22 Fun And Cool Things To Do In Cartagena, Columbia

San Pedro Claver Square is a quaint little place situated in the heart of the historic Colonia area of the Colombian city of Cartagena.

Known in honor of the revered Saint Peter Claver a Jesuit Priest who was especially involved in the enslavement of Africans the plaza is marked by the presence of the inspiring Church of San Pedro Claver.

This bustling square offers an ideal environment for immersing in the colonial other-worldliness of Cartagena with its cobbled streets, colonial structures, and lively street vendors. Moreover, one may visit the church, enjoy local foods, or even hang around absorbing the culture of the area.

Heredia Theatre, popularly known as Teatro Adolfo Mejia is one of the prime theatres for performing arts in Cartagena, Colombia. Built as an 18th and 19th-century European opera house, this historic theater features a horseshoe shape with its outstanding acoustics.

The interior is a visual marvel with its elegant cedar dividers that divide the seating sections and, floors made from a special wood to enhance sound quality.

It is this charm and beauty that will compel any lover of performing arts to visit this theater not only to catch a glimpse of the richness that European architectural influences brought to bear on a country like Colombia but also of its diverse cultural heritage.

La Serrezuela is a place that everyone should visit in Cartagena, Colombia, though it delivers much more than history, culture, and luxury. An ancient bullring now given the courtesy of modern entertainment after having been perfected at transformation from venue to site keeping much of its original architectural flavor.

People have found high-end boutiques and can dine gourmet-style on the open-air roof while watching the view over Cartagena's skyline. They also have a grand amphitheater for live events. La Serrezuela is also the home to various art galleries featuring local talents that make it a culture beehive.

The Monumento Torre del Reloj, or Clock Tower Monument is among one of the most historical sites of Cartagena in Colombia. Built-in the 1800s, it's a great example of this city's colonial walls.

The entire structure is conquered by a clock spire, which is a living timekeeper and symbol of the history of Cartagena. Originally built as the main entrance to the fortified city, it now serves as the gateway for visitors to the colorful Old Town.

Besides lively plazas, restaurants, and shops, the Torre del Reloj guarantees the best blend of history and today's charm.

Another most happening spot to visit in Cartagena, Colombia, is Cafe Havana. This place reverberates with lively moods and classic Cuban cocktails. There is never an end to live salsa; salsa sickness makes this place a favorite bar for locals and tourists.

The festive old-world decorations in this place add further appeal to it, reminiscing the traditional Caribbean atmosphere that makes this venue.

So, whether you want to groove to the lively beats of salsa or sip on a well-deserved mojito, once you've set foot inside Cafe Havana, it's guaranteed to be a night filled with music, culture, and great drinks-a must-see in Cartagena's nightlife.

The Museo del Oro Zenu in Cartagena Colombia is a wonderful museum depicting pre-Columbian Zenu culture. It is here that one can take a quick look at the real workmanship and essence of the place of a previous generation.

It also houses over 600 chosen pick artifacts; these are gold, silver, and ceramic among others. Each piece contains stories of the Zenu's ingenuity and artistry. These range from fine jewelry and ceremonial items to those documenting the sophisticated water management systems of this native population.

Visiting this place opens up another exciting cultural experience, allowing participants to know more about the Indigenous history of Colombia.

The Beach Playa Castillo Grande is situated within the rich Bocagrande district of Cartagena, Colombia, and it serves as an entire escape from the bustling city. Clearwater and fine-grained sandy shores allow one to relax, sunbathe, or perform paddle-boarding and kayaking on this beach.

The beach in comparison to other beaches of Cartagena is not populated and the environment will be good to spend some romantic or family time. Those options can be enjoyed: fresh seafood sold by beach vendors, tropical cocktails, and exquisite views of the Caribbean Sea.

With close access to lavish hotels, Playa Castillo Grande is an unforgettable coastal experience.

