History · Cartagena · Colombia
8 historic sites to see in Cartagena
The places that tell the story of how the city came to be.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Petruss, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Start with The walled city, Castillo San Felipe de Barajas and City walls and bastions. Together the 8 picks below take roughly 10–12 hours across 3 areas; 4 are free.
Key facts
- Places in this guide
- 8
- Free entry
- 4
- Time to see them all
- 10–12 hours
- Areas
- El Centro, Getsemaní and San Diego
Historic sites in Cartagena
Historic site · El Centro
1.The walled city
Along with the forts, it forms the UNESCO-listed 'Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments'. Walking the streets between Plaza Santo Domingo, Plaza de Bolívar and San Diego is the main activity.
- Time needed
- Half a day or more
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Free
- History
- Architecture
- Photo spot
Castle · Getsemaní
2.Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
Visitors climb its ramparts and walk through narrow tunnels designed to carry sound so defenders could hear approaching enemies.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Iconic
- History
- Views
- Kids
Landmark · El Centro
3.City walls and bastions
You can walk along much of the top, past cannons on bastions such as Santo Domingo and Santa Catalina, with views over the sea and the old town's rooftops.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- History
- Couples
Museum · El Centro
4.Palace of the Inquisition
It now houses the Museo Histórico de Cartagena, covering the Inquisition, the colonial era and the city's independence.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Rainy day
- Architecture
Museum · El Centro
5.Museo del Oro Zenú
Entry is free and the galleries are air-conditioned.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- History
- Rainy day
- Art
Religious site · El Centro
6.Church and Cloister of San Pedro Claver
His remains lie under the altar, and the cloister museum includes his room, religious art and a courtyard garden.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Architecture
- Rainy day
Religious site · El Centro
7.Cathedral of Santa Catalina de Alejandría
The interior is plain compared with the colourful exterior.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Architecture
Market · San Diego
8.Las Bóvedas
Twenty-three vaults built into the walls in the late 18th century, once used as storerooms and later as a prison, now house craft and souvenir shops selling hammocks, mochila bags and Wayuu weavings.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Shopping
- History
- Free
Grouped by area
| Area | Places | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| El Centro | The walled city, City walls and bastions, Palace of the Inquisition, Museo del Oro Zenú, Church and Cloister of San Pedro Claver and Cathedral of Santa Catalina de Alejandría | Half a day or more + 1–2 hours + 1 hour + 45 minutes + 1 hour + 30 minutes |
| Getsemaní | Castillo San Felipe de Barajas | 1.5–2 hours |
| San Diego | Las Bóvedas | 45 minutes |
Booking and timing
Of these 8, 4 free, 3 low cost, 1 mid-priced. None needs booking far in advance. The longest visit is The walled city; group the rest by area to save travel time.
How to fit them into 3 half-days
Grouped by area and kept to about four hours each, so you walk more than you ride.
- Half-day 1 (El Centro): The walled city, at least 3 hours.
- Half-day 2 (El Centro): City walls and bastions → Palace of the Inquisition → Museo del Oro Zenú → Church and Cloister of San Pedro Claver, at least 4 hours.
- Half-day 3 (El Centro, Getsemaní and San Diego): Cathedral of Santa Catalina de Alejandría → Castillo San Felipe de Barajas → Las Bóvedas, at least 3 hours.
The quietest months for queues
- October: highs of 31°C (88°F), about 15 rainy days, very quiet crowds. The wettest month, with heavy downpours that can flood streets briefly; quietest month for visitors.
- May: highs of 32°C (90°F), about 8 rainy days, quiet crowds. Humid with the first afternoon storms; lower prices and fewer visitors.
- August: highs of 32°C (90°F), about 11 rainy days, quiet crowds. Hot, humid and still; afternoon storms are common.
The neighbourhoods they are in
- El Centro — The walled city's grand plazas, churches and boutique hotels in restored colonial houses
- San Diego — The quieter, residential side of the walled city with small plazas and convent hotels
- Getsemaní — Former working-class barrio of murals, hostels, salsa bars and evening street life
More of Cartagena
Questions travellers ask
+Where should I start in Cartagena?
The walled city. The old town inside the walls is the reason most people come: balconied colonial houses, churches, plazas and convents, entered through the Torre del Reloj gate from Plaza de los Coches.
+Which of these are free in Cartagena?
The walled city, City walls and bastions, Museo del Oro Zenú and Las Bóvedas.