Cartagena — The Caribbean's colourful, walled jewel.
← Back to map
Kolombiya

Cartagena Travel Guide

The Caribbean's colourful, walled jewel.

BEST TIME: December–April CURRENCY: COP COORDINATES: 10.39°, -75.48°

Colonial houses draped in bougainvillea, sunset on the walls, and turquoise beach islands.

Last updated: 2026-07-16

PRACTICAL INFO

What to know before you go.

Tourist traps, SIM cards, cash vs card, taxis and safety — the city's reality in five questions.

Biggest tourist mistake

Settling for Bocagrande's grey beaches and never seeing the turquoise water of the Rosario Islands.

SIM card & internet

Claro/Tigo Colombia SIMs are cheap; ID required.

Cash or card?

Carry cash pesos; small places don't take cards, use ATMs inside banks.

Taxi & transport apps

Uber is a grey area; InDriver and taxi apps are common, go door-to-door at night.

Safety

Tourist areas (Old Town, Getsemaní) are safe; avoid quiet streets at night, a polite 'no gracias' to beach vendors, water against the humid heat.

CITY PULSE

The city's 24-hour rhythm.

Turn the dial to any hour and it tells you where you should be.

12:00
0006121823
BUDGET

What will it cost me?

Pull the day dial; the estimated per-person cost is calculated instantly.

Total Estimated Budget
$327
$109 / day · 3 gün
1 day7 days14 days

Figures are per-person daily USD estimates compiled from BudgetYourTrip, Numbeo and recent traveller reports. Flight/ferry tickets not included.

Cartagena budget in detail: daily costs & calculator →

TRAVEL GUIDE

Insider knowledge.

Things you won't find on the first page of a search engine.

Must Do

  • Boat trip to the Rosario Islands — turquoise water, coral, beaches.
  • Watch sunset from the walls; Cartagena's signature moment.
  • Explore Getsemaní's street art on foot by day.

Avoid These

  • Persistent beach-vendor 'massage/sunglasses' offers; a polite 'no gracias'.
  • Long midday walks on the walls; the humidity is high.
  • The grey beaches of Bocagrande instead of the island beaches.

Tips

  • Carry cash pesos; small places don't take cards. Use ATMs inside banks.
  • December-April is dry season; Caribbean humidity is still high.
  • Uber is a grey area; InDriver and taxi apps are common.

Hidden Gems

  • The far end of Playa Blanca on Barú: walk away from the crowds.
  • The Cerro de la Popa monastery: the city's highest point, wide views.
  • Mercado Bazurto: the real, non-touristy local market (with a guide).
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Cartagena: frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Cartagena?
The best time for Cartagena is December–April. Weather and crowd levels are most favourable for travellers then.
How many days are enough in Cartagena?
2-3 days is a good start for Cartagena's highlights; extend to 4-5 to explore the surroundings and nearby routes. Our hour-by-hour City Pulse plan helps you organise each day.
Is Cartagena expensive? What is the daily budget?
For a mid-range traveller, the estimated daily cost in Cartagena is about $109 per person (food, local transport, accommodation and activities; flights excluded). Budget travellers can spend less; use the budget calculator in the guide to see your own figure.
Is Cartagena safe?
Tourist areas (Old Town, Getsemaní) are safe; avoid quiet streets at night, a polite 'no gracias' to beach vendors, water against the humid heat.
How is internet and SIM in Cartagena?
Claro/Tigo Colombia SIMs are cheap; ID required.
Cash or card in Cartagena?
Carry cash pesos; small places don't take cards, use ATMs inside banks.
How is transport and taxi in Cartagena?
Uber is a grey area; InDriver and taxi apps are common, go door-to-door at night.

Nearby routes