Things to do in Cartagena this weekend
A locals-first shortlist of what's worth your time in Cartagena this weekend — from outdoor escapes to standout food and live music.
Top spots in Cartagena
Bazurto Market Food Tour
Food & DrinkBazurto
Locals' chaotic market — sancocho, posta negra, fresh fish at family stalls (book a guide).
Rosario Islands Day Trip
OutdoorsRosario Archipelago
45-minute speedboat to coral reefs, beach clubs and lobster lunches at Cholón.
Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
CulturePie de la Popa
Huge 17th-century Spanish fortress — tunnels, ramps and the postcard skyline view.
Getsemaní
NightlifeGetsemaní
Once gritty, now the city's bohemian heart — Plaza de la Trinidad fills nightly with salsa and street food.
Walled City Walking Tour
CultureCentro Histórico
13km of 16th-century walls around bougainvillea-draped colonial streets — sunset stroll on Las Bóvedas.
Café del Mar Sunset
NightlifeCity Walls
Wall-top open-air bar — sundowner mojitos with the Caribbean turning gold.
Where to eat
Alma
$$$Modern Caribbean · Centro Histórico
Casa San Agustín's plant-filled courtyard — refined arepas, posta negra, rum cocktails.
Carmen
$$$$Modern Colombian · Centro Histórico
Two-storey colonial mansion — chef Rob Pevitts' tasting menus of Caribbean produce.
Demente
$$Tapas / Pizza · Getsemaní
Retractable-roof courtyard in Plaza de la Trinidad — wood-fired pizzas, gin tonics, DJ nights.
La Cevichería
$$Ceviche · Centro Histórico
Bourdain-famous corner spot — mixed ceviche and shrimp arepas. Expect a queue.
La Mulata
$Lunch menu · Centro Histórico
Best-value menu del día — three courses, fresh juice, art-school crowd.
Live & on stage
Bululú Cartagena
Plaza de la Aduana · Mar 6–8 · Salsa
Festival Internacional de Música
Multiple · Jan 7–17 · Classical
Fiestas de Independencia
City-wide · Nov 7–11 · Carnival / Free
Hay Festival Cartagena
Centro Histórico · Jan 29 – Feb 1 · Literature / Music
Frequently asked
- Locals' favourites right now: Walled City Walking Tour, Getsemaní, Castillo San Felipe de Barajas. The full list is curated weekly and balances outdoor, food, culture and live music picks.