Things to Do in Cartagena

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 .

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.

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

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.

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.

Magical Cartagena from Gabo's perspective!

 Get to know the Cartagena neighborhood that inspired Gabriel García Márquez: San Diego. Get to know the streets that tell the story of the characters in “Love in the Time of Cholera” and “Love and Other Demons.”
 

OUR TOUR LASTS APPROXIMATELY 2 HOURS AND 30 MINUTES 

Cartagena will never be the same after you take this Free Tour. Be part of an exceptional and magical experience thanks to the stories that bring the streets to life, follow in the footsteps of our Nobel Prize winner for Literature “Gabo” between squares and bastions, between houses and balconies.

If you haven't read any of Gabo's novels yet, or you are a regular reader of his literary works, this tour will awaken your senses and alter your reality.

From the Plaza de Santo Domingo to Gabriel García Márquez's house in San Diego Cartagena , experience the art, music and literature of the bohemian neighborhood where our writer lived absurd, magical and imaginary realities that influenced his life and later the lives of his characters that give full meaning to the magical realism that we love and enamor so much.

Learn more about the life of this great artist, explore a different area of Cartagena's historic center and be inspired by the fantastic stories that only Gabo knew how to write as if it were a chronicle of a death foretold!

 What will we talk about on our Free San Diego and Gabo Tour?

•  Fantastic stories inspired by Gabo
•  Fernandez Park in Madrid and Santo Toribio
•  La Merced Monastery and Adolfo Mejia Theater
•  Plaza and Cloister of San Diego
•  Life, novels and “Marquecian” cinema
•  Fortification and bastion of Santa Catalina
•  House of Gabriel Garcia Marquez
•  Society, classes and local cultural dynamics
•  And much more!

 We include:

•  Certified guide in Spanish.
•  Accurate and objective knowledge of Gabo's literature and life.
•  A tour of essential places in the San Diego neighborhood
•  Benefits and discounts with our recommended friends if you show the bracelet that we give you at the end of the tour, exclusively for our participants.
•  Recommendations for local shops for lunch, coffee, souvenirs and more.

 Finally, come with an open mind to understand Gabo's story, water or your preferred form of hydration and comfortable shoes (we will walk about 7 km).

 We are authentic guides connecting Colombia since 2013, 12 years sharing passion in every step!

 #GOBEYOND

Discover the largest European military fort in Latin America!
 
Explore its ancient walls that have withstood the test of time and its impressive views to its hidden passages, unraveling the hidden stories of battles, heroes, and secrets that shaped history.

DURATION: 2 HOURS AND 30 MINUTES

What if the stones of Cartagena could speak?

This tour invites you to explore the very pulse of rebellion, survival, and strategy that shaped the city. From the colorful soul of Getsemaní to the imposing silhouette of the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, you will discover how Cartagena became one of the most desired and best-defended cities of the New World.

This is not just a walk.

It is a journey through power, resilience, and human ingenuity, starting in Getsemaní, where Cartagena's rebellion was born.

We will meet at Plaza de la Trinidad, the social heart of Getsemaní. Centuries ago, this was the neighborhood of sailors, artisans, free Afro-descendants, and rebels. While the Spanish elites lived safely behind the walls, Getsemaní lived on the edge... and changed history from the outside.

Throughout the tour, you will learn:

• Why this neighborhood became the engine of independence
• How music, street life, and resistance shaped its identity
• The meaning of its murals and cultural symbols
• How social inequality fueled rebellion
• This first part of the tour connects people, power, and freedom, culminating at the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, the city's guardian.

Rising majestically over Cartagena, the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas is the largest Spanish fortress ever built in the Americas and one of the most sophisticated military structures in the world.

Here you will discover:

• How pirates and foreign empires tried—and failed—to conquer Cartagena
• Why this fortress was considered "impossible to take"
• The brilliant military strategies hidden in its design
• Details about local culture, social history, and epic battles
• One of the most impressive viewpoints in all of Cartagena
• A deep understanding of why this city was defended with such fervor
• A unique route that connects people, power, and architecture

You will relive the decisive battle where a Spanish force of just 3,000 men defeated more than 25,000 British soldiers.

