15 Best Things to Do and See in Cartagena de Indias
Exploring Cartagena on foot is one of the best ways to feel the city’s atmosphere, connect its landmark places and discover its neighbourhoods at a more natural pace.
In this guide, you will find the attractions not to miss when planning a walking route in Cartagena, with simple reference points.
To go further, you can also enjoy a private guided tour in Cartagena. It is a smoother way to connect places, understand details you might miss on your own and enjoy a more human, personal discovery adapted to your trip.
1. San Felipe de Barajas Fortress
Dominating Cartagena de Indias, the San Felipe de Barajas Fortress impresses with its massive ramparts, tunnels, ramps, and panoramic views over the city and the sea. This historic site, one of Colombia’s most iconic landmarks, offers a glimpse into military architecture designed to defend the Caribbean coast. As you walk through it, you discover a network of galleries, fortified structures, and spaces now preserved as a place of memory and a visitor attraction, ideal for understanding Cartagena’s strategic past.
2. Walls of Cartagena
The Walls of Cartagena are one of the most iconic features of Cartagena de Indias. Follow these colonial stone ramparts to discover the old city, its defenses, and the San Diego district.
3. Old Boots
Las Botas Viejas is an iconic landmark in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, valued for both its originality and its pleasant setting. The site invites visitors to discover a large sculpture shaped like a pair of boots, now a popular city landmark and strolling spot. Set in a landscaped area, it offers a photogenic and welcoming stop, often frequented by locals and travelers alike. People come here to admire the monument, enjoy the local atmosphere, and take a break in one of Cartagena's lively neighborhoods.
4. Plaza de Santo Domingo
Plaza de Santo Domingo offers a lively look at Cartagena de Indias’ historic center. Discover a bustling square dominated by Santo Domingo Church, surrounded by colonial architecture and the constant movement of El Centro. A landmark shaped by both urban life and heritage.
5. Las Bóvedas
Located in the historic district of Cartagena de Indias, Las Bóvedas is a complex of stone vaults and arches that attracts visitors as much for its architecture as for its atmosphere. Once a military space built into the city walls, it now houses handicraft shops, galleries, and a few viewpoints over the surrounding area. A walk here reveals an iconic landmark of Cartagena’s heritage, a pleasant place to stroll, admire the fortifications, and feel the connection between colonial history and local life.
6. Plaza de Santa Teresa
Plaza de Santa Teresa is part of Cartagena de Indias' historic center, set in an urban landscape shaped by colonial architecture and neighborhood life. It is above all a square linked to walking and discovering the local heritage, in an area where narrow streets, old facades, and nearby landmark buildings create a cohesive historic setting. Its appeal lies in its place within the historic fabric of El Centro rather than in being an isolated monument.
7. Convent of Santa Cruz de la Popa
Perched on La Popa hill in Cartagena de Indias, the Convent of Santa Cruz de la Popa offers remarkable views over the city, the bay and the surrounding area. This Catholic convent, linked to a church and an old monastery, attracts visitors as much for its peaceful atmosphere as for its heritage value. Here, you will find simple religious spaces, colonial architecture and a place for reflection that contrasts with the lively city below. It is a popular stop to admire the scenery and better understand Cartagena’s spiritual heritage.
8. Chocolate Museum Colombia – Cartagena
In Cartagena de Indias, the Museo Del Chocolate Colombia invites visitors to discover the world of Colombian cocoa through an experience that is both sensory and educational. At this museum, you can learn how chocolate is made, from the cocoa bean to the finished product, by observing the different stages of processing and objects related to this industry. The experience highlights the flavors, aromas, and artisanal know-how associated with chocolate, while offering an accessible look at its history and its place in local culture. It is an enjoyable visit for the curious as well as for food lovers.
9. Museum of Cartagena de Indias
The Museum of Cartagena de Indias offers a local history perspective on the city’s heritage and urban memory. Located near Plaza de Bolívar, it helps visitors understand Cartagena beyond its beach destination image, with insights into its growth, institutions, colonial past, and the identity of this major Caribbean port city.
10. Museo Naval del Caribe
Museo Naval del Caribe offers an immersive look at the maritime history of Cartagena de Indias and Colombia's Caribbean coast. Discover models, artifacts and documents that evoke navigation, port trade, naval activities and the city's long-standing relationship with the sea. The museum also reveals Cartagena's strategic role in the Caribbean, linking heritage, maritime culture and urban memory.
11. National Aviary of Colombia
The National Aviary of Colombia, in Cartagena de Indias, is a large park dedicated to birdwatching in a tropical setting. Visitors can discover a wide variety of Colombian species and other birds from the Americas, displayed in landscaped spaces that recreate different natural habitats. The visit offers a chance to admire diverse colors, songs, and behaviors up close, while enjoying a pleasant outdoor walk. It is a popular stop for nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and wildlife fans.
12. Cathedral of Saint Catherine of Alexandria
In the heart of Cartagena de Indias, the Catedral de Santa Catalina de Alejandría captivates visitors with its imposing silhouette and peaceful atmosphere. This Catholic cathedral, one of the landmarks of the historic center, invites you to discover a sober and elegant architectural style, with a light-colored façade, harmonious proportions, and an interior that encourages quiet reflection. A visit here is especially a chance to appreciate its religious importance, its role in local life, and its place in the city’s colonial heritage, just steps from lively streets and shaded plazas.
13. San Pedro Claver Square
Plaza San Pedro Claver is one of the most pleasant squares in the historic center of Cartagena de Indias, Colombia. Lined with colonial buildings and paved open spaces, it offers a welcoming setting for a stroll or a break on a terrace. The square is best known for its lively atmosphere and its proximity to the San Pedro Claver church and museum, which attract many visitors. With its architectural heritage, shade from the trees, and views of everyday local life, the square offers an authentic glimpse of the city.
14. Zenú Gold Museum
Located in Cartagena de Indias, the Museo del Oro Zenú offers a fascinating glimpse into Zenú culture and its pre-Columbian craftsmanship. Visitors can discover finely worked gold objects, as well as ceramic pieces, ornaments, and tools that reflect the daily life, beliefs, and social organization of this Indigenous people from Colombia’s Caribbean region. The museum provides an accessible and enriching visit for anyone looking to better understand the archaeological and artistic heritage of the Zenú, in an ideal setting for history and culture lovers.
15. Caribbean and Emerald Jewelry Museum
In Cartagena de Indias, the Caribbean and Emerald Jewelry Museum offers a unique visit combining mineral heritage and jewelry craftsmanship. Visitors can usually discover the world of Colombian emeralds, the country’s iconic gemstone, as well as jewelry pieces that highlight its brilliance and rich color. The museum lets you take a close look at the stones, settings and display techniques, in an atmosphere that is both museum-like and elegant. It is an interesting stop for anyone wanting to better understand the connection between craftsmanship, luxury and local tradition.
Antony M
During my travels, I looked for guides who spoke my language. This search turned out to be long and tedious. That is why I created MYTOGU (My Tourist Guide): a matching site between tourists and professional tourist guides.
