10 Places to Visit in Cartagena de Indias

Cartagena is a beautiful coastal city in Colombia that has something to offer every type of tourist. If you like sightseeing, its architecture will fill your eyes with history; if you like the beach, its surroundings will amaze you with the warm, blue and amazing Caribbean Sea and its numerous islands; and if you like nightlife, you are on your way to have an incredible time with the most lively nightlife in the Caribbean. You won't miss anything and you will always have that "I want more" feeling. You may never want to leave.

When listing what to do in Cartagena, the tourist will realize that most of its attractions are located within the walled city, which is the historic center of the city, where it originally arose. In addition to the attractions in the historic center, there are other attractions outside the walls that are worth visiting.

1. Walled City

The Walled City is the historic and original part of the city. When it comes to what to do in Cartagena, your days will almost entirely take place within Cartagena, which is where the main tourist attractions are located.

Enjoy its beautiful streets full of life, walk along the wall, watch the sunset from there and let yourself be transported to a place from the past that few places can offer.

2. Clock Tower

At the main entrance to the Walled City is the Clock Tower, which has been yellow since its construction. In the past, the place had a wooden bridge that connected the historic city with a neighborhood. The Clock Tower did not emerge until the 18th century, replacing the old bridge.

3. Plaza de La Aduana

The largest square in the city was also the most important due to the administrative buildings that operated around it as a colony. The city's founder, Pedro de Heredia, lived there, where his house is still preserved. It is a very beautiful and spacious square, full of colorful houses.

4. Sanctuary of San Pedro Claver

It is a Catholic church named after San Pedro Claver, a Spanish priest who was canonized for his service of helping slaves brought from Africa to Cartagena. His remains are in the church and can be seen under the main altar.

5. San Felipe Castle

San Felipe de Barajas Castle is the largest military work built by the Spanish in America. It is located outside the Walled City and the best way to get there is to call an Uber or take a taxi, which we can also provide you with at Mifinka.com. The fortification is now part of the UNESCO World Heritage List and has undergone several modifications and expansions over the years. It was built on top of a hill with slave labor and has a beautiful view of the city.

6. Cerro de la Popa

The highest point in Cartagena is Cerro de la Popa, which is 150 meters above sea level. From up there you have the best view of the city of Cartagena de Indias and the Caribbean Sea. At the top of the hill is also the Convent of La Popa, one of the most beautiful in Colombia.

7. Rosario Islands

It is a small archipelago off the Colombian coast, in the Caribbean Sea, which has 28 private islands. On one of the islands is the Aquarium. As the islands are private and if you are not staying on any of them, the excursion consists of snorkeling in the Caribbean waters surrounding the islands.

Cartagena is not only a tourist city, but also a great vacation area where you can enjoy all the extras it has to offer. It is an atmospheric place with good food, many leisure activities and a very active nightlife.