Old Town Cartagena Tours and Tickets
Old Town Cartagena
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.
People Also Ask
There are plenty of ways to experience Old Town Cartagena. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:
It’s free to visit Old Town Cartagena and explore the streets on foot. For an in-depth look at this historic area, join a guided tour. Street food tours are available starting at US$44, bike tours from US$19, and private city walking tours from US$49.
Yes, Cartagena's walled Old Town—known for its colorful architecture, rich history, and quality restaurants and nightlife—is worth visiting. Explore independently or learn more about this UNESCO–listed site by joining a guided tour. Walking tours, street food tours, and private tours are all available.
Per one customer who booked the Street Food Tour in Cartagena, "Alvaro was a great tour guide!! He's very passionate about his country and community and took us to all local spots for the best taste of Colombia! We left the food tour happy, full, and connected with the Cartagena community. Definitely come hungry and ready to eat and learn, 10/10 would recommend!!!"
The main attraction in the UNESCO-listed Old Town Cartagena is the colorful buildings and their balconies that line its historic streets. Must-see sights include the historical exhibits of the Naval Museum of the Caribbean, the grand Cathedral of San Pedro Claver, and bustling Bolvar Square (Plaza Bolivar), with its fruit stands and lively atmosphere.
Yes, there are plenty of guided tours to help you navigate Old Town Cartagena. Walking tours showcase the colorful city streets and landmarks of the Old Town and often also include the neighborhood of Getsemani. Many street food tours also focus on the culinary offerings of Old Town Cartagena.
The best things to do in Old Town Cartagena depend on what interests you. Culture-seekers will love the area’s museums and historical landmarks, while photographers will want to capture the pretty scenery. Old Town Cartagena also provides plenty of opportunities to try local food and experience the city’s nightlife.
While every destination and city has potential risks, Old Town Cartagena is generally safe for tourists; the most common threat being petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching. Cartagena has traditionally been one of the safer cities in Colombia. Follow general safety precautions as you would in most tourist destinations.
Visitors with wheelchairs may encounter some challenges when moving around Old Town Cartagena. Streets and sidewalks in the historical center are narrow, so people using wheelchairs may have to use the road to get around in areas. Some attractions may have ramp access, but businesses such as restaurants generally have steps to the entrance.
Since Old Town Cartagena is famous for its nightlife and food scene, the best time to visit is in the afternoon. By visiting in the afternoon, you can spend time sightseeing in the historical center, find somewhere to enjoy the sunset, and then make the most of your evening there.
There are tons of things to do along with visiting the city's Old Town. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Cartagena:
View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Cartagena.