Cartagena is home to some of the best tourist attractions in Colombia. With its stunning architecture, fascinating history and vibrant culture, Cartagena is sure to be an unforgettable destination for tourists. Cartagena is full of culture and history, making it a must-visit destination for any traveler. With its unique mix of colonial architecture, vibrant nightlife, stunning beaches and exotic wildlife, Cartagena is sure to be an unforgettable experience. 

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1. Walled City of Cartagena

One of the most popular spots for tourists is the walled city of Cartagena, a colonial-era fortress that was built in 1533. This area includes beautiful cobblestone streets, colorful balconies, and historic monuments like the Clock Tower. The Old Walled City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is filled with beautiful Spanish colonial architecture. Be sure to visit the Plaza de Bolívar, the Cathedral of Santa Catalina and the Palace of the Inquisition. Read what to do in the Walled City

2. The Vaults – (Las Bóvedas) 

Other popular tourist attractions in Cartagena include Las Bóvedas, an old dungeon-like structure that was used to store ammunition. These 18th century vaults are an interesting example of military architecture and offer excellent views of the city. Over the years this structure has received different uses, functioning as a military barracks, as a prison during independence, as an ammunition depot and also serving the liquor industry. Currently, it is a craft market where tourists can find and buy various pieces of traditional crafts.

3. San Felipe de Barajas Castle

This 16th century Spanish fort built by the Spanish in 1657 fort is one of the most emblematic places in Cartagena. It is located just outside the city walls, and is worth a visit.The castle has been invaded by pirates, admirals, and barons in its long history, but it stands proud to this day. Today, a visit to Castillo de San Felipe is one of the top tourist attractions, explore the network of tunnels that run beneath the ramparts, and snap photos with one of the 68 guns of San Felipe. In 1984, UNESCO listed the castle, along with the Old City of Cartagena, as a World Heritage Site.

4. Cerro de la popa

A 17th century monastery on a hilltop overlooking the city. This convent houses a museum about the life of San Pedro Claver, a Spanish priest who dedicated his life to helping slaves.

5. El Totumo Mud Volcano 

The Totumo Volcano is a volcanic mountain full of mud, which is located in the rural area of the municipality of Santa Catalina (Bolívar), between Cartagena and Barranquilla. The Totumo Volcano is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area. The volcano houses mud that is said to have healing properties. Visitors can soak in the mud and/or take a dip in the swamp. If you are looking for a different adventure in Colombia, the Totumo Volcano is definitely worth a visit. Read all about The Totumo Volcano trip

5. Museums

There are also many museums in Cartagena, such as the Naval Museum which houses model ships of different eras, and the Gold Museum: this museum houses a collection of pre-Columbian gold artifacts and is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the region.

6. Beaches and Islands

Visitors can find some of the best beaches in Colombia, with warm waters and powder-white sand, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Along the coast you’ll find some of the most beautiful and untouched islands in the Caribbean, including:

• Barú Island: Barú is a peninsula 45 minutes by boat from Cartagena. Barú is a popular tourist destination, due to its proximity to Cartagena and its many beaches. There are many hotels and resorts in Barú where you can spend the best and most relaxed vacations. Barú is known for its great snorkeling and diving. Find best hotels and beahes in Barú
• Rosario Islands: are a group of islands located in the Caribbean Sea, off the coast of Cartagena, Colombia where you can find all kinds of hotels to stay. The archipelago consists of approximately 30 coral reefs and small islets and is considered one of the most beautiful places in all of Colombia. Visitors can enjoy many activities such as swimming, snorkeling, diving, fishing, and sunbathing. All about Rosario Islands
• Tierra Bomba Island: is a popular tourist destination for its white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and relaxed atmosphere. In recent years, tourism has increased on the island, with more visitors coming to enjoy its natural beauty and tranquility. In it, you will find modern hotels, clubs, restaurants, and resorts. Tierra Bomba Island is an island located in the San Blas archipelago, in the extreme northwest of the Caribbean Sea. Find best hotels and beahes in Tierra Bomba

7. Enjoy Nightlife in Cartagena

Cartagena is also a great place to experience the nightlife with its lively discos, bars and clubs that stay open late into the night.  There are many places to choose from, such as the hip and trendy Cafes, where tourists can find live music and Latin rhythms. Find best bars in Cartagena

8. Restaurants in Cartagena

Cartagena is also home to some of the best restaurants in Colombia. The food scene in Cartagena offers a wide variety of cuisines and dishes, from traditional Colombian cuisine to modern international dishes. Many of these restaurants are located in old colonial houses, which adds an extra charm and authenticity to the experience. Best Restaurants in Cartagena

9. Shopping at La Serrezuela in Cartagena

Cartagena is also a great place to shop, as it is home to many boutiques and stores. Visitors can find traditional Colombian crafts, clothing, jewelry and souvenirs. There are also several modern shopping malls with all the latest technology and fashion trends. La Serrezuela is one of the most popular shopping destinations in Cartagena it used to be an old bullring of Cartagena. Best Malls in Cartagena

These are just some of the attractions that make Cartagena one of the most popular tourist destinations in Colombia. With its stunning beaches and vibrant culture, Cartagena is a great place to visit and explore.

So if you’re looking for an exciting and unique vacation experience, then Cartagena is the perfect destination for you. ​Whether you’re looking for a fun night out or want to explore the historic side of the city. For a night out on the town, you can visit one of the many bars and nightclubs that line the streets of Cartagena. If you are interested in exploring Cartagena’s history, you can visit the many museums and historical sites found throughout the city. You can also take a tour of the old city to get an idea of what Cartagena looked like centuries ago. No matter what your interests, there is bound to be something to do in Cartagena to suit your needs.

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• Hotels in Baru
• Hotels in Rosario Island
• Hotels in Tierra Bomba
• Plans for kids in Cartagena
• Travel from Barranquilla to Cartagena
• The best shopping malls in Cartagena
• Where to party in Cartagena – bars, and nightclubs
• Exclusive restaurants in the old city of Cartagena
• What to do in the walled city of Cartagena
• Best jewelry stores in Cartagena

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