Things to do in  Cartagena

Built more than 2,000 years ago and discovered in 1998, the Roman Theatre of Cartagena (Teatro Romano de Cartagena) was worth the wait, say its many visitors. Perched on a hillside overlooking the city, the amphitheater held up to 6,000 spectators during Roman times and today houses an in-depth museum.

To soak up the lively spirit of Cartagena, you just need to stroll down Calle Mayor (Main Street)—the avenue exemplifies the best of the Spanish city’s history and culture. Highlights include the palm tree-lined Plaza de Ayuntamiento, the 19th-century Art Nouveau masterpiece of Casino de Cartagena, and the Roman Theater Museum, which traces the city’s millennia of history.

Dating back to the third century BC, Cartagena’s Punic Wall offers a window into Roman history. It's the Spanish city’s oldest remains and sits beside the crypt of the Brotherhood of San José, where former members were put to rest in narrow stone niches.