Cartagena

Travel Guide

A narrow street lined with colorful buildings, featuring balconies and potted plants.
A coastal cityscape at night with a prominent cathedral and a modern skyline.
A coastal cityscape with high-rise buildings along a curved shoreline.
A coastal cityscape with a prominent skyscraper, a marina with boats, and historic buildings with red-tiled roofs.
A coastal cityscape with high-rise buildings, a marina, and a lighthouse.

Where to stay in Cartagena

Find the best Cartagena areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Cartagena
Learn more about Cartagena
A coastal cityscape with a prominent cathedral and modern skyscrapers.

Cartagena Walled City

Cartagena Walled City is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Clock Tower and Bolivar Square while in the area.

A coastal town with a prominent church featuring a tall bell tower and a domed roof.

Getsemani

Travelers come to Getsemani for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Plaza de la Trinidad and Los Pegasos Dock while you're in town.

A coastal cityscape at twilight with high-rise buildings, a beach, and a long swimming pool.

Bocagrande

Bocagrande is known for its stunning beaches, and with sights like Rio Cartagena Casino and Plaza Bocagrande Commercial Center, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Cartagena.

A city skyline with tall buildings reflecting on a calm body of water during sunset.

El Laguito

The beaches and abundant dining options are top of the list for many visitors to El Laguito. A stop by El Laguito Beach or Bocagrande Beach might round out your trip.

A street with colorful buildings, a man pushing a cart, and a blue door with decorative columns.
Photo by SebastiĆ£o Mesquita e Carmo
Open Photo by SebastiĆ£o Mesquita e Carmo

Manga

Travelers like the historic sites in Manga, and Port of Cartagena is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Hotel Caribe by Faranda Grand, a member of Radisson Individuals

Hotel Caribe by Faranda Grand, a member of Radisson Individuals

4 out of 5
Carrera 1a No 2-87 Cartagena Bolivar
$231 nightly
The price is $231 total per night from Oct 6 to Oct 7
$231 total
Oct 6 - Oct 7
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Cartagena. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"I had a terrible scare when someone banged on my hotel room doorā€”violently and dangerouslyā€”while I was asleep; they tried to open the door several times. I called reception more than four times and threatened to call the police before a security guard finally arrived and saw the people who had tried ..."

Reviewed on Sep 30, 2026

Hotel Caribe by Faranda Grand, a member of Radisson Individuals
Sofitel BarĆŗ Cartagena

Sofitel BarĆŗ Cartagena

5 out of 5
KM 7 Sector, Porto Nao Cartagena BolĆ­var
$324 nightly
The price is $324 total per night from Oct 12 to Oct 13
$324 total
Oct 12 - Oct 13
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Cartagena. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 5 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (816 reviews)
"We had the most incredible time at Sofitel. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, the resort is the perfect place to just stop and relax. It's not too big but the perfect size to make the most of it. They also offer activities throughout the day, we did a pizza making class free of charge. ..."

Reviewed on Sep 28, 2026

Sofitel BarĆŗ Cartagena
OZ Hotel Collection

OZ Hotel Collection

4.5 out of 5
6-164 Carrera 2 Cartagena
$100 nightly
The price is $100 total per night from Oct 4 to Oct 5
$100 total
Oct 4 - Oct 5
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Cartagena. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Bocagrande Beach and Clock Tower are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (797 reviews)
"10/10 un excelente hotel para hospedarse, desayuno bufet variado, la habitaciĆ³n muy cĆ³moda y limpia. Sin duda nos hospedarĆ­amos nuevamente."

Reviewed on Sep 30, 2026

OZ Hotel Collection
See all 4,190 properties in Cartagena
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Bondo Hometel

Bondo Hometel

3.5 out of 5
Barrio Marbella Carrera 2A #49-60 Cartagena BolĆ­var
Stay at this aparthotel in Cartagena. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (990 reviews)
"Bondo Hometel was amazing! Laura and Zara the front desk ladies were great, very welcoming and helpful. They were great with communication as well. Bondo is everything you need and more. The Feros cafe in the lobby has great food at a great value. The Rooftop is beautiful it has the best view, clean ..."

Reviewed on Sep 30, 2026

Bondo Hometel
Soy Local Centro Historico

Soy Local Centro Historico

3 out of 5
Avenida Escallon Diagonal 35 # 34-63 Cartagena
Book a stay at this business-friendly apartment in Cartagena. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (202 reviews)
"Everything was excellent"

Reviewed on Sep 28, 2026

Soy Local Centro Historico
Cartagena Beach Resort

Cartagena Beach Resort

4 out of 5
67-77 Cra. 7 Cartagena BolĆ­var
Stay at this apartment in Cartagena. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and a garden. Popular attractions Clock Tower and Port of Cartagena are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (83 reviews)
"Very nice hotel within a block and a half from the airport therefore you can walk there no cabinets necessary located in an area with lots of shops and restaurants very good value for the money"

Reviewed on Sep 30, 2026

Cartagena Beach Resort
See all properties in Cartagena
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Cartagena attractions

A coastal cityscape with a beach, high-rise buildings, and a clear blue sky.

