Step back in time within Cartagena's Walled City, where centuries-old Spanish colonial architecture meets vibrant Caribbean culture. Cobblestone streets wind past colourful facades adorned with cascading bougainvillea. The UNESCO World Heritage site buzzes with life as street musicians play traditional vallenato. Explore historic treasures like the Clock Tower, Inquisition Palace, and San Pedro Claver Church. By evening, the district transforms as plazas fill with dancers and diners. Horse-drawn carriages clip-clop through narrow lanes while rooftop terraces offer spectacular sunset views over the Caribbean Sea.
Getsemani brings Colombia's soul to life through colourful colonial streets where history meets vibrant modern culture. This UNESCO World Heritage district was once home to freed slaves and now buzzes with authentic energy. Street art adorns weathered walls while locals gather nightly at Plaza Trinidad. This evolving area balances traditional Caribbean life with trendy hotspots. Boutique hotels occupy restored colonial buildings with charming wooden balconies. Afro-Caribbean rhythms spill from doorways as both travellers and residents enjoy the lively atmosphere just steps from Cartagena's famous walled city.
This modern peninsula stretches along Caribbean shores with a skyline of gleaming high-rises and luxury condos. Golden sands of Bocagrande Beach invite you to relax or try water sports. Shopping centers like Centro Comercial Nao offer air-conditioned relief from the tropical sun. Upscale restaurants serve fresh seafood and international cuisine along palm-lined boulevards. Wide pavements make exploring easy, with taxis readily available for longer trips. Though heavily touristic, this affluent area delivers the perfect combination of beach relaxation and urban convenience.
El Laguito wraps around a tranquil lagoon on a peninsula in Cartagena, offering beautiful Caribbean Sea views and pristine beaches. High-rise hotels line the shoreline, creating a resort-like atmosphere perfect for travellers seeking sun and relaxation. Scenic waterfront promenades invite evening strolls as the sunset paints the sky. The area buzzes with beachfront activities from morning jogs to water sports rentals. Hotel restaurants serve everything from fresh ceviche to international cuisine. While removed from Cartagena's colonial charm, El Laguito compensates with palm-lined walkways and modern comforts just 15 minutes from the historic centre.
Manga Peninsula offers a sophisticated retreat where Cartagena's bay waters lap against a scenic boardwalk. This upscale area balances peaceful tree-lined streets with prestigious waterfront attractions. Republican-style mansions with ornate balconies create an elegant residential haven just minutes from busier tourist areas. The prestigious Club Náutico yacht club anchors the waterfront scene with gleaming boats and upscale dining options. Stroll along the Manga Bay Boardwalk for panoramic views and cool evening breezes. The neighborhood's flat terrain makes exploring easy while its residential character ensures tranquil evenings.
Discover the most popular places to visit in Cartagena
Bocagrande Beach
8.0/10 (2,390 reviews)
This urban shoreline offers a lively blend of beach relaxation and city convenience in Cartagena's Bocagrande district. Enjoy the warm, calm waters while high-rise hotels and local vendors create a vibrant atmosphere.
Cartagena de Indias Convention Center
8.8/10 (3,987 reviews)
The Cartagena de Indias Convention Centre offers sophisticated waterfront event spaces in the historic heart of the city, with a bay-view restaurant near UNESCO World Heritage streets.
Walls of Cartagena
9.4/10 (3,630 reviews)
These imposing stone walls have protected Cartagena's historic centre from pirates since colonial times. Climb up at sunset for breathtaking Caribbean Sea views and glimpses of the city's vibrant colonial architecture.
Clock Tower
9.2/10 (8,261 reviews)
The Clock Tower stands as the golden gateway to Cartagena's walled city, its eight-sided Baroque design marking centuries of history. Pass through to enter the vibrant Plaza de Los Coches.
Photo by Laura Gomez
Open Photo by Laura Gomez
Isla Grande Beach
8.6/10 (564 reviews)
Isla Grande Beach offers a peaceful escape with crystal-clear Caribbean waters and pristine white sands. Enjoy authentic tranquility away from commercialized beaches, but remember amenities are limited.
Rosario Islands Oceanarium
9.2/10 (86 reviews)
This floating marine sanctuary showcases Caribbean sea life through naturalistic open-sea enclosures. Watch dolphin performances and observe sharks, turtles, and tropical fish along guided platforms during morning hours.
