Colonial charm wrapped in Caribbean heat — pastel facades, centuries-old walls, and neighborhoods just minutes apart that each move at their own rhythm. We’ve spent full weeks here, walking it slow.
Where to Base Yourself
Neighborhoods
Getsemaní
Cartagena’s bohemian soul — murals, plazas, boutique hotels, and the city’s best rooftop dinners. Walkable to the Walled City, loudest after dark.
Bocagrande
Sleek and beachfront, a Miami-esque peninsula of high-rises and long stretches of sand. Polished, convenient, resort-style.
The Walled City
The historic center — designer boutiques, golden-hour strolls, and centuries of craftsmanship behind every doorway.
The Jet Set List
Selective, not exhaustive
Go For
A boutique stay in Getsemaní for character and walkability, or a Bocagrande tower if you want the beach at your door.
Pair It With
A rooftop dinner reservation, a slow spa ritual, and enough room in the itinerary to get pleasantly lost in the Walled City.
Book a Tour
Popular Cartagena experiences
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From the Journal
Cartagena stories
Getsemaní vs. Bocagrande: Where Should You Stay in Cartagena?
Cartagena Itinerary — Seven Days of Culture, Cuisine & Coastal Beauty
The Best Designer Boutiques in Cartagena’s Walled City
Cartagena Beach Guide: Color, Culture and Coastal Grace
Cartagena for Honeymooners: Rooftop Romance, Courtyard Suites and Colonial Magic
Cartagena Day 6: Island Escapade
Going to Cartagena?
Plan This Trip →Family Friendly
Cartagena with kids
Why kids will love it: Castle walls to run along, boats to the islands and streets painted like a picture book. Parent tip: Plan outdoor time for mornings and late afternoons; midday heat is serious.
Read the full Cartagena with Kids guide → · More family trips →
Little Jetter · for the kids
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Dress your traveler for the destination, pack the bag and collect a stamp before you fly.
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- Wide-brim sun hat
- Linen shorts
- Comfy sandals
- Water bottle
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Plan it
Your Cartagena trip, sorted
Bougainvillea balconies, sunset on the old city walls, and island days a short boat ride away — Cartagena is Colombia at its most romantic.
Where to stay
Pick your base
Getsemaní for boutique hotels and nightlife, the Walled City for courtyard suites, Bocagrande for beachfront towers.
Eat + drink
Where to eat and drink
Ceviche and Caribbean seafood at lunch, rooftop cocktails as the walls glow at sunset, street snacks in Plaza de la Trinidad after dark.
Neighborhoods
Where to wander
The Walled City and Getsemaní are made for walking; Manga and Bocagrande show a quieter, local side.
What to pack
Dress for the city
It is hot and humid year-round: linen, breathable resortwear, a wide-brim hat and sandals you can walk cobblestones in.
2–4 days
How to spend your time
Start with three days, or slow down with our seven-day plan and honeymoon edit.
Worth booking
Reserve these ahead
The Rosario Islands boat day is the one to reserve ahead — and a pre-booked airport transfer makes arrival easy.
Luxe JetterPlan your Cartagena travel wardrobe
Boutique shopping
Shop Cartagena & Colombia’s designers
- The Best Designer Boutiques in Cartagena’s Walled City
- Shop the Edit
- Pepa Pombo in Bogotá
- Johanna Ortiz in Cali
- Kika Vargas in Bogotá
- Mercedes Salazar in Bogotá
Boutique shopping in Latin America → · Style your finds in Luxe Jetter ↗
More in Colombia: Medellín · Bogotá · All Colombia destinations
More Cartagena on Jet Set
- Cartagena Day 1: Arrival
- Cartagena Day 2: Cloudy Weather
- Cartagena Day 3: Discovering the Lay of the Land
- Cartagena Day 4: Getse-Mania
- Cartagena Day 5
- Cartagena Beach Guide: Color, Culture and Coastal Grace
- Cartagena Wellness Travel: Colonial Glamour, Caribbean Calm and Rooftop Rituals
- Where to Stay in Cartagena for a Romantic Escape
- Silvia Tcherassi in Cartagena: Effortless Elegance with Caribbean Soul
- Cartagena for the Holidays: Colonial Heritage and Coastal Joy
- Discover Cartagena in Pictures
- Our 5-Day Cartagena Adventure
Make it your Cartagena
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Choose your pace and the people coming along. Build a flexible outline for Cartagena, then return to these guides for the details.
Plan my Cartagena trip ↗A little more inspiration
Pack for the city with Luxe Jetter ↗Bring the colors and character of your destination into your travel style.
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