Cartagena is easily one of the most incredible cities I’ve visited in the Caribbean. It’s vibrant, full of color, and the history there is something you can actually feel as you walk the streets. It’s definitely earned its spot as a top destination in Colombia, and there is just so much to offer—from the colonial architecture to the energy of the local neighborhoods. I spent a lot of time exploring, and while the whole city is impressive, I found a few spots that really stood out to me. These are my top 5 things to do in Cartagena, starting with number five.
Table of Contents
5. The Historic Gateway & Clock Tower
Plaza de los Coches
This is usually the first place you see when entering the Old City through the Clock Tower. It’s a large, triangular square surrounded by colonial buildings with wrap-around balconies.
The History: Originally, this was a site for the slave trade during the colonial era. Later, it became a hub for horse-drawn carriages—which is where the name “Coches” comes from.
The Experience: Under the arches of the buildings, you’ll find the Portal de los Dulces, a long row of vendors selling traditional coconut and fruit candies. It’s a busy, high-energy spot that feels like a gateway into the rest of the city’s history. There are plenty of bars and restaurants with balconies and great views.
4. Caribbean Beach Escape
Playa Blanca
[Visiting Playa Blanca Cartagena | Isla Barú]
Located on Isla Barú, about 45 minutes to an hour from the city, Playa Blanca is the main destination for anyone looking for the classic Caribbean beach experience.
The History: For a long time, this area was only accessible by boat, but a bridge built about a decade ago made it much easier to reach by car. It has quickly developed from a quiet fishing area into a major hub.
The Experience: It’s exactly what you’d expect: white sand and clear blue water. While it can be crowded near the drop-off points, the character of the place changes if you walk 10 or 15 minutes down the shore. It becomes much quieter, with small wooden beach bars and a more relaxed atmosphere that’s worth the travel time.
3. The Historic Heart
Plaza Bolivar (via Calle de la Iglesia)
[Plaza Bolivar Cartagena | Cathedral View]
The walk to this plaza is just as good as the destination. If you take Calle de la Iglesia, you get a clear, impressive view of the Catedral de Santa Catalina de Alejandria looming over the street.
The History: The plaza is named after Simón Bolívar, the leader who played a key role in the independence of many countries in South America from Spain. There is a large statue of Simon Bolivar in the middle of the plaza. You will also find the Palace of the Inquisition, a reminder of the city’s colonial past – it’s a museum and you can go inside to learn about the history.
The Experience: It’s filled with massive trees that block out the sun, making it much cooler than the surrounding streets. It feels very solid and established—an elegant park where you can actually sit and appreciate the architecture of the Cathedral and the surrounding museums. Make sure to go inside the cathedral – I think that the cathedral is far more impressive from the outside.
2. The Neighborhood of Art
Getsemaní
[Getsemani Cartagena Art Neighborhood]
Getsemaní is the neighborhood located just outside the city walls. It has a much more residential and creative feel than the more polished Walled City.
The History: This was historically a neighborhood for the working class and freed slaves. In 1811, it was the first neighborhood to join the movement for independence from Spain.
The Experience: It’s a very visual place. The walls are covered in murals and street art, and the streets are often decorated with hanging flags or umbrellas. Plaza Trinidad is the center of it all—it’s a simple square in front of a church where you can see the local community hanging out. It feels authentic and less focused on being a “tourist” spot.
1. The Invincible Stone Fortress Guarding the City
Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
[Castillo San Felipe de Barajas | Cartagena Fortress History]
This is easily the most significant landmark in the city. It’s a massive fortress built on San Lázaro hill, designed to protect the city from land and sea attacks.
The History: Construction started in 1536 and continued for over a century. It’s considered one of the greatest fortress ever built by the Spanish in the Americas. It was designed with a complex system of tunnels so that any sound made by an intruder would echo and alert the guards.
The Experience: The scale of the stone work is incredible. You can walk through the dark, cool tunnels and then climb to the top for a view that covers the entire old city and the modern skyline. It’s a rugged, impressive place that really shows the military history of Cartagena. It was the highlight of the trip for me.
