Cartagena · Colombia · Things to do
5 things to do in Cartagena with kids
The five best things to do in Cartagena with kids are looking at the flower-draped balconies in the old town, walking the coloured lanes of Getsemani, spending a day at a Caribbean beach, circling the walled city, and watching sunset from the ramparts. The old town is small and flat, so most of it works on foot, but the heat means early mornings and evenings.
What to do, in order
- 1
See the flower-draped balconies
Cartagena's old town is full of colonial houses with wooden balconies covered in bougainvillea and other flowering plants. The best streets are in the quieter blocks away from the main squares, and they are at their best in the soft light of morning. Children usually enjoy the game of spotting the most colourful one. Walk slowly, carry water, and take breaks in shaded plazas. Street vendors approach visitors often, and a polite no and a smile is normally enough. Keep phones close and avoid wandering down empty streets late at night.
- 2
Walk the colourful lanes
Getsemani, just outside the old walls, is the district for colour: murals, painted houses and small squares with cafes and street music. It is livelier than the walled city, especially in the evening around Plaza de la Trinidad, and a good place to find a relaxed family dinner. Go in the late afternoon, when the heat eases and the light is best for photographs. Look at the street art on the side streets rather than only the main lanes. Stay alert for traffic, because pavements are narrow and motorbikes pass quickly.
- 3
Hit a Caribbean beach
The city beaches are not the best, since the water is murky and crowded with sellers. For clear water, most families take a boat to the Rosario Islands, a national park about an hour by sea, or choose a beach club on Baru island. Boat days usually include lunch and snorkelling. Check what is included and how long the transfers take, because it can be a long day with little ones. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, hats and cash for extras. Choose a calm day, as seas can be choppy in the afternoon.
- 4
Wander the walled city
The old city is enclosed by thick stone walls, built over centuries by Spain to protect the port from pirates and rival powers. Inside, the streets are laid out in a grid of squares, churches and plazas, all flat and walkable. Children often like the stories of pirates and the old cannons. A horse-drawn carriage ride is a common option, though consider the heat and the animals. The castle of San Felipe de Barajas, on a hill just outside the centre, is one of the biggest Spanish forts in the Americas and is worth a visit for its tunnels.
- 5
Watch sunset from the walls
The ramparts are a wide, public walkway, and walking the western side at the end of the day is a local habit. The sky turns orange over the Caribbean, and cafes along the walls sell cold drinks. It is cooler than the streets below, and there is room for children to run, though watch the edges, because some stretches have low or no barriers. Arrive about an hour before sunset to find a seat. Pair it with dinner in the old town afterwards, and take a taxi back if it is late.
Plan it
- Best time
- December to April is the driest and most comfortable, with the busiest crowds around Christmas and New Year. May to November is wetter and more humid, with the heaviest rain usually in October. It is hot and humid all year.
- How long
- Three to four days is a good fit: a day each for the old town and Getsemani, one for a boat to the islands, and a spare day to rest from the heat.
- Getting around
- The old town and Getsemani are walkable. Use taxis or ride-hailing for the fortress, the beaches and the airport, and agree the fare first if the taxi has no meter. Book islands trips through a reputable operator or your hotel.
Good to know
- Plan sightseeing for before ten in the morning and after four. The midday heat is intense.
- Carry small amounts of local cash for vendors and tips, and keep valuables out of sight.
- Choose a hotel with a pool inside or near the old town, so kids can cool off after walking.
Frequently asked
Is Cartagena safe for families? +
The tourist areas, including the old town and Getsemani, are generally busy and well patrolled. Take normal city care: keep valuables out of sight, use official taxis, avoid empty streets after dark, and follow current government travel advice.
How many days do you need in Cartagena with kids? +
Three to four days works well. That covers the old town, Getsemani, the fortress, a boat day to the islands and a rest day. Add more if you want to extend to the coast or other parts of Colombia.
What are the best beaches near Cartagena for families? +
The Rosario Islands and Baru offer the clearest water, reached by boat or road. Beaches in the city itself are convenient but not very clear or calm, so most visitors use them for a short stop only.
What is the best time to visit Cartagena? +
December to April has the least rain and lower humidity. It is also the busiest and priciest time. The wettest months are usually October and November, with heavy afternoon showers possible.
