Looking for how to spend the perfect day in Cartagena? If you’re searching for the ultimate things to do in Cartagena, but only have one day to soak it all in, don’t worry, I’ve got you! I spent my birthday month there researching all the top places to see, best Cartagena restaurants to eat at and activities to do, so you don’t have to stress about the planning.
From sipping Colombian coffee at Cafe del Mural to catching a breathtaking sunset while walking along the historic city walls, here’s an itinerary that says exactly how to fill the day.
12-Hour Cartagena Itinerary
9:30 AM: Grab a Colombian Coffee
First things first—coffee! Colombia is world-renowned for its coffee, and Café del Mural in the Getsemaní neighborhood takes your morning cup of joe to the next level. Of course you can get a simple hot coffee, but it’s really fun to try some of their other coffee drinks, like the Caribbean latte that’s a cold brew with coconut.
You’ll find it on a quiet side street that is surrounded by murals (hence the name), making it one of the prettiest and most photographed spots in Cartagena. Snap some pics of the colorful artwork while you sip on a perfectly brewed cup.
10:30 AM: Take a Colombian Food Cooking Class
Channel your inner chef with a cooking class at Lunático, one of Cartagena’s best spots to learn traditional Colombian cuisine. The adventure starts with a trip to Mercado de Bazurto, a bustling, gritty market where the ingredients for your culinary creations are sourced.
Bazurto isn’t for the faint of heart—it’s chaotic, loud, and yes, smelly—but it’s also a sensory wonderland. Think exotic fruits you’ve never seen before, fresh seafood, and piles of aromatic herbs. It’s a great experience having a chef navigate the maze of stalls and explain what’s what. Plus, there will be food to sample (if you choose!).
Back at Lunático, you’ll dive into making Colombian classics like arepas, empanadas, and ceviche (I made the best ceviche of my life here). You’ll leave with a full belly, new skills, and maybe even a few recipes to impress your friends back home.
➞ If you love to try the traditional food of a country, then see my 15 Colombian Food Dishes to Try in Cartagena.
2:00 PM: Walk Through Barrio Getsemani
Barrio Getsemaní has transformed from a rough past into one of Cartagena’s coolest neighborhoods. The colorful colonial streets are buzzing with life—the energy here is contagious—and the street art on every corner tells powerful stories about the community’s journey and challenges.
Calle de la Sierpe is famous for its art, but that’s not the only one. Two of the most Instagram-worthy spots are in the narrow streets of Callejón Angosto and Calle de la Magdalena, which are adorned with colorful umbrellas that create a whimsical canopy overhead.
Don’t miss Plaza Trinidad—it’s the heart of Getsemaní. Grab a cold Cerveza from a corner vendor, chat with locals, and soak up the atmosphere. And of course, no trip to Getsemaní is complete without a photo with the iconic Las Palenqueras. These women in vibrant dresses, balancing fruit baskets on their heads, are more than just a pretty picture—they’re a symbol of resilience and history.
Tip: Getsemaní is only a few blocks, so don’t worry too much about missing anything, just keep strolling.
3:30 PM: Explore Castillo De San Felipe De Barajas
Next, step back in time at Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, a fortress built in the 16th century to defend Cartagena from pirate attacks. Climb its walls, explore the tunnels, and enjoy panoramic views of the city and sea.
While you’re in the area, swing by Los Zapatos Viejos (the Old Shoes Monument), a fun photo-op featuring a giant pair of bronze shoes. This quirky sculpture honors Cartagenero poet Luis Carlos López, who once wrote about the comfort of coming home to his city is like slipping into an old pair of shoes.
Tip: you can get there either by taxi or Uber. If you decide on taxi, just remember to negotiate before getting into the car.
6:00 PM: Walk On The City’s Walls for Sunset
Cartagena’s historic center is wrapped in 11 kilometers of UNESCO-recognized stone walls, complete with fortifications and bastions. The 16th-century city walls were built to ward off pirates, and today, they offer some of the best views in town—espically at sunset.
As you walk, you’ll be treated to great views of the sea and Cartagena’s charming neighborhoods. You’ll also notice the uneven heights and thickness of the walls, each section tells a story of Cartagena’s past.
Tip: A popular route is to enter near Charleston Santa Teresa Hotel, then walk the walls all the way to Las Bovedas. From there you can walk back through the city. But, the walls are super accessible with many stairways periodically, so you can easily hop on and off in several locations.
7:00 PM: Pre-Dinner Cocktails at Alquímico
Did you know Cartagena is home to one of the top 50 best bars in the world? Yep, you heard that right! If you love good ambiance and even better cocktails, Alquímico is where to get your pre-dinner drink (and after dinner one too!). The place is in a beautifully restored colonial building, and each of its three floors offers a unique vibe and a different menu to match. We sipped our drinks on floor 2, Classicos Alquimistas.
Whether you’re into classic cocktails or love adventurous new concoctions, their expert staff will recommend the perfect blend. They picked the Te Caribeno for me that was a blend of gin, maraschino liquor, green tea and dehydrated coconut.
No matter which drink you pick, you can be guaranteed that their focus on high-quality, locally sourced ingredients and stunning presentation.
8:00 PM: Dinner Celele
End your day with a bang at Celele, a celebrated restaurant that’s racked up awards like nobody’s business. We had my birthday dinner at Celele and did not regret it for a minute. The service, the food and the ambiance were all spot on.
Their menu is a love letter to the Caribbean, featuring dishes that are as innovative as they are delicious. One standout? The Caribbean Flower Salad with pickled cashew fruit, Emperor’s cane flower and gulupa dressing—a perfect blend of flavors. Plus, it was one of the prettiest things I ever ate!
Warning: Reservations are essential (I booked mine two weeks in advance), but if you can’t get in, El Burlador is a fantastic alternative with a cozy vibe and mouthwatering carpaccio.
10:00 PM: Dance at a Salsa Club
If you’re up for some lively nightlife, you can’t miss out on the salsa scene. Two of the hottest spots are Café Havana and Donde Fidel.
Café Havana is a legendary spot, and always the busiest place in Getsemeni. They do charge a cover, which is around $15, but it’s worth it! Donde Fidel is in the city center and their music spills out into the street. They offer a more laid-back vibe with a fantastic selection of classic salsa music.
If you’re looking for more fun activities and tours, check out Viator, they have lots of top-rated ones.
Traveling Soon? Use my Favorite Resources for Booking Your Trip!
Book Your Flight
Expedia is my favorite flight search engine, because it checks dozens of airlines so you can easily find the best fare deals. You can also select ‘Watch Prices’ to get an email alert when the prices change.
Book Your Accommodations
I use both Booking.com and Expedia for hotels, because each offers a couple different hotel choices and I like to compare the reviews on each one. If you have a group or are looking for more of a home atmosphere, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range.
Book Your Rental Car
If love the freedom to explore like I do, driving from place to place is the best option! I always book with RentalCars.com (it’s part of booking.com) for the best prices and top brand options.
Book Some Fun Tours!
Viator and Get Your Guide are my go-to search engines for cool bucket list experiences! Each one can have different tours, so check both—why limit yourself, right?
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel can be unpredictable. Whether it’s a last-minute cancellation, an injury, or (ugh) theft, things happen. That’s why I recommend never leaving the country without travel insurance. Here are my faves: Safety Wing and World Nomads.
Get Packing & Travel Essentials Ready
Check out the Bucket List Journey Amazon Store to find all my favorite travel essentials. Everything from Packing cubes, to travel adapters and toiletry containers to walking shoes.
*Lastly, check travel.state.gov for visa requirements and safety information.
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