What to do in Cartagena in 4 days? Our itinerary and our recommended places to visit
After several fairly steady stages across Colombia, we wanted to take a break. Our arrival in Carthage of the Indies So it was just the right time: for this stage, we decided to slow down and really enjoy the city, without trying to cram in as many visits from morning until evening.
We spent 3 nights at the OSH Hotel, We chose this address especially for its two swimming pools. And with the heat in Cartagena, let me tell you that they were very welcome! We found our own rhythm: a walk in the morning, a return to the hotel when the heat became too intense, a few lengths in the pool, and then we headed out to explore the city in the late afternoon.
There were four of us on this trip, Thomas and I with our two grandchildren, Léopold and Maximilien, And this break really allowed us to enjoy Cartagena in a different way. After several days of transportation and discovery, it wasn’t a bad thing not having a military program.
And then Cartagena is a city that lends itself perfectly to this way of traveling. You can have a few must-see places in mind, but above all, We walk, get lost in the small streets, stop for a drink, look at the facades and enjoy the atmosphere.
And among all the stages of our trip in Colombia, Cartagena will undoubtedly remain one of those that have left the deepest mark on me. I had a real a must-see for the old town, With its colorful facades, its flower-filled balconies, its small squares and its walls.
In this article, I will take you on a journey to discover What to do in Cartagena in 4 days, With our itinerary, the neighborhoods we preferred, our good recommendations, and some tips to enjoy the city without rushing.
1. Discover Getsemaní, the colorful neighborhood of Cartagena
We began our exploration of Cartagena by Getsemaní, a neighborhood that I really wanted to discover.
Visually, it is probably one of the most photogenic places in the city. The facades are colorful, the streets are decorated with flowers, bougainvilleas, garlands, and many works of street art.
We have discovered, among other things, the Plaza de la Trinidad, which is one of the most well-known and lively places in the neighborhood.
I really liked the atmosphere and the colors, but I also have to give you Our feelings, Because Getsemaní did not completely impress us.
In some small streets, we have been approached several times to offer us space. excursions, including boat trips. Once, why not… but when it happens regularly, we found that quite burdensome.
And honestly, it rather put us off and didn't at all give us the desire to book an excursion on the spot.
We had also looked at the reviews regarding some very popular excursions from Cartagena and, faced with the many mixed reviews we had read, we finally decided to pass on.
We preferred to enjoy the city quietly rather than go on a mass excursion that didn't really match what we were looking for.
Of course, this does not mean that all excursions should be avoided. There are certainly very beautiful experiences, especially with small groups or with reputable providers. But Do your research before booking, Look at the recent reviews and, above all, choose a package that truly suits your way of traveling.
Despite this, I still recommend you to discover Getsemaní. For its colors, its architecture, its street art and its atmosphere, the neighborhood is worth a visit.
2. Big heart-warming moment for the old city of Cartagena
If there is one place that has truly gained universal approval among us, it is the old city of Cartagena.
This is clearly my favorite part of the trip.
As soon as you enter the historic center, you discover these magnificent colorful facades, the wooden balconies covered with flowers, the old doors, the small squares and the paved streets.
It’s exactly the kind of place where I like to wander around without necessarily having a specific plan.
We walk down one street, then randomly turn into another. We stop in front of a facade, take a few photos, look at the shops, then we continue on our way.
Among the must-see attractions, you can discover, among others, the Torre del Reloj, The Plaza de los Coches, the Plaza de la Aduana, the Plaza de Santo Domingo or the Plaza de Bolívar.
But honestly, it’s sometimes the small streets between these monuments that have most struck me.
I loved the details: the colorful doors, the flower-filled balconies, the bougainvilleas that spill over the facades, and the small squares where you can simply sit for a few minutes.
And I really recommend you to discover the old town at different times of the day.
In the morning, it’s still relatively pleasant and perfect for walking. Then, in the late afternoon, the light becomes much softer and the streets begin to come alive.
It was at that moment that I found Cartagena particularly beautiful.
3. Taking advantage of the fortifications of Cartagena
It is impossible to visit the old city without climbing on the the walls of Cartagena.
They allow you to discover the historic center from a different perspective and, above all, to enjoy magnificent views of the city and the Caribbean Sea.
We preferred to go at the end of the day rather than in the middle of the afternoon. With the heat, it’s much more pleasant, and the light is really beautiful for photos.
It is also one of the places where one feels the historical character of Cartagena particularly strongly: on the one hand the colorful facades of the old town, on the other hand the sea, with the impression of being at the end of the world.
4. Visit Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
Another must-see if you're wondering What to do in Cartagena in 4 days: the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas.
This immense fortress dominates the city and allows for a better understanding of Cartagena’s history. Built on the San Lázaro hill, it already impresses from the outside with its dimensions.
But what I found most interesting are mainly the tunnels inside the fortress. You can walk through a veritable maze of narrow and dark passages. With children, this is definitely the kind of visit that immediately becomes more fun!
However, plan your visit based on the heat. The site is very exposed to the sun and there is little shade in some places. As with the rest of Cartagena, The morning is clearly the best time to visit.
5. Where to sleep in Cartagena: our stay at the OSH Hotel
For our three nights in Cartagena, we chose the OSH Hotel.
