# Essential Cartagena (Colombia) Travel Guide: What to See & Do

**Discover Cartagena: Caribbean Color and Colonial History**

Cartagena is a Caribbean port city with a distinctive atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Colombia. Founded by the Spanish in 1533, it became an important gateway for trade between South America, Europe, and Africa. Its wealth also made it a target for pirates and rival powers, leading to the construction of the massive walls and fortifications that still define the historic center.

## Explore Cartagena’s Walled City

Inside the Walled City, narrow streets lead to leafy plazas surrounded by brightly painted colonial buildings, ornate churches, former government residences, and elegant balconies. The Clock Tower marks the entrance to the old town, while major landmarks reveal Cartagena’s religious and political importance.

Highlights include:

- Cartagena Cathedral
- San Pedro Claver Church
- The Palace of the Inquisition
- The Santo Domingo complex
- Plaza de los Coches and its former slave market

Together, these sites reflect both Cartagena’s historic importance and the more difficult chapters of its past.

## Discover the Character of Getsemaní

Cartagena’s identity extends beyond its colonial monuments. Once a working-class neighborhood, Getsemaní is now known for its vibrant murals, lively squares, independent restaurants, music, and strong local character.

The neighborhood’s streets are decorated with umbrellas, vegetation, and public art, capturing Cartagena’s creative energy. Traditional palenquera women, recognized by their colorful clothing and baskets of tropical fruit, provide another visible link to the city’s African heritage.

## Enjoy Cartagena’s Views and Fortifications

For travelers looking for things to do in Cartagena, the city offers a rich combination of architecture, food, nightlife, Caribbean warmth, and history. La Popa Convent provides sweeping views across the rooftops and sea, while the nearby fortifications reveal how fiercely the port was defended.

Cartagena is best experienced at an unhurried pace, with everyday life unfolding among centuries-old walls and historic streets.

## Walk Cartagena with Neywo

Neywo turns Cartagena into a self-guided audio tour. Stories arrive as you reach the place they belong to, and the route reshapes when you wander off it.

## More in Colombia

- [Manizales](https://neywo.com/destinations/colombia/manizales.md)
- [Palomino](https://neywo.com/destinations/colombia/palomino.md)
- [San Andrés](https://neywo.com/destinations/colombia/san-andres.md)
- [Santa Cruz de Mompox](https://neywo.com/destinations/colombia/santa-cruz-de-mompox.md)
- [Bogotá](https://neywo.com/destinations/colombia/bogota.md)

## Elsewhere in Colombia

- [Guatapé](https://neywo.com/destinations/colombia/antioquia/guatape.md) — Antioquia
- [Jardín](https://neywo.com/destinations/colombia/antioquia/jardin.md) — Antioquia
- [Jericó](https://neywo.com/destinations/colombia/antioquia/jerico.md) — Antioquia
- [Medellín](https://neywo.com/destinations/colombia/antioquia/medellin.md) — Antioquia

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