Fun Things To Do In Cartagena, Colombia
#1 Port Oasis Ecopark
The first Fun Things to do in Cartagena, Colombia is this 10,000-square-meter garden is home to over 700 animals across 74 different species. The Ecopark’s mission is to showcase Colombia’s rich biodiversity and promote environmental conservation.
Visitors can observe animals such as toucans, iguanas, howler monkeys, cotton-top tamarins, and deer in a setting that blends natural habitats with educational exhibits. The park also features a replica emerald mine, souvenir shops, and a café, making it a convenient and enriching stop for cruise passengers and other tourists.
The park also features a replica emerald mine, souvenir shops, and a café, making it a convenient and enriching stop for cruise passengers and other tourists.
Plus it’s a great spot to get the internet, just steps away from the cruise port, it’s a nice walk and it’s free.
#2 Visit the Historic Walled City
Wander through the beautifully preserved colonial streets filled with colorful houses, charming balconies, historic churches, and boutique shops. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and perfect for photos, shopping, or just soaking in the romantic atmosphere.
The metal sculptures in the Walled City of Cartagena are a beloved part of the city’s artistic and cultural landscape. These striking sculptures are the work of Edgardo Carmona, a renowned Colombian artist from Cartagena.
Each sculpture captures scenes from everyday Colombian life,
These sculptures bring Cartagena’s Afro-Caribbean identity, folklore, and street culture to life in a playful, accessible way. They invite people to interact, take photos, and reflect on daily life in the city.
They’re not just art—they tell a story in steel, giving Cartagena’s history and personality a physical, walkable form.
You’ll find them scattered around public plazas and street corners within the Walled City and Getsemaní neighborhood.
#3 Climb Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
This massive 17th-century fortress is one of the greatest Spanish military structures in the Americas. You can explore tunnels, ramparts, and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the top. The walkways offer incredible views & take you along the city walls, but be warned—not all paths loop back down into the city. On a hot day with little shade, getting stuck on the upper walls can be exhausting. Plan your route ahead and bring water!
#4 Take a Local Walking Food Tour
Being the foodies that we are, we chose to do a Cartagena Food and Walking Tour, we booked thru Viator Travel Tours and the tour turned out to be the perfect way to explore the city. Not only did we get to sample delicious local foods, but we also learned about the rich history behind the streets, buildings, and culture. It’s one of our favorite ways to experience a new city—walking, tasting, and learning all at once.
Our tour guide Daniella was wonderful. She and her two helpers all wore matching t-shirts, so we knew exactly who they were and what we were getting.
Make sure you come hungry, because believe me you won’t need dinner.
If you are interesting in this fabulous and filling tour then check it out here at Viator
Stop #1: Was a sample from a 100 yr old bakery called LONCHERIA POLO NORTE, which is now being run by Mr. Munol Von, a third generation to run the bakery.
Mr. Munol Von loves coming out to greet the tourists and share his story—how his grandfather came to Cartagena alone, later sending for his grandmother and father. From there, it’s a beautiful history in the making, with this little bakery still going strong 100 years later.”
So what is this little bakery famous for? A giant Chinese Empanada, that was so flavorful, it was like eating a chinese eggroll only better. With this they served us a Kola Roman, which has its owns history: a Colombian soda, known for being one of the oldest in the world, predating even Coca-Cola and taste like a cream soda but is red.
Stop #2: A favorite stop was for a cool juice drink that tasted like a delicious pineapple slushy—refreshing and much needed under the hot afternoon sun.
Next, we tried a type of Colombian bread called Pandebono, made from cassava starch, cheese, and eggs. In some regions, it’s filled with guava paste, but ours was a simple, savory cheese bread—still warm and delicious.
Next was a wonderful pastry filled with the Cartagena guava paste that the people love and yes, this was my favorite.
Stop #3: The very popular Fruit Cart, you will find these all over the city, with some if the most undiscovered fruit I have every experience, it’s a tropical paradise with a vibrant fruit scene.
We got to try a variety of local fruits, including passion fruit, dragon fruit, soursop, zapote, green mango, and papaya. I can’t say I loved them all—but it was definitely fun to taste such a unique and vibrant mix!
Stop #4 was for Patacón con Suero and cheese—a simple yet satisfying Cartagena street snack made from mashed and fried plantain topped with a generous hunk of cheese and creamy suero (a local sour cream). It’s a tasty treat you can enjoy any time of day.
Stop #5: A Shrimp Cocktail to Remember
This stop was one of the highlights of the tour. We love shrimp cocktail, and believe me when I say—this was one of the best I’ve ever had! It’s no surprise that this dish is famous—the owner actually created the World’s Largest Shrimp Cocktail weighing an incredible 2,910 lbs 1.6 oz!
You can find this legendary shrimp cocktail at Osteria del Mar Rojo, located in Plaza de la Aduana, Cartagena. It’s well worth the stop to try it for yourself!
Stop #6: Firos Pizza
We’re big pizza lovers, so this one caught us off guard. At first, the dish at the restaurant looked like pizza, but when we tasted it, we realized it had been grilled outside—and it turned out to be something entirely different. It resembled cheesy bread more than traditional pizza. Still, it was absolutely delicious, and we were glad to have tried it.
Stop #7: A local street stand serving Chorizo Cartagenero, a type of cured sausage that’s popular in Cartagena, Colombia. The sausage packs a rich, smoky, and spicy punch. Typically made with pork, it delivers every bit of the bold flavor its reputation promises.
Stop #8: Our last stop—and boy, was I glad, because I wasn’t sure I could eat one more bite! was a small, local outdoor bar where we could try a local beer. With a cold beer in hand and a chair to rest my feet after walking all over the city, it was the perfect way to wind down. We all sat and chatted about our food adventure, sharing our favorite bites of the day. Everyone had their own picks, but mine was the Chinese empanadas.
After a long day of exploring Cartagena, we were happy to be back on the ship to rest and watch the sunset over the “new” part of the city. Cartagena is a place rich in history, but the modern side is quickly growing, with towering skyscrapers, upscale restaurants, and luxury resorts. If you ever have the opportunity to visit Cartagena, make time to experience both sides—the historic charm and the vibrant, evolving city.
