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City in Colombia — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇨🇴
Country
Colombia
Type
City
Best time to travel
December–April (Dry season)
Budget/day
55–100 €
Getting there from Germany
Flights with one stop (Madrid, Bogotá) take 13–16 hours to Rafael Núñez (CTG). Also direct flight Bogotá–Cartagena (1.5h).
About Cartagena
Cartagena de Indias on the Colombian Caribbean coast is one of the most beautiful colonial cities in America: Within the massive fortress walls from the 16th century unfolds a colorful labyrinth of pastel-colored colonial houses, blooming bougainvillea, shady plazas, and magnificent churches, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The old town consists of three districts with their own character: The Centro with the cathedral and the Palace of the Inquisition, San Diego with its elegant boutique hotels, and Getsemani, the former artisan quarter that has transformed into the trendiest neighborhood with street art, rooftop bars, and live music. In the evenings, street musicians, fruit vendors with colorful bowls on their heads, and strolling couples fill the squares. The fortress Castillo San Felipe de Barajas is the largest Spanish fortress in the New World, and a walk along the city walls at sunset overlooking the Caribbean Sea is one of the most romantic experiences in Colombia. From Cartagena, the Rosario Islands with crystal-clear water for snorkeling and diving adventures can be reached in just one hour by boat. The best travel time is from December to April during the dry season.
Top 5 highlights in Cartagena
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Old Town (Ciudad Amurallada)
The UNESCO old town within the fortress walls: pastel-colored houses, plazas with fountains, churches, and the most romantic streets of the Caribbean.
City Wall Walk
The 11 km long city wall from the 16th century – the perfect end to the day at sunset with a cocktail in hand.
Islas del Rosario
An archipelago of 27 coral islands off the coast: turquoise water, snorkeling, and grilled fish on a private island – by speedboat in 45 minutes.
Getsemaní
The emerging creative district just outside the walls: street art, hostels, the best bar scene, and more authentic than the old town.
Castillo San Felipe
The most powerful Spanish fortress of the colonial era – a labyrinth of underground tunnels with views over the city.
Hotels in Cartagena
Vergleiche tausende Hotels, Apartments und Resorts auf Expedia – mit Bestpreis-Garantie, kostenloser Stornierung und Bonuspunkten.
* Weiterleitung zu Expedia.de. Es gelten die dortigen Nutzungsbedingungen.
Reise-SIM für Cartagena
Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
Best time to travel for Cartagena
Recommended travel time
December–April (Dry season)
Summer
Hot and humid year-round, 30–35 °C, rainy season May–November (short, heavy showers)
Winter
Hot and dry, 28–33 °C (December–April), high season, perfect weather
How much does a holiday in Cartagena cost?
Average costs per person per day
Budget
25–40 €
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
55–100 €
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
150–400 €
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
Book a package holiday to Cartagena
Compare thousands of package holidays to Cartagena and find the best deals with flight & hotel.
Compare package holidays now4 travel tips for Cartagena
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
Choose Getsemaní over the old town for accommodation – more authentic, cheaper, and with the best bar and restaurant scene.
Street vendors in the old town can be persistent – politely say 'No, gracias' and keep walking.
Book a boat tour to the Islas del Rosario with a small boat (not the large party boats) – quieter and better for snorkeling.
Try ceviche from the Palenqueras (women with colorful fruit bowls on their heads) at Plaza Santo Domingo – fresh and delicious.
Food & drink in Cartagena
These specialties you must try!
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