# Cartagena, Colombia travel guide

> Colombia's crown jewel — a UNESCO-listed walled city where Caribbean beaches, colonial grandeur, and vibrant nightlife collide.

Source: Wanderlust App — https://www.wanderlustapp.io/city/cartagena-colombia
Last updated: 2026-06-25

Wanderlust rates Cartagena, Colombia with overall livability 3.2/5, safety 2.5/5, cost 4/5, internet 1.236842105263158/5, leisure 4.5/5 (data updated 2026-06-25).

## Overview

Cartagena de Indias sits on Colombia's Caribbean coast, its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Walled City a labyrinth of candy-colored mansions, bougainvillea-draped balconies, and cobblestone plazas steeped in 16th-century history. Beyond the ramparts, Getsemaní pulses with street art and salsa bars, while turquoise waters beckon just offshore at the Rosario Islands. A blossoming culinary scene, legendary nightlife, and a year-round tropical climate make it Colombia's most visited coastal destination.

## Wanderlust scores

- Overall livability: 3.2/5
- Safety: 2.5/5 (higher is safer)
- Cost of living: 4/5 (affordability — higher is cheaper)
- Internet: 47 Mbps median speed
- Leisure: 4.5/5
- Air quality: 3.5/5 (higher is cleaner)
- Wanderlust global rank: #1014

## Practical information

- Country: Colombia
- Region: Latin America
- Population: 871,175.03
- Best time to visit: December to March is peak season with dry, sunny skies and temperatures around 27–30°C — ideal for beaches and outdoor exploring. February and March offer the best mix of great weather and slightly thinner crowds.
- Currency: Colombian Peso (COP)
- Primary language: Spanish
- Time zone: America/Bogota
- Nearest airport: Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG)

## Estimated monthly cost (USD)

| Profile | Monthly total |
| --- | --- |
| Nomad | $1,750 |
| Expat | $1,300 |
| Family | $3,066 |
| Local | $763 |

## Things to do in Cartagena

- Walled City (Centro Histórico)
- Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
- Rosario Islands & Playa Blanca
- Getsemaní Street Art & Nightlife
- Palace of the Inquisition
- Las Bóvedas
- Plaza Santo Domingo
- Naval Museum of the Caribbean

## Where to stay in Cartagena

Neighborhoods popular with visitors:

- Centro Histórico (Old Town)
- Getsemaní
- Bocagrande
- Manga
- Crespo
- Castillo Grande

## Frequently asked questions

### Is Cartagena safe for travelers?

Cartagena has a safety rating of 2.5 out of 5.

### What is the best time to visit Cartagena?

The best time to visit Cartagena is December to March is peak season with dry, sunny skies and temperatures around 27–30°C — ideal for beaches and outdoor exploring. February and March offer the best mix of great weather and slightly thinner crowds..

### What are the top things to do in Cartagena?

Top sights in Cartagena include Walled City (Centro Histórico), Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, Rosario Islands & Playa Blanca, Getsemaní Street Art & Nightlife, Palace of the Inquisition, and Las Bóvedas.

### Where should I stay in Cartagena?

Popular neighborhoods for visitors to Cartagena include Centro Histórico (Old Town), Getsemaní, Bocagrande, Manga, and Crespo.

### How expensive is Cartagena?

Cartagena has an affordability score of 4 out of 5, where 5 is most affordable.

### How much does it cost to live in Cartagena per month?

Estimated monthly costs in Cartagena are about $1,750 for a digital nomad, $1,300 for an expat, $3,066 for a family, and $763 for a local resident (USD).

### What is the nearest airport to Cartagena?

The nearest airport to Cartagena is Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG).

### What is the internet speed in Cartagena?

Cartagena has an average internet speed of 47 Mbps.

### What currency does Cartagena use?

The currency used in Cartagena is Colombian Peso (COP).

### What language is spoken in Cartagena?

The primary language spoken in Cartagena is Spanish.

### What time zone is Cartagena in?

Cartagena is in the America/Bogota time zone.

## More from Wanderlust

- Full guide with photos, maps and reviews: https://www.wanderlustapp.io/city/cartagena-colombia
- Plan a trip to Cartagena: https://www.wanderlustapp.io/create-a-journey?destination=Cartagena
- This city's data as JSON: https://www.wanderlustapp.io/api/public/v1/cities/cartagena-colombia

Scores are Wanderlust's own, from AI-assisted research refreshed on a rolling basis.
Cite as: Wanderlust App, "Cartagena, Colombia travel guide", https://www.wanderlustapp.io/city/cartagena-colombia