What I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Cartagena

Sep 23

7 min read

If Cartagena, Colombia is on your travel list, let me tell you something: go!

Cartagena is colorful, historic, energetic, beautiful—and a little bit chaotic! It’s the kind of place that can surprise you in the best ways, but I also found myself thinking, “I wish someone had told me this before I came!”

After spending time in Cartagena as part of my Panama & Cartagena group trip (check out my blog on The Perfect Central and South American Adventure), I came away with a much better understanding of what makes this city special and what first-time visitors should know before they go.

So, if you're planning your first trip to Cartagena, here are a few things I wish I knew before visiting.

#1 It is HOT. Really hot.

I knew Cartagena was going to be warm. What I didn't fully appreciate was how hot and humid it can feel while you're walking around the city.

Cartagena is a walking city, especially if you want to explore the historic areas. And while wandering through the colorful streets is one of the best things you can do, you'll want to plan accordingly.

On my first day out in Cartagena, I had on a free-flowing dress that I expected to help with airflow. What I didn’t consider was that walking up San Felipe de Barajas Fort in a cotton dress, no matter how free flowing, was not a great idea. The sweat and my dress became one by the time I was done exploring!

Lightweight clothing, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat are your friends! And don't underestimate the importance of water. You'll probably drink more water than you expect.

My biggest advice? Don't try to see everything in the middle of the afternoon. Take advantage of the cooler parts of the morning and evening and build in some downtime during the hottest part of the day.

#2 Cartagena is more than the walled city.

The historic walled city—Ciudad Amurallada—is probably what you picture when you think of Cartagena. And yes, it is absolutely worth exploring. But don't make the mistake of thinking Cartagena = the walled city.

There are other neighborhoods and areas worth exploring, including Getsemani, Bocagrande and the beaches and islands surrounding Cartagena. Getsemani, in particular, has a completely different personality. It's colorful, lively and filled with street art, restaurants, bars and local culture. Walking around Getsemani always felt like an adventure in itself…especially in the evenings as music and food filled the streets.

If you have enough time, get outside the historic center and see another side of the city.

#3 The street vendors are persistent.

Let's talk about something that may catch first-time visitors off guard: the vendors.

You will likely encounter people selling local jewelry, hats, artwork, food, tours, souvenirs and more—often times repeatedly. For some travelers, this can feel overwhelming. The key is to understand that this is part of the experience and learn how to politely but firmly say no when you're not interested. A simple "No, gracias" usually works. And if you are interested in purchasing something, don't assume the first price is the final price. Bargaining is common in many informal vendor situations.

My advice: know what you're comfortable with spending before you start negotiating, and don't feel obligated to buy something just because you've had a conversation with someone.

#4 Bring some Colombian pesos.

Credit cards are accepted at many hotels, restaurants and established businesses, but cash is still important to have. You'll want some Colombian pesos for smaller purchases, street vendors, or other situations where cards aren't accepted. I also recommend having smaller bills available. Depending on where you are, making a small purchase with a large bill won’t always be convenient for the vendor.

One more tip: Get your Colombian pesos before arriving to Cartagena. That keeps you from needing to use any ATMs where you have to be concerned about security or whether the location is reputable.

#5 Don't expect everything to move at your pace.

One of the things I loved about Cartagena was that it encouraged me to slow down. Meals can take time. Service can be more relaxed than what many Americans are accustomed to. Things don't always happen on the exact timeline you expect. And that's okay – you’re on vacation! Instead of fighting the pace, embrace it!

Give yourself extra time when heading somewhere. Don't schedule your days so tightly that one delayed meal throws off your entire itinerary. Remember that some of the best travel experiences happen when you leave a little room for the unexpected.

#6 Cartagena is a food destination.

Before visiting, I knew Cartagena had good food. After visiting, I realized I probably should have planned even more time around eating!

You'll find everything from traditional Colombian dishes to incredible seafood, Caribbean influences, upscale restaurants and creative cocktail bars. And don't be afraid to try local dishes. One of my favorite parts of traveling is experiencing a destination through food, and Cartagena definitely delivers.

During one night of wandering through Getsemani, I found a restaurant that had the absolute best seafood rice dish I’ve ever had. Check out Centenario Restaurant Bar for great food and ambiance!