One of the most enlightening and historical-social spaces of Cartagena is the place of worship called Santuario de San Pedro Claver. It is a Roman Catholic Church dedicated to Saint Peter Claver a Jesuit priest who extended his compassion and helping hand to Africans when they were sold and brought to America.

Among the colonial features are the baroque facade, a rather private and peaceful central courtyard, and the inner walls adorned with carving and stained glass. It also includes an adjacent museum with artifacts from the life and legacy of Claver.

Therefore, this church offers a reflective space and insight into the complexity of Cartagena's history.

Plaza de la Aduana is a landmark in Cartagena, Colombia, with much history and activity. This spacious square was surrounded by beautiful colonial buildings, which were administrative offices in the time Cartagena played an important role in the Spanish Empire as a port.

The signature of the plaza is a statue of Christopher Columbus, who symbolizes the colonial past of the city. The place is meant just for walking, absorbing the exciting energy, or listening to street performers.

Nearby facilities include museums, cafes, and shops. It is the cultural and leisure heart of the walled city of Cartagena.

The Museo Naval del Caribe, located in Cartagena, Colombia, offers a mesmerizing journey through the maritime history of this country and the many rich cultural inheritances of the Caribbean region.

Of course, there are enough interactive exhibits about the Colombian Navy, the period during Spanish colonization, and one's exclusive pirate-filled past.

It presents scaling ship models, historical artifacts, and interactive audiovisual stimulation that almost literally sets the naval battles and their underwater exploration into action. Overall, this museum is about the prominence of history, culture, and seafaring adventures.

Las Botas Viejas, or "Old Boots," is a large tourist attraction located in Cartagena, Colombia. This bronze sculpture depicts huge shoes from which a local poet, Luis Carlos Lopez, inspired the poem that compared the comforts of his hometown to those offered by a pair of worn-out boots.

The monument is situated pretty close to the old San Felipe de Barajas Castle and is one of the spots most photographed by visitors. This unique design invites travelers to step into the boots for fun pictures while they enjoy recognizing its cultural and historical significance.

All in all, for the art lover, this Museo de Arte Moderno Cartagena is a treat. This museum, which spans two floors, is a repository of modern Latin American art, especially that which dates from the 1950s.

There are more than 500 works here, mostly given by the artists and their families; about 30%, are being shown in eight exhibition halls. The Colombian Caribbean is the most important place for a culture of South American art set in a historical context.

This collection is housed in one of the oldest buildings in the city today which dates back to the 18th century.

Espiritu Del Manglar Park is a peaceful sanctuary exhibiting the green mangrove ecosystem of the area. A visit to the protected park helps in an exceptional experience exploring the winding boardwalks through dense mangrove forests for glimpses into their unique wildlife including exotic birds and marine life.

Interestingly, the park is safeguarded by the Colombian Voluntary Environmental Guard Corps which assures its preservation and promotes environmental education.

Nature lovers, as well as eco-tourists, can visit here to relish what this park holds in ecological importance and the efforts done to protect its fragile habitat which proves to be enriching experiences for all visitors.

The densely developed Muelle de los Pegasos as a part of Cartagena in Colombia at the seafront forms one of the many beautiful promenades that have a vision of the Caribbean Sea and the skyline of the city.

One of the unique identity markers of this pier is "The gigantic bronze sculptures of seahorses, which attract both tourists and people who regularly visit these sites."

It is an ideal place for relaxation, to have a break by the sea, and to have some great photoshoots. During your stay here you can visit one of the significant objects such as the Old Castle of Cartagena, Clock Tower or Walled City.

Casa Museo Rafael Nunez is a historic museum located on a site formerly occupied by the house of Rafael Nunez, an important figure in Colombian history and a multiple president of Colombia. It includes personal belongings artworks and other artifacts depicting his rich life as an influential politician.

