Things to Do in Cartagena

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Join this walking tour from a TripAdvisor Travelers Choice winner! No other tour covers so many important places in Cartagena.

Discover the must-sees of the historic center of Cartagena. Everything you need to know about the city in a single tour.

Tour highlights:

We will visit the Historic Cartagena and Gethsemane in a single Free Walking Tour. You will go through the scenes of culture, architecture, history, enslavement, pirates and corsairs, battles, Graffiti, Salsa and Champeta and much more. You will know what arises as a result of the mixture of indigenous, African and Spanish, Lebanese migrants that make this city something without equal.

We will start at the time you make your reservation at our meeting point: Camellón de Los Mártires - Plaza de Cervantes. We move through the "Golden Key of Cartagena" or Clock Tower entering the Plaza del Ecuador , to continue part of the enslavement route through Porto Carrero and Candilejo streets .

We will visit the Portal de Los dulces , a symbol of female activity in times of slavery and that their descendants still continue their traditions. We will pass through the old Plaza de la Contraloría , which has been historically important.

On our tour you will find the Museum of Modern Art, an exponent of Caribbean and Latin American art from the 50's, the Gold Museum and the Emerald Museum.

Religion is present with San Pedro Claver, Slave of the Slaves, we will see the Architecture of the Church and Museum-Monastery that bear his name and is the Headquarters of Human Rights.

If you like the feats of pirates and corsairs, we tell them when visiting a Bastion, as a sample of Spanish military constructions and strategies, we continue to Plaza Bolívar, in homage to the precursor of Independence , a place to refresh ourselves.

We will visit other scenarios of the Independence of Cartagena and Colombia such as the Centennial Park. There we will meet the Sloth Bears, the squirrels, the iguanas that house one of the most important Lungs in Cartagena, and where we cool off under the shade of beautiful trees.

We will enjoy one of the most important and colorful cultural corridors in Gethsemane, due to its unparalleled graffiti and architecture. Finally, we enter the neighborhood to the sound of salsa and African champeta.

In this tour you will find everything you need to know about the city to make your experience unforgettable!

Every corner, every street has its magic and with us you will discover it, you will know about our history, culture, traditions, gastronomy, music and you will do it with the help of local guides that will make you feel like a local from Cartagena. Our tour begins in Plaza de los Coches, then we will continue to Plaza de la Paz, Plaza de La Aduana, Plaza San Pedro Claver, Baluarte San Ignacio, and Plaza Santa Teresa. We will continue our tour to the Inquisition Street, to reach Simón Bolívar Park, then we will continue to Plaza Santo Domingo and our tour will end in El Baluarte Santo Domingo, where Café del Mar is, the best place in Cartagena to watch the sunset .

Delve into Carthago Nova's Roman past by reserving this ticket to the Roman Theatre Museum, with which you'll discover the history of this important monument. 

Ready to explore Cartagena like never before?

Join us for a fun and unforgettable free walking tour through colorful streets, hidden gems, and the rich culture that makes this city so special.

We'll start in the heart of the historic Walled City, where stunning colonial architecture and vibrant facades paint the perfect backdrop for your journey. Then, we'll take you to the soul of Cartagena— Getsemaní —a lively neighborhood full of street art, music, murals, and a cool bohemian vibe that blends tradition with modern flair.

What makes our tour different?

It's designed for small groups, so you'll get a more personal and relaxed experience. Our local expert guides are passionate about Cartagena and love sharing tips on where to go, what to eat, and how to enjoy every corner of this magical city.

A journey through the most magical side of Cartagena with wireless audio system included!

OUR TOUR LASTS APPROXIMATELY 2 HOURS AND 30 MINUTES

Because Cartagena isn’t just beautiful, it’s alive, every corner whispers stories of pirates and battles, of love, rhythm, resilience and Afro-Caribbean soul. And on this tour, you won’t just see the city, you’ll feel it breathe.

With our wireless audio system, you’ll hear your guide’s voice clearly at every step, even in the liveliest streets. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself completely without missing a single detail 

What if you could listen to the heartbeat of Cartagena? The Walled Old City: legends carved in stone!

