Explore Cartagena like a seasoned traveler, not a tourist. This vibrant Caribbean port city on Colombia’s northern coast is more than its colorful walls and Instagrammable balconies. To truly connect with its soul, you need to go beyond the postcard views.
From colonial secrets to culinary gems hidden in plain sight, these eight local insights will help you explore Cartagena with authenticity, insight, and heart.
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1. Explore Cartagena through the eyes of a Bazurto Market vendor
The heartbeat of Cartagena doesn’t pulse in the old town squares, it roars in Bazurto Market. This bustling, gritty maze of seafood stalls, fresh produce, and booming champeta music is where locals shop, cook, and live. Hire a local guide who knows the vendors personally to safely navigate this raw slice of daily life. Here, you can sample street-style ceviche and tropical fruit juice while chatting with the very people who help feed the city. If you want to explore Cartagena through its flavors and rhythms, Bazurto is your backstage pass.
2. Watch the Sunset from the Historic Walls of Baluarte de Santo Domingo (Formerly Café del Mar)
Café del Mar may no longer be operating, but the iconic spot on Cartagena’s city walls still draws both locals and travelers for its breathtaking sunset views over the Caribbean Sea. The real magic happens after the sun disappears, when most tourists leave, and the stone ramparts come alive with local rhythms. Guitars, drums, and impromptu dance circles fill the night air. If you explore Cartagena beyond the golden hour, you’ll discover a gathering place where the city’s heart still beats beneath the stars.
3. Escape the crowds in Getsemaní’s side streets
While Getsemaní is no longer the hidden gem it once was, there’s a trick to experiencing its authentic side. Skip the main plazas and explore Cartagena’s quieter corners within this bohemian neighborhood. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to stroll its mural-lined alleys, where kids play soccer, old men play dominoes, and abuelas greet you from doorways. Duck into a family-run arepa café or catch a spontaneous street performance, this is where Cartagena’s modern cultural pulse beats.
4. Explore Cartagena with Afro-Caribbean heritage in mind
Cartagena is proudly Afro-Colombian at its roots. To truly explore Cartagena, embrace its heritage. Visit the Museo de la Esclavitud in nearby San Basilio de Palenque, the first free town in the Americas, to understand the city’s deep ties to the African diaspora. Back in the city, attend a live champeta music show or a drum circle in Plaza de la Trinidad. These aren’t tourist shows, they are living traditions. Your experience becomes richer when you acknowledge the cultural forces that shaped this city.
5. Dine where the locals eat in the district La Matuna
Most visitors stick to the polished restaurants in the Walled City, but foodies who explore Cartagena deeper head to La Matuna. This less-touristy commercial district hides mom-and-pop eateries serving hearty costeño cuisine. Think coconut rice, fried mojarra fish, and rich sancocho stews. There’s no English menu, but there’s always a warm welcome. Eating here isn’t just about the flavors, it’s about engaging with Cartageneros over shared tables and stories.
6. Check out the beach clubs or take a boat to Tierra Bomba
Cartagena’s coastline is lined with flashy beach clubs, but if you’re craving something more local, hop on a fishing boat to Tierra Bomba. Just 10 minutes from the shore, this laid-back island offers peaceful beaches, rustic beach bars, and clear waters, minus the crowds and curated vibes. Ask around Castillogrande or Bocagrande piers, where friendly boat captains will take you across for a small fee. With a little Spanish and a curious spirit, you’ll explore Cartagena in its rawest, most authentic form.
7. Explore Cartagena at dawn for a different kind of magic
Before the tourist buses arrive, Cartagena is soft, hushed, and intimate. Explore Cartagena at sunrise when the air is cool, and the colonial streets echo only with the sound of church bells and birdsong. Watch shopkeepers sweep their doorways, fishermen unload their morning catch, and street vendors prepare breakfast arepas. You’ll have the city’s beauty all to yourself, a rare and unforgettable experience that feels like a whispered secret between you and Cartagena.
8. Support local artisans at the Plaza San Diego craft market
Souvenir shopping doesn’t have to mean mass-produced trinkets. Explore Cartagena’s creative spirit at Plaza San Diego’s evening craft market. Many of the artisans here come from surrounding towns, selling handwoven bags, beaded jewelry, and natural soaps made from Caribbean botanicals. Take the time to ask about their stories. Your purchase becomes a meaningful connection, not just a transaction. It’s a simple way to give back to the community and carry home something real.
Frequently asked questions
What is one must-visit place to explore Cartagena’s local culture?
If you want just one deeply local experience, head to Bazurto Market. It’s chaotic, loud, and unfiltered, but also full of life, flavor, and authenticity. With a local guide, you’ll see how Cartageneros eat, shop, and celebrate everyday life. It’s one of the few places where you can explore Cartagena far from the curated tourist routes.
Do I need to speak Spanish to explore Cartagena authentically?
While many locals speak some English in tourist zones, speaking basic Spanish greatly enhances your experience. It allows you to connect with vendors, artists, and residents on a personal level. Phrases like “¿Cuánto cuesta?” (How much is it?) or “¿Dónde queda…?” (Where is…?) go a long way when you explore Cartagena in more local areas.
How much time should I spend to truly explore Cartagena and its surroundings?
To explore Cartagena authentically, aim for at least 4 to 5 days. This gives you time to experience the Walled City, Getsemaní, Bazurto Market, nearby beaches like Tierra Bomba, and even day trips to places like San Basilio de Palenque or the Rosario Islands. Rushing through in 1–2 days only gives you the surface, real connection needs time.
Final thoughts
To explore Cartagena in the most rewarding way, let go of rigid itineraries and open yourself to spontaneity, conversation, and local insight. Cartagena isn’t just a destination, it’s a living, breathing city layered with centuries of history, joy, resilience, and rhythm. Every corner offers a story, and every smile extends an invitation. Say yes, stay curious, and the real Cartagena will reveal itself to you.