Hey there! Headed to Cartagena but not sure what to do, eat, see and how long to stay? Look no further! Here is my 5-day itinerary for Cartagena. I was there for a total of 8 days, but the last 3 were full of wedding festivities, so not much exploration happened then. Now, I love a lot of down time for slow travel to ensure I have the leisure to aimlessly wander and take naps whenever I desire to. Get ready for a journey filled with stunning sights, delicious food, and plenty of opportunities to unwind. If you’re crunched on vacation days or would rather see and do more in less days, this itinerary can easily be cut down to 3-4 days to your liking. Alright, let’s grab your sunglasses and dive into this Caribbean adventure!
Day 1
Explore the Walled City
Since my flight landed extremely early and I wasn’t yet able to check-in, I made my way to the Clock Hostel in the Walled City (aka Cartagena) to store my luggage through Stasher so I could spend the day exploring without schlepping bulky luggage around - I highly recommend this service if your accommodation doesn’t accommodate for early check-in nor luggage storage.
Now, onto the fun stuff - I started the day off right with a burst of energy by visiting Epoca, a local cafe with two floors known for its coffee and breakfast/brunch. While I didn’t grab a bite to eat there, I did get an iced coffee and it hit the spot, giving me the energy I needed to conquer the day.
There is a free guided walking tour (tip-based) with the Yellow Umbrella Tour Company everyday at 10 a.m. that meets at la Plaza de Santa Teresa. This tour will take you through the narrow streets, revealing the secrets and history of Cartagena.
After two hours of touring the city by foot and working up an appetite, I headed over to Atahluapa for a delightful lunch to indulge in traditional Colombian dishes and of course, rewarded myself with an ice cold beverage! I recommend getting lost and roaming the cute and colorful streets of Cartagena. Once the Caribbean sun beat me down, I made my way to Erase Café for a refreshing shakerato – a perfect alcoholic drink blended with coffee, liquor and sweetness - to cool myself down in the tropical heat.
Finally, once I was able to check-in, freshen up, and felt like a brand new me, I made my way over to the iconic Café del Mar, for a cozy spot overlooking the breathtaking Caribbean Sea, where refreshing drinks and appetizers were had. It’s a great spot to witness a sunset. With the night being young and feeling the buzz of the nightlife all around, I headed over to El Barón and Alquimico to keep the party going. Both these spots are top bars in the world, with two very different vibes. El Barón is a great spot to sit outside, have a craft cocktail while enjoying a cigar. Alquimico on the other hand, is a fantastic spot to dance the night away - just be sure to request for the rooftop. If you’re a massive salsero/salsera like I am, then be sure to hit up Donde Fidel Salsa Bar, because that’s what I did! I didn’t let the night end at Alquimico - I had a salsa itch to scratch! By late night and all danced out, grabbing a slice of pizza at Pizza en el Parque was the next and final best decision to round out the night.
Day 2
Sun, Sand and Relax at Playa Blanca
I headed downstairs to Café San Alberto to give me the jolt I needed after a long night of fun. After satisfying my caffeine cravings, I made my way over to Playa Blanca in Barú for some sun, sand, and relaxation. To be exact, Playa Surf, a restaurant with beach chairs, was where the day was spent on the Beach. Getting here does require transportation and a bit of planning to find someone to take you. Luckily for me, I made nice with the driver who picked me up from the airport and got his number in case I needed a ride.
After a full day of the ocean breeze and tropical vibes, I headed back to shower and freshen up. For dinner, I grabbed a tasty arepa con huevo from the infamous arepa cart around the corner from Plaza San Diego – a local favorite snack that you won't want to miss. This was also the night I tried the local Colombian liquor, Aguardiente. It reminded me of Sambuca and black licorice. Because I’m not a fan of either, I thought I wouldn’t like it, but the aguardiente definitely grew on me!
Day 3
Shop and Explore the Streets of Getsemani
This was a take-it-easy day, running errands and indulging in some retail therapy. For lunch, I headed over to Restaurante Candé, where you can savor traditional Colombian cuisine with a modern twist - and great interior design for those Instagram-worthy posts!
Afterwards, I wandered through the streets more, window shopping. For a snack, I stopped by La Esquina del Pandebono for pandebono, a traditional Colombian cheese bread ball.
Near late afternoon, I made my way to the other part of the Walled City, Getsemani, to join another tip-based walking tour at 4 p.m. to uncover the rich history and vibrant culture of this new hip neighborhood. I ended the day with a relaxing al fresco dinner at Municipal Park, where I had some ceviche, garlic shrimp and an ice cold beer, while people-watching and enjoying the calming views of the Caribbean sea.
Day 4
Island Adventure at Islas del Rosario
Adventure day! I joined a boat tour with Pana Tours at 8:15 am and set sail to the stunning Rosario Islands. I Immersed myself into the crystal-clear waters, snorkeled among vibrant coral reefs, and relaxed on some pristine white sand beaches with turquoise waters. If you’re looking for a fun adventurous day outside of Cartagena, this is a great option to explore the beauty right outside of the walled city.
After an exciting day of island hopping, I headed over to Restaurante Coroncoro to satisfy my local eatery cravings. This no-frills local joint was fantastic after a long day in the sun. A hot bowl of Mondongo soup hit the spot, even though I had every intention to order a plate of rice and beans with chicharrón.
I made my way to The Wolf's Lair for a drink after dinner. If you’re looking for a great photo op with the Getsemani sign, be sure to perch up outside this spot for an Instagram-worthy pic! The night ended at La Havana for a fun night of salsa dancing. Even if you’re not into salsa dancing, the energy and live music from the salsa band will have you shaking your head and wanting more!
Day 5
A Day of Tastings
On my final day to explore Cartagena, I started the morning with a visit to Coffee del Mural at 10 am. in Getsemani for a coffee tasting. If you’re even remotely into coffee or have a cup a day, this is your sign to sign up for this tasting! Reservations need to be made prior by sending a WhatsApp message to the owner, David, who will also be the person doing the tasting with you.
When it's time for lunch, there are plenty of options in Getsemani, but for me, I was in the mood for a change of cuisine, and opted for Italian food at Benitto Italy - it satisfied every bit of my craving. I spent the rest of the day roaming and squeezed in a nap.
As the day turned into evening, I made my way to Carmen for a memorable dinner. This trendy restaurant offers a fusion of Caribbean and international flavors, creating a truly unique dining experience. Relax, savor each bite, and toast to a fantastic time in Cartagena. I highly HIGHLY recommend the tasting menu with the wine pairing.
Remember, this itinerary is extremely relaxed, so feel free to explore at your own pace and make any adjustments that suit your preferences. But if you know me, this girl needs her midday naps and loves to get lost within the streets of a new city! Enjoy your time in this magical city, and may your travels be filled with unforgettable moments!
Happy flailing!
Vickie