Things to do in Cartagena

13 activities, venues and outings in Cartagena, from theatres and live music to parks and tours.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

Do
Raíces: Spanish & Culture
The main focus of this Spanish school is immersion courses: their philosophy is that it's more interesting and better for students to learn in a cultural environment that shows the richness of the Spanish language. Flexible schedule, good prices, nice and friendly teachers committed with the learning of their students.
Open now · closes 6 pm
Do Not mapped
Bay of Cholon
Farther down from Playa Blanca on Isla Baru in the bay of Cholon is Sportbaru- a place well worth of visit. This tranquil beachfront resort offers water sports, boat tours, eco hikes, gaming and gathering facilities, restaurant and bar; and an exceptional staff that is very accommodating to meet any of your needs. You can take a day tour there from Cartagena, or stay overnight in comfortable cabanas that are all facing the beach.
Do Not mapped
Chiva Bus
Chiva Bus is a must do fun activity in Cartagena. If you've visited Cartagena for even a day you've undoubtedly seen the open air, colorful buses going through the city loaded with people having fun, drinking and enjoying the loud beat of local music. A good activity for couples, families or groups. There are various pickup locations at mostly tourist hotels (Decameron, Caribe, Hilton, etc.) or just talk to the people to make arrangements.
afternoons, eveningsPrices range from COP$18,000-25,000 depending on tour
Do Not mapped
Festival lnternacional de Cine de Cartagena de Indias
Traditional film festival featuring Latin American movies and documentaries.
late Feb-early Mar
Do Not mapped
Festival lnternacional de Música
Classical music festival with concerts in Teatro Heredia, the convents of Santa Teresa and Santa Clara and public places in the old town.
early Jan
Do Not mapped
Fiesta de Nuestra Señora de La Candelaria
The patron saint of Cartagena is celebrated during several days, the highlight being a massive procession up to the convent on the hill Cerro La Popa each 2nd of February.
late Jan-early Feb
Do Not mapped
Fiesta de la Independencia de Cartagena
The party of the city, a large street festival in Getsemani, Centro Histórico, Crespo, Marbella, and around the entire city
11 Nov
Do Not mapped
Islas del Rosario
Several agents arrange boat tours to Islas del Rosario, a set of small islands out of the coast. Usually, the tour includes lunch, a visit to an aquarium and a few hours at Playa Blanca, not included in the price is harbor tax and park entry fee.
Do Not mapped
Latin Dance Lessons
Latin dances, first of all the Salsa form an integral part of Caribbean culture. The colorful mixture of people in Cartagena and their passionate way of living find one if its most eminent expressions in the vibrant rhythms all around. Crazy Salsa offers you a wide range of Latin dance classes, focusing on Salsa, Merengue and Bachata. There are introductory classes every Friday and Saturday at 17:00 for COP$10,000—for advanced and intensive classes, workshops or other questions visit crazysalasa.net.
Do Not mapped
Nueva Lengua
Located in Getsemaní, this language school offers courses from five days and longer.
Do Not mapped
Spanish Classes
Cartagena is an ideal city for some extended Spanish language studies—a beautiful but not too large city center, close by beaches and heaps of activities to do. Colombia is also renowned for its pure Spanish which is perfect for learners. However, this type of Spanish is prominent in the cities of the interior (Medellin, Bogota, Cali, etc.) In the coastal regions, and especially in Cartagena, there is a pronounced Caribbean dialect, with a colorful flair of blends of Andalusian, West African, and Indigenous influences. There are several Spanish language schools in Cartagena. BABEL International Language Institute is located directly in the old city in one of the picturesque streets. They offer all kinds of group and private classes and also combined Spanish and Salsa packages
Do Not mapped
Casa Cultural Colombo Alemana de Cartagena
Calle 38 No. 5 - 31, Calle Estanco del Aguardiente
Do Not mapped
Hay Festival
Literary festival with public readings by authors.
late Jan

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Cartagena (CC BY-SA 4.0).