Colonial architecture can be witnessed all through this wonderful house that revealed the past of Cartagena. Moreover, it offers an insightful visit into Nunez's role in shaping history, particularly in his contributions to drafting the constitution of Colombia.

Thus, this makes it one of the Cartagena places to visit for history lovers.

Centrally situated in Cartagena, Colombia, Plaza de San Diego is a stunningly beautiful town park. It is a popular locale among the citizens and visitors to the city for peace within the city.

It has been surrounded by historical colonial constructions where you can discover the beautiful garden with tall trees, and enjoy nature under the shade or just sit on a bench and watch people. It is often strewn with colorful flowers and busy street vendors.

Thus, it would be the right place to walk if you are thinking of what to do in Cartagena and experience the different aspects of the city in terms of culture and historical value.

Port Oasis is a famous tourist destination in Cartagena, Colombia, that promises a refreshing experience. This oasis is right next to the city's busy port, where there is a blend of beauty and leisure.

Here, guests can enjoy cooling off by swimming in clear pools, exploring their lush gardens, and enjoying any watersports or boat excursions. It is a perfect getaway for families, dimmed-light couples, and solitary travelers searching for a quiet retreat with picturesque views of the Caribbean.

With modern amenities, scenic beauty, and a rich cultural context, Port Oasis is a dreamland waiting to be observed by anyone who has ever visited Cartagena.

Granja Los Abuelos is an interactive farm located in Cartagena, Colombia, which guarantees a magical experience reserved for both children and adults. Visitors can roam the green scenery, interact with various farm animals, and join hands-on activities like milking cows, collecting eggs, or feeding animals.

The place is an excellent combination of fun and flavor, it allows guests to taste fresh, local produce, and delicious Colombian foods. Great for family outings, this is the place to share some time with nature, learn about farm practices, and spend a memorable day in the country of Cartagena.

Overall, this is one of the wonderful Colombia Cartagena things to do.

Portal de Los Dulces in Cartagena: the candy store where the sweet taste of the Caribbean comes alive. This coquette little place is a portal into the paradise of Colombian sweets, flavored with a bit of nostalgia and quite a few traditional delights.

Coconut-based confections, sugar cane delights, tropical fruit candies: all this goodness is for sampling and purchase by the local public as well as visitors. The vendors at Portal de los Dulces are purely artisans, selling the best of multiple kinds of traditional recipes that spice up this region's culinary culture.

San Felipe de Barajas Fort is one of the things to see in Cartagena Colombia. In the 1600s, this tremendous castle on the top of the hill was built primarily for protection against pirates and strangers. It has a vantage location providing beautiful views of the city and the Caribbean Sea.

The fort is characterized by its intricate tunnel network that can be used for defense and communication during battles. Here, visitors can enjoy the well-preserved edifice and discover a piece of history through informative audio tours.

Visiting San Felipe de Barajas Fort can be described as an exciting experience of Cartagena's colonial past and military heritage.

The Santa Cruz de la Popa Convent is sited on a hill in the urban center of the Cartagena city in Colombia. This location affords a perspective of the entire city and the Caribbean coast.

It has always offered itself as a historical and spiritual landmark because of its importance as a Sanctuary of Our Lady of Candelaria, which is revered as a hub for Marian devotion in Cartagena and the Caribbean. From its foundation, the convent has been looked after by the Augustinian Recollects.

It has served subsequently as one of the most important centers of religious significance within redemptive pilgrimage where the serenity deepened and rich history made worth going to for spiritual and cultural wandering.

Fuerte de San Sebastian del Pastelillo is an ancient historic monument found in the city of Cartagena, Colombia. It is a marvelous display of what the colonial era in the city might have looked like.

Fortified as a military fortress during the Spanish colonialist era, this structure preserves itself well and is a relic that once protected Cartagena from naval attacks. It is along the coast, so it can give impressive views of the Caribbean Sea.

Finally, it is important to note that this fort is among the best places to visit in Cartagena Colombia.