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Cartagena de Indias, as more commonly known, combines the allure of colonial architecture with thriving nightlife energy, unique cultural festivities, and lush surroundings, creating the ideal vacation destination. There are many things to do in Cartagena Colombia, the city’s beaches are calling your name, pleading with you to come to relax and have fun.
That’s not all, though; Cartagena also boasts its vibrant hotel and tourism industry and world-class cuisine. The walled city of Cartagena encompasses kilometers of old walls surrounding the city’s historic center, which was designated as part of the Unesco World Heritage Site in 1984 for its beauty and cultural significance.
Hopping on to another historical adventure, Cartagena is a wonderful part of Colombia worthy of any great visit by a thriving woman over her 50s. No doubt, you’ll surely have a blast as you run and explore a wonderfully preserved place full of great stories to offer.
Luckily though, here are some of the best things to do in Cartagena, Colombia!
An Overview of An Old City: Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena, Colombia, has grown into one of the liveliest metropolises in South America and is now widely recognized as the undisputed ruler of Colombia’s northern coast. This old city Cartagena Colombia is located near the head of Cartagena Bay in northern Colombia and is the capital of the Bolvar Departamento.
The old city has expanded from its original location on a peninsula and the island of Getsemaní to include the neighboring islands of Manga and Manzanillo and the mainland below La Popa Hill.
Also, historic Cartagena’s walled city, which includes the stronghold of San Felipe de Barajas, dates back to the 17th century. The ancient section includes the ornate cathedral, the Church of Saint Peter Claver in 1603, the Palace of the Inquisition in 1706, the main Plaza, and the University of Cartagena in 1827.
Cartagena’s historic city center is quickly becoming a must-see destination for tourists. There are many things to do in Cartagena, Colombia, thanks to the blend of historic charm, perfectly located world-class restaurants, colorful streets, small museums, colonial buildings, port city, and buzzing nightlife.
21 Things to Do in Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena, Colombia, is an old town full of new experiences waiting for you to be discovered. The day trip is perfect for you if you want to see a new area. You could try street food and explore places such as their colonial city, a clock tower, the sandy beaches, an interesting museum, etc.
Also, you can take an amazing nightlife and complete the dance floor with salsa dancing and live music from street performers. But if you’re concerned that you won’t know what to do or where to go, then read on and discover the wonderful side of their old city even more!
1. Roam Around The Walled City
You would want to wander first through the area of the famous walled city. Considered Colombia’s brightest glory, you will encounter spectacular city walls and building structures. Almost all of them are well-preserved, encompassing a vast space in the historic city center.
Run through winding alleys, lined-up diners, and many appealing open spaces. Watch the sunset across the ocean if you’re seeking activities to do in the early evening in the walled city.
After then, have a free walking tour through Barrio San Diego, halt at Plaza San Diego, and make your way to Plaza de Los Coches to see a few artists performing with a cheap beer on hand.
2. Visit Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas
Wander and learn a lot about the fascinating history stories behind this great stronghold of Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas. A landmark in the old city and Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas building process was built during the early 1600s. Notwithstanding repeated attacks, they weren’t able to capture the whole place.
There are also tubes underneath in Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas that are deliberately constructed to permit relatively minor noises to flow quickly, allowing any invaders to be instantly spotted. If you want to know more about it, include visiting Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas in your list.
3. Try Their Street Cuisine
One of the things to do in Cartagena, Colombia, is to join a street food tour to try the amazing street delicacies and enjoy their famous local cuisines. Make sure to ask for your guide and enjoy things from cart street vendors, corners, and boutiques.
The lined-up food on the bustling street food tour is among the best sites in the Plaza. As you roam around, street vendors or sellers prepare delectable cuisine. Don’t be concerned if you don’t get anything to your liking here. Diners occupy the avenues, so you’ll have a lot of options; it even covers the whole square.
4. Explore Playa Blanca
If you want to go on a day trip, you may catch a boat or a cab to reach one of Cartagena’s famous white sandy beaches around Isla Barú. Some days, it may be crowded with the residents, travelers, and salespeople selling and looking for some goods around the beach. Make sure to enjoy the night, for it will surely be memorable.
Various accommodation options are accessible, ranging from luxurious hotels to lodges to swings straight on the beach. The sea color is a brilliant blue in the mornings and evenings, and it becomes strikingly peaceful at nighttime.
While you’re here, enjoy a coffee and some grilled fish at one of the beachfront eateries.
