Old Town Cartagena
The Basics
The Old Town is a staple of most Cartagena sightseeing tours, which provide a comprehensive introduction to the walled city for first-time visitors. Explore top attractions, including the Palace of the Inquisition (Palacio de la Inquisición), the church of San Pedro Claver, and Las Bóvedas (a series of vaults beneath the city) on foot or by bike, Segway, or air-conditioned minibus. Tours typically also cover the nearby San Felipe de Barajas Castle (even though it’s not technically part of the Old Town).
Things to Know Before You Go
Old Town Cartagena is one of the city’s highlights, popular with first-time visitors and history buffs.
Cobbled streets and uneven surfaces can make tours bumpy for travelers in wheelchairs and families with strollers.
There are plenty of accommodation, restaurants, and bars in Old Town Cartagena. During peak season, make hotel and restaurant recommendations in well in advance.
How to Get There
The vast majority of Cartagena hotels are located in the Old Town, within walking distance of the main square and other attractions. From Cartagena Airport, you can take a private taxi to the Old Town or opt for a local colectivo (shared taxi), which depart from just outside the arrivals hall.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
To avoid the heat of the day, try getting to the Old Town in the early morning or late afternoon. The Plaza de Bolivar also offers shady spots comfortable in the middle of the day, as well as air-conditioned museums and restaurants.
San Felipe de Barajas Castle
No visit to Cartagena would be complete without a visit to San Felipe de Barajas Castle, the city’s most visible architectural symbol. The 14th-century fortress, built by the Spanish, protected the coastal city from English invasion. The castle attracts visitors interested in its history and its panoramic harbor views.
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- La India Catalina Monument
- Plaza de San Diego
- Las Bovedas
- Rafael Nuñez House Museum
- Teatro Adolfo Mejia (Teatro Heredia)
- Cartagena Cruise Port
- Gold Museum (Museo de Oro Zenu)
- Bolivar Square (Plaza Bolivar)
- Santo Domingo Church (Iglesia de Santo Domingo)
- San Felipe de Barajas Castle (Castillo San Felipe de Barajas)
- Palace of Inquisition (Palacio de la Inquisicion)
- Cathedral of San Pedro Claver (Iglesia de San Pedro Claver)
- Cartagena Museum of Modern Art (Museo de Arte Moderno de Cartagena)
- Naval Museum of the Caribbean
- Old Shoes Monument (Los Zapatos Viejos)