Bolivar Square (Plaza Bolivar)
The Basics
Due to its prime location in Cartagena’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, Bolivar Square features on many sightseeing tours. Get a more intimate glimpse into the area on a walking tour or cover more sights in less time on a private tour by air-conditioned vehicle, which proves ideal for time-pressed travelers. Tours that cover Bolivar Square typically also visit Santo Domingo Church, San Pedro Cathedral, and the San Felipe de Barajas Castle.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bolivar Square is a must-visit for culture and history buffs.
- The square is home to a fountain, plenty of benches, and lamp posts that illuminate the park after sunset.
- A well-paved route around the park makes it accessible to travelers in wheelchairs and with strollers.
How to Get There
Bolivar Square (Plaza Bolivar) is located in the heart of Cartagena’s UNESCO-listed Old Town. The majority of Old Town attractions, including the Clock Tower and Plaza Santo Domingo, are within 10 minutes’ walk of the square.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
Plaza Bolivar is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, though it's not recommended to visit the park late at night. Both the Palace of Inquisition (Museo Histórico de Cartagena de Indias) and the Gold Museum are open from morning until early evening Monday-Saturday; both operate with reduced opening hours on Sundays.
Treasures of Cartagena Old Town
Bolivar Square is close to some of Cartagena Old Town’s top attractions. Once you’ve soaked up the relaxed atmosphere of the square, spend an hour browsing the stalls of Las Boveda market, which sell artisan products such as hammocks and woven bags, before going off the beaten path to Getsemani, a district that’s renowned for its street art.
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- Palace of Inquisition (Palacio de la Inquisicion)
- Gold Museum (Museo de Oro Zenu)
- Cartagena Cruise Port
- Cathedral of San Pedro Claver (Iglesia de San Pedro Claver)
- Naval Museum of the Caribbean
- Santo Domingo Church (Iglesia de Santo Domingo)
- Cartagena Museum of Modern Art (Museo de Arte Moderno de Cartagena)
- Teatro Adolfo Mejia (Teatro Heredia)
- Plaza de San Diego
- La India Catalina Monument
- Old Town Cartagena
- Las Bovedas
- Rafael Nuñez House Museum
- San Felipe de Barajas Castle (Castillo San Felipe de Barajas)
- Old Shoes Monument (Los Zapatos Viejos)