My advice? Don't plan every meal at a restaurant you've already researched from home. Leave room to discover someplace that catches your attention while you're there.

#7 Where you stay matters.

Cartagena has several distinct areas, and your experience can be very different depending on where you stay.

The historic center puts you right in the middle of the beautiful colonial architecture, restaurants, shops and nightlife. Getsemani offers a more energetic, artsy and local feel. Bocagrande feels more modern, with high-rise hotels, shopping and a different atmosphere altogether. There isn't necessarily one "best" neighborhood. It really depends on the type of experience you want.

That's something I always tell my clients: don't just choose a hotel based on the hotel itself. Think about the destination around it and the experience that you’re looking for.

#8 You don't need to pack your entire closet.

Cartagena is casual. Yes, you'll see people dressed beautifully for dinner and nightlife, but during the day, comfort is key. Think breathable fabrics, comfortable walking shoes and clothes that can handle heat and humidity.

And ladies, if you're planning to wear those cute heels you packed for your European vacation, think twice! The historic streets can involve uneven pavement and plenty of walking. Don’t let the pictures fool you – I saw plenty of women trying to get the perfect Instagram photo and in between takes, they looked miserable as they struggled to keep the makeup on their face in the heat and their dress from sticking to them!

Cute AND comfortable wins in Cartagena!

#9 Be smart with your belongings.

This is one of those travel tips that apply almost anywhere, but it's particularly important in busy tourist areas. Don't flash expensive jewelry or large amounts of cash. Keep your phone and belongings secure, especially in crowded areas.

That doesn't mean you need to be paranoid or afraid to explore. It simply means pay attention to your surroundings. At no point during my stay in Cartagena did I feel nervous or worried about being robbed or in danger. But common sense should always be applied when you are in areas that have high levels of poverty like Cartagena.

You can absolutely enjoy Cartagena while using the same reasonable precautions you would use when visiting any major city.

#10 Learn a little Spanish.

You don't need to be fluent, but knowing a few basic Spanish phrases will make your experience easier—and, honestly, more enjoyable. Invest the time to learn a few phrases because you cannot assume that everyone will speak fluent English. In the hotel, restaurants and some stores, people I interacted with spoke English. However, my Uber driver didn’t speak English and neither did quite a few people working in local shops.

"Hola."

"Por favor."

"Gracias."

"¿Cuánto cuesta?"

"No, gracias."

"¿Dónde está...?"

Even a little effort goes a long way. And remember, translation apps are your friend. Download the language you need before you leave so you aren't dependent on Wi-Fi or cell service to use the app.

#11 Give yourself more time than you think you need.

This may be my biggest piece of advice. Cartagena is not a destination I would recommend rushing through. Yes, you can see the major sights in a couple of days. But if you have the flexibility, give yourself enough time to enjoy the city rather than simply checking things off a list.

Take a walking tour. Sit in a plaza. Have a long lunch. Explore Getsemani. Watch the sunset from the city walls. Try something you've never eaten before. And leave yourself time to simply wander.

That's when Cartagena really starts to feel like Cartagena. My best moment in Cartagena? Sitting in a park as the sun was setting over the bay eating a smorgasbord I created from three different food trucks while watching yachts sail by.

#12 Cartagena isn't perfect—and that's part of the experience.

This might be the most important thing I wish I'd known. Cartagena is beautiful, but it isn't polished in every corner. You'll see poverty alongside luxury. You'll encounter aggressive vendors. You'll see areas that feel very touristy and others that feel much more local. If you're expecting a perfectly curated Caribbean vacation, you may be surprised.

But if you're willing to experience the city as it is—with all of its contrasts—you'll probably come away with a much deeper appreciation for it. Cartagena isn't just pretty buildings and colorful doors. It's a living, breathing city with a complicated history, vibrant culture and a personality all its own. And that's exactly what makes it worth visiting.

So, would I go back? Absolutely. In fact, I think I'd enjoy Cartagena even more on a second visit because I'd know what to expect. I'd pack lighter, drink more water, leave more room in my schedule, spend more time exploring beyond the obvious areas, and, most importantly, I'd slow down even more.

If Cartagena is on your travel bucket list, don't let the things that might surprise you keep you from going. Just go prepared. Because once you understand the rhythm of Cartagena, it's a destination that's pretty hard not to love.