CO
Cartagena
A walled colonial city on the Caribbean, with colourful streets, balconies and island day trips
A walled colonial city on the Caribbean, with colourful streets, balconies and island day trips
⚠️ Travel advisory: check before you go
Governments advise against travel to some regions of Colombia, mainly border and rural areas affected by armed groups, and the US asks travellers to reconsider travel. The main cities and tourist areas are widely visited; check the latest regional advice.
Latest official advice: UK FCDO · US State Department · Reviewed September 2026
The heart of Cartagena, with the Clock Tower gate, Plaza de Santo Domingo, the cathedral and colourful colonial houses. Walk on the city walls at sunset.
Photo: Pedro Szekely, CC BY 2.0
A neighbourhood just outside the walls, known for murals, small plazas, street food and nightlife around Plaza de la Trinidad.
Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 4.0
The largest Spanish fortress in the Americas, built on a hill to defend the city, with tunnels and ramparts to explore.
Visit early; there is little shade.
Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 4.0
A protected archipelago of small coral islands about an hour by boat from Cartagena, with clear water for swimming and snorkelling.
Use licensed boat operators; seas can be rough, especially in December and January.
Photo: Joe Ross, CC BY-SA 2.0
Try fried fish with coconut rice and patacón, ceviche, arepas de huevo and fresh tropical juices.
Getsemaní has cheaper, lively places to eat; the walled city has many upscale restaurants.
Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) is about 10 to 15 minutes from the walled city by taxi. Most of the old town is walkable.
Citizens of the EU, the UK, the US, Canada, Australia and many other countries can visit Colombia visa-free for up to 90 days. All foreign visitors must complete the free online Check-MIG migration form before arriving. Check current rules before you travel.
Cartagena is one of Colombia’s most expensive destinations, especially inside the walls. Colombia uses the peso (COP). Cards are accepted in cities, but carry cash for taxis, markets and small towns; use ATMs inside banks or malls.
Prices peak at Christmas, New Year and Easter.
Old town, fortress and islands.
Explore the walled city on foot, visit the Palace of the Inquisition and watch sunset from the walls.
Visit Castillo San Felipe in the morning, then explore Getsemaní’s street art and nightlife.
Take a boat to the Rosario Islands for swimming and snorkelling.
Sightsee in the early morning and late afternoon and drink plenty of water.
Street vendors can be persistent; a polite, firm no works.
Check that boat operators are licensed and carry life jackets.
Do not show phones carelessly on the street, never leave drinks unattended, and be careful meeting people from dating apps; drugging and robbery are known risks.
Quick answers for planning time in Cartagena.
Citizens of the EU, the UK, the US, Canada, Australia and many others can stay up to 90 days visa-free, but must complete the online Check-MIG form before arrival.
Yes, the port, fortresses and group of monuments of Cartagena were listed in 1984.
About an hour by speedboat.
December to April, the drier and breezier season.
The walled city or Getsemaní for atmosphere; Bocagrande for beaches and high-rise hotels.
Google Maps and Moovit work well in cities; download offline maps for treks.
Free
Spanish is the language; English is limited outside tourist businesses.
Free
WhatsApp is used for almost everything in Colombia, from hotels to tour bookings.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our Colombia travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.