We’ll begin inside Cartagena’s UNESCO-listed historic center, where pastel-colored houses, wooden balconies and flower-filled facades paint the perfect Caribbean postcard. Our guide Beyond will bring these streets to life with stories of pirate attacks and heroic defenses, the real tales behind the Inquisition, hidden symbols in architecture and plazas, and the characters who shaped Cartagena’s soul.

We believe that history doesn’t just get told, it comes alive, vibrant, surprising, and unforgettable as it gets more exciting when we visit Getsemaní: the beating heart of Cartagena!

Leaving the walls behind, we’ll step into Getsemaní, the neighborhood locals call “the heart of the people.” You’ll wander through streets alive with murals of resistance, pride and dreams; narrow, colorful alleys where independence was born; Afro-Caribbean rhythms and daily life flowing through every corner; and a melting pot of cultures, flavors, and community energy.

This is the Great Cartagena locals live, love and fiercely protect. This tour is perfect for you if

• You want more than photos; you want to understand Cartagena’s essence.
• You enjoy experiences full of color, culture, and meaning.
• You love tours that feel alive, dynamic, and truly human.

Join us on a free food tour in Cartagena that goes beyond the typical bites and dives deep into the heart of the city's vibrant culinary scene. Cartagena is bursting with flavor—from crispy empanadas to zesty ceviche served. But this isn’t your average food tour. Come hungry and leave full—not just with food, but with unforgettable memories.

WHAT MAKES OUR FREE FOOD TOUR DIFFERENT?

We explore the city the way locals do—tasting our way through hidden spots, family-run eateries, and food stands you might miss on your own. Every stop tells a story, and every bite brings you closer to Cartagena’s culture and soul.

HOW MUCH DOES FOOD COST IN EACH PLACE WE PASS BY?

The places we'll stop by to try food, fresh fruit juices, tropical fruits, and local snacks. They're best known by locals, which is why the food is so cheap. Prices typically range from $3 to $10 per plate at Yo Amo Bazurto restaurant, $1.5 to $2 for fresh fruit juice at the Refresquerías, and $0.5 to $5 for fresh tropical fruit at the fruit stands. Fried arepas at Donde Magola restaurant range in price from $1 to $4, and a delicious buñuelo or pastel at Super Buñuelo can be enjoyed for $1 to $2. Finally, Colombitalia Express charges $2.5 to $7 for grilled arepas. You'll spend at least $10 for the gastronomic experience, plus the guide's tip, which usually ranges from $10 to $50, depending on your satisfaction with the tour.

So lace up your walking shoes, and get ready to taste the most delicious dishes that Cartagena has to offer you.

Welcome to Cartagena and the best introduction to the Walled City of the Colombian Caribbean!

DURATION: 2 HOURS AND 30 MINUTES

Discover Cartagena from the inside out

Begin your journey through the legendary streets of the Walled City, where centuries of fortification and beauty come to life  enhanced by our wireless audio system, ensuring exceptional clarity and comfort.

Cartagena is not just a city to visit… it’s a city to feel.

Behind every balcony, fortress, square, and cobblestone street lies a story shaped by pirates, poets, merchants, conquerors, and Afro-Caribbean communities who infused this place with rhythm and resilience.

Join us on a guided walk through the Walled City, where we combine grand history, vibrant local life, and a wireless audio system that allows you to hear every detail with perfect clarity while enjoying the freedom to explore at your own pace.

This is the perfect tour to start your journey in Cartagena, where you will:

• Dive into the colonial heart of Cartagena
• Explore the city’s most iconic squares and streets
• Learn how Cartagena became the most fortified city in Latin America
• Discover why pirates attacked it more than 10 times (French, Dutch, English, and Spanish!)
• Find out the surprising reason why the Clock Tower originally had no clock
• Understand how architecture revealed social class, wealth, and even gossip in colonial times

Between culture and daily life within the walls, our Beyond guide will show you how the city blends tradition and modernity, how Afro-Caribbean heritage shaped its identity, and where to find the best places to eat, listen to music, and enjoy the sunset.

Some of the main highlights of our most complete Walled City Tour:

• Historic entrance: Clock Tower
• Plaza de la Aduana (former colonial trade center)
• Plaza Bolívar
• Palace of the Inquisition
• San Pedro Claver area
• City walls, bastions, and cannon viewpoints
• The best photo spots in the historic center

And much more!

