Cartagena, Colombia: A Colourful Photo Essay & Travel Tips

Last Updated: October 2026

Cartagena is undoubtedly one of Colombia’s most photogenic cities. With its colourful colonial buildings, flower-covered balconies, cobblestone streets and beautiful Caribbean setting, it’s a photographer’s dream!

But there’s much more to Cartagena than its pretty streets. This historic port city has a fascinating, sometimes painful history, shaped by Spanish colonisation, the transatlantic slave trade and the rich cultural influences that followed.

From the colourful streets of the walled Old Town to the incredible street art of Getsemaní and the tropical Rosario Islands, Cartagena has so much to offer. We absolutely loved exploring this vibrant city, although the heat, humidity and crowds certainly kept us on our toes!

Rather than tell you all about Cartagena in a lengthy travel guide, I thought I’d let my photographs do most of the talking.

So come and explore Cartagena, Colombia, through my lens. Enjoy!

Cartagena’s Old Town

The highlight of any visit to Cartagena is undoubtedly its beautiful, colourful Old Town. Surrounded by historic city walls, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed area is filled with cobblestone streets, brightly painted colonial buildings, flower-covered balconies and charming little plazas.

The best way to explore is simply to wander without a plan, getting lost in the colourful streets and discovering hidden corners along the way.

And don’t forget your camera! Trust me, you’ll want to photograph just about everything here.

Cartagena’s historic port, fortifications and monuments were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.

Cartagena’s Historic City Walls

Cartagena was once one of the most important ports in the Spanish Empire, handling enormous quantities of gold and other valuable goods, as well as playing a major role in the transatlantic slave trade. Its wealth made it a frequent target for pirates and foreign attacks.

To protect the city, the Spanish built an impressive network of stone walls and fortifications over almost two centuries.

Today, much of the historic fortification system remains standing, and you can walk along accessible sections of the walls for spectacular views of the Old Town and the Caribbean Sea.

Our tip: Visit early in the morning or around sunset. The views are beautiful, and you’ll avoid the worst of Cartagena’s intense midday heat!

Getsemaní

Once known mainly as Cartagena’s backpacker district, Getsemaní has become one of the city’s most vibrant and popular neighbourhoods. And it’s easy to see why!

In fact, it was our favourite part of Cartagena. We loved wandering through its colourful streets, admiring the beautiful street art, flower-covered buildings and lively little plazas.

Getsemaní is no longer the quiet alternative to the Old Town that it once was, particularly around the popular Plaza de la Trinidad. However, it still has a wonderful atmosphere and plenty of character.

You’ll also find some lovely cafés serving delicious Colombian coffee, along with lively bars where you can enjoy an evening cocktail.

Our tip: Visit early in the morning if you want to photograph the colourful streets without too many people around.

The Rosario Islands

Just over an hour by boat from Cartagena, the beautiful Rosario Islands offer a tropical escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Although you can visit on a day trip, we’d recommend spending a night or two to truly appreciate the islands, especially once the day-trippers have returned to Cartagena.

The islands have become increasingly popular, but staying overnight gives you a better chance to enjoy their quieter side. Spend your days relaxing by the Caribbean Sea, snorkelling in the clear waters or kayaking through the mangroves.

One of the most memorable experiences is swimming among bioluminescent plankton, which can make the water sparkle around you at night. Visibility depends on the conditions, particularly moonlight and water quality, so sightings aren’t guaranteed.

For us, the Rosario Islands were the perfect place to slow down and enjoy a little Caribbean paradise!

Love beautiful Caribbean beaches? Don’t miss Tayrona National Park, where lush tropical jungle meets spectacular beaches. Discover our hiking adventure through one of Colombia’s most beautiful national parks!

Beautiful sunsets 

You may be lucky to witness some lovely sunsets while in Cartagena or on the Rosarios. Just grab a cocktail or a glass of wine, sit back and enjoy! 

What Do You Need to Know Before Visiting Cartagena?

• It’s very touristy! Cartagena is one of Colombia’s most popular destinations, and cruise ships regularly bring additional visitors into the city. If you want photographs of the colourful streets without crowds, get up early. Trust us, it’s worth it!
• It’s hot and humid! Expect to get pretty sweaty while exploring Cartagena, especially in the middle of the day. We recommend sightseeing early in the morning, then escaping to a pool or the beach during the hottest hours.
• It’s more expensive than much of Colombia. Accommodation, restaurants and tours in Cartagena’s main tourist areas can be noticeably pricier than elsewhere in the country. But despite the higher prices, we still think it’s worth visiting!
• Take a walking tour. Tip-based walking tours of the Old Town and Getsemaní are a great way to learn about Cartagena’s fascinating history and discover places you might otherwise miss. Remember to tip your guide appropriately!
• Be prepared for persistent street vendors. Cartagena has plenty of touts, particularly around the Old Town and popular beaches. Some can be quite pushy, so a polite but firm ‘no, gracias’ is often your best approach. Always agree on prices before buying anything, especially beach services, taxis and boat trips, and book excursions through reputable operators.

