Things to Do in Centro, Cartagena

The polished walled core, with the clock tower, Plaza de la Aduana, cathedral, Bolivar square, colonial balconies, boutique hotels, and heavy daytime foot traffic.

Catedral de Santa Catalina de AlejandríaCathedral
Plaza de Santo DomingoPlaza
Museo del Oro ZenúArchaeology Museum

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Top things to do in Centro

Catedral de Santa Catalina de Alejandría
★ 4.8 · 2.6k
Cathedral★
This Spanish-style Catholic basilica built during the 16th & 17th centuries is a national monument.
Every day
7 AM – 8 PM
Website ↗Map ↗
Plaza de Santo Domingo
★ 4.6 · 10.6k
Plaza★
Bustling plaza featuring outdoor restaurants & bars, buskers, vendors & a sculpture by Botero.
Every day
12 AM – 12 AM
Map ↗
Museo del Oro Zenú
★ 4.6 · 1.3k
Archaeology Museum★
This museum focuses on pre-Columbian relics, with 600+ gold, silver & ceramic pieces on display.
Mon
Closed
Tue–Fri
9 AM – 5 PM
Sat
9 AM – 5 PM
Sun
9 AM – 2 PM
Website ↗Map ↗
Santuario de San Pedro Claver
★ 4.7 · 2.7k
Basilica★
Grand 16th-century church with a museum dedicated to its namesake, a canonized early abolitionist.
Mon–Fri
9 AM – 4:30 PM
Sat
10 AM – 4 PM
Sun
10 AM – 4 PM
Website ↗Map ↗
Iglesia de Santo Domingo
★ 4.7 · 334
Historic Church★
Built in the early 17th century, this monastery served as a training ground for Dominican friars.
Map ↗
Convento & Iglesia de San Pedro Claver
Monastery★
Named after Pedro Claver (1580-1654), a Spanish Jesuit who worked for 40 years for the rights and the wellbeing of the slaves in the city. He was beatified in 1888, and in 1985 named the patron saint of human rights. His relics are…
Monumento Torre del Reloj
★ 4.7 · 36.6k
Historic Landmark★
Dating to the 1800s, this monumental stone gateway in the city walls features a spired clocktower.
Every day
12 AM – 12 AM
Website ↗Map ↗
Joyería Santo Domingo Emerald Store Cartagena
★ 5.0 · 634
Gem Shop
A jewelry workshop and store in Cartagena, known for its tradition and passion for high-quality emeralds and handcrafted pieces.
Mon–Fri
9 AM – 7 PM
Sat
9 AM – 7 PM
Sun
9 AM – 6 PM
Website ↗Map ↗
Ábaco Libros y Café
★ 4.7 · 2.5k
Bookstore
Mainstream & specialty publications stocked floor to ceiling in quaint surrounds with a coffee bar.
Mon–Fri
9 AM – 9 PM
Sat
9 AM – 9 PM
Sun
11 AM – 9 PM
Website ↗Map ↗
Magno Chocolates Cartagena
★ 5.0 · 116
Chocolate Shop
A purveyor of fine Colombian chocolate, offering premium bars and bonbons with 24K gold.
Mon
Closed
Tue–Wed
1 PM – 8 PM
Thu–Fri
12 PM – 9 PM
Sat
12 PM – 9 PM
Sun
12 PM – 9 PM
Website ↗Map ↗
Museo Naval del Caribe
★ 4.6 · 3.8k
History Museum
Museum with exhibits on the Colombian Navy, plus the history & culture of the region.
Every day
10 AM – 6 PM
Website ↗Map ↗

Where to eat & drink in Centro

Alquimico
Top 500 bar
Cocktail Bar· COP 40–140K
Hip bar with a rooftop terrace serving inventive cocktails, sandwiches, seafood & meat plates.
Mon
7 PM – 2 AM
Tue
2:30 PM – 2 AM
Wed
7 PM – 2 AM
Thu–Fri
7 PM – 3 AM
Sat
7 PM – 3 AM
Sun
7 PM – 2 AM
Website ↗Map ↗
El Barón
Top 500 bar
Cocktail Bar· COP 40–120K
A classic cocktail bar located in San Pedro Claver Square, offering cocktails and gastronomy for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.
Mon–Thu
4 PM – 12:30 AM
Fri
10 AM – 1:30 AM
Sat
10 AM – 1:30 AM
Sun
10 AM – 12:30 AM
Website ↗Book ↗Map ↗
KGB Cartagena
Pub
In the middle of one of South America's most historic walled cities lies a bar with an enormous collection of Soviet memorabilia.
Map ↗
Buena Vida Marisquería - Cartagena
★ 4.8 · 9.9k
Seafood· COP 100,000+
Seafood & cocktails offered in a fashionable restaurant with a roof terrace & occasional live music.
Every day
8 AM – 11:30 PM
Website ↗Book ↗Map ↗
Pezetarian
★ 4.8 · 6.5k
Asian Fusion· COP 60–160K
A restaurant in Cartagena's Historic Center offering a fusion of Asian and Caribbean flavors, including sushi, bowls, and craft cocktails.
Mon–Wed
12 PM – 10 PM
Thu–Fri
12 PM – 11 PM
Sat
12 PM – 11 PM
Sun
12 PM – 10 PM
Website ↗Book ↗Map ↗