Cartagena
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Tips
8 places on the map
Museums
- 1
Baroque palace and museum of Inquisition history.
3 tips
- Closed on some weekends, check hours
- Allow one hour
- Torture instruments room is grim
📷 Photos
- 2
Free museum of pre-Columbian Zenu goldwork.
3 tips
- Free admission
- Closed Sundays
- Good air-conditioned break
📷 Photos
- 3
Museum of the Caribbean naval history.
- Must know: Closed Mondays
2 tips
- Models and maps of fortifications
- Cheap ticket
📷 Photos
- 4
Modern art in a former customs building.
3 tips
- Small but quiet
- Check opening hours
- Free entry on some days
📷 Photos
- 5
Convent and church honoring the patron of slaves.
3 tips
- Combined ticket includes a small museum
- Church has the saint's remains
- Open daily
📷 Photos
- 6
Massive Spanish fortress with tunnels and views.
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Bring water and sunscreen
- Audio guides are available
📷 Photos
- 7
Hilltop convent with panoramic views of the bay.
3 tips
- Take a taxi, avoid walking up alone
- Go in the afternoon
- Small museum and courtyard
📷 Photos
- 8
Small museum on Colombian emeralds.
3 tips
- Includes a short tour
- Shop on site
- Open daily
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Cartagena tips
Transportation
- Walk the walled city: The Ciudad Amurallada and Getsemani are compact and best explored on foot, ideally in the cooler morning or evening.
- Agree taxi fares first: Most Cartagena taxis have no meters, so confirm the price before you get in or use a ride-hailing app.
- Book Rosario Islands boats carefully: Trips leave from the Muelle de la Bodeguita; use registered operators and check what fees are included.
Security
- Watch for overpricing scams: Street vendors and beach sellers may hand you food or a massage and then demand a high price; ask first.
- Be careful at night outside tourist zones: Stay in busy areas like the old town and Getsemani after dark and use taxis to return.
- Keep phones close: Snatch thefts happen in crowded areas, so avoid holding your phone near the street.
Saving
- Eat street food: Arepas de huevo, empanadas and fresh fruit cups are delicious and cheap.
- Lunch on menu del dia: Local restaurants outside the walls offer set lunches at much lower prices.
- Stay in Getsemani: Guesthouses here are often cheaper than in the walled city and still walkable.
Weather/Clothing
- Expect heat and humidity year-round: Pack light, breathable clothes, a hat and plenty of sunscreen.
- Bring rain protection in the wet months: Heavy downpours are common, especially around October and November.
- Dress smart casual at night: Cartagena's restaurants and rooftop bars lean stylish, so pack one nicer outfit.
Cultural
- Listen to champeta and cumbia: Caribbean rhythms fill plazas and bars; Plaza de la Trinidad in Getsemani is lively at night.
- Respect the palenqueras: The colourful fruit sellers are cultural icons; tip or buy fruit if you take their photo.
- Try Caribbean coastal food: Fried fish with coconut rice and patacones is a classic local meal.
Local Hacks
- Walk the walls at sunset: The ramparts offer sea views and a cooling breeze.
- Visit Castillo San Felipe early: Arrive at opening to explore the fortress before the midday heat.
- Explore Getsemani street art: Its colourful murals and alleys are great for photos.
1-day itineraries in Cartagena
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.