The fortress hides a secret system of acoustic tunnels, designed so that soldiers could hear enemies walking above them, while the invaders could not hear what awaited them inside. Sound itself became a weapon of war.

From the rebellious streets of Getsemaní to the most powerful fortress in America, this tour explains why Cartagena was never easy to defeat.

You will have walked the route that connected the people of Getsemaní with the soldiers who protected the city, understood why the hill of San Lázaro was the key to controlling Cartagena, and learned how the bravery of figures like Blas de Lezo turned this fortress into a symbol of unbreakable resistance.

Now, in front of its imposing facade, you will understand why Cartagena was called "The Heroic."

Book your spot now and continue exploring the stories, strategies, and human courage that transformed the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas from a stone fortress into the greatest emblem of Cartagena's strength and identity.

Important: You purchase the entrance to the Castillo directly at the ticket office at the entrance. It costs $33,000 COP per person 🙂

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

#GOBEYOND

Cartagena: The Heartbeat of Africa in the Heart of America

Have you ever wondered how much of the spirit of an entire continent lives in the color of a facade or in the rhythm of a walk? I invite you to pause for a moment and look beyond the colonial architecture, because under the sun of Cartagena lies the most vibrant legacy of humanity: the indelible mark of Africa in the New World. This is not just a tourist tour, it is a journey to the origin of our identity, where we will discover how the resilience and genius of the enslaved African woman not only shaped the features of Colombia but redefined the culture of all America. As you walk through the iconic Clock Tower and delve into the indomitable spirit of Getsemaní, you will understand that braids were not just adornments, but maps of freedom, and that every flavor of our cuisine from the iconic arepa de huevo to the ancestral sweetness of the palenqueras is a cultural treasure that crossed oceans to nourish our national soul. You will immerse yourself in a sensory experience where music, maroon leadership, and social customs blend into a living tribute to those silent heroes who, with their art and courage, built the Cartagena that the world admires today. Do not let your visit be just superficial; come and let me, Uriel Salgado, guide you through this open book of history and resilience. Reserve your spot today and prepare to experience a deep connection that will transform your way of seeing the world, because to understand America, you must first feel the heartbeat of its African heritage.

You can enjoy the cuisine inherited by black women as follows:
Fried foods (Arepa de huevo, Carinañola among others) between 1 and 3 USD.
Typical fruits (Pineapple, papaya, Caimito, Melon among others) between 1 and 3 USD.
Refreshments (Kola Román, Costeñita) between 1 and 3 USD 
You can also take a lovely souvenir with the protagonists of our tour, the Palenqueras.
Photo with Palenquera (Optional) between 1 and 5 USD.

Welcome to the exciting Street Food Tour in Cartagena! 

Prepare to immerse yourself in a unique culinary experience that combines traditional flavors with the vibrant local culture. On this tour, we will explore the picturesque streets of Cartagena to discover authentic gastronomic treasures that only locals know about. 

We will begin our journey in the heart of the old town, where the enticing aroma of freshly made empanadas and cob buns will welcome us. You can try the delicious egg arepas, a local specialty that will leave you wanting more. As we walk through the cobblestone streets, we will stop at stands selling fresh natural juices and exotic fruits that will refresh our palate. 

Cartagena cuisine unfolds before our eyes. Here, we will taste dishes such as shrimp ceviche, prepared with local ingredients and seasoned with the distinctive touch of the region. We cannot forget to try fritanga, a mixture of fried meats accompanied by patacones and yucca, a feast of flavors and textures that captures the essence of street food in Cartagena. 

Every person have to pay for the own food and cost for each person on all the  food stops is around $30 COP, so if you bring cash will help.

Join me on this gastronomic journey through Cartagena and be seduced by the diversity and authenticity of its street food!