Walled City of Cartagena
Walled City of Cartagena
Walled City of Cartagena
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tours & experiences
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Top ways to experience Walled City of Cartagena
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
874 within 3 miles
Attractions
179 within 6 miles
See what other travelers are saying
- Nancy BSan Francisco, California11 contributionsThis company gives the best toursI have done this tour several times. This is an excellent tour. If you book it ahead of time, when you get there, tell them you want a tour guide that really gives you interesting history of Cartagena or you will give it a bad review. Then, they will give you a good tour guide. All the tour guides might be good but I think if they see the people are not listening, they shut down a little because they think the people did not want to hear. Someone in your group needs to politely but assertively say when you are ready to move on. In other words, if they are standing you somewhere to try to get you to buy things and you want to move on, TELL THEM. You are paying for a tour, you are not paying to satisfy the vendors and buy stuff. I think there is a lot of beauty and history in this walled city and the tour is worth it. We also tried "the hustle" for the much cheaper tours with a group I was with in Cartagena and the guy hardly knew any of the history and it was not good. It was worth a try but this is a case of you get what you pay for. If you pay US$30 a person, you get a crappy tour. They are asking me with this review for attraction phone number and website and I do not remember other than when it is booked thru travel advisor it's good. I go in Jan. 2023 next and I will write down the website and local phone number.Written December 11, 2022
- Ben FBloomington, Indiana1,325 contributionsWhy Else Would You Visit Cartagena??The walled city of Cartagena is a nonnegotiable place to explore and spend quality time when visiting the city as a whole. It’s iconic, colorful, rich, and full of the most fascinating history you could imagine. See my pictures to understand how truly beautiful this quarter of the city is. Note: you’ll find plenty of salespeople in the area, especially by the clock tower entrance into the walled city, who will strongly urge and beg you to let them give you tours and sell you souvenirs. I must say two things here: as far as tours go, there are actually free tour options in the walled city. Hear me out: some tours require no payment. So basically anyone who offers you a guided tour for any price, even for 100 pesos or whatever, is ripping you off. Try the free tours and at least see how you like them! Secondly, as far as the souvenirs, feel free to firmly decline their sale offers. I am still very inexperienced with price negotiating, so I decided to just refuse all the offers without arguing any lower prices. Your choice either way, depending on your comfort levels. I hope this review encourages you further to visit the walled city! It is, again, a MUST in Cartagena. Enjoy your time!!!Traveled soloWritten February 14, 2021
- MoffedillenOslo, Norway218 contributionsGorgeous old town - but please ban the cars!The historical quarter of Cartagena is one of the most pittoresque and beautiful old towns I have ever visited, and it is a pure joy to walk around there and absorb the atmosphere. However, how I would wish that cars were not allowed inside the walls. The streets are narrow, there are horses and wagons, and there is a constant honking of car horns and roaring engines, to the annoyance of everyone - drivers included. Also the rappers who keeps hounding tourists, following them on the street while rapping aggressively about them, are a constant pain in the ass. We found a balcony on the first floor of a plaza restaurant to watch the steet life from above without the hassle. Some complain about sellers and hawkers, but most of them are not aggressively insistent, a simple «No Gracias» will do the trick 95% of the time.Traveled as a coupleWritten November 28, 2022
These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud.
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Mary Grace
Manteo, NC118 contributions
Jan 2023
We went on a cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Curcaco, with a stop in Catagena on RCCL on Jan 16, 2023. We did an excursion booked thru RCCL called, "Amazing Cartagena" which included a boat ride then a tour of the Old Town. "Roy" the excursion guy provided an overview of the city while we rode a bus to the boat. The boat ride was great, with local dancers in costume providing entertainment of traditional dancing. We were then to be taken to the "Old Town" of the city were we were to review local churches/monuments then....as advertised in the cruise "write up".... shop and have lunch for an hour. Roy took us to a local jewelry store that sold emeralds. If you weren't interested in emerald shopping - you were stuck in front of the store where you were horribly harrassed by local street people selling magnets and other items and very loud rappers with microphones that would get right up in your face screaming at you. Many of our group ran inside stores. An absolutely miserable experience that could of been easily resolved if ROY would have said to the group, go shop and be back at this exact location in 1 hour. But no.... we were held hostage, I'm sure at a store were he was receiving a kick-back. If you weren't interested in shopping for jewelry you were stuck in a hot dangerous environment. And we considered taking a cab back to the boat, but thank God we didn't - friends of ours almost missed the boat when it took them more than 2 hours to return because of the traffic and protest outside the cruise port.
