How to Spend 24 Hours in Cartagena, Colombia

With its cobblestone streets, colonial buildings, and colorful houses, Cartagena in Colombia is known as one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in South America. It’s worth a visit even if it’s just a stopover for a day – though I’d highly recommend staying longer! But if you do only have one day in this great city…here’s how to make the most of it.

Stroll through the streets of the Old Town.

La Ciudad Amurallada, the walled city of Cartagena, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its iconic colonial architecture and public squares.

Plaza de la Aduana is the largest and the oldest plaza in the Old Town – once used as a parade ground, now home to all those important government buildings. Plaza Santo Domingo is another one – a bustling plaza surrounded by shops and restaurants, featuring a popular sculpture by Fernando Botero, a famous Colombian artist and sculptor. Plaza Bolivar is also home to more government buildings, a museum, and a historical church.

Walk around and get lost within the towering walls. Trust me, it’s pretty.

Eat the street food.

Street food is popular in Cartagena and is easily the best and cheapest way to try local snacks (arepas, arepas, arepas) and Colombian fruits. Wander the city by foot and you’re sure to stumble on some gems – the streets and alleyways are lined with dozens of food carts and shops. You’re sure to have your fill of Colombian food!

Go salsa dancing.

After watching the sunset, cap off your evening by hitting a salsa bar. If you’ve never salsa danced before, now is the time and Cartagena is the place. While the dance itself originated in Cuba, Colombia has their own style of salsa dancing called the salsa caleña, contributing to its country-wide popularity. Cartagena has plenty of salsa bars to choose from – Quiebracanto, Donde Fidel, and Cafe Havana are the most popular ones. Ask the locals and they’ll show you where to go.

Adrenaline Junkie? Try kitesurfing.

Cartagena is a vastly underrated spot for kitesurfing, and it’s great for beginners. I took a lesson with the Cartagena Kitesurf School and it was so much fun. And bonus for my fellow non-morning people – you don’t have to wake up at the crack of dawn to catch beginner-friendly winds here like some kitesurfing destinations – the winds tend to be great in the afternoon.

History Buff? Dive into Cartagena’s history.

There are two structures in Cartagena where you can dive deeper into its history. One of the is the Palace of Inquisition and while it’s a lovely building on the outside, the inside holds a dark part of Cartagena’s history. This building is where heretics were punished and forced to confess their crimes. Inside, you’ll find the torture instruments and prison cells for those awaiting punishment, as well as a courtyard where public executions took place.

Another structure that played an important role in Cartagena’s history is the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas. Built in 1639, this building was a fortress placed by the Spanish during their colonization. You can join a guided tour to learn more about this place’s history.

Feeling Romantic? Ride a horse-drawn carriage.

Whether you’re with a significant other or just want to #treatyoself, hop in a horse-drawn carriage and see Cartagena through a whole new romantic lens. These rides are pretty cheap and can take you to spots where you can get an amazing view of the city and the sea. End your carriage ride at Cafe Del Mar and have a couple of drinks while enjoying a sunset view.

Night Owl? Join a pub crawl.

There are countless great hostels in Cartagena – I can personally attest to both Selina Cartagena and Republica Hostel Cartagena. Selina was less of a social party vibe (though it did have a great rooftop, with a pool and bar / restaurant) and is better for groups of friends traveling together, or digital nomads looking for somewhere with reliable wifi. If you’re a solo traveler or looking to meet other travelers and maybe join a pub crawl, Republica Hostel Cartagena is the way to go.

Have more than 24 hours? Definitely make a trip out to the islands – and my favorite: Casa en el Agua!