a view of a city and a body of water
unknown persons standing indoors
a flag flying in the wind over a city
a group of people standing on top of a stone wall
yellow and brown tower

Holiday in Cartagena

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.

Romance
95
Culture
85
Urban
85
Nightlife
75
Beach
70

Top 5 highlights in Cartagena

The places you absolutely must not miss.

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

Getsemaní

The emerging creative district just outside the walls: street art, hostels, the best bar scene, and more authentic than the old town.

5

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.

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Hotels in Cartagena vergleichen

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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

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4 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!

Ceviche Cartagenero — Fresh fish or shrimp in lime juice with coconut milk – the Caribbean version is sweeter and more tropical than the Peruvian.
Arepa de Hüvo — Fried corn cakes with an egg inside – Cartagena's most popular street food, crispy and perfect.
Cazüla de Mariscos — Seafood stew with coconut milk – shrimp, squid, mussels, and fish in a creamy, spicy sauce.
Cocadas — Coconut candies in various colors – sold by the Palenqueras on the street, sweet and chewy.
Limonada de Coco — Fresh lemonade with coconut milk and ice – the most refreshing drink in the heat of Cartagena.
Suitable for:ColonialCaribbeanRomanceBeachMusicColorsGarcía Márquez

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