Written January 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dmitri K
Birmingham, AL20 contributions
Aug 2022
Worth a visit for sure! I have taken a walking tour and was delightfully impressed with all the stories about the city. The easy walking tour lasted about 2 hours. Will recommend it to anyone, especially if the weather is good, but if it starts raining there are plenty of places to wait until the rain is gone. Walking tours are available during the daylight hours. During the night the Clock plaza becomes something else entirely with a bunch of partying people and lots of the ladies of the night. Not exactly children friendly atmosphere.
Written December 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Traveling With Bae
Columbus, oh 46 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
I’ll give wall city a 3 based off the amount of aggressive panhandling and selling of merchandise that goes on, on the streets. They’ll follow you for blocks. Majority of the time day or night it was uncomfortable. I’m not sure how aggressive they are with larger crowds but it was only 2 of us and it was a damper. The restaurant are plentiful the sites are beautiful our hotel was within walking distance. The average taxi ride should be no more than 10 ,000 pesos.
Written July 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
excitedtotravelmore
New York City, NY22 contributions
May 2022
We took a walking tour of the Walled City that took us to the square, the bastions, the Getsemani neighborhood and learned about the history of the Walled City. Our tour guide was friendly so he took us to different vendors selling Colombian drinks, candies, trinkets etc. Cartagena is super hot!
The Walled City has a lot of delicious restaurants, such as Carmen Cartagena and clubs to dance in. The boutique hotel we stayed in was cute, I would recommend the Hotel Santo Toribo.
The only negatives I would say about staying in the Walled City is that the vendors are a bit pushy because they want you to buy their things and can tell that you are a tourist, so you might have to say no or no, gracias a lot. I also think you can see everything the Walled City in 3 days maximum, maybe even less.
The Walled City has a lot of delicious restaurants, such as Carmen Cartagena and clubs to dance in. The boutique hotel we stayed in was cute, I would recommend the Hotel Santo Toribo.
The only negatives I would say about staying in the Walled City is that the vendors are a bit pushy because they want you to buy their things and can tell that you are a tourist, so you might have to say no or no, gracias a lot. I also think you can see everything the Walled City in 3 days maximum, maybe even less.
Written June 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jeff B
Greater Sydney, Australia14 contributions
Dec 2019
Must see destination. My son and I went to Cartagena in December. It was hot so during the day wear sunscreen, a hat and comfortable clothes. We did a free walking tour which is recommended as it is possible to see all of the walled city on foot if you have a reasonable level of fitness. Take lots of water, fluids because the sun is HOT. We also hired bikes and did a self guided cycling tour but I would not recommend Cartagena as a cycling destination. The footpaths on the waterfront are full of gaps and liable to have holes or objects whjch are cycling hazards. In other words, you have to stop often and haul your bike over gaps, h and hazards on the footpath. The road on the waterfront is very busy with traffic and not a safe place to be riding a bike (as opposed to inside the walled city where everyone walks around all day and night without problem) . That said, it is possible to ride a bike a few kilometers around inside the walled city because pedestrians have free reign. At night, try any of the many excellent restuarants and bars. Cuba 1940 is great if you like latin music but get there after 9 pm.
Written July 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Stefanie H
Lincoln, NE1,465 contributions
Sep 2022
If you are prepared for the street vendors and the heat, you will be fine. If you've spent your vacations on cruises or at all-inclusive resorts, you will be in for some culture shock. The area is very charming, with so many shops, bars, and restaurants, and we stayed in the quieter San Diego area near the Serrezuela Mall. The sidewalks are tiny, the traffic is crazy, and you will be approached constantly by vendors. This didn't really bother us, and the rappers left us alone immediately after we told them, in Spanish, that we weren't going to pay them. I think we probably enjoyed the vibe of Getsemani more, since the Walled City is very much geared toward tourists, but the architecture and charm of the Walled City can't be beat.