5. Grab A Drink at Cafe del Mar
Grabbing a drink from Café del Mar is also one of the things to do in Cartagena, Colombia, especially if you’re a coffee lover. Due to its convenient place, this cafe makes it very known to many city people. It’s located around the old city’s walls and is the ideal spot to see the sunset while dining out there and enjoying the Caribbean Sea.
Because it becomes packed, plan or reserve a seat ahead of time. The photo opportunities are unbeatable, thanks to the large Colombian flag here in cafe del mar. After long tours around the area, there are also some live music performances from street performers for you to enjoy.
6. Land on Bocagrande Beaches
Travel to the city’s beach if you fail to go through Islas del Rosario or Playa Blanca. Although there are more tall apartment complexes and condominiums in this area than colorful historic houses, it is still worth a gander.
The beach is a wonderful spot to unwind. Its water is very clear, and many eateries await you. Have a great meal as you wander the area through a good spot.
7. Discover Museo Naval del Caribe
Suppose you’re into museums; without a doubt, this one small museum is perfect for you. The Museo Naval del Caribe is a museum dedicated to Colombia’s history and is wonderfully refurbished.
This place exhibits 500 years of marine heritage in Cartagena and details on the Colombian defense forces. Digs from wrecks in the port are scattered around the two levels. And there’s a lot more to know, so going to Museo Naval del Caribe would be an interesting visit.
The gallery is next to the old walled city, with Plaza De Santa Teresa immediately in front of it. You may also take a stroll up the hill to take in the view of the coast.
8. Experience Mud Volcano
During day trips from Cartagena, you can explore Colombia’s famed mud pool volcano. Taking a swim in the warm mud is like a ritual passage for visitors. After climbing a long staircase to the summit of what they call a volcano, you may dive directly into the mud pool that is pretty packed with other people.
Visitors go up to the area, relax as they enjoy the mud on their bodies, and maybe hire someone for a brief massage. If you want an extra memorable experience at the place, make sure not to miss this one.
9. Wander at Plaza Santo Domingo
It’s a wonderful relief to get onto this spacious area after exploring cramped alleys. The Iglesia de Santo Domingo rules a single side of Plaza Santo Domingo. You can experience a lot of happenings here, such as trying street food, and it’s surely very welcoming.
Still, the reclined figure of a woman made by Colombian sculptor Fernando Botero is among the downtown’s most prominent attractions. A rub may measure your luck, so it has been a custom for the locals.
10. Shopping in Cartagena
Cartagena has many shops where you may get anything you’re searching for as a renowned travel destination. It’s always more exciting to shop in every place you visit. Make sure not to forget iconic items that can make you remember all the remarkable moments.
If you can’t locate anything on the sidewalks, go to Las Bovedas, which are small stores constructed inside the city’s walls, complete with nooks and pillars. Everything for tourists is sold there, from inexpensive souvenirs to apparel, original art, and swings.
11. Try Cartagena’s Fruits
There are a lot of unique fruits that you’ll discover here that you won’t ever find at home. Make sure to buy some from food stalls and a few fruit juices from the vibrantly costumed women serving along the streets.
They are known as palenqueras. They may even take a tip for a snapshot or let you take a picture if you buy some of their delectable fruits.
12. Visit Convento De La Popa
The city’s highest point, Convento De La Popa, was a place for a religious community with a form that mimics a vessel’s shelter deck. Hire a taxi along the winding road to witness such. From there, you can enjoy the best views of Cartagena and its oceans. Explore the chapel inside to capture the picture of La Virgen de la Candelaria and the flower-filled garden.
It can be seen practically anywhere in Cartagena and illuminated at nighttime. The breathtaking views are worth visiting, with a lovely yard brimming with vibrant blooms and several one-of-a-kind figures. The religious place has a nominal entrance fee.
13. Experience Islas Del Rosario
The Islas del Rosario, a delightful day tour from Cartagena, has twenty-seven islands nestled in the perfectly clean Caribbean sea waters right from the city’s coast.
They’re teeming with corals that provide a shelter for a diverse array of marine life, and you may enjoy the rest of your trip here as you can boat, snorkel or swim out your day. There are also available hotels, aquariums, and a few hiking trails on the ground.
14. Go For Some Underwater Activities
There are many opportunities to see what’s underneath these pristine, blue seas because you’re practically on the Caribbean Sea. To start your snorkeling activity, proceed to the Rosario Islands’ park and its San Bernardo reef, about an hour’s drive via sailboat.
You may scuba dive for some coral reefs and ruins somewhere off the shore, and the bright groups of fishes, fauna, and undersea scenery are spectacular.