After several stages of our road trip in Colombia, we wanted to settle down in a place where we could also enjoy the hotel, and not just sleep there.
And with the heat of Cartagena, the two swimming pools They were a real plus. We usually started our day by exploring the city in the morning, then we came back in the hottest hours to cool off and enjoy the hotel a little. We then left at the end of the afternoon.
This pace suited us perfectly for this stage of the journey, especially after several days on the roads.
The OSH Hotel was therefore much more than just a place to stay for us: it was our little break in the middle of the road trip.
6. Our best food addresses in Cartagena
During those three nights, we also had time to try out several restaurants. And of course, the cuisine is one of the memories we keep from a trip!
❤️ Simbal
Simbal It was one of our favorites in Cartagena.
We particularly appreciated his cuisine with Caribbean influences, This restaurant perfectly matches the atmosphere of the city. It is an address I recommend you to note if you want to discover cuisine inspired by the products and flavors of the region.
❤️ Casa Carolina
Another beautiful discovery: Casa Carolina, located in the heart of the old city.
I really enjoyed the setting and the atmosphere of this restaurant. The cuisine highlights Colombian products and flavors, with a contemporary approach.
The rooftop It is also very pleasant, especially at the end of the day when temperatures start to drop. It is a nice way to enjoy the old town while taking the time to have dinner or a drink.
An address I would gladly keep for a night out in Cartagena.
❤️ Di Silvio Trattoria
After several days exploring Colombian cuisine, we also wanted to change things up a bit.
So we tested it Di Silvio Trattoria, an Italian restaurant that allowed us to take a little break and try some local specialties.
And sometimes, after several days of travel, a good plate of pasta just does you good! 😄
7. What to do in Cartagena in 4 days: our itinerary
With four days in Cartagena, I recommend keeping a fairly flexible schedule. The city is very easy to explore on foot and it would be a shame to spend your time running from one must-see attraction to the next.
Day 1 – Getsemaní and first discovery of the old city
We started with Getsemaní, taking the time to stroll through the small streets and discover the Plaza de la Trinidad.
We then gradually made our way to the old city to make our first discovery of the historic center.
Day 2 – The Old City and the walls
This day can be dedicated to the historic center. Take a walk through the streets, discover the different squares and especially take the time to raise your eyes to admire the facades and the balconies adorned with flowers.
At the end of the day, head to the ramparts to enjoy the light and the view.
Day 3 – Castillo San Felipe and a break at the hotel
In the morning, we recommend that you visit the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, before the heat becomes too intense.
Then return to the OSH Hotel to enjoy the pool and have a rest.
At the end of the afternoon, you can go for a walk in the old town and finish the day in one of our favorite restaurants.
Day 4 – Last walk in Cartagena
For your last day, make some time to return to the places you liked best.
It is also the ideal time to make some purchases, to enjoy one last time the beautiful streets of the old town and to discover a new place to have lunch or dinner.
8. My tips for visiting Cartagena with your family
The first thing to take into account is really the heat.
We found it much more pleasant to go out in the morning and then take a break during the hottest hours before going out again in the late afternoon.
Plan to bring good shoes, water, sunscreen, and a hat. You’ll be walking a lot, especially in the old town.
And above all, be careful with your personal belongings.
Cartagena is extremely touristy and visitors are easily identifiable. For our part, we avoided wearing flashy jewelry and took particular care with our phone and camera.
I particularly advise you not to go for a walk with a big camera around your neck or your phone constantly in your hand in very busy streets.
Accidental shots can happen when you’re less attentive. Of course, that’s not a reason to avoid Cartagena; it’s simply a good reason to adopt some precautions.
For our part, we encountered no problems during our stay, but we remained vigilant.
9. My opinion about Cartagena
Cartagena is a city that I really liked, but I prefer to give you an honest opinion rather than presenting you with an idyllic picture.
The old town was my big hit. I loved its colors, its flower-filled balconies, its small squares, and the atmosphere that emanates from them.
On the other hand, the very touristy side is sometimes quite present, especially in Getsemaní and in the most frequented places. The repeated solicitations for excursions have, in particular, somewhat cooled us down.
It is also a city where you need to be careful with your belongings, especially when you are walking around with a camera or a phone.
But with a few precautions and by taking the time to explore the city at your own pace, Cartagena remains a stop I really recommend for a trip to Colombia..
After several stages of our road trip, we particularly enjoyed spending three nights there and being able to slow down a little before continuing our journey towards the Caribbean coast.
Our other articles to prepare your trip to Colombia
If you are preparing a trip to Colombia with the family, I recommend that you start with Our complete guide to Colombia to find our itinerary and all the stages of our journey.
You can also find all my articles about Colombia to discover our accommodations, our good addresses and our various experiences across the country.
If you continue your journey towards the Caribbean coast, don't miss out our guide to the Tayrona National Natural Park with all our advice on how to organize your visit.
And if you are looking for accommodation near the El Zaino entrance, I can also tell you about it. Our family stay at Casa Iwana Tayrona.
Finally, if you want to discover the Caribbean coast by car, I can also tell you about it. our experience with car rental in Colombia between Cartagena and Santa Marta, This was a step that gave us a lot of freedom during our road trip.
Before booking your accommodation, activities or transportation, be sure to check my promo codes and travel deals, where I collect my current discounts and partner offers.
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