How to Spend One Day in Cartagena, Colombia

Looking for how to spend the perfect day in Cartagena? If you’re searching for the ultimate things to do in Cartagena, but only have one day to soak it all in, don’t worry, I’ve got you! I spent my birthday month there researching all the best places to see, restaurants to eat at and activities to do, so you don’t have to stress about the planning.

From sipping Colombian coffee at Cafe del Mural to catching a breathtaking sunset while walking along the historic city walls, here’s an itinerary that says exactly how to fill the day.

12-Hour Cartagena Itinerary

 9:30 AM: Grab a Colombian Coffee

First things first—coffee! Colombia is world-renowned for its coffee, and Café del Mural in the Getsemaní neighborhood takes your morning cup of joe to the next level. Of course you can get a simple hot coffee, but it’s really fun to try some of their other coffee drinks, like the Caribbean latte that’s a cold brew with coconut. 

You’ll find it on a quiet side street that is surrounded by murals (hence the name), making it one of the prettiest and most photographed spots in Cartagena. Snap some pics of the colorful artwork while you sip on a perfectly brewed cup. 

10:30 AM: Take a Colombian Food Cooking Class

Channel your inner chef with a cooking class at Lunático, one of Cartagena’s best spots to learn traditional Colombian cuisine. The adventure starts with a trip to Mercado de Bazurto, a bustling, gritty market where the ingredients for your culinary creations are sourced.

Bazurto isn’t for the faint of heart—it’s chaotic, loud, and yes, smelly—but it’s also a sensory wonderland. Think exotic fruits you’ve never seen before, fresh seafood, and piles of aromatic herbs. It’s a great experience having a chef navigate the maze of stalls and explain what’s what. Plus, there will be food to sample (if you choose!).

Back at Lunático, you’ll dive into making Colombian classics like arepas, empanadas, and ceviche (I made the best ceviche of my life here). You’ll leave with a full belly, new skills, and maybe even a few recipes to impress your friends back home.

2:00 PM: Walk Through Barrio Getsemani

Barrio Getsemaní has transformed from a rough past into one of Cartagena’s coolest neighborhoods. The colorful colonial streets are buzzing with life—the energy here is contagious—and the street art on every corner tells powerful stories about the community’s journey and challenges.

Calle de la Sierpe is famous for its art, but that’s not the only one. Two of the most Instagram-worthy spots are in the narrow streets of Callejón Angosto and Calle de la Magdalena, which are adorned with colorful umbrellas that create a whimsical canopy overhead. 

Don’t miss Plaza Trinidad—it’s the heart of Getsemaní. Grab a cold Cerveza from a corner vendor, chat with locals, and soak up the atmosphere. And of course, no trip to Getsemaní is complete without a photo with the iconic Las Palenqueras. These women in vibrant dresses, balancing fruit baskets on their heads, are more than just a pretty picture—they’re a symbol of resilience and history. 

Tip: Getsemaní is only a few blocks, so don’t worry too much about missing anything, just keep strolling.

3:30 PM: Explore Castillo De San Felipe De Barajas

Next, step back in time at Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, a fortress built in the 16th century to defend Cartagena from pirate attacks. Climb its walls, explore the tunnels, and enjoy panoramic views of the city and sea.

While you’re in the area, swing by Los Zapatos Viejos (the Old Shoes Monument), a fun photo-op featuring a giant pair of bronze shoes. This quirky sculpture honors Cartagenero poet Luis Carlos López, who once wrote about the comfort of coming home to his city is like slipping into an old pair of shoes.

Tip: you can get there either by taxi or Uber. If you decide on taxi, just remember to negotiate before getting into the car. 

6:00 PM: Walk On The City’s Walls for Sunset

Cartagena’s historic center is wrapped in 11 kilometers of UNESCO-recognized stone walls, complete with fortifications and bastions. The 16th-century city walls were built to ward off pirates, and today, they offer some of the best views in town—espically at sunset. 

As you walk, you’ll be treated to great views of the sea and Cartagena’s charming neighborhoods. You’ll also notice the uneven heights and thickness of the walls, each section tells a story of Cartagena’s past. 

Tip: A popular route is to enter near Charleston Santa Teresa Hotel, then walk the walls all the way to Las Bovedas. From there you can walk back through the city. But, the walls are super accessible with many stairways periodically, so you can easily hop on and off in several locations. 

7:00 PM: Pre-Dinner Cocktails at Alquímico

Did you know Cartagena is home to one of the top 50 best bars in the world? Yep, you heard that right! If you love good ambiance and even better cocktails, Alquímico is where to get your pre-dinner drink (and after dinner one too!). The place is in a beautifully restored colonial building, and each of its three floors offers a unique vibe and a different menu to match. We sipped our drinks on floor 2, Classicos Alquimistas. 

Whether you’re into classic cocktails or love adventurous new concoctions, their expert staff will recommend the perfect blend. They picked the Te Caribeno for me that was a blend of gin, maraschino liquor, green tea and dehydrated coconut. 

No matter which drink you pick, you can be guaranteed that their focus on high-quality, locally sourced ingredients and stunning presentation.

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