A First Timer’s Guide to the Best 3-Day Cartagena Itinerary

Have you ever dreamed of wandering through a city bursting with color, colonial charm, and the kind of warmth that makes you feel welcome instantly? If so, it’s time to turn that daydream into reality with this ultimate 3-day Cartagena itinerary designed specifically for first time visitors and to help you experience the very best of Colombia’s Caribbean gem.

From rainbow-painted streets and historic plazas to rooftop sunsets and unforgettable food, my 3-day Cartagena itinerary is perfectly paced for travelers who want to see a lot without feeling rushed. Whether it’s your first visit or a long-awaited return, Cartagena delivers charm, culture, and energy in every corner.

Start planning your ideal getaway with this flexible 3 day Cartagena itinerary, complete with a sample itinerary put together by me and easy to customize based on your travel style, budget, and how relaxed (or packed) you want your days to be.

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• 18 Best Things to Do in Cartagena, Colombia for Every Traveler

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3-Day Cartagena Itinerary at a Glance

Short on time? Here are my top picks for the best boutique hotels for your 3-day Cartagena itinerary:

• Hotel Capellan de Getsemani (Getsemaní) – A stylish yet affordable boutique stay in Cartagena’s artsy neighborhood, ideal for travelers who want character, walkability, and nightlife right outside the door.
• Ananda Boutique Hotel (Walled City) – A charming boutique hotel with colonial architecture and a relaxed courtyard vibe, offering a comfortable, central stay inside Cartagena’s historic walls.
• Oz Luxury Hotel Bocagrande (Bocagrande) – A sleek, modern high-rise hotel with ocean views and contemporary design, perfect for travelers who want beach access and a more resort-style feel.
• Casa San Agustin (Walled City) – One of Cartagena’s most luxurious boutique hotels, combining restored colonial mansions, impeccable service, and a serene courtyard pool for an elevated stay.

Best Time to Visit for Your 3-Day Cartagena Itinerary

Cartagena has always been such a bucket list destination for me which is why I was so excited when I finally got the chance to visit last December – specifically the week in between Christmas and New Year’s. If you plan to go during this time, just know that it is BEYOND crowded and all the streets will be super busy (I guess that’s my own fault but I wanted to take advantage of the winter break from work so it was still worth it in my opinion).

They say the best time to visit Cartagena is during the dry season, from December to March, when the temperature is pleasant, warm, and there’s little to no rain. This is definitely true but I highly recommend visiting in the earlier months of the year if you want to avoid the crowds. Visiting later in the year is also an option as hotel and airfare tend to be a bit more cost effective around fall.

Getting Around During Your 3-Day Cartagena Itinerary

My trip to Cartagena was the first time I ever stepped foot in South America so I wanted to take all the precautions necessary as a solo female traveler. I only had three days so I knew I wanted to make the most of it.

I flew United Airlines from San Francisco to Cartagena and didn’t land until 10pm. Since it was so late, I wanted to make sure I had transportation arranged so I booked a private transfer from GetYourGuide for $30 USD. The pickup was seamless and there was a driver holding a sign with my name on it as soon as I got out of immigration.

I highly recommend this as a hassle-free way to leave the airport. The service was so good I even booked it again for the way back to the airport just for peace of mind.

Once in Cartagena, I mainly relied on my own two feet to get around. The city is flat and extremely walkable. Again, I was a bit nervous that I’d feel uncomfortable walking around by myself but I really didn’t feel unsafe at any point.

There was the typical street vendor harassment here and there, but honestly it was nothing compared to Morocco. Some of my other friends told me that they got it much worse though so maybe they just left me alone for some reason or my RBF (resting bitch face) was strong enough to make me unapproachable by these vendors.

General Tips and Recommendations for Your 3-Day Cartagena Itinerary

LANGUAGE – I don’t speak an ounce of Spanish and found that a lot of locals don’t speak English. You’ll still be fine and able to get around, but it never hurts to start practicing a few basic Spanish phrases before visiting. Personally, I’ve been using Duolingo and love the way it teaches through bite-sized lessons.

WALKING TOURS – I highly recommend booking a walking tour around the Walled City or the nearby neighborhood of Getsemani. A lot of locals make their wages by offering bilingual walking tours and I thought it was a fun and interactive way to learn about the history of Cartagena!

CURRENCY – While credit cards are widely accepted, having some Colombian pesos on hand can be practical, especially in smaller establishments or local markets.

Top Boutique Hotels to Book for Your 3-Day Cartagena Itinerary

Cartagena is SUCH a haven for cute, trendy, aesthetic boutique hotels which as you know, are my personal kryptonite. Which is why I’m so sad I personally didn’t get to stay in one this time but can tell you that I’ve done extensive research on the hotels that I would’ve stayed at had I not gone by myself (I usually hold myself to a tighter budget when I travel alone because it just doesn’t make sense to spend a lot on a hotel if I can’t truly enjoy all the amenities).

First, I’ll start by sharing where I stayed which is this no-frills airbnb in Getsemani. It was a private room in a shared house and it had everything I needed for 72 hours in the city! The place was clean, quiet, had a working AC, and good water pressure. What else can you ask for? Besides all that, the best part of it was actually the location and price. It’s located in the heart of Getsemani but you can’t hear any of the crazy noise at night.

Now if I hadn’t been traveling alone and had opted for my usual standard of boutique hotels, these are definitely the top boutique hotels in Cartagena I would’ve chosen to stay at during my 3-day Cartagena itinerary:

• Hotel Capellan de Getsemani (Getsemaní) – A stylish yet affordable boutique stay in Cartagena’s artsy neighborhood, ideal for travelers following a 3-day Cartagena itinerary who want walkability, culture, and nightlife right outside the door.
• Ananda Boutique Hotel (Walled City) – A charming boutique hotel with colonial architecture and a relaxed courtyard vibe, making it a comfortable and central base for a 3-day Cartagena itinerary inside the historic walls.
• Oz Luxury Hotel Bocagrande (Bocagrande) – A sleek, modern high-rise hotel with ocean views and contemporary design, well-suited for a 3-day Cartagena itinerary that balances beach time with city exploring.
• Casa San Agustin (Walled City) – One of Cartagena’s most luxurious boutique hotels, blending restored colonial mansions, exceptional service, and a serene courtyard pool, perfect for an elevated 3-day Cartagena itinerary.

Ananda Boutique Hotel: Ananda Boutique Hotel definitely would’ve been my top choice based on a combination of price, design, location, and the pool area. I also think Casa San Agustin (which I also included on this list) gets enough praise as it is on social and I think Ananda is totally up to par with Casa San Agustin. My favorite part about this hotel is the amount of exposed brick, natural textures, and delicious onsite Mediterranean restaurant. This centrally located gem is perfect for those seeking a relaxed yet sophisticated escape in the heart of Cartagena.

Casa San Agustin: This hotel is usually the first reason that makes people want to travel to Cartagena – Casa San Agustin is very much the epitome of what blending luxury with colonial charm looks like. I know it already gets so much praise on social media (it’s well-deserve imo), but Casa San Agustin truly offers a luxurious and unforgettable stay in the heart of Cartagena’s walled city.

Hotel Capellan de Getsemani: I know a lot of people recommend staying in the walled city, but as someone that stayed in Getsemani – I absolutely recommend a hotel in the lively bordering neighborhood of Getsemani. Hotel Capellan de Getsemani features a refreshing plunge pool, indoor spa, and a vibey rooftop restaurant/bar. Plus, you’ll be closer to all the most instagrammable photo spots which include rainbow houses and streets filled with umbrellas and colorful flags hanging overhead.

Oz Luxury Hotel Bocagrande: In addition to my airbnb, I actually did manage to stay at this hotel for one night. As mentioned earlier, I arrived into Cartagena pretty late and didn’t want to deal with the potential hassle of not being able to get into an airbnb so I booked this hotel and was very happy with the choice. I was headed out on a day trip to the islands so this was only a ~5min walk away from where I had to board the boat.

The Oz Luxury Hotel in Bocagrande had comfortable rooms, gorgeous bathrooms, and breathtaking ocean views. Don’t let the name trick you into thinking this is some crazy luxurious hotel because it’s actually very affordable. Make sure to make time for breakfast on the terrace as their coffee and food was delicious.

Oh, I also received refreshing mango smoothie upon check-in which was an unexpected added touch.

I highly recommend booking this hotel if you plan to explore Bocagrande or have an early departure to the islands the next day!

Where to Eat & Drink During Your 3-Day Cartagena Itinerary

When traveling, there’s nothing I love to experience more than the local food and cuisine. In fact, it’s probably one of the main things I look forward to whenever I visit somewhere new. This was my first time visiting South America so I had no idea what to expect but was really blown away by everything I ate in Cartagena. These were some of my favorite coffee shops and restaurants in Cartagena!

Where to get coffee & brunch during your 3-Day Cartagena Itinerary

Época Cafe – This was hands down the best iced cappuccino I’ve ever had in my entire life (and I have had a LOT of coffee in my lifetime). I rarely visit a place twice when I travel but I came here both mornings in a row during my visit and ordered the same exact thing – that’s how good it was.

Ábaco Café y Libros – Located in the historic center, Ábaco Café y Libros is a charming little book store that also acts as a coffee shop. It’s a great place for a quick afternoon caffeine fix and to escape from the heat.

Ely Café Bocagrande – Ely Café Bocagrande is a super trendy coffee shop known for its delicious brunch options and upscale atmosphere. With a menu featuring everything from avocado toast to eggs Benedict, and a stylish setting with exposed brick walls and lush greenery, it’s the perfect place to relax and refuel before (or after) exploring the city.

Best lunch restaurants to try during your 3-Day Cartagena Itinerary

Buena Vida Marisquería – A rooftop restaurant in the heart of the city, serving fresh seafood and delicious cocktails. I ordered the traditional ceviché and was blown away by how fresh it tasted! This place definitely fills up for lunch so I would recommend making a reservation or coming right when they open for brunch.

Carmen Cartagena – Probably one of the most popular restaurants in Cartagena which is why I’m suggesting it for lunch, although it’s also a wonderful dinner spot but it’s almost impossible to get in. I was honestly surprised at how many places in Cartagena needed a reservation in advance – I’ve generally never had a problem with getting a table when I travel alone but Carmen was a different story. It’s definitely worth the wait though – the menu is super creative, the cocktails are on point, and the service is impeccable – I highly recommend going with the 7 or 9 course tasting menu and making sure you save room for dessert because their Chocolate Pot de crème is to die for.

Best dinner restaurants to try during your 3-Day Cartagena Itinerary

Restaurante Candé – Having been open for more than a decade, this restaurant proudly showcases Cartagena’s culture through its diverse menu featuring fresh seafood, traditional rice dishes, and unique meats like ram or rabbit.

For only $30 USD, I ordered a delicious Pisco Sour and the Cazuela De Mariscos Boquillera — which is a seafood stew filled with lobster, prawns, snails, squid, shrimp and mussels. The dish also came with coconut rice and fried plantains. Everything was seriously so good and it’s crazy to think that a meal like this back home would cost 3x as much.

Caffé Lunatico – If you haven’t already, you should definitely visit the nearby neighborhood of Getsemani which is where Caffé Lunatico is located. I got lucky and stumbled upon this place by accident only because it was located 2 blocks away from my airbnb but I’m so glad I did.

The restaurant serves Spanish style tapas and everything is super flavorful and not to mention, affordable. They also offer nightly cooking classes where they teach you to make a variety of traditional Colombian dishes – I took a class on my last night and it was such a fun way to meet people while eating delicious food. I think they also offer a rum and chocolate tasting which sounds fun but I don’t think I could do a full tasting of just rum lol.

Top Things to Do & Places to Visit for Your 3-Day Cartagena Itinerary

Cartagena is a truly an open book waiting to be explored. It’s one of those destinations where you can either decide to see everything in two days or take it slow and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of Colombia’s Caribbean coast. I personally decided to do a mix of both – since I like having a healthy mix of beach and city life during my vacations. Whatever your travel style, here’s a list of some fun things to do while exploring Ciudad Amurallada (aka the walled city).

#1: Join a walking tour and learn about the history of Cartagena

This $12 shared walking tour around the historic center and into Getsemani was a perfect way for me to learn more about the history of Cartagena. My guide, Wendy, was very knowledgeable and the whole tour took around ~3 hours. We learned about the conquest of Cartagena, the history behind all the walls of the city, and how life has transformed since. Pro tip – bring lots of water and try to go as early as possible in the morning. I made a mistake by booking the afternoon tour and I was drenched in sweat at the end – I also recommend booking accommodation with a pool so you can go back to your hotel and immediately cool off with a swim.

There’s also an option for a free walking tour with tips greatly appreciated.

#2: Escape for a day trip to the nearby Tierra Bomba or Rosario Islands

I’m a sucker for a good beach day which is why I booked my trip to Cartagena in the first place. I knew it would be the perfect mix of beach and city life. There are a bunch of day tours that depart from Cartgena and sail to the nearby islands such as Rosario Islands, Isla Baru, Isla Grande, Tierra Bomba, and more. There’s even one option that takes you to see 5 islands in an entire day!

I knew I didn’t want to jump around a lot so I did some research and decided on booking a day pass at Makani Luxury Resort located on Tierra Bomba island. They offer different tiers of passes but I chose the most basic one which cost $60 USD and included a welcome drink, roundtrip transportation by speedboat, a towel, and a reserved sun lounger by the pool. You basically send them a text by Whatsapp to reserve after paying online. I was a bit nervous about finding the meeting point for the boat, but it was extremely easy and all the logistics were seamless. I even met a guy that said he was there for the 2nd day in a row! I think a tour also could’ve been fun but I knew I just wanted to lay around in the sun and not be rushed.

#3: Go shopping and support local artisans

One of my favorite things to do overseas is check out the local boutiques, shops, and craft markets. Cartagena is such a haven for one-of-a-kind woven bags, beautiful handmade pottery, colorful trinkets, and more. The best thing about shopping local is knowing that not only do your purchases go towards supporting the local economy, but they also end up being wonderful souvenirs from your adventure in Cartagena.

#4: Enjoy a Hop On Hop Off Tour around Cartagena

Yes – I know what you’re thinking. A Hop-On Hop-Off Tour is easily one of the most touristy things you can do in any city and while that’s true, I’m here to tell you that the one around Cartagena was totally worth the $15 and was better than most buses I’ve ridden. The main reason being that it takes you all the way to Bocagrande so it’s a great way of hitching a ride to the beach while cruising through the streets and seeing all the key landmarks. Cartagena is also pretty small so there aren’t a million different routes to take (like in London for example) so it’s a nice way to spend ~2 hours of the day. Plus – it was SO HOT outside that I enjoyed just sitting with the breeze on my face on the upper deck.

#5: Wander through the colorful streets of Getsemani

You’ve heard me talk nonstop now about Getsemani and it’s because I really enjoyed this neighborhood. There’s just so much history, unique street art, hidden photography spots, delicious street food, and it’s known for having the best nightlife scene in Cartagena. In addition to spending the day here, I recommend going bar-hopping in this neighborhood for incredible cocktails (The Rum Box), live music, and mingling with the locals.

#6: Uncover the story of Colombian Emeralds at the Caribe Jewelry Museum & Factory

Did you know that Colombia is responsible for 80% of the world’s export of emeralds? Me neither until I visited the Caribe Jewelry Museum & Factory. It’s free to visit and doesn’t take longer than ~45min so I highly recommend this for anyone interested in learning more about the intricate process of mining and cutting emeralds and the cultural significance of these stones in Colombia.

After you walk through a few of the rooms in the museum, you end up in the final room which is the jewelry store itself. There, someone will show you a few different pieces of jewelry behind the glass.

The salespeople are not pushy or aggressive about it which was nice so I took a quick look and walked out shortly after – but not before regretting the fact that I didn’t buy this simple gold ring that I saw while I was in there.

(I literally still think about this ring to the day and am so mad I didn’t just buy it).

#7: Learn the secrets of Colombian cuisine with a cooking class

What better way to truly experience Colombia than through the food itself? There are quite a few options for cooking classes around Cartagena but my recommendation is for the one I mentioned earlier – the class that takes place at Caffé Lunatico (hosted by Lunático Cooking Studio). I’ve taken a lot of cooking classes before but this one was definitely up there in terms of expertise, professionalism, and taste. I don’t think I’ll ever make coconut rice as good as this ever again! Plus, after you’re done – you can go directly to their rooftop bar for drinks before having an unforgettable night on the town around the rest of the Getsemani neighborhood!

Sample 3-Day Cartagena Itinerary

Check out my sample Cartagena itinerary below ⬇️

Day 1

· Época Cafe (coffee/brunch)
· Walking tour around El Centro (activity)
· Hotel Movich (lunch and rooftop cocktails)
· Naval + Emerald Museum (activity)
· Restaurant Candé (dinner w/ live music)
· El Barón (craft cocktails)

Day 2

· Mila Pasteleria (pastries/brunch)
· Walking tour around Getsemani (activity)
· ALMA Restaurante + Bar (lunch/drinks)
· Hop on Hop off tour (activity)
· Caffé Lunatico (dinner)
· Alquímico (cocktails/drinks)

Day 3

· Buena Vida Marisquería (early brunch)
· Day Trip to Tierra Bomba Island/Makani Luxury Resort (activity)
· Carmen Cartagena (dinner)
· El Arsenal: The Rum Box (cocktails/drinks)
· Demente Bar Tapas (cocktails/drinks)

Looking for more things to do and places to see in Cartagena?

Check out my complete list of 18 Best Things to Do in Cartagena, Colombia for Every Traveler

Visiting other parts of South America?

Check out my other travel guides on South America here.

Looking for travel inspiration to somewhere else?

Check out all my international travel guides here!