Bolívar, Colombia

Cartagena

Cartagena's colonial Walled City, with bougainvillea-covered balconies and colourful plazas, and the street art of neighbouring Getsemaní make it one of Latin America's most beautiful places to walk.

Cartagena: Historic Center & Getsemaní Shared Tour in Cartagena
Featured walk: Historic Center & Getsemaní Shared Tour in Cartagena · Photo supplied by Viator

The city on foot

Cartagena was one of Spain's most important ports in the Americas, defended by thick walls and forts against pirates. Its port, fortresses and old town are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Walled City and Getsemaní, just outside the walls, are small and flat. The heat makes early mornings and evenings the best times to walk.

What makes Cartagena distinctive

  • The city walls and San Felipe castle
  • Colonial balconies and plazas
  • Getsemaní's street art
  • Caribbean street food and fruit

Walking tours in Cartagena

Hand-picked guided walks in Cartagena, each rated highly by travellers. Ratings and photos are from Viator; select a tour to see dates, prices and full details, and to book.

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Prices are Viator's lowest "from" price per person, converted to pounds and checked on 28 October 2026. The booking page shows the current price in your currency.

By theme: Food tours in Cartagena

Compare with other cities: Food tours · History walks

More walking tours on GetYourGuide

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Main sights

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Neighbourhoods worth wandering

  • Walled City

    The historic centre inside the walls.

  • Getsemaní

    A former working-class district now full of street art, hostels and bars.

  • Bocagrande

    Beach hotels and high-rises on a peninsula.

  • San Diego

    The quieter northern part of the Walled City.

Free self-guided walk

Walled City and Getsemaní

A free self-guided walk through Cartagena's Walled City, from the Clock Tower Gate past the main plazas and churches to the city walls, then out to the street art of Getsemaní.

2.2 km · 6 stops · map and directions

See the walk

Best areas to explore on foot

  1. Walled City

    From the Clock Tower Gate through Plaza de los Coches and Plaza Santo Domingo.

  2. Getsemaní

    Calle de la Sierpe and Plaza de la Trinidad, livelier in the evening.

  3. On the walls

    Along the top of the walls from Las Bóvedas to Café del Mar.

Practical walking notes

  • Heat

    Hot and humid all year. Walk early or late, and carry water.

  • Terrain

    Flat, with cobbled streets and narrow pavements.

  • Vendors

    Street vendors can be persistent; a polite no works.

When to visit

  • December to April

    The driest months, and the busiest.

  • Rainy season

    May to November brings heavier rain, especially in October.

  • Festivals

    The Independence festival in November fills the streets.

Getting there and getting around

Arriving

  • By air

    Rafael Núñez Airport is about 15 minutes from the old town by taxi.

Local transport

  • On foot and by taxi

    Walk around the old town and Getsemaní; take taxis further out.

Questions travellers ask about Cartagena

Is Cartagena walkable?

The Walled City and Getsemaní are small, flat and best explored on foot.

How many days do I need in Cartagena?

Two or three days, plus a day on the nearby Rosario Islands.

When is the best time to walk in Cartagena?

Early morning and from late afternoon, when the heat eases.

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Sources and review date

This guide was last updated on 2026-10-28. Opening hours, fares and services change; please confirm details with official sources before travelling.