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Old Town Cartagena

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5 star rating: Highly Recommended 1 Review

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  • Address: Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena ATTRACTIONS See all

Old Town Cartagena Tours

A leisurely walk through the narrow streets of Old Town Cartagena, with bougainvillea spilling off second-floor balconies and brightly painted Colonial houses, invites visitors to escape into the past. The bustle of daily life mixes with the historical architecture of this walled city by the ocean. In addition to the beautiful boutique stores, numerous restaurants, and colorful street vendors, there are many treasures to see around town and just outside the city walls.

The leafy Plaza de Bolivar serves as a good place to start a tour in Cartagena and to see some of the local culture and buy fruit from the colorfully dressed women known as palanqueras. Next to the plaza, the free Gold Museum (Museo de Oro) displays pieces that tell the history of the Zenú indigenous tribe. The nearby Palace of the Inquisition (Palacio de la Inquisición) provides a rather gruesome look at Colombia’s past and the Spanish Inquisition -- some of the torture devices used on the accused are on display.

The San Pedro Claver church and monastery tells the life story of a priest in Cartagena who fought for human rights, and Cartagena’s Museum of Modern Art takes a look at art in Latin America. A short walk away is the Clock Tower (Torre del Reloj), the main entrance to Cartagena and a symbol of the city. Las Bovedas, a long series of vaults built under the city, have been alternately used as jails, munitions storage and in modern times, souvenir shops. Crafts made by indigenous tribes and bags of 100 percent Colombian coffee can be purchased here.

On a hill just outside the city is the San Felipe de Barajas Castle, which was built to defend Cartagena in the 1700s, and its tunnels are a cool place to avoid the tropical heat and find good views for photos.

Practical Info

To avoid the heat of the day, try getting to the Old Town earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon. Another option is to hide out during the hot hours in the shade of the Plaza de Bolivar, in an air-conditioned museum or at one of the numerous restaurants. The wide walls surrounding the city are ideal for a walk in the evening just before sunset.

Tours & Tickets

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Cartagena Horse and Carriage Night Ride Including Dinner, Cartagena, null
TVRM_SORTED : true ESSENTIAL : 1 ADMISSION : 3

Cartagena Horse and Carriage Night Ride Including Dinner

2.5 star rating: It was OK, but could have been better 2 Reviews

Spanish colonial buildings and strumming street guitarists set the mood for a romantic horse-drawn carriage of Cartagena at night. Admire the beauty of ...  Read more

Location: Cartagena, Colombia
Duration: 3 hours (approx.)

From USD $60.00
Cartagena Nightlife Tour by Chiva Bus, Cartagena, Nightlife
TVRM_SORTED : true ESSENTIAL : 1 ADMISSION : 5

Cartagena Nightlife Tour by Chiva Bus

3.5 star rating: Worth doing 24 Reviews

Experience Cartagena by night on a 4-hour tour that includes entry to one of the best dance clubs in town! Start your spectacular party aboard a ‘chiva,’ a ...  Read more

Location: Cartagena, Colombia
Duration: 4 hours (approx.)

From USD $16.00
Cartagena de Indias Colonial Walls and Bastions Audio Guide, Cartagena, Nightlife
TVRM_SORTED : true ESSENTIAL : 1 ADMISSION : 5

Cartagena de Indias Colonial Walls and Bastions Audio Guide

1.5 star rating: I do not recommend this 2 Reviews

Experience the exciting history of Cartagena de Indias’ great structural defense, with the Colonial Wall and Bastions audio guide. Learn about the most ...  Read more

Location: Cartagena, Colombia
Duration: Flexible

From USD $15.00
Cartagena Guided Walking Tour, Cartagena, Audio Guided Tours
TVRM_SORTED : true ESSENTIAL : 2 ADMISSION : 5

Cartagena Guided Walking Tour

4.5 star rating: Recommended 26 Reviews

See the main sights of Cartagena on this 3-hour walking tour. Explore the historic city center, see amazing panoramic views of the Roman Theatre of Carthago ...  Read more

Location: Cartagena, Spain
Duration: 3 hours (approx.)

From USD $29.71
Cartagena Shore Excursion: Guided City Sightseeing Tour, Cartagena, Walking Tours
TVRM_SORTED : true ESSENTIAL : 2 ADMISSION : 5

Cartagena Shore Excursion: Guided City Sightseeing Tour

4.5 star rating: Recommended 4 Reviews

While in port in Cartagena, enjoy a guided city tour and explore one of Colombia's most-visited cities! On this sightseeing shore excursion, discover why ...  Read more

Location: Cartagena, Colombia
Duration: 6 hours (approx.)

From USD $139.00
Cartagena City Trolley Tour, Cartagena, Ports of Call Tours
TVRM_SORTED : true ESSENTIAL : 2 ADMISSION : 5

Cartagena City Trolley Tour

3 star rating: Worth doing 2 Reviews

Ride the city trolley through the streets of Cartagena and discover its magic on board of the unique, comfortable and exclusive vehicles (Trolleys). The tour ...  Read more

Location: Cartagena, Colombia
Duration: 3 hours (approx.)

From USD $25.50
Cartagena City Sightseeing and Walking Tour, Cartagena, Trolley Tours
TVRM_SORTED : true ESSENTIAL : 2 ADMISSION : 5

Cartagena City Sightseeing and Walking Tour

3.5 star rating: Worth doing 14 Reviews

Embark on a sightseeing tour of Cartagena and experience the magnificence of its colonial architecture. Your guide will take you by minivan to this coastal ...  Read more

Location: Cartagena, Colombia
Duration: 4 hours (approx.)

From USD $37.00
Night Trolley Sightseeing in Cartagena, Cartagena, City Tours
TVRM_SORTED : true ESSENTIAL : 2 ADMISSION : 5

Night Trolley Sightseeing in Cartagena

Discover the charm and the beauty of the Cartagena at night. Explore the illumination of its walls, forts and the Old Town City on a 2-hour, guided Trolley ...  Read more

Location: Cartagena, Colombia
Duration: 2 hours (approx.)

From USD $18.00
Old Town Walking Tour of Cartagena, Cartagena, Night Tours
TVRM_SORTED : true ESSENTIAL : 2 ADMISSION : 5

Old Town Walking Tour of Cartagena

1 star rating: I do not recommend this 1 Review

This 1 hour guided walking tour is the best way to experience Cartagena. Starting at the perfect sunset time of 5:30pm, the Walk goes through the small ...  Read more

Location: Cartagena, Colombia
Duration: 60 minutes (approx.)

From USD $11.50
12-Day Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, Santa Marta and Eje Cafetero, Bogotá, Walking Tours
TVRM_SORTED : true ESSENTIAL : 2 ADMISSION : 5

12-Day Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, Santa Marta and Eje Cafetero

With this 12 day Colombia highlights tour you will get to know this beautiful neighbour of Ecuador. You will visit Bogota, the coffee region, the amazing Valle ...  Read more

Location: Bogotá, Colombia
Duration: 12 days (approx.)

From USD $2,283.93

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