Cartagena

Essential Cartagena: Famous Sights & Local Secrets

Iconic Sights & Hidden Gems • 6 hours 5

(97)

Essential Cartagena: Famous Sights & Local Secrets

Explore Cartagena’s iconic sights and quieter corners, where your host’s local insight meets the pace and interests that shape your day.

Escape the scorching heat by planning an early start each day and visiting museums during the hottest times of the day

What makes this experience special

From sweet stalls to painted walls, uncover Cartagena’s contrasts with a host who brings the city’s history, creativity, and everyday rhythm to life, your way.

Key highlights

Drift through Cartagena’s iconic walled city at your pace
Take slower turns through calm corners and creative traces
Notice daily life unfolding in Getsemaní’s creative corners
Pause where it feels right, under palms or on painted plazas
Your host adjusts to your curiosity, no fixed path
Optional rooftop views or coastal walks at sunset
Follow painted alleys through Getsemaní’s evolving story

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

At a glance What’s included Things to know

6 hours

Fully tailored to your preferences

English Other languages may be requested

Walking experience may use public transport for long distances

What’s included

Tailored itinerary based on your preferences

A knowledgeable host who knows the hidden gems

Flexible start times to fit your day

What’s not included

Food, drinks and shopping expenses

Transport fares or attraction entry fees

Meeting point

Plaza de los Coches, Carrera 7, El Centro, Cartagena de Indias, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, 130001, Colombia

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

Here’s what your experience could look like

These are just suggestions from our hosts to inspire your day. Your host will tailor the experience to suit your interests and tastes

Meeting point

Plaza de los Coches, Carrera 7, El Centro, Cartagena de Indias, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, 130001, Colombