Six Days in Cartagena
Cartagena is one of our favorite cities, and it truly offers something for everyone, from the 16th century streets of the Old City to modern high rises in Bocagrande, and from late night salsa clubs to quiet mornings drinking coffee. Whether you stay in a five star hotel or a backpacker's hostel in Getsemani, you'll love your time here.
When we planned our trip to Cartagena, we were blown away by the sheer number of options you’ll have in the city, so we wrote this itinerary to help others plan their visit. Whether you’re just taking a short trip to the city or traveling through the area as part of a longer backpacking trip in South America, six days is a perfect amount of time to enjoy everything Cartagena has to offer.
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✓ MONDAY - Arrive. Your flight will likely land mid-afternoon. Take a Servicio Publico taxi from the airport to check into your hostel or Airnbnb. Drop your bags and then walk through the Old City to watch the sunset at Cafe del Mar. Don’t forget your camera and try to arrive before 5pm, so you can get a table near the wall. As the sultry night air descends on the city, you’ll walk to Getsemani for dinner at Di Silvio Trattoria. Down the street from the restaurant stop by the rooftop of the Mama Waldy Hostel for cheap two-for-one drinks.
✓ TUESDAY - Grab a quick breakfast at Epoca, then schedule the first guided walking tour of the day, so you can see Cartagena before the crowds and the heat. If you’re hungry grab a bite of street food before going to a coffee tasting with Noah, the bar manager at El Barón. Spend the afternoon exploring the streets and museums in el Centro. Stay in the Old City for dinner at Orígenes Restaurant. After dinner check out the rooftop bar at Townhouse.
✓ WEDNESDAY - Visit the Castillo de San Felipe in the morning, then consider scheduling a rum tasting or cooking class in the afternoon. Get a quick caffeine fix at the super-hipster Cafe del Mural in Getsemani before dinner at Sabor Mulato, which serves excellent comida tipica. End the night by enjoying a craft cocktail at Alquímico, in the Old City.
✓ THURSDAY - Check out of your accommodations in Cartagena and head to the Manga harbor to catch the first boat shuttle to the Blue Apple Beach House, which leaves at 1030 am. You’ll spend the day poolside, then take a yoga class with the resident instructor before a quiet dinner. Enjoy the night relaxing in your room or private plunge pool.
✓ FRIDAY - If you’re anything like us, you won’t want to leave the Blue Apple Beach House, so we recommend reserving a beachside cabana for the day and taking the 4:30pm boat back to the mainland. Check into another hostel or Airbnb and then have dinner at Maria Bonita Taqueria Cantina. If you’re into dancing, check out the legendary salsa club Cafe Havana, or, if you’re looking for something a little more low key, the Prohibition-themed piano bar Members Only in El Centro.
✓ SATURDAY - shop for last minute souvenirs near the Plaza del Reloj, then head back to the airport for your return flight.