CARTAGENA ONE DAY ITINERARY: HOW TO SEE CARTAGENA IN A DAY

If you only have a day to explore this stunning city, this Cartagena one day itinerary will help you plan your perfect day in Colombia!

Cartagena is a lively coastal city on the northern coast of Colombia, right along the Caribbean Sea. Because of its amazing location, it’s a common stop for cruise ships and a super easy city to explore in just one day. That’s exactly how we visited Cartagena, and spoiler alert, we absolutely loved it! Cartagena is incredibly charming, and this one-day guide will show you exactly how to make the most of your time in this beautiful city.

This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you.

IS CARTAGENA WORTH VISITING?

Absolutely! Cartagena is definitely worth visiting. We honestly didn’t know much about Cartagena before visiting and weren’t sure what to expect, but we left completely mind-blown! It’s one of those places that immediately pulls you in with its colorful streets, rich history, warm energy, and amazing food. We even visited during their Independence Day, so the city was full of parties, music, and pure liveliness. We really felt that Latin spirit!

The Walled City feels like a living postcard, Getsemani is full of murals and local charm, and the coastline views are stunning. Whether you love culture, architecture, beaches, or simply wandering beautiful streets, Cartagena has a little bit of everything, and it’s all very walkable and easy to enjoy. Prepare for a chaotic, busy day but I’m absolutely sure you’ll love it just like we did!

IS CARTAGENA SAFE?

Since we hadn’t been to South America before, and had only really heard about Colombia through the news, the main question we had was whether Cartagena is actually safe enough to explore on your own. Well, you’ll be happy to hear that the main tourist areas are generally very safe. Places like the Walled City, Getsemani, Bocagrande, and even the cruise port are busy, well-patrolled, and completely used to tourists every single day. We felt comfortable walking around, and honestly, we felt really welcomed too.

Of course, like in any big city, keep your phone and valuables secure because pickpocketing can happen in crowded spots. Street vendors and performers can be persistent, but a simple “No, gracias” usually works. We were approached several times, but once you say thank you and they see you’re not buying anything, they move on. We’ve actually experienced much more pushy situations in other destinations. Jamaica, for example, felt way more overwhelming than Cartagena ever did.

CARTAGENA ONE DAY ITINERARY

ARRIVE TO CARTAGENA AND EXPLORE THE WILDLIFE GARDEN IN THE CRUISE PORT

We arrived around 10 a.m. and almost immediately left the cruise port to explore the city. Depending on when your ship arrives, you can spend more or less time inside the port, but no matter what, make sure you leave at least an hour to explore the Wildlife Garden located right inside the cruise terminal. It was one of the nicest surprises in Cartagena and something we haven’t seen in any other cruise port.

The Wildlife Garden is super charming, with flamingos, parrots, peacocks, and a few other animals just wandering around freely. It feels like a tiny tropical zoo, and it’s such a fun spot to take some photos before going to the city or even when you return later in the day. It really is lovely, just keep in mind that there are A LOT of birds. So if birds aren’t your thing, you might want to pass through quickly!

EXPLORE THE WALLED CITY

This was our absolute favorite part of Cartagena, and for good reason. The Walled City is exactly what you picture when you think of Cartagena – colorful streets, balconies overflowing with flowers, lively plazas, and a lot of people and music.

Walk through the Clock Tower Gate, wander the pretty streets, explore the plazas, and do a bit of people-watching. Make sure to stop by the Zenú Gold Museum, and definitely grab a cold limonada de coco while you explore. It’s refreshing, delicious, and so “Cartagena”. Honestly one of the best non-alcoholic drinks we’ve had anywhere in the Caribbean!

If you want to shop, Las Bóvedas is a great spot for souvenirs like woven bags, small paintings, or Colombian coffee. You’ll also find tons of souvenir shops throughout the old town, and they’re surprisingly affordable. I genuinely wanted to buy half the store in every one we entered!

WALK THE CITY WALLS

After exploring the city within the walls, make sure you actually walk along the walls for some truly beautiful views. It’s a relaxing way to see more of Cartagena from above. You’ll get stunning views of the ocean, the old town, and even the modern skyline. The breeze up there feels amazing after the busy streets, and the best part is that it’s never too crowded.

When you’re ready to take a break, Café del Mar is located right on the walls and offers some of the best views in the entire city. Sit down with a drink, watch the waves, and just enjoy yourself. It’s an absolute must!

WANDER THROUGH GETSEMANI NEIGBORHOOD

We stumbled upon this neighborhood completely by accident, and while walking through it we quickly realized it’s actually one of the most visited areas in Cartagena. Since it’s only about a 10-minute walk from the Walled City, it’s an absolute must-see. Getsemani is super artsy and colorful, filled with murals, hanging flags, and some of the best photo spots in the whole city.

Calle de la Sierpe is especially famous for its street art and for having flags from all around the world. The neighborhood is also a great place to stop for lunch because there are plenty of unique cafés, restaurants, and bars to choose from. The atmosphere is relaxed, creative, and very authentic. We loved it!

VISIT THE SAN FELIPE FORTRESS

Only about 10 minutes from Getsemani, you’ll find the impressive San Felipe Fortress. You can easily and safely walk there, and once you arrive, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the city. The entrance ticket is around $9, and it gives you access to explore the tunnels, ramps, and walkways while learning about Cartagena’s history and how the city defended itself from pirates and invasions.

It’s a fairly quick visit, you really don’t need more than an hour. However, it’s absolutely worth seeing. Just keep in mind that Cartagena is very hot, and you’ll be walking uphill to reach the fortress. Try to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon, and make sure to wear comfortable shoes. It’s not difficult, but in the heat it definitely feels like a workout!

RETURN TO THE SHIP

Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get back onboard your ship, but if you grab an Uber from the fortress, you’ll be back at the cruise port in about 10 minutes. Once you arrive, you can take a few extra minutes to wander through the wildlife area again, and then head back to your cruise ship to end your day in Cartagena!

BEST TIPS FOR VISITING CARTAGENA

It’s VERY hot and humid, so be prepared. Bring plenty of water, sunblock, and a hat to keep yourself comfortable throughout the day.
Use Uber instead of taxis. It’s much cheaper. We paid around $6 for an Uber compared to $20 for a taxi to the exact same place. Even with a good tip, Uber is still the more affordable option.
People will approach you. Locals will come up to you trying to sell whatever they can. Just be polite and say “No, gracias” if you’re not interested, and they’ll eventually leave you alone.
Have cash. Many small street vendors don’t accept cards, so you’ll need cash for things like lemonade, souvenirs, or small snacks. They prefer their own currency, but US dollars are widely accepted.
Don’t take photos with anyone unless you’re ready to pay. You’ll see ladies in beautiful traditional dresses, but keep in mind that taking photos with them is their job. You’ll be expected to pay or tip afterward.

CONCLUSION: CARTAGENA ONE DAY ITINERARY

Cartagena is an absolutely incredible city and 100% worth visiting. We loved it, and even though we could’ve easily stayed longer, you can still see a lot of Cartagena in just one day, so don’t worry about missing out if you’re visiting by cruise. Just use this Cartagena one day itinerary, explore, and enjoy your little adventure into Colombian culture!