15. Go For Free Walking Tours
One of the greatest ways to view Cartagena’s old city walls is to join a free walking tour with a knowledgeable local guide that is offered daily. A walking tour is normally given twice daily, at 10 AM and 4 PM. But a walking tour frequently filled up quickly, so it is best to reserve your spot in advance.
Individuals in their 50s benefit from this kind of things to do in Cartagena, Colombia, as walking increases blood flow and lowers blood pressure. Try walking for a few hours to visit Cartagena, Colombia, a great place for day trips or early evenings. You can also lessen your local fare.
So joining old city tours and hearing about a city’s historic center from a passionate local is the best means to know more about it. Through this, you can have a smoother yet calmer exploration of the restored place and its plazas. Experience a beautiful life as you wander in peace.
You will experience the key attractions of the walled city, including chapels, public squares, and Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s mansion. As well as discover certain city peculiarities, such as the meanings of the various colonial doors knockers.
16. Experience Upscale Dining
After enjoying a lot of local food you can find on their streets, make sure to head to one of the city’s greatest diners for that delicious seafood and native delicacies at reasonable prices. It’s surely great to look at their cuisine in high-class restaurants around the square.
La Cevicheria serves delicious ceviche with a touch of Peru, filling it with many people every time. Carmen combines Colombia’s delicacies with foreign twists and incredible expertise to create a delicious meal.
17. Visit La Boquilla and the Mangroves
La Boquilla is a tiny fishing community on Cartagena’s borders, with impoverished alleyways and huts that differ sharply from the city’s ancient city. The beaches are almost empty with dark-colored sand, making lots of space for yourself away from the crowds.
As for the mangroves, go on a canoe tour with a native through the tree passageways. You may want to experience a genuine taste of life here among the seaside eateries known as El Paraiso. Encounter some pleasant locals, and try the most delicious fresh fish and seafood partnered with coconut rice you’ll ever try in your entire stay.
18. Day Trip Visit San Basilio de Palenque
Your Cartagena adventure won’t be complete without visiting San Basilio de Palenque, only a few miles away from the old city wall. Witness the colorful art and bright palenqueras as they roam around their vibrant community, where famous Colombian artists were raised, and original music genres originated. It’s ideal for a whirlwind visit due to its interesting culture and language.
One of the favorite tours found here is Freedom Tour, in which trained native guides around the community take part. Learn more about the historical story of the place and experience the African soul that has been well-sustained for many centuries. Make the most of your travel by visiting Cartagena as you encounter their culture and colonial buildings, meet amazing locals alike, and much more.
19. Free Walking Tour of Getsemani Street Art
Getsemani is the best spot to stay in Cartagena, and it just takes a few minutes of walking around to see the street art that makes this area so special. To say that the street art in Getsemani is what really sets this area apart from the city’s walled section would be an understatement.
Travel to the stunning street art of Getsemani, which is also an affordable district of a walled city with hostels, nice eats, street food, and beverages.
Further, the area around Café del Mural and the Calle San Juan are great examples of vibrant streets surrounding the Plaza de la Trinidad and feature cool street art. Also, on this street, you may encounter artists selling their art.
20. Escape City Life With A Day Trip To Rosario Islands
Located about an hour’s boat ride from Cartagena, this group of stunning islands is home to pristine waters, fine sand beaches, and a wealth of outdoor activities. Renting a boat (and a captain if you don’t have a license) is the best cost-effective means of getting to the island.
And it also allows you the greatest freedom regarding route planning and stopping points. Consider visiting Oceanaria Rosario Island, home to more than 1,500 creatures. Have a picnic at home and relax on the sand. It will also be able to take a quicker jet boat tour. It’s possible to spend more time doing pleasurable things on the islands.
21. Enjoy Cartagena’s Exciting Nightlife as a Way to Wrap Up Your Day Trip
A lovely day trip to historical sites in Cartagena, Columbia, is really fun for a tourist like you. However, Cartagena Columbia comes alive at night.
Cafe Havana would be your choice to chill out after a long fun day trip. In Cartagena, Columbia, Cafe Havana has earned a reputation as one of the top venues for live music.
Everybody, from locals to vacationers, loves this cafe. Also, the prices for both the food and drinks are reasonable, and the service is excellent. So come and visit Cafe Havana for a great spot to listen to music, whether you intend to have a good time with your mates or just chill out and watch people.
Conclusion
Visiting Cartagena in South America would surely be fabulous to enjoy your 50s in a Cartagena adventure. Discover colonial buildings, an old town gold museum, a historical center, cobblestone streets, and the story, and enjoy street food and street art. And most especially, take note of all the takeaways you’ll get from this wonderful paradise. Have a great time, and wander off as much as you can!
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