Written September 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Victor B
Tucson, AZ761 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
This is a very old city and as such, built a really big stone wall. Super helpful, until they invented gunpowder. That said, the remaining wall and structure which is largely intact is really impressive and very interesting. Many local artisans have set up booths in this vast circumference of the city and there are deals to be had to the successful negotiator. Bid about 60% of the “asking price” and be happy to get the item for about 70-80% of that asking price. Note , it is expected that there will be a negotiated price so do not pay the initial price. This is also true of cabs!!! Do not start the trip until your payment price is locked, and again, it should be well below what they first offer. Walk away and you will see what they say!
Written February 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Susan N Bill S
Honolulu, HI226 contributions
Jan 2020
In spite of visiting Cartagena on a previous cruise we elected to take a carriage tour of the Walled City. There is something charming and fascinating when veiwing an old colonial spanish city from a horse drwan carriage. The old buildings combined with the colonial balconies and multicolored facade only added to the overall experience. We were fortunate in that we booked this tour through our travel agent at Vacations-to-go rather than the one offered by the cruise line - our tour was private. The guide met us at the port and transported us to our meeting point with the carriage. He stayed with us throughout the tour adding color commentary as we visited his city. The buildings with their balconies festooned with a colorful array of tropical flowers made our visit nearly perfect. His extensive knowledge of the city's history and his fluent english made well worth the ost.
Written January 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kimberly M
20 contributions
Jun 2022 • Solo
This was my 2nd time going to the Walled City and I must say that it is much more lively in the later afternoon. The first time I went I toured as part of a cruise excursion which was done in the morning. The streets, houses, shops, etc. are beautiful. There are plenty of restaurants and food vendors, etc. You can take tour the area in a horse drawn carriage or walk. You will not be able to drive as the streets are extremely narrow and many are blocked off to cars. There is music, art and many sites to see. If you are able to take a walking tour, do so as the history of the area is very fascinating.
Written June 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Stephen D
Vancouver, Canada98 contributions
Dec 2021
Cartagena is a really fun city to visit it has beautiful building an amazing location to watch the sunset. Shopping is fun the only issue is all the people hassling you to buy something. It is very annoying when sitting outside patio.
Written January 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
I would like to do a private full day tour of all the Jewish heritage sites is there such an excursion?
Dmitri K
Birmingham, AL20 contributions
It's possible, but you should talk directly with the guides that are congregating in the main place (clock tower plaza)
Is it possible to do the course in english?
pablo d
7 contributions
Yes, Mr. Duran is completely fluent in English
Existe algún estacionamiento cercano a la Ciudad Amurallada?
Cesar Cuartas
Bogota, Colombia10 contributions
Hola, claro que si , al lado de la ciudad amurallada hay un parqueo vigilado , y puedes dejar ahí tu carro todo el día. Obvio que tiene un costo , pero no es mucho.
Me gustaria saber si es seguro viajar a Cartagena en este momento que se encuentran en protestas porque tengo un viaje programado para Junio 8. Gracias
Bernadette B
Chicago, IL146 contributions
Is it easy to get a taxi or uber from the walled city? How are the mosquitoes in November?
Xenia
Hartford, CT21 contributions
Taxis are plentiful and inexpensive, but you must negotiate a price before getting in. There are no meters and they will charge you twice as much if you don’t negotiate. Ubers are illegal. Few mosquitoes because of the sea breeze.
Victor S
Costa Rica
Alguno tiene el contacto Ara saber de los precios de tour en Cartagena ya, que en rnis días gracias
SantinoP
Buenos Aires, Argentina10 contributions
Hola, hice 2 tour en Cartagena. Uno fue con una "audioguia" visitando lugares emblemáticos de Gabo. En caso de que te decida por este te recomiendo hacerlo en las últimas horas de la tarde pues, recorrer las calles y lugares, con el calor se hace casi insoportable. Y también hicimos un tour por la ciudad que termina en el Fuerte. Interesante. OJO con la subida a pié hacia el Fuerte. Ahí también cuidado con la temperatura y el Sol. En cuanto al costo creo eran entre 15 y 30 dolares cada una.
how busy is it over christmas? are attractions open?