Playa Manzanillo
8.4/10 (619 reviews)
Playa Manzanillo offers a tranquil escape from Cartagena with its dark sand shoreline and gentle waves. Local eateries serve authentic coastal cuisine while you enjoy the peaceful atmosphere away from crowds.
Castillo Grande Beach
8.6/10 (264 reviews)
Escape the tourist crowds at this serene beach with dark sands and calm waters along Cartagena's upscale coastline. Enjoy breathtaking views of Isla del Tierra Bomba while relaxing under a rented beach tent.
"I appreciate the property and its location. Many English-speaking staff members were available to assist, and they attended to my needs. The room was pleasant, clean, and sufficiently large. The safe and mini bar were reasonably priced and stocked with everything one might want or need. Overall, it was a great stay in a strong location."
"I had a great stay at GHL Arsenal Hotel. The staff was absolutely wonderful—very friendly, attentive, and always willing to help. They made sure my needs were met and were very responsive whenever I needed assistance.
The housekeeping staff deserves a special mention—they were amazing! They were always kind, helpful, and did an excellent job. Wish I remembered names to give them a shout out!
The location was one of the best parts of this hotel. It was perfectly situated between the Walled...
"I was disappointed with my stay. The staff had very limited English, which made communication difficult. The room had a strong mildew smell, and there was visible mildew in several areas. Most concerning, I found a bug crawling in the bed, which made me question the cleanliness of the room. Unfortunately, this experience did not meet my expectations, and I would not stay here again."
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
You'll find cheap prices on Expedia for your Cartagena getaway. However, a range of factors like your choice of hotel, the season and length of stay will influence how much your holiday to Cartagena costs.
What are the cheapest months to go to Cartagena?
September, October and November are the best times to search for cheap Cartagena holiday packages. Travelling in quieter months means you can typically find lower prices on accommodation and flights.
How many days is enough for Cartagena?
Cartagena holidays come in many shapes and sizes, but to really get a feel for this destination, we'd suggest 4 days is a good ballpark. With this timeframe, you can visit top sights like Playa de Punta Arena and Castillo Grande Beach and track down some underrated spots. Don't forget to explore cool areas such as Cartagena Walled City and Bocagrande either. If you plan wisely, you can even take a day trip or two from Cartagena too.
Is it worth booking a holiday package to Cartagena?
Cartagena has all the ingredients you need for a fantastic getaway — culture, adventure sports and nightlife are just the start. Whether you'd like to visit sights like San Felipe de Barajas Castle and Marbella Beach, or take the road less traveled, you'll find plenty to do on your Cartagena holiday.
How to find the best Cartagena package deals?
Landing a cheap Cartagena package deal is a breeze with Expedia. After you've entered your destination and travel dates under our "Packages" tab, set your budget range, add a couple of filters and see what's available. You can personalise your search by "Amenities," "Property type," "Guest rating" and more. Sort the results by "Price: low to high" to view the most wallet-friendly Cartagena package deals. Want a simple trick to get the biggest savings? Be flexible with your departure dates and consider going away on a weekday, when prices are typically lower.
Is it cheaper to book a Cartagena holiday as a package?
An Expedia holiday package could land you significant savings when compared to booking flights and hotels individually. Better still, you can customise your Cartagena getaway to match your exact style. Choose your preferred flight time, select the hotel type and add a rental car. Explore our bundles to see how much you can save.
When to book a holiday package to Cartagena?
If you're planning a spur-of-the-moment Cartagena adventure, check out our last-minute deals that can be booked up to a week before you go. Prefer not to wait until the last minute? You can score terrific deals on your hotels and flights by booking well in advance.
How to plan a trip to Cartagena?
Choose when to travel: Check your calendar and get your bags packed. Your favourite season and the activities available will also help you decide when to holiday in Cartagena.
Budget wisely: On top of the cost of your hotel, you should factor in other expenses. These include food, transportation and flights. Also, put aside a little extra for unexpected costs that may come up during your trip to Cartagena.
Work out your trip length: Think about how much time you want to spend discovering Cartagena. Plan your itinerary so you can get to all the attractions and activities you're interested in at a leisurely pace.
Combine your flights and hotel: Epic destination, check. Length of stay, check. All that's left is to find a Cartagena holiday package that brings all your bookings together.