Cartagena, Colombia – Caribbean Colors, Charm, and Chill.
Cartagena: Where History Meets (affordable) Luxe Costal Travel
Cartagena, Colombia is a Caribbean jewel where romance meets rhythm, and colonial charm dances hand-in-hand with modern indulgence. Think pastel balconies dripping in bougainvillea, breezy boutique hotels tucked into centuries-old buildings, and golden sunsets over ancient stone walls. Whether you're craving culture, beach bliss, or high-style on a low-key budget, Cartagena delivers.
Here’s how to spend 3 unforgettable days in Cartagena without breaking the bank—while still living like a queen (or king).
3-Day Cartagena Itinerary
Day 1: Old Town Charm + Rooftop Vibes
Morning:
Start your trip in Ciudad Amurallada (the walled city), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander the cobbled streets and soak in the Spanish colonial architecture, pastel facades, and flower-laden balconies. Grab a fresh coconut juice or arepa from a street vendor.
Don't miss:
Plaza Santo Domingo – iconic square with open-air cafes and Botero’s reclining sculpture
Las Bóvedas – former dungeons turned into artisan shops perfect for souvenir hunting
Lunch:
Stop at Café Lunático for a breezy terrace lunch with Caribbean-fusion fare.
Afternoon:
Check into your restored colonial mansion – places like Casa La Fe or Casa San Agustin (splurge) or budget-chic Hotel Don Pedro de Heredia (~$120/night) offer high style without the high price tag.
Evening:
Head to Alquímico, a multi-level rooftop bar famed for its mixology and sexy vibes. Dine under the stars with locally inspired cocktails like tamarind mezcal mules or coconut-infused gin sours.
Day 2: Island-Hopping + Sunset Splendor
Morning to Afternoon:
Hop on a boat to the Islas del Rosario, just under an hour away. These Caribbean isles offer turquoise water, white sand, and beach clubs like Bora Bora Cartagena Beach Club or the more rustic Playa Blanca.
Book with Airbnb Experiences or Hola Cartagena for shared or private tours
Pack sunscreen, a hat, and cash—many islands are off-grid
Lunch:
Most tours include a local fish lunch (usually snapper) with coconut rice and patacones (fried plantains).
Evening:
Return to Cartagena in time for sunset at Café del Mar, perched on the historic wall overlooking the sea. It's touristy, but for good reason.
Dinner:
Reserve a table at Carmen Cartagena – an elevated Colombian dining experience with a tropical courtyard setting. This is a must visit.
Day 3: Street Life, Culture, and Getsemaní Energy
Morning:
Explore Getsemaní, Cartagena’s once-gritty-now-trendy neighborhood. It’s bursting with street art, music, and local color. You’ll find Instagrammable murals, street performers, and casual cafes.
Top Stops:
Plaza de la Trinidad – buzzing square with local flavor
Callejón Angosto – famed for overhead umbrellas and vibrant walls
Bazurto Social Club – part bar, part cultural center
Lunch:
Grab a cold limonada de coco and a hearty seafood stew at La Cocina de Pepina—a tiny spot with bold flavors. Enjoy it!
Afternoon:
Unwind back at your hotel pool or head to Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, the fortress that defended the city from pirates and invaders.
Evening:
Take a sunset chiva ride (open-air party bus), or stroll along the ramparts with gelato in hand. Let the city’s energy soak in one last time before you go.
Quick Details
Best time to visit Caratgena: December–April (dry season) or July–August
Currency: Colombian Peso (COP); credit cards widely accepted but cash is useful in smaller spots
Language: Spanish (English spoken in tourist areas)
Safety: Stay in central areas, take authorized taxis, and avoid isolated beaches at night
Top Safety Tips for Travelers in Cartagena
1. Stay in Well-Lit, Popular Neighborhoods
Stick to areas like:
Ciudad Amurallada (Walled City) – safest and most tourist-friendly
Getsemaní – hip, safe, and lively (though stick to main streets at night)
Bocagrande – beachy, family-friendly, modern
Avoid walking alone in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas late at night, especially outside these zones.
2. Watch Your Belongings – Petty Theft Exists
Use anti-theft bags or crossbody purses in crowded areas.
Keep phones and cameras secure when walking or taking photos.
Avoid flashing cash, jewelry, or designer accessories.
Pro Tip: Carry just what you need for the day—leave your passport in your hotel safe and bring a digital copy instead.
3. Use Authorized Taxis or Ride Apps
Yellow taxis don’t use meters—agree on the fare before getting in.
Better yet, use ride-sharing apps like InDrive or Uber (Uber operates semi-officially but is common and convenient).
Many hotels and restaurants will call safe taxis for you.
4. Keep Your Drinks (and Wits) Safe
Never accept drinks from strangers or leave yours unattended.
Cartagena’s nightlife is fantastic, but pace yourself—over-intoxication increases your risk.
5. Be Wary of Scams or Overcharging
Common ones include:
“Friendly” strangers offering unsolicited help and then demanding tips
Vendors charging triple for goods or services
“Gold ring” or distraction pickpocket tricks
Always ask prices upfront, and walk away if anything feels off.
6. Be Smart at the Beach
Leave valuables in your hotel when going to the beach.
Don’t swim far out or alone—currents can be strong.
For island day trips, choose reputable tour companies and wear reef-safe sunscreen.
7. Keep a Low Profile Digitally
Avoid posting your location in real time on social media.
Use a VPN if you’re logging into sensitive accounts on public Wi-Fi.
Back up important travel docs to the cloud.
Extra Smart Travel Habits for Colombia
Copy your documents: Digital + physical backup of passport, ID, insurance
Learn a few key Spanish phrases: Especially for directions and safety
Download offline maps: Google Maps offline or Maps.me
Keep local cash in small bills: Some vendors won’t break large notes
Why Cartagena is Perfect for Stylish, Budget-Friendly Travel
Boutique hotels under $150/night
Street food & upscale dining coexist beautifully
Free activities: walking tours, street art, beaches
Short, inexpensive boat rides to the islands
Warm Caribbean weather year-round
