Top Things To Do in Cartagena
| On Dec11,2018
Why You Should go to Cartagena
Cartagena’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site – this means it’s absolutely beautiful! The streets are a maze of cobbled alleys, gorgeous doorways, and balconies covered in flowers. Not to mention there are multiple old plazas each flanked by gorgeous churches.
Quick facts about cartagena:
- Colombian Peso is the preferred method of payment but many places will take your credit card.
- Plugs are American! Plugs have two flat pins and are 100V.
- Cartagena has Uber – making it so convenient when you want to go anywhere.
- Cartagena was the first Spanish colony on the American continent.
Best way to fly into cartagena
The main airport that services Cartagena is Rafael Nuñez International Airport (Code: CTG). This is where I flew into and I found it great in the short time I was there. The airport services a nice group of American cities including Miami, Ft Lauderdale, NYC, and Atlanta.
If you can’t find a direct flight to Cartagena look for an international flight to one of the two biggest airports in Colombia:
- El Dorado International Airport in Bogota (Code: BOG)
- José María Córdova International Airport in Medellin (Code: MDE)
From either of these airports you can then jump on the low-cost airline VivaColombia which flies tons of direct flights to Cartagena daily.

Horse chariot rides in cartagena
A Chariot is a popular way for tourists to get to know the old town. These can be flagged down in the street or there are usually some waiting at Plaza Bolivar or close to the Santa Clara hotel. You will see them everywhere when you are in Cartagena. I never took one because I always worry about the treatment of the animals. I will mention that some of the horses looked very thin and underfed while others looked completely fine.
Top Things To Do in Cartagena

You can’t miss visiting Getsemani while in Cartagena. It seriously has the coolest street art, just check out the picture below. It is known as the hipster part of Cartagena and where all the young people hang out.
Check out the main plazas. They are all beautiful but I think these three were my favorites:
- Plaza San Pedro Claver
- Bolivar Plaza
- Plaza Santa Domingo
Heading for the ocean is super popular in hot Cartagena. There are a couple beaches to choose from so choose carefully!!
- Visit a beach
- Visit Rosario Islands
Where to take out money in Cartagena
In Cartagena, there is a convenient ATM in the main square near the clock tower. Head under the walkway that houses the sweet carts and about halfway down are working ATMs.
View tour at: http://www.medellincitytours.com/cartagena-half-day-city-tour/
Full Article at: http://travelwheretonext.com/blog/cartagena-travel-guide