To make sure you don’t miss a thing, this tour includes professional wireless audio receivers that offer crisp sound even on the busiest streets, giving you the freedom to take photos while listening to your guide’s stories  for a more personal and immersive narrative experience.

It’s a detail that makes a big difference and truly elevates your experience.

Book your spot and discover why travelers who seek depth, quality, and a sense of wonder keep falling in love with the timeless legends and irresistible charm of Cartagena’s Walled City.

Please note: our wireless audio system is not suitable for children under 15 years old and is not waterproof. If it starts to rain, we must collect all devices and keep them safe.

We are authentic guides connecting Colombia since 2013 - 12 years sharing our passion every step of the way!

#GOBEYOND

Celebrate our first 11 years with us.
We are the first Free Walking Tour in Cartagena (2014-2025).

Ready to discover Cartagena through different eyes?
Join our free tour and experience a unique experience among city walls, art-filled alleys, and the vibrant energy of the Caribbean.

We'll walk through the Historic Center, where the stones speak of pirates, colonizers, and heroes of independence. Admire its imposing churches, colonial balconies, and plazas steeped in history.

Next, we'll explore Getsemaní, the city's most authentic and colorful neighborhood. Here, you'll be immersed in urban art, folk legends, and the Afro-descendant cultural resilience that gives Cartagena its soul.

During the tour, we'll share secrets, curiosities, and anecdotes that don't appear in books, all with a passionate, professional, and entertaining local guide.

Learn the true story of the graffiti and mural art located in Getsemaní , one of the coolest neighborhoods in the world, according to Forbes Magazine.
We'll walk through its streets and learn about the history hidden in its narrow alleys, houses, and squares. Our guides will take you to meet its people and idiosyncrasies, and you'll learn why they always say
" I love Gethsemane .
We will visit, among others, the following streets:

• The Serpent
• Saint John
• Wide Alley
• Narrow Alley (the umbrellas), among others.
• We will climb the Walls and you will find out why it is called the Suburb of Gethsemane.

We look forward to seeing you at the famous Rubber Stick to begin this wonderful tour.
Make your reservations early!

Celebrate with us 12 years.

The first Free Walking Tour in Cartagena. 2014-2026

Let yourself be enchanted by the History of Cartagena and Coastal Culture.
In this free tour through the "Heroic City," we will visit the most important streets and squares of the old town. It will be a very comprehensive tour for you to experience the magic and charm of the old city of Cartagena.
IMPORTANT: For the 8:00 AM tour, make your reservation 12 hours in advance.
At least 2 people are needed to conduct the tour.

What will we visit? 

• Santa Teresa Square 
• San Pedro Claver Square 
• Aduana Square 
• Coches Square 
• Proclamation Square 
• The Cathedral 
• Simón Bolívar Square 
• Santo Domingo Square 
• La Merced Square

Any doubts or questions are welcome, get excited and book this Free Tour!

It is an Exclusive tour of the Jewel of the Spanish Crown in America; Cartagena de Indias and its importance in the 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th centuries, and the life of the 20th century. Get ready to learn about "The History of Cartagena de Indias for all Spanish-speaking peoples".

It is an Academic Tour of the History of Cartagena!
If you love history, this is your Tour.

You will discover more than 20 places, where you will hear their history in my simple narratives.

 Meeting point: Plaza de Los Coches. (09:20 am)
 Portal de los Dulces. Torre del Reloj. Plaza de La Paz. Plaza de La Aduana. Plaza de Armas. Museum of Modern Art. Plaza, Sanctuary, and Temple of San Pedro Claver. Monument of San Pedro Claver. Calle de La Ronda. Baluarte de San Ignacio de Loyola. Calle de San Juan de Dios. Calle de la Amargura, Calle de Las Damas, Calle del Andrinal. Plaza de Bolívar. Banco de la República. Zenú Gold Museum. The Inquisition in Cartagena.   Plaza de la Proclamación. Minor Basilica Cathedral. Plaza and Sanctuary of Santo Domingo.    

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              End of the History Tour

The professional Tourism Guide expects a fair contribution for his academic tour.

 Thank you.