2 Days In Cartagena: Best Things To Do & Example Itineraries

We spent a little over 2 Days in Cartagena at the start of our visit to Colombia and quickly fell in love with the walled city!

Colombia is an incredible country with so much diversity. We spent a month there but feel like we barely scratched the surface. If you’re planning to visit and find that you only have 2 days in Cartagena then not to worry. We are here to help you make the most of your time in this wonderful city.

We were lucky enough to spend nearly a week in Cartagena. It was our first stop in Colombia so naturally, we have very fond memories of our time there. We did a lot during our stay so in this post, we will share all of our favourite things to do as well as a few different example itineraries depending on your interests and travel style.

To give you a sneak peek here are some of our top recommendations of things to do in 2 days in Cartagena;

  • Join a street food tour
  • Watch the sunset from the city walls
  • Explore the Getsemani Neighbourhood
  • Admire the views from the top of San Felipe Castle
  • Relax on the Beach in Bocagrande

Short on time? Use these quick links to plan your 2 days in Cartagena:

๐Ÿ  We loved our stay at Casa Movida Hostel in the walled city, book your stay there here!

๐Ÿ“ž We use Airalo to get eSIMs and stay connected when we travel

โญ๏ธ Don’t miss this day tour to Rosario Islands!

๐ŸŒŽ Never forget your travel insurance! We trust Safety Wing to have our backs.


Is 2 Days In Cartagena Enough?

2 Days in Cartagena should be plenty if you just want to see the highlights of the city and have enough time to explore the main sights.

If you can spare 3-4 days this would be ideal. However, with this guide, I will show you how to make the most of having only 2 days in the walled city.


Is It Safe To Visit Cartagena?

Cartagena, like most of Colombia is safe for tourists as long as you are vigilant and sensible.

We spent a week in Cartagena and the only time I felt unsafe was when we got a little lost one evening and ended up in a dark street. Nothing happened but this was our moment of realisation that we should not be walking the streets at night and it was easier and safer to grab a taxi.

When in Cartagena I would strongly advise against wearing expensive jewellery or flashing fancy gadgets or phones. Keep your expensive belongings safely in your accommodation.

a bright and colourful street in Cartagena colombia with plants and street art

Our Favourite Things To Do If You Have Just 2 Days In Cartagena

Having spent a week in Cartagena, we got to do a lot of exploring and here are all of our favourite things we did during our visit.

Explore the old walled city

This part of the city is simply wonderful. We spent time on multiple days just wandering the colourful streets within the walls.

Inside the walled part of the old city, you have well-known landmarks such as Catedral de Santa Catalina de Alejandrรญa, Plaza de Santo Domingo and Plaza de Santa Teresa. There are brilliantly sculpted bronze statues as well as gardens and plenty of local street art vendors to admire.

The walled city is also home to many museums. Some of the most popular are the Museum of Cartagena de Indias and the Museo Naval del Caribe.

We also stayed inside the walls for the first few nights and enjoyed being so close to lots of great cafes and restaurants. I’ll get to our favourites a little later.

A large empty square in the streets of the walled city of Cartagena, Colombia with  colourful buildings

Walk up to San Felipe Castle

For the history lovers among us, this should catch your interest. Just outside of the walled city lies San Felipe Castle, located on a hill with some incredible views out over Cartagena, In all directions!

It is only a short 10 -15 minute walk to get to the entrance, just be careful when crossing the busy main roads. The traffic is a lot more chaotic than we were used to back home.

There are ticket booths at the entrance where you can pay to go inside the grounds. Once inside you are free to explore. You can go all the way up to the very top of the castle to get the best views and then head deep inside to explore the maze of tunnels.

There were a few moments when I thought we would never make it back out, which I guess was the intended purpose but still, I hope you have better luck navigating them than we did!

Looking up at San felipe castle in Cartagena from the bottom on a sunny day with blue skies

Join a street food tour

This was the idea of some friends of ours and I was a little sceptical at first because being vegan nearly always means I can’t eat street food. This is exactly why you should join a street food tour.

Learn from a local what is in the foods and what ingredients are used. The majority of Colombian street food is heavily cheese-based but I also got to try plenty of different plant-based street food snacks which was a really nice change.

The tour we did, didn’t just focus on the food but also took us through the Getsemani neighbourhood and gave us a lot of insights into the history of that area as well which was really interesting.

๐ŸŒฏ This is the Street Food Tour we did and the guide was fantastic!

a tour guide and tourists standing around a street food cart in Cartagena, trying the local street food

Explore the colourful streets of Getsemani

The Getsemani neighbourhood is becoming one of the most popular areas of Cartagena to explore. Located very close to the walled city, this bright and bustling neighbourhood really is a gem. Full of cute cafes, restaurants and street sellers there’s lots to see and do.

We enjoyed wandering the colourful streets and taking in all of the beautiful murals painted on the walls. There is so much art and decoration, it’s hard to imagine this place has ever been anything other than the vibrant community that is it now.

However, the streets of the Getsemani hold a darker past. They used to be the area in which the slaves who built the walled city were made to live. There is no way I could do their story justice but the best way to truly appreciate this space and the people who once inhabited it is to join a tour with a local expert to learn more.

โœ… Learn more about the history of Getsemani with this guided tour!

a large colourful wall painting on the streets of Getsemani in Cartagena, showing a woman with bright blue hair

Stroll through Centenario Park and don’t forget to look UP!

Opposite the Monumento Torre del Reloj, the main gates to the walled city, you will find the city’s central park. The park is a nice green space to enjoy some quiet time in the shade.

Sit in one place for more than a few minutes and it is likely you will have some locals approach you to try and sell some water or their handmade crafts. A simple smile and no thank you and they are on their way.

We enjoyed sitting in the park and watching the world go by. However, the best thing about this park is slowly moving around up in the tree tops. Yes, that’s right, there are sloths living in the park. It’s questionable how they got there and also a little sad that they cannot leave but they seemed well accustomed to park life.

Looking up into a tree there sits a small sloth among the leaves

Watch the sunset from the Castle Walls

As the walls wrap around the entire of the old city and you are free to walk along them, there is no shortage of space to sit and enjoy a beautiful sunset.

Each day as the sun sets out to sea, flocks of people ascend the city walls to snap their selfies and enjoy nature’s show. There are a few bars and cafes along the walls but make sure to arrive early to get a seat.

Or you can enjoy the sunset as we did. Buy a couple of drinks from a local vendor (they will come to you with a coolbox full of goodies) and take a seat on the wall. Simple.

Relax on the beach – Playa De Bocagrande

Bocagrande is a newer area of the city with a very different vibe. We stayed in this area for a few days too and really enjoyed it. Think resorts, fancy hotels and high-rise apartment buildings. Not to mention a huge choice of restaurants, bars and of course the long stretch of sandy beach.

If you are a beach lover short on time then this is the place to go to get your hit of sun, sea and sand. Many of the resorts have sun loungers on the beach for a small fee or just take a towel and pitch up.

It may not be the most idyllic beach in the world but as far as city beaches go we were impressed.

a view from above of a city skyline along a beach in Cartagena Colombia

Sip a cocktail in one of the top 10-rated bars in the WORLD!

If you are a cocktail lover or simply enjoy getting dressed up and having a good time, then you are in luck. Cartagena is known for its great nightlife and party scene but did you know that it is also home to one of the top 10 best bars in the world?!

In a poll of the best cocktail bars in the world, Alquimico located in the walled city was given a spot in the top 10 so naturally we had to go and check it out. Once inside you are seated on one of the 3 floors, each floor overlooks the square bar that is in the centre of the ground floor. Pretty cool right?

The menu was full of fun and unique cocktails and the drinks all tasted amazing! not to mention you pay a fraction of what you would pay for drinks like this in the US or Europe.


2 Days In Cartagena Example Itineraries

To help give you plenty of inspiration on how to spend your 2 days in Cartagena, I have put together a few different example itineraries;

2 Days in Cartagena – Itinerary for people who enjoy nature and the beach

Day 1: MorningExplore the walled city and don’t forget to take a stroll in Central Park to see the sloths!

Afternoon – Take a half-day tour to the unique mud volcano just a short drive from Cartagena. Starting at 1 pm, experience this one-of-a-kind mud-filled volcano for a truly unforgettable experience. Plus, you get to tell the folks back home you dipped inside a volcano!

Evening – Grab a spot on the city walls to watch the sunset.

Day 2: All Day – Join a full-day tour of the stunning Rosario Islands! Visit 3 beautiful beaches around the islands and enjoy this little piece of paradise for the day.

the small lush Rosario islands off the coast of Cartagena Colombia, surrounded by bright blue ocean and small boats

2 Days in Cartagena – Itinerary for budget travellers

Day 1: MorningJoin a ‘free’ walking tour (usually expect a tip) of the walled city to learn a little more about the history of Cartagena.

Afternoon – Take a walk over to San Filipe Castle. For just $7.50 you can explore the castle grounds and tunnels and get the best views of the city!

Evening – There really is no better way to spend an evening than watching the sunset from the castle walls with a cold drink in hand.

Day 2: Morning – Time for a slightly longer walk to Bocagrande to spend the morning enjoying the beach and taking a dip in the sea.

Afternoon – Explore the Getsemani Neighbourhood and all the colourful street art.

2 Days in Cartagena – Itinerary for people Who love to experience new cultures

Day 1: Morning – Don’t just try the local cuisine, learn to make the dishes yourself in this gourmet cooking class with stunning views over the city.

AfternoonTake a private guided tour of the walled city and Getsemani to really get the most out of having a local guide to fuel your cultural experience.

Evening – Head outside of the walled city and find a bar or restaurant full of locals to sit and experience how the locals unwind at the end of the day.

Day 2: MorningJoin the freedom tour of Palenque, a nearby village where the African culture has been maintained over the years in this wonderful community. Experience another side of the culture in Colombia.

Afternoon – Take a seat in the central park and slow down while the world rushes past. Enjoy some peace after a busy couple of days and soak in all of the life you get to see here.

2 Days in Cartagena – Itinerary for people who love to party

Day 1: Morning – Spend the morning exploring the walled city and Getsemani neighbourhood. Walk along the city walls, wander the streets admiring the artwork, take a look at the street vendors selling crafts and admire the architecture.

AfternoonJoin a street food tour to experience all the local food before a big night of dancing.

Evening – There are many great ways to start a night of partying in Cartagena but if you want to make the most of your time in Colombia then it has to be with a Salsa Tour! Learn some new moves, enjoy some live music and get club entry and a welcome drink!

Day 2: All Day Spend a day at Bora Bora Beach Club, relaxing with a drink in hand, enjoying the pool, and beach and even getting a massage if you fancy.


What To Do If You Have More Than 2 Days In Cartagena

If you have more than 2 days in Cartagena, one of the best things to do would be to take a trip to the Rosario islands and stay on the islands overnight. I have listed a day trip to the islands in the above example itineraries but the more time you can spend on these incredible islands the better!


Where To Stay In Cartagena

When it comes to deciding where to stay in Cartagena you have a few really great options. I would recommend staying either inside the walled city, in the Getsemani neighbourhood or in Bocagrande.

We stayed both inside the walled city and in Bocagrande and loved both areas!

a map of Cartagena in Colombia with circles drawn on to show the 3 main areas tourists should stay in the city

Stay In Cartagena Centro (walled city)

๐Ÿ“Casa Movida Hostel

We stayed in this great hostel, located inside the walled city but on a relatively quiet street. Not that it would matter because the rooms are pretty much soundproof and have the all-important aircon. One of the best things about staying here is the incredible pizza served at the onsite restaurant!

โœ… Reserve your stay at Casa Movida Hostel, to ensure you get a great night’s sleep!

๐Ÿ“The Clock Hostel & Suites

Another really great option is the clock hostel. With great reviews and some awesome decor, this place would make your stay in the walled city feel extra special.

โœ… Stay in Cartagena in Style, at the Clock Hostel!

Stay In Getsemani

๐Ÿ“Casa Pizarro Hotel Boutique

This incredibly stylish boutique hotel lies right in the heart of the colourful Getsemani community. A stay in this highly-rated hotel will give you access to their luxury rooms, swimming pool, hot tub and rooftop terrace.

โœ… Book your little piece of luxury in Cartagena with Casa Pizarro Boutique Hotel

Stay In Bocagrande

๐Ÿ“Gio Hotel Tama Cartagena

When we stayed in the Bocagrande area, we stayed in this great hotel. The rooms were clean and cool and the rooftop had fab views, not to mention hot tubs! The breakfast buffet was included and was a great way to start the day.

โœ… Book your stay in Bocargrande with Gio Hotel and enjoy the sun from their rooftop hot tubs!


The BEST Places To Eat in Cartagena

Now that we have shared all of the best things to do and where to stay, it is time for us to share all of the places we loved most to eat and drink in Cartagena;

  • Trattoria donde Wippy – Italian
    I know what you are thinking…Italian food? In Colombia?! But trust me, we have both been to Italy and yes this is still the best Italian food we have ever had! It was so good we ate here twice.
  • Epoca Cafe Bar
    For a real Colombian speciality coffee experience we recommend Epoca. They do not mess around when it comes to their coffee. They also have a great menu for brunch-style food.
  • Fit Choices
    This health food place in Bocagrande quickly became a favourite for serving great vegan dishes and also vegan versions of traditional Colombian street food snacks such as Arepas.
  • Pezetarian
    We loved this Japanese restaurant for its healthy and delicious poke bowls.
a unique looking coffee making set up that couldve come out of a science lab, but it is in a cafe in Cartagena Colombia

Different Ways To Get Around Cartagena

Cartagena is very easy to get around and you usually have a few options when choosing how to get from A to B.

Is Cartagena a walkable city?

We found that as relatively fit and active people, the three main areas we discussed in this blog are all walkable. We walked from Centro to Bocagrande on a few occasions. However, the city extends far out to the east so if you need to take a bus for example to another city, you will not be able to walk to the bus stations.

Is there Uber in Cartagena?

Yes, Cartagena has Uber. We used them on a couple of occasions, especially after dark to avoid walking around at night time. However, keep in mind that the traffic inside the walled city can get CRAZY, particularly in the evenings.

With this in mind, we found it easier to walk to the walls and order the Uber to pick us up from the outside, to avoid them cancelling or not being able to get to us.

Getting around by Bus

There is an extensive network of buses that run around the different areas of the city. They are modern and safe and very cheap. You will see designated bus stops where you can wait and see timetables for the buses on that route.

Motorbike Taxis

Another common and fast way to get around the city, if you don’t have any luggage with you, is by motorbike taxi. It is exactly what it sounds like. You jump on the back of a motorbike and they whisk you off to your destination.

Never get on one if they do not have a helmet for you!


Getting To Cartagena

Cartagena is really well connected with various large bus stations, a port and an airport. This makes getting to the city pretty easy no matter where you are coming from.

By Plane

The chances are you will arrive by plane to the city, especially if this is your first stop on Colombia. If that’s the case you will want to look for flights to Rafael Nรบรฑez International Airport. Located close to the walled city.

We always use Sky Scanner to search and book our flights. We find it tends to show better prices than most other flight comparison sites and its super quick and easy.

By Bus

If Cartagena is not your first stop in Colombia then the chances are you will be arriving in the city by Bus. We travelled all over the country by bus and found it was a cheap and easy way to travel. Just remember to keep your valuables hidden but on you at all times.

The main bus terminals are on the outer edge of the city so once you arrive you will need to take a taxi to where you are staying. We recommend using the Uber App for this.

We used Busbud to book our bus tickets a day or two in advance while in Colombia. This way we could see the bus schedule, pick a time that worked for us and make sure we were guaranteed a seat. The buses can get pretty crowded. Make sure to head to the ticket desk in the bus terminal to get your ticket printed, otherwise getting on the bus becomes a hassle.

a view of the sky line of Cartagena in Colombia where you can see the old town to the right and the new high rise area on the left

Where To Travel Next After Your 2 Days In Cartagena

So you have had a wonderful 2 days in Cartagena, where to next? We personally got the bus to Medellin but there are a few other great options you could consider.

  • Medellin – This is where we went next and is a great option if you start your trip in Cartagena. We took the bus but you could fly if you are really short on time. If you are torn between Medellin and Cartagena, check out our comparison of the two.
  • Panama – We came to Cartagena from Panama but this could be a great next stop if Cartagena is the last place you visit in Colombia. Keep in mind, you will have to fly or go by boat like we did.
  • Santa Marta – This little gem right in the north of Colombia is another great coastal destination for anyone looking for beautiful beaches, national parks or even diving and snorkelling. The best way to get there is to take a bus.

2 Days In Cartagena FAQs

Finally, let’s cover a few last questions that often come to mind when people are planning their trip to Cartagena.

What to avoid in Cartagena?

Cartagena is a great place to visit but we recommend avoiding partying too hard. Yes have fun and make some great memories but drunk tourists are a prime target for chances, so don’t take the risk.

Is it better to go to Cartagena or Medellin?

Cartagena and Medellin are very different cities. If you want to experience a coastal city with a lot of culture and Caribbean influence then go to Cartagena. If you prefer bigger cities with shopping, big museums and architecture then go to Medellin.

Is Bogota or Cartagena better for vacation?

We would vote for Cartagena 100%. It is a lot safer, prettier and just a much better vacation destination.

When is the best time of year to visit Cartagena?

For good weather, the best months to visit are in the dry season between December and March. But this is the peak season so it is more crowded and prices may be higher.

Is Cartagena safe for solo female travellers?

Yes, Cartagena is perfectly safe for solo female travellers as long as you are sensible. We would recommend staying in one of the hostels we mentioned and definitely do not walk alone at night but otherwise, you will definitely have a great time.


2 Days In Cartagena – Final Thoughts

So there you have it! Everything you could possibly need to know to have a great 2 days in Cartagena. We truly enjoyed our time in the city and we know you will love it too. As always if you have any questions feel free to get in touch.

Happy travels!