Best Value
The Harbour House Cartagena
Central Cartagena · 0.8 km from city centre
Free Wi-Fi
Pool
Breakfast
Airport shuttle
Free cancellation up to 48h (sample policy)
Estimated per night
$82
≈ $410 for 5 nights
Cartagena
Colombia · South America
Walled colonial colour, Caribbean beaches and short flights from the US East Coast.
Best Value
Beach
Culture
Nightlife
Food
Couples
Romance
Overview
Cartagena pairs a UNESCO-listed walled city with Caribbean islands a boat ride away. Short flight times from Florida and the East Coast make it one of the best value international beach breaks for US travellers.
Best time to visit
December to April for dry, breezy days.
Neighbourhoods
- Centro Histórico — Postcard streets, boutique hotels.
- Getsemaní — Street art, hostels, nightlife.
- Bocagrande — High-rise beach hotels.
Hotels
Where to stay
4.6(1,284)
Budget
Cartagena Budget Stay
Downtown Cartagena · 1.6 km from city centre
Free Wi-Fi
24h desk
Air conditioning
Non-refundable rate (sample policy)
Estimated per night
$45
≈ $225 for 5 nights
Luxury
Grand Meridian Cartagena
Waterfront, Cartagena · 2.2 km from city centre
Spa
Rooftop pool
Fine dining
Club lounge
Free cancellation up to 7 days (sample policy)
Estimated per night
$213
≈ $1,065 for 5 nights
Best Rated
Casa Lumen Cartagena
Old Town, Cartagena · 0.4 km from city centre
Boutique rooms
Courtyard
Breakfast
Concierge
Free cancellation up to 24h (sample policy)
Estimated per night
$115
≈ $575 for 5 nights
Best Location
Cartagena Station Suites
Transit district, Cartagena · 0.2 km from main station
Kitchenette
Laundry
Free Wi-Fi
Workspace
Free cancellation up to 48h (sample policy)
Estimated per night
$86
≈ $430 for 5 nights
Things to do
What to do in Cartagena
Beaches
4.7Rosario Islands Day Trip
Speedboat to white-sand cays with lunch and swimming time.
- 📍 Islas del Rosario
- ⏱ 8 hours
- 👥 Everyone
Estimated price
$75 pp
Culture
4.8Walled City Evening Walk
Plazas, balconies and history inside the old city walls.
- 📍 Centro Histórico
- ⏱ 2.5 hours
- 👥 Couples, culture travellers
Estimated price
$25 pp
Nightlife
4.6Getsemaní Street Food & Salsa
Arepas, cocktails and a beginner salsa lesson.
- 📍 Getsemaní
- ⏱ 4 hours
- 👥 Solo travellers, groups
Estimated price
$48 pp
Restaurants
Where to eat
Local Favorites
La Cevichería
Seafood · $$$ · San Diego
Cartagena's best known ceviche counter.
Try: Mixed ceviche, Coconut lemonade
Fine Dining
Carmen
Contemporary Colombian · $$$$ · Centro
Tasting menus in a courtyard setting.
Try: Chef's menu
Street Food
Mercado Bazurto
Street food · $ · Bazurto
Chaotic local market — go with a guide.
Try: Fried fish, Arepa de huevo
Transportation
- Airport is 15 minutes from the old city; taxis run about $8–12 (estimated).
- The walled city is walkable end to end.
- Use registered taxis or rideshare after dark.
Travel tips
- Agree taxi fares before getting in — meters are uncommon.
- Midday heat is intense; plan indoor time between 12 and 3.
Suggested itinerary
3 days in Cartagena
Use this as a starting point — the trip planner turns it into an editable day-by-day plan.
Day 1
$70 est. spend
MorningArrival and check-in
AfternoonWalk the walls
EveningCeviche dinner in San Diego
Day 2
$120 est. spend
MorningRosario Islands boat
AfternoonBeach and swimming
EveningGetsemaní salsa night
Day 3
$85 est. spend
MorningCoffee and Palenquera market
AfternoonCastillo San Felipe
EveningRooftop sunset drinks
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