand in-between your toes. Or sip on a tropical cocktail out of a coconut. Nothing is better than relaxing next to the ocean during your vacation. So take a break and chill! And once you’re done, get in the water and enjoy it!
Important Tips To Keep in Mind
I will admit that Punta Arenas Beach is not that big. So as you would on any trip (especially when traveling internationally), stay alert and cautious on your belongings. Tourists are always at higher risk and prone to robberies due to their lack of local knowledge so keep your eyes peeled.
And because this is such a small island, they will try to charge you for everything (including chairs and umbrellas). Therefore, when they offer you something, make sure you inquire on the cost beforehand to avoid any surprises at the end.
Also, don’t be afraid to negotiate or make deals! It may seem like they are trying to sell you everything and overcharge you (which they very well may be) but nothing is set in stone. So if you are not happy with a price on a product, service etc., give them a counter-proposal. Many times, they will accept if it makes sense.
But otherwise, we greatly enjoyed our stay at Punta Arenas Beach and you will too! Plus, we left with some unique, hand-made souvenirs to remind us of this little island. ♥
Ready to Go to Cartagena?
Who’s ready for a vacation? I know I am! 😅 This time around was too short of a trip so I will definitely be going back to check out missed attractions (yeah, there’s more things to do!). But I am so happy I was able to experience this the liveliness this city has to offer. And though it is a city in Colombia, it is quite different than other parts of the country. It is truly a one of a kind. 💕
Have you been to Cartagena or another city in Colombia? What did you think of this post? Please comment below as I would love to hear from you!
And remember, there is always something to be happy for… Cheers to travel! What are you cheering to today?
– Lucy
Looks like a trip that was full of great sightseeing adventures and tons of memories! Thanks for sharing!
Cartagena looks beautiful. We are considering starting to travel South America starting in May and are trying to figure out a path for a few months. This looks like a great place to stay for a few day or a week.
I’m with you on how pretty all the colored buildings are. And I love all the doors.
Thanks for sharing the top things to do in Cartagena! I have wanted to go since I was very young. I haven’t had the chance yet, but one day! It looks and sounds amazing.
Looks vibrant and stunning!!! May need to plan a trip there very soon!
What a great time in the sunny colorful city! I would like to take a walk along the coast and then a boat tour. To finish off the day those drinks on the beach look like perfection!
That looks beautiful! I have never been there!
We’ve only been to Colombia through a cruise but would love to explore further into a city like Cartegena. It’s beautiful and looks like a blast
What a neat city and you just looked like you fit right in to it’s colorful, fun, and beautiful atmosphere.
A year ago, I had never heard of Cartagena and now I know three people who have visited. Such a beautiful place…definitely on my radar now!
Wow, your photos really capture the fun essence of Cartagena! Bookmarking this for future travel plans.
What a beautiful country!
A city full of so much color and LIFE! It looks like you had a beautiful couple of days!
Love, Love, Love all the color! The Cartegena Sign is so fun. And the beach – well, I could sit there all day!
These pictures are gorgeous! Looks like a fun place to visit!
There looks like lots of things to see and fun in Caragena
I love your photos. The old town looks so amazing and the sculptures are really cool too. I really enjoy street art.
I have not visited there. When we do I would like to see the Bigfoot Statue in Bocagrande, Cartagena.
I’m in!!! Plus… isn’t it just so fun to say Cartagena???? Looks so beautiful there.
This is on my bucket list! Looks like a great trip!
Sound like a great place to visit. Lovely photos. Thanks for sharing.
this must be an up and coming place. I just read another travel blog on it too!!!
Colombia is near the top of our “short list” of countries to see next. It looks like a beautiful and fun place to visit with lots to do. And thanks for the tip about the beach!
The walled city, beaches and that stunning sign are all irresistible! Looks like a wonderful designation and vacation!!
This city is full of photo ops!
Looks like a fantastic place the visit. We haven’t been to South America and are looking forward to our first visit. Thank you for your insights.
Love your post! We were there last year and didn’t see half the things you mentioned (I didn’t even know there was a Cartagena sign!) Definitely one of our favourite places though!
Lol there is surprisingly so much to do! Don’t under estimate this small city lol, I really want to go back to see even more. Two days was not enough!
This place looks amazing. I have a friend whose determined to move there sight/unseen. I told him to make sure he had a guest room.
I have been to Bogota and Barranquilla in Colombia, but I have never been to Cartagena. It looks amazing, I hope to visit one day soon and use all your tips 🙂
I went to Bogota as well! But never Barranquilla… how was that?? But yes, this is definitely a place to add to the bucket list!
This looks fun. I’d love to visit someday.
What a vibrant & colorful city! Looks like you had an amazing trip!
We’re in Chile now, planning to make our way to Colombia by April, so thanks for the tips! I was surprised to see so many skyscrapers – looks almost like a Middle Eastern waterfront. So far our main plan in Colombia is to visit Montezuma Rainforest.
How many days would you recommend planning to visit this beautiful city?. The Bigfoot statue looks pretty neat. The walled city looks beautiful and sounds like a fun spot to hang out.
So I was there for two days but I think at least four days would cover a good amount. We were somewhat rushed throughout the trip and didn’t realize how much more there was to do! Our plans completely changed when we arrived lol that Bigfoot statue was not on our list so yeah, so much to do!
That beach looks fabulous – especially with the coconut drink. That no’s for giving me a new place to add to the bucket list!
We just recently looked into a trip to Cartagena. Your blog is so helpful and it makes me want to go there even more now! Thank you for all the wonderful information.
I have never thought of visiting Colombia However, your photos give us a tour of the city and honestly, it makes me want to visit! Thank you for sharing!
Aw thank you! I’m so glad this was able to give you a new light on Colombia ♥
It looks like there is truly something for everyone. Your photos are stunning!
I love that statue with the large feet. It’s how I feel after walking all day on vacation. LOL!
hahaha right!! I only feel that way if I don’t wear my comfortable shoes lol
Great tips! The pics are beautiful and inspire me to put Cartagena on my destination wish list!
I love the pictures. The ocean looks just gorgeous. You did a lot in 2 days. The sign is really quite a beautiful piece of art. I love old architecture like the big, old doors and the buildings in the walled city too.
yes me too! especially when it’s bright (I usually don’t like dull buildings) so was really sad we didn’t get to spend much time there. but two days was still enough to get a really good taste of the city!
You took some amazing shots! So beautiful. This is city looks like a great place to visit!
The city looks amazing! Makes us want to pack our bags now.
Cartagena is awesome! I love your photos!
Well I am definitely ready to go now! I had no idea it was such a lovely city!!
Wow, so beautiful! I need a vacation now! Everything is so photogenic.
Wow, that looks like a beautiful place to visit — those colors! And the ocean looks so inviting right about now! Enjoyed your photos. It was the next best thing to being there!
What a beautiful city! I would love to visit!
thanks for sharing all that the area has to offer – the beach view with the skyline in the back is lovely.
That looks like a beautiful city and like a great place to have a vacation. Thank you for sharing!
Looks like a great place to visit! I’ve never ventured to Colombia, but I’ve always heard it’s beautiful.
I am so ready to go. Columbia looks like a wonderful place to visit. I had no idea it was so developed. And the water is gorgeous.
What a beautiful place to visit! I have not really had Columbia on my list of places to visit…but this is an amazing and beautiful place!
What a beautiful city. Looks like a lot of fun. Thanks for sharing.
You make me want to plan my next vacation to Cartagena! One of my favorite things about visiting other countries is how colorful their buildings are and all the history behind them.
Gorgeous! I really enjoyed reading your post about a city that is unfamiliar to me.
Maybe someday I will get to visit! Thanks for sharing.
What a beautiful city! I love the colors of the buildings and of course no beach trip is complete without a fancy drink in a coconut. Looking forward to visiting and seeing some of the artwork as well.