December, January and Semana Santa (Easter week) are the busiest and most expensive periods in Cartagena. Many Colombians go on vacation themselves in those periods. September-November are quieter, also because it is the rainy season. In this period you can often score good deals.

Cartagena can be visited year-round, but it is extra fun if you make your trip around one of the many events, which draw tourists from Colombia and abroad.

January/February
Hay festival, a literature and arts festival with international guests

February/March
CIFF, Cartagena International Film Festival

November
Cartagena Independence Day, on Nov. 11. The celebrations begin as early as October and last over 3 weeks. There is a lot of music and dancing with the highlights being the parade and beauty pageant.

Late November/December
Cartagena Restaurant Week, Lunch and dinner at a special price at participating restaurants.

February/March carnival in Barranquilla: Since Barranquilla is about a 2-hour drive from Cartagena, you can combine your stay in Cartagena with the Carnival in Barranquilla, the largest carnival in the world after Rio.

October in San Basilio de Palenque: Music Festival de Tambores y Expresiones Culturales. For an authentic experience 55 km from Cartagena.

There is a lot to see in and around Cartagena. How long it’s best to stay depends on what all you want to see and at what pace you want to do it.

2 days:
In 2 days you have enough time to visit the most famous sights and possibly museums in the historic center. The distances in the center are not big and there are many cafes and restaurants to make it a pleasant walk. If you do a city tour with a guide on the first day, then you will immediately have a nice introduction to the city. You can then use the tips you get for the best places to eat and drink for the rest of your stay. On day 2 you can visit Castillo de San Felipe, stroll through the hip neighborhood of Getsemani, dance salsa at Club Havana or sign up for a chocolate or coffee workshop.

3 days:
With an extra day, you can do a day tour in Cartagena or beyond. 

4 days or longer
With 1 or 2 more days, you can take it completely easy and soak up the city. You can also take a cab to Bocagrande (15 minutes), to stroll along the boulevard and see the contrast of “little Miami” with the romantic old town. You can also catch the bus to Barranquilla, the city of carnival.

We have been to Cartagena several times and have never felt unsafe. As in all tourist destinations, Cartagena has a police presence to ensure the safety of tourists. Therefore, you don’t need to be afraid when walking on the streets in downtown Cartagena. Nevertheless, do not walk around with your phone and other valuables and think logically. There are pickpockets active in Cartagena, so watch your bag.

Do not go into the suburbs
There is a lot of poverty in the suburbs and it is not safe for tourists. After sunset, avoid the neighborhoods outside the tourist areas.
Get advice from locals
If you want to go out at night, ask your hotel if it’s safe to walk. Otherwise, have them call a cab for you, or order one yourself through the App.
Go inside to withdraw money
Use ATMs in malls and supermarkets where you can safely withdraw money.
Be prepared for street vendors
In El Centro, near the tourist attractions and on the beaches, there are many street vendors. If you don’t fancy yet another vendor offering their stuff, “No gracias” will suffice and you just walk on. That is usually enough for the street vendors not to bother you.
What to consider during a day at the beach
On the beaches, such as Playa Blanca and Bocagrande beach, the vendors can be very persistent. Keep a close eye on your belongings, as sometimes the vendors tip off thieves. If you’re going to eat something at a beach shack, check the bill so they don’t have a chance to possibly rip you off

For general information on safe travel in Colombia, visit this link.

Hotels and hostels
Cartagena is very touristy, so for your place to sleep you will probably spend more than a hotel in a less touristy city in Colombia, such as Cali and Barranquilla, but comparable to cities like Medellín and Bogotá. Read more about our tips for hotels and hostels for every budget.

Transportation
Cartagena is great to explore on foot, so you can keep the cost of transportation low. If you ‘n want to order a cab, you’ll spend around COP10/000 / $2.50 for a short ride in Centro, San Diego and Getsemani. At night, prices are higher.

Tours and activities
From free tours where you only tip the guide, to private guided tours, tours and activities are available for every budget. Check out here for our tips on free fun things to do and the best guided tours.

Food and Drink
You can make this spending as expensive as you want. If you walk around the city, order the lunch menu (comida corriente), buy an empanada in the evening and get your beer from the supermarket, you can keep your expenses pretty low. If you want to take one or more tours, eat out at night in a more luxurious restaurant with a bottle of wine to go with it, then the costs can quickly add up.

Indicative prices (2022)

Supermarket
Bottle of cola 2-liter COP3800/$1
Bottle of water 1.5 liter COP2700/$0.70
Pint of beer (Colombian) COP2600/$0.70
Pint of beer (Import) COP5200/$1.50
Bottle of wine COP39,000/$9

Eating out/drinking
Breakfast COP12000/$3
Day lunch (comida corriente) COP15000/$4
3 course dinner in simple restaurant 30,000/$8
3 course dinner with wine in luxury restaurant 100,000/$27
Cappuccino on terrace COP4000/$1
Ice cream at Gelateria 8000/$2
Empanada on the street COP2000/$0.50
Beer (Colombian) in bar COP6000/$1.50
Bottle of cola 33cl COP2200/$0.60