What Is the Best Activity to do in Cartagena?

Cartagena is a stunning Colombian city, located on the Caribbean Sea, and it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. With over two hundred years of rich history to explore, peacefully stroll through, and captivating local culture to immerse yourself in, it’s no surprise why people flock here from all over the world.

Though there are dozens of activities in Cartagena to choose from, which one is “the best’? That heavily depends on your personal interests and what type of activity you’re looking for. Regardless, it’s widely accepted that there are some activities which are must-dos for anyone visiting Cartagena. In this article, we’re going to look at the best activity to do when in the city, no matter your age, background and personal interests.

Take a Boat Tour Around Cartagena

The single best activity you can do when in Cartagena, regardless of what type of activity you’re looking for, is going on a boat tour around the city. There are countless boat tours available in Cartagena, with each offering unique experiences, but all providing stunning views of the city. Typically, boat tours operate between one and five hours depending on your preference. As well as leisurely sailing around the city, you’ll also get to pass by some of the popular islands surrounding Cartagena, such as Isla de los Pájaros and Isla de Tierrabomba— an ideal option for those keen on exploring the local nature and wildlife.

The longer boat tours usually come with drinks and snacks included, so don’t hesitate to ask about this ahead of your departure to make sure you’re fully catered for. You can source boat tours from tour operators all over the city, or easy arrange them online before you arrive to ensure you book a tour suited to your needs and preferences.

If you’re wanting to take a truly memorable experiential boat tour around Cartagena, GetYourGuide offers an incredible 2.5-hour sunset boat party with complimentary cocktails and a great atmosphere. You can take advantage of their convenient online booking system and start your evening with a full stomach, as complimentary food is included in their boat tour. Plus, they offer a refund policy on activities such as these should you need to cancel.

Visit the Historic Sites

Cartagena has long been renowned for its wealth of captivating historical sites, quite often attracting those who wish to learn more about Colombian culture and heritage. The city itself is an UNESCO World Heritage Site, with many tour operators offering guided experiences if you’d like additional knowledge and insight during your visit.

You can explore popular sites such as Iglesia de San Pedro Claver (Church of Saint Peter Claver) and Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas (Castle of San Felipe de Barajas). This 16th Century fortress offers an incredible view of the sun setting above the Caribbean Sea and is one of Cartagena’s most popular tourist attractions. Of course, by visiting either of these locations independently (without a guided tour), it provides more flexibility and freedom in exploring this remarkable corner of Colombia.

Experience Cartagena’s Food Scene

One of the most unique aspects of Cartagena is its vibrant food scene. With an array of local cuisine to sample, those who love trying new dishes should take advantage of this incredible selection while in the city. As well as “must-try’ dishes such as sancocho (a type of soup) and arepa con huevo (an egg sandwich from Venezuela), there are many restaurants to choose from nearby each prominent tourist attraction.

Those seeking melt-in-your-mouth delicacies should definitely look out for Cartagena By Moon’s (located near Convento de la Popa), for the most authentic Colombian experience imaginable! Whether you’re here for lunch or dinner, the local service is both friendly and enthusiastic, with plenty of house specialities serving up memorable dishes from across Colombia. And despite its convenient location to some of the most famous places to visit in Cartagena here, it won’t break your wallet either!

Conclusion

There are an endless amout of activities to choose from when visiting Cartagena and we’ve simply tried to provide an idea of what we think are some of the best experiences. Naturally, your individual preferences will guide what activities you pursue here; whether it be exploring the blue Caribbean waters or simply immersing yourself in the vibrant city streets – you’ll be hard-pressed to find any other destination offering quite as much as Cartagena does.

Just remember to book a 2.5-Hour Sunset Boat Party with Free Beer before you go! Book Here. Let us know how it was during your stay in Cartagena!