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Guide for Spending 48 Hours in Cartagena
Frequently, many travellers only have two days for discovering a new city. That's why we bring you a list of things to do in Cartagena in 48 hours.
Many travelers only have two days (sometimes three when there is a holiday) to travel outside the high vacation season. Many have wondered what to do in Cartagena on a weekend.
That’s why it is essential to have a guide to make the most of your time and plan the route carefully so as not to miss anything at the destination. In large destinations, rich and diverse in activities, such as Cartagena, planning can be a bit more complicated due to the number of options available.
The flight and hotel search engine, Viajala, has prepared an itinerary with the best activities to enjoy 48 hours in the walled city. So, if you were planning a getaway to the capital of Bolívar, make sure to consider this route.
Day 1: The best of Cartagena
Thanks to its climate and proximity to the sea, surely the first thing that motivates you to travel to Cartagena are the beaches. But since you have so little time, we suggest you save your day in the sun for later, this way you will be able to enjoy one of Cartagena’s most beautiful attractions without being too tired: the Historic Center.
In the morning, after breakfast, you can start your tour through the streets of one of the most beautiful historic centers in the country. The options of what to do are many, but Viajala recommends at least these:
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The Clock Tower, considered by BBC Travel as one of the 5 most beautiful clock towers in the world.
- El Portal de Dulces, located in the Plaza de los Coches, a place where you can taste the best traditional sweets of the city.
- Plaza Santo Domingo, the liveliest place in the Historic Center, both day and night. There you will find actors, musicians, dancers and other artists performing next to the Santo Domingo church, and the sculpture “Gertrudis” by master Fernando Botero.
- San Pedro Claver Parish, known for being the residence of the Jesuit priest who dedicated his life in the city, since 1615, to protecting slaves, defending human rights, and fighting for freedom.
After this first tour, it’s probably already time for lunch. Very close by you will find places with exquisite food.
If you don’t know which one to choose, we suggest Celele, Mila, Carmen, La Cocina de Socorro, Interno, El Gobernador, María, Alma, Marea… the options are endless. After lunch, continue your tour at the famous Castillo de San Felipe, whose military structure is considered one of the 7 Wonders of Colombia.
Inside you will find tunnels, galleries, parade grounds, slopes, traps, and escape routes that will undoubtedly transport you back in time. The tour lasts between 2 and 3 hours.
Before finishing your walk through the Historic Center, don’t forget to visit the Zenú Gold Museum. Of all the museums in Cartagena, this is one of the best, as it holds wonderful collections of gold and ceramic objects from major pre-Columbian cultures.
During the tour, you will learn more about this ancient culture through more than 500 pieces of goldsmithing, ceramics, lithics, shells, and even bone.
Finally, every traveler in Cartagena should end their first night with a good dose of dance and music. And there’s no better place for this than the famous Getsemaní neighborhood. Enjoy the best of the coastal party at Bazurto Social Club, and dance to the best rhythms of champeta, cumbia, and porro.
Day 2: Enjoy the best beaches of the coast
Now, the moment you’ve been waiting for. Since you explored the best of Cartagena on day 1, now you can relax on its beautiful nearby beaches.
Barú beach and the rest of the Rosario Islands are the best options to spend an unforgettable sunny day. The fastest way to get there is by taking a boat at the dock.
If you don’t want to think too much on your second day, another option is to book a tour that takes care of everything for you. From taking you to the islands and arranging activities, to handling meals and bringing you back to the city. Many agencies offer these services. It all depends on your budget.
Once you decide whether to go on your own or book a tour, you must also decide whether you want to spend the whole day on the beaches or just stay for a couple of hours.
If you decided to stay only a couple of hours, and then return to the city to continue enjoying Cartagena, we suggest visiting Las Bóvedas. This is a complex of old dungeons that now house a wide variety of handicraft and antique shops. The perfect place to buy a souvenir from your trip to Cartagena.
These are just some of the activities that La Heroica has to offer. However, if possible, we recommend staying a few more days, or coming back.
