🇨🇴 Colombia · Travel Guide
Cartagena Travel Guide
Caribbean Colombia — a walled old town of colour and sea breeze.
Cartagena is Colombia’s Caribbean jewel — a UNESCO-listed walled city of candy-coloured colonial streets, flower-draped balconies and golden-hour ramparts, with the bohemian Getsemaní district next door and island beaches a short boat ride away. It’s romantic, lively and one of the country’s easiest cities for visitors.
Plan my free Cartagena itinerary📅 Best time
December–April is the dry season and the best time to visit; the weather is hot and humid year-round, with more rain from August to November.
💷 Daily budget
$50–90 mid-range; the walled city is pricier, Getsemaní more affordable.
🗓️ Ideal length
2–3 days for the city, plus a day trip to the Rosario Islands.
💱 Currency
Colombian Peso (COP)
🗣️ Language
Spanish. English is found in tourist areas and hotels.
Is Cartagena safe?
General safety
The walled city and Getsemaní are touristy and comfortable by day and evening, with a visible police presence. Petty theft, overcharging and drink-spiking are the realistic risks, so keep ordinary precautions.
Solo female travellers
Manageable for solo female travellers with normal care. Expect some street attention and persistent vendors; stick to the walled city and Getsemaní at night, and don’t leave drinks unattended.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Colombia has legal same-sex marriage (2016) and anti-discrimination protections, and Cartagena is tourist-friendly, though it’s a traditional Caribbean city with a smaller, lower-key scene than Bogotá or Medellín.
Safety guidance is general and can change — always check your government’s latest travel advice before you go.
Top things to do in Cartagena
- The walled Old Town at golden hour
- Getsemaní’s street art and Plaza Trinidad
- Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
- Boat trip to the Rosario Islands
- Sunset from the city walls (Café del Mar)
More ways to book in Cartagena
Getting around & essentials
The walled city and Getsemaní are best explored on foot. Use registered taxis or apps (like inDrive/Uber) rather than flagging cars at night, and agree fares in advance where meters aren’t used.
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Plan my trip — freeCartagena FAQs
Is Cartagena safe for solo female travellers?
Yes, with normal care — the walled city and Getsemaní are touristy and comfortable. Expect some street attention, keep an eye on belongings, never leave a drink unattended, and use apps or registered taxis at night.
Is Cartagena safe at night?
The walled city and Getsemaní are lively and generally fine in the evening with a police presence; stick to those areas, avoid deserted streets, and take a registered taxi or app rather than walking long distances late.
How many days do you need in Cartagena?
Two to three days for the old town and Getsemaní, plus a day trip to the Rosario Islands for the beaches.
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