5 Things I loved (and hated) about Cartagena, Colombia

When I first added Cartagena to my Colombia itinerary, I imagined breezy colonial streets, colorful buildings, tropical cocktails, and beachy afternoons — and honestly, that’s exactly what I got. But after spending five days in this coastal city, I left with mixed feelings. Cartagena is gorgeous and absolutely worth visiting, but it’s also the most tourist-heavy place I visited in Colombia, which came with both perks and drawbacks.

If you're planning a trip and wondering whether Cartagena deserves a few days or just a quick stopover, this honest list of what I loved — and what I didn’t — should help you decide. From sunset boat rides and delicious seafood to tourist traps and overpriced beach chairs, here’s the real deal from my solo travel experience.

5 Things I Loved About Cartagena

1. The old town (Getsemani)

The old town of Cartagena, Getsemani, is a colonial city built by the Spanish in 1533. I am an absolute sucker for colonial architechture and Getsemani did not disappoint. The brightly coloured buildings are what draw so many tourists to the area, and for good reason!

2. Food

I will never (and I mean never) be the same after the food in coastal Colombia 😂I have definitely found my new favourite cuisine, I just wish it were easier to find in Canada! My personal favourite was Ola Boquilla restaurant on the beach in La Boquilla.

3. Boat tour

My favourite activity I did in Cartagena was hands down this sunset boat ride in the bay of Cartagena. The snacks were tasty, you get one free drink aboard, and the views of the skyline are to die for. The boat also had this amazing net, so you could actually sit OVER the water as you cruise through the bay.

Check out this tour HERE on my Viator shop!

4. Umbrella Street

During the day: Cool tourist spot, great for photos, cool art in the surrounding neighbourhood. At night: Party central! Amazing music, great vibes, and cheap drinks. I visited both during the day and at night, and enjoyed both in completely different ways. If going at night, I strongly recommend going with a group or at least a pair, especially if you plan on drinking. Cartagena is pretty safe, but it is a busy area: don't give papaya!

5. Amazing Hostels

Cartagena (and Colombia in general) has an amazing hostel culture! There are parties and fun activities every night, so there's always somewhere to go and something to do! I made some amazing friends at my hostel that I will never forget, and I recommend staying in a hostel for anyone going to Cartagena 🙂I stayed at Viajero Getsemani, but Viajero Centro and Los Patios are amazing as well!

5 Things I Hated About Cartagena

1. Crowded

Cartagena is VERY touristy. The old town streets are narrow and easily overcrowded by the tour groups rolling through. While the popular spots are a bit tight, the surrounding areas (which are just as pretty) are generally very quiet, as most people going through are either on a group trip or on a guided tour. Though it was definitely noticeable a few times, the crowds were no match for the beauty of the city, and weren't too hard to look past. If you're someone bothered by big crowds, just go a couple of streets over and I guarantee there will be almost no one there 😂

2. Too many tourist traps

Of everywhere I went in Colombia, Cartagena was definitely the worst for people harassing tourists trying to sell stuff. That being said, its not that bothersome. Generally, you just hit them with a “no, gracias” and they disappear to go try someone else, but there were a few times I was followed for a few minutes by the souvenir salesmen. My best piece of advice? Befriend a local! They stop asking when they see you walking around with a group of Colombians 😂

3. Not enough to do

As gorgeous as Cartagena is, there is not a tremendous amount to do. I was there for five days and easily could have done everything I did in two. Now, if you're looking to sit on a pretty rooftop and enjoy the view with a few drinks, this is the place for you! Otherwise, I adored the city, but I would recommend budgeting your time in other areas to really get the most out of what Colombia has to offer.

4. Beaches

The beaches in Cartagena are nice, but they definitely leave something to be desired. The beaches in Bocagrande are filled with people trying to sell stuff, and definitely less than relaxing when someone is coming up to you every two seconds. Also, a lot of beaches have areas where if you sit, or need a tent, or want a chair, they will charge you an arm and a leg. I recommend taking a short trip to La Boquilla and hanging out on Playa los Morros. Bonus: there's a kitesurfing place there!

5. Expensive (by Colombian standards)

Now, Cartagena was very affordable by my standards, but in comparison to other Colombian cities, it was PRICEY. For a place with little to do but wander around looking at pretty buildings, I thought it was strange how disproportionately expensive Cartagena was. That's not to say dont visit, but as I said, consider carefully how you want to budget your time, and think about spending more in a less expensive, more interesting city.

Cartagena is one of those places that’s easy to fall in love with — for a while. It’s stunning, social, and full of flavor, but it’s also crowded, pricey, and not necessarily packed with must-do activities. I’m so glad I went, and I’d 100% recommend it to other travelers, especially if you’re into history, photography, and a good party.

That said, five days was probably more than I needed. If you’re tight on time or looking to see more of Colombia’s diversity, I’d suggest spending a couple of days here soaking in the vibes, then heading off to somewhere with a bit more adventure or authenticity. Cartagena will charm you — just don’t let the souvenir sellers wear you down first 😂