# WALLED CITY OF CARTAGENA 7 
Encircled by thick coral stone walls, this UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases Cartagena’s colonial splendor, with its pastel-hued buildings, cobblestone streets, and vibrant plazas.
Once a fortified enclave against invasions, today it brims with cultural landmarks like the Palace of the Inquisition, charming cafes, and boutique hotels.
City District 🌍 World Heritage Site: since 1984
by Ivonne Correa / CC BY-SA 3.0
# SAN FELIPE DE BARAJAS FORTRESS 6 
This iconic fortress, strategically perched on San Lázaro Hill, represents the pinnacle of Spanish military engineering in the Americas, constructed to defend Cartagena from relentless pirate and naval attacks during the 17th century.
Its maze-like tunnels, imposing walls, and commanding views over the city highlight its critical role in safeguarding the colonial treasure route.
Fortress 🌍 World Heritage Site: since 1984
by Martin St-Amant/ CC BY-SA 3.0
# Barrio Getsemani 5 
Once a humble working-class neighborhood, Getsemaní has transformed into Cartagena’s cultural hub, renowned for its colorful murals, bustling plazas, and dynamic nightlife.
Visitors can enjoy lively street performances, authentic local cuisine, and a blend of modern creativity with traditional roots.
by Bernard Gagnon / CC BY-SA 4.0
# Convento de San Pedro Claver 5
The Convento de San Pedro Claver is a historic Jesuit site commemorating a saint’s advocacy for enslaved Africans, blending history, art, and reflection.
Its baroque architecture, serene cloisters, and attached museum tell the story of Claver’s legacy and Cartagena’s colonial past.
by Jacir / CC BY-SA 3.0
# San Diego District 5
The San Diego District is a tranquil, historic neighborhood showcasing colonial charm, cultural attractions, and romantic settings.
The district offers a quieter yet equally picturesque alternative to the bustling Centro area, attracting visitors with its romantic ambiance and cultural richness.
by Kamilokardona / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Beaches 5
Cartagena’s beaches, stretching along the Caribbean coastline, include urban favorites like Bocagrande and Castillogrande and idyllic islands such as Playa Blanca and the Rosario Islands.
While city beaches offer lively atmospheres with restaurants and water sports, the offshore islands provide tranquil, turquoise waters ideal for relaxation and snorkeling.
Beaches Water Temperature: all year 27-29° C
by Bernard Gagnon / CC BY-SA 4.0
# Palace of the Inquisition 5
The Palace of the Inquisition, an iconic baroque building in Cartagena’s historic center, served as a tribunal during the Spanish Inquisition and now houses a museum.
Visitors can explore exhibits showcasing artifacts, torture instruments, and historical documents, offering insight into colonial-era justice and persecution. Its striking architecture and historical significance make it a sobering yet fascinating cultural landmark.
by Mariordo / CC BY-SA 4.0
# La Popa Convent 5
Perched on the highest hill in Cartagena, La Popa Convent offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city, its coastline, and surrounding landscapes.
Founded in the early 17th century, the convent features a charming courtyard, a chapel adorned with religious art, and a statue of the Virgin of La Candelaria, Cartagena’s patron saint.
Convent 🇪🇸 Convento de Santa Cruz de la Popa
by Munigarro / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Plaza de Bolívar 4 
Plaza de Bolívar, a verdant square in Cartagena’s old town, is surrounded by significant landmarks such as the Cathedral and the Palace of the Inquisition.
This historical and cultural hub features a statue of Simón Bolívar, shaded benches, and a lively atmosphere reflecting Cartagena’s colonial heritage.
by Marcin Gwizdon / CC BY-SA 3.0
#10 | Museo Naval Del Caribe 4
The Museo Naval del Caribe, located in Cartagena's historic center, is a museum dedicated to the region's maritime and naval history.
Spanning two floors, it features exhibits on Spanish colonial naval expeditions, pirate invasions, and Colombia’s modern navy, along with interactive displays and historical artifacts.
by Kamilokardona / CC BY-SA 3.0
#11 | Plaza de los Coches 4
Plaza de los Coches, a vibrant and historic square at the entrance of Cartagena’s old town, was once a marketplace for enslaved people during colonial times.
Today, it features the iconic Torre del Reloj (Clock Tower), colorful colonial arcades, and a bustling atmosphere with vendors selling sweets in the famous Portal de los Dulces.
by Bernd Lutz / CC BY-SA 3.0
Rosario Islands 6
A dazzling archipelago of 27 coral islands located off Cartagena’s coast, the Rosario Islands boast crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine biodiversity, and pristine beaches, offering visitors a chance to snorkel, dive, or simply relax in a tropical paradise. Traveling by boat from Cartagena to the islands typically takes about one hour.
27 Coral Islands Distance from Cartagena: 20 km (12 miles) southwest
by Jorge Láscar / CC BY-SA 2.0
San Basilio de Palenque 5
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity), San Basilio de Palenque is the first free African community in the Americas, preserving a unique cultural legacy through its language, music, and traditions.
A visit to San Basilio includes exploring its cultural landmarks, such as the monument to Benkos Biohó, a leader of enslaved resistance, and interacting with community members who serve as living custodians of their heritage.
Palenque Village 🌍 World Heritage Site: since 2005 | Distance from Cartagena: 50 km / 31 miles
by Wehwalt / CC BY-SA 3.0