Bocagrande Beach

8.0/10 (2,390 reviews)
If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Bocagrande Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Cartagena. Make time to visit the area's shops, or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.
See properties

Things to do

Enjoy a beautiful sunset

Luxury Cartagena Sunset Pirate ship Adventure, Cannon Show&Drinks

$47
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
Luxury Cartagena Sunset Pirate ship Adventure, Cannon Show&Drinks
Black Lives Matter in the first free land in America, continuing the fight for equality.

Freedom Tour of Palenque

$110
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Freedom Tour of Palenque
Street Food Tour in Cartagena

Cartagena Street Food Tour: 10 Local Tastings in the Walled City

$52
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Cartagena Street Food Tour: 10 Local Tastings in the Walled City
Cartagena: Rosario Islands and Playa Blanca Excursion with Snorkeling or Aquarium

Cartagena: Rosario Islands and Playa Blanca Excursion with Snorkeling or Aquarium

$79
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Cartagena: Rosario Islands and Playa Blanca Excursion with Snorkeling or Aquarium
Cartagena: Paratriking Flight from the Beach

Cartagena: Paratriking Flight from the Beach

$63
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Cartagena: Paratriking Flight from the Beach
BORA BORA AREA CLUB

BORA BORA AREA CLUB

$142
per adult
BORA BORA AREA CLUB
See all activities in Cartagena

Frequently asked questions

Is Cartagena worth visiting?
Cartagena is worth visiting for its beautiful islands like Baru Island and Isla Grande, and for exploring distinct areas such as the historic Cartagena Walled City and the lively Bocagrande. Travelers also enjoy diverse dining, with European and Latin American cuisine available.
When is the best time to visit Cartagena?
Cartagena is enjoyable year-round, with consistently warm weather. For fewer crowds and potentially better value, the quieter months of May through August are a good option, offering a more relaxed experience while still enjoying the pleasant climate.
Where are the best neighborhoods to explore in Cartagena?
The best neighborhoods to explore in Cartagena depend on what you want to see:

  • Cartagena Walled City offers historic sites like Plaza Santo Domingo, the Walls of Cartagena, and San Pedro Claver Church and Convent.
  • Bocagrande features shopping at Plaza Bocagrande Commercial Center and notable buildings such as Edificio Palmetto and Edificio Hipocampo.
  • Manga includes historical forts like Fuerte de San SebastiĆ”n del Pastelillo and Fuerte Pastelillo, alongside Santa Cruz Marina.
  • Castillogrande is known for Castillo Grande Beach Plaza and Castillo Grande Beach, as well as Edificio Isla Tierrabomba.
  • Zona Norte provides natural attractions such as CiĆ©naga de Juan Polo and Playa Manzanillo, plus Karibana Golf Club.

What is Cartagena known for?
Cartagena is known for its beautiful nearby islands, including Baru Island, Isla Grande, and Tierra Bomba Island. Travelers can also explore distinct neighborhoods like Cartagena Walled City and Bocagrande, and enjoy a strong European food culture throughout the area.
What is a good itinerary length for Cartagena?
A good itinerary length for Cartagena is three to four days to explore the Cartagena Walled City, relax in Bocagrande, and visit an island like Baru Island. An extended stay of five to seven days lets travelers enjoy more island excursions to places like Isla Grande or Tierra Bomba Island, and experience activities such as a Chiva traditional party or a Rosario Islands tour. See Cartagena Activities.
How do you get around Cartagena?
In Cartagena, travelers can use bus services to get around, with Marsol Bus Station serving as a main point. For those who prefer to drive, rental cars are available in the Marbella neighborhood. Rideshare services also offer a convenient way to explore the city and its surroundings.
What are the top things to do in and around Cartagena?
Cartagena offers a mix of historic sights, island adventures, and unique local experiences for travelers:

  • Explore the historic Walls of Cartagena.
  • Tour the Rosario Islands and see plankton.
  • Relax on Bocagrande Beach.
  • Visit the Mud Volcano with lunch.
  • Enjoy a Chiva traditional party and club night.

How do I plan a trip to Cartagena?
To plan your trip to Cartagena, search for hotels in areas like Cartagena Walled City, Bocagrande, or Manga. Book flights and activities, such as a Chiva party or a Rosario Islands tour, in advance. Plan outdoor activities, like visiting Baru Island, for early morning or late afternoon. Consider a rental car or use local buses.
What cuisines can you find in Cartagena?
In Cartagena, you can find Caribbean cuisine, with delicious fresh seafood, plantains, and rice with coconut. Travelers also enjoy other Latin American flavors, including Mexican tacos. Additionally, there are European options like Spanish and Italian dishes, and various Asian selections.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Cartagena?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Cartagena by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Cartagena with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Cartagena trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Cartagena?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Cartagena can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Cartagena trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Cartagena trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Cartagena trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Cartagena trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Cartagena?
If it's your first trip to Cartagena, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Cartagena hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Keyā„¢ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCashā„¢* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Cartagena hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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A coastal town with a clear blue sea, a lighthouse, and mountains in the background.

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An aerial view of a makeshift bridge over a deep ravine with people crossing.

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A beach at sunset with a person standing in the water.

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