JuanManuelPardo
Cartagena, Colombia5 contributions
The time between Christmas and the first week of Jan is the top top season in Cartagena. Lots of tourists and things to do. Special activities at the beach. Everything is open, except on Dec 25th and Jan 1st.
glin930
Rego Park, NY22 contributions
Hi, my wife and I are arriving at Cartagena in November via Princess cruise. The ship docks from 7am to 3pm. We plan to visit Old City, Fortress, and La Popa by taking local taxi. A couple of questions:
1) Which place we should head out first then next?
2) Does taxi takes USD? I assume they will speak English? How much is a typical taxi fare?
3) I believe La Popa and Fortress I need to pay admission fees. Do they take USD?
Thanks
fyiNYC
New York City, NY153 contributions
I don't know the cost of taxis from the cruise ship dock, but I was able to use Uber in Cartagena. The rides were affordable and efficient. And, with Uber, language isn't an issue! I didn't visit La Popa, but did go to the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas Fortess. There is a fee payable by credit card or local currency. Frankly, unless you have a strong interest in seeing it, you may want to skip it. The views are nice, but there isn’t much to see at the site, there’s no shade and it's quite a climb. Instead, consider spending your limited time seeing all parts of the gorgeous walled city, allowing time to take a few drink breaks from the heat.
Audrey L
Tonnerre, France6 contributions
Bonjour , je vais aller visite les murailles .
Ou demander au taxi de nous arrêter au mieux pour faire les murailles et le centre historique ?
Merci
Jennifer Toro
Tampa, FL10 contributions
Salut! utiliser google :) mon conseil est d'arriver à la ville fortifiée en demandant au taxi de vous laisser à la porte de l'horloge.
La ville fortifiée a un charme multicolore jour et nuit, c'est magique. bienvenue !!!
Camila C
Ipiales, Colombia
Hola, dentro de una semana viajo. Cartagena, estoy interesada en los tours por favor mayor información. Gracias
Jimena U
Buenos Aires, Argentina119 contributions
Hola! Te pasó algunos datos
Desde el muelle hay varias compañías que hacen el tour Islas del Rosario y Baru... muy recomendado desde 40.000 pesos colombianos (solo traslado) hasta 120.000 pesos colombianos con almuerzo
Desde allí mismo salen hacia otros destinos que está bueno recorrerlos dependiendo la cantidad de días
En la Ciudad de Cartagena se puede contratar el Hop on Hop Off que incluye un city tour gratuito por la ciudad amurallada muy recomendable
El castillo de San Felipe se puede recorrer tranquilamente sin tour
Saludos!
Walled City of Cartagena - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Walled City of Cartagena
- Walled City of Cartagena is open:
- Sun - Sat 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
- We recommend booking Walled City of Cartagena tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 76 Walled City of Cartagena tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Walled City of Cartagena:
- City Sightseeing Cartagena Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour (From $15.00)
- Walking Tour Cartagena Old City with Gold Museum and Plaza de Bolivar (From $65.00)
- Panoramic & Shopping for Cruises en Español (From $55.00)
- Private City Tour of Cartagena (From $110.00)
- City Sightseeing Cartagena Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour Shore Excursion (From $15.00)
- Hotels near Walled City of Cartagena:
- (0.03 mi) Modern Suite Ganem
- (0.10 mi) San Pedro Hotel Spa
- (0.13 mi) Hotel Casa Gloria
- (0.09 mi) Old Town Premium B&B
- (0.08 mi) Old Town San Diego Hostel
- Restaurants near Walled City of Cartagena:
- (0.03 mi) Bastion Bistro
- (0.03 mi) Andrés Carne de Res Cartagena
- (0.04 mi) Jardin Cavaletos
- (0.07 mi) Restaurante Cande
- (0.10 mi) La Vieja Guardia Fish&Beer
- Attractions near Walled City of Cartagena:
- (0.03 mi) Andrés Cartagena
- (0.09 mi) Cartagena Connections Walking Tours
- (0.04 mi) La Serrezuela
- (0.13 mi) Backpackers
- (0.14 mi) Cartagena Concierge