Cartagena 1-day itinerary

Start early in the Ciudad Amurallada (Walled City) before the heat and crowds build. Walk the narrow cobblestoned streets lined with colonial mansions painted in vivid yellows, blues, and terracottas, their wooden balconies overflowing with bougainvillea. The main plazas — Plaza de Bolívar, Plaza Santo Domingo, and Plaza de la Aduana — are quiet in the morning and perfect for photography. Visit the Cathedral of Santa Catalina and the Palace of the Inquisition, both dating to the Spanish colonial era. The morning light filtering through the colourful streets is some of the best in South America.

Walk uphill to Castillo San Felipe de Barajas — the largest Spanish fort ever built in the Americas, constructed over 150 years to defend Cartagena from pirate attacks and naval invasions. The fortress is a marvel of military engineering with a network of underground tunnels designed to amplify sound so defenders could hear approaching enemies. Explore the tunnels and ramparts, then walk downhill to Getsemaní — Cartagena's vibrant street art neighbourhood, formerly a working-class barrio now exploding with creativity. The murals, cafes, and hostel bars here are where the city's younger, more alternative energy lives.

Head to Café del Mar atop the old city walls for sunset cocktails overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The terrace fills with locals and travellers watching the sun drop below the horizon while live music plays in the background — it is one of Colombia's most iconic sunset experiences. After sunset, walk to Getsemaní's Plaza de la Trinidad where salsa music pours from the bars and locals dance in the streets every night. The food stalls in the plaza serve arepas, empanadas, and fresh fruit juices for a few thousand pesos. If you want to dance, Café Havana is the legendary salsa bar — arrive before 11pm to avoid the queue.