Best Time to Visit Cartagena

The best time to visit Cartagena is during the dry season, from December to April, when you’re more likely to enjoy sunny skies and good conditions for exploring the city and nearby Rosario Islands.

However, this is also the busiest time, particularly around Christmas, New Year and Easter.

The rainy season runs from May to November, with October usually the wettest month. You’ll generally find fewer tourists and better accommodation prices during this period.

Be prepared for the heat! Cartagena is hot and humid year-round, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 30°C. We recommend exploring early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

How Many Days Do You Need in Cartagena?

We recommend spending at least three days in Cartagena to explore the colourful Old Town, wander through Getsemaní, visit the historic fortifications and enjoy the beautiful Caribbean sunsets.

If you’re planning a boat trip to the Rosario Islands, allow an extra day.

Ideally, spend four to five days in Cartagena so you can enjoy everything at a relaxed pace, with plenty of breaks from the heat!

Is Cartagena Safe to Visit?

Cartagena is one of Colombia’s most popular tourist destinations, and the Old Town and Getsemaní are generally comfortable areas to explore during the day. However, petty theft, scams and occasional robberies are still concerns, so it’s important to take precautions.

Keep your valuables secure, avoid displaying expensive jewellery or large amounts of cash, and be particularly careful in crowded areas. Use reputable taxis or transport arranged through your accommodation, especially after dark.

Be cautious when booking boat trips or paying for services on the beaches. Always agree on the total price beforehand to avoid unpleasant surprises.

We enjoyed exploring Cartagena independently, but as with any large tourist destination, it’s worth staying aware of your surroundings and avoiding quiet, unfamiliar streets at night.

Where to stay in Cartagena? 

There are three places we’d suggest you stay, depending on what you can afford and what you want from your experience.

Cartagena is divided into two sections, the old part (including the old town and Getsemani) and the new part (where modern skyscrapers and condos have been built in the last few years; Bocagrande falls into that category).

The Old Town

This is the most expensive place to stay in Cartagena, for obvious reasons. You’ll be close to the main sights, the best restaurants and the best shops. If you only have a few days in town and are not worried about the cost, I’d suggest staying here. 

Some accommodation in the Old Town

Top reviewed: Hotel Casa San Agustin or Movich Hotel Cartagena de Indias 

Best location: Hotel Boutique Casona del Colegio

Good value: Maloka Boutique Hostel

Getsemani

Once primarily known as Cartagena’s backpacker district, Getsemaní is now a popular place to stay for all types of travellers. You’ll still find plenty of budget hostels and guesthouses, but there are also some lovely boutique hotels. It’s colourful, lively and within easy walking distance of the Old Town. Just be aware that some streets can get noisy at night, particularly around Plaza de la Trinidad.

Some accommodation in Getsemani

Top reviewed: Life is Good Cartagena Hostel or Posada La Fe

Best value: Hostal 1811

Casa Canabal Hotel Boutique – A charming boutique hotel in the heart of Getsemaní, featuring comfortable air-conditioned rooms, a lovely rooftop terrace and a small swimming pool. Perfect for couples who want somewhere stylish and relaxing while staying within walking distance of Cartagena’s colourful streets, restaurants and attractions.

Bocagrande

If you want to be closer to the beaches, or if you’d rather rent an apartment than stay in a hotel but still want to be close to the action, Bocagrande is for you. There are many hotels in Bocagrande but also plenty of Airbnbs to rent. Depending on where you stay in Bocagrande, it can be as short as a 15 minute walk into the old-town.

Some accommodation in Bocagrande

Top reviewed: Morros City Bocagrande

Good value: Oz Hotel or San Martin Cartagena

If none of those are available or take your fancy, try using the search box below:

Explore More of Colombia

Planning a trip around Colombia? Here are a few more places we loved exploring:

• Tayrona National Park – Hike through tropical jungle to discover some of Colombia’s most spectacular Caribbean beaches.
• Medellín – Explore colourful neighbourhoods, fascinating street art and scenic cable cars in the City of Eternal Spring.
• Salento – Discover colourful streets, coffee plantations and the beautiful landscapes of Colombia’s coffee region.
• Our Three-Week Colombia Itinerary – Planning a longer adventure? Follow our route through some of Colombia’s most unforgettable destinations.

Read More

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