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Best Things to do in Cartagena (2026)

Beyond the monuments, the best things to do in Cartagena are about street life and the sea. Getsemaní, the barrio where the 1811 independence movement began, is the place for murals, the Plaza de la Trinidad and evenings out, and it is easy to explore on foot. Las Bóvedas, the 18th-century vaults built into the walls, is the most convenient place in the old town to shop for crafts, while the Mercado de Bazurto shows the city's working side, with thousands of traders selling fish, fruit and fried food every day; going with a guide makes it easier to navigate.

The Caribbean is the other big draw. The Islas del Rosario, about 28 small islands under an hour away by boat, offer snorkelling, diving and an oceanarium, and Barú's Playa Blanca is reachable by road or boat for a beach day. Book boat trips with an established operator and check what is included, as lunch, port taxes and park fees are often extra. Leave a full day for each island or beach trip, and keep the late afternoons free for a walk on the walls.

5 places · Updated October 27, 2026

Our top 3 things to do in Cartagena

  1. Getsemaní Historic neighbourhood walk, GetsemaníThe historic barrio just outside the walls where Cartagena's independence movement began, now known for murals, the Plaza de la Trinidad and lively evenings.
  2. Islas del Rosario Island day trip, Islas del RosarioAn archipelago of about 28 small islands under an hour by boat from Cartagena, with white-sand beaches, coral reefs, snorkelling and an oceanarium.
  3. Las Bóvedas Historic vaults with craft shops, San DiegoA row of 23 late 18th-century vaults built into Cartagena's walls, once used as storerooms and prison cells and now filled with craft and souvenir shops.

Thing to do

1. Getsemaní

Historic neighbourhood walkGetsemaní

The historic barrio just outside the walls where Cartagena's independence movement began, now known for murals, the Plaza de la Trinidad and lively evenings.

View details — Getsemaní

Thing to do

3. Las Bóvedas

Historic vaults with craft shopsSan Diego

A row of 23 late 18th-century vaults built into Cartagena's walls, once used as storerooms and prison cells and now filled with craft and souvenir shops.

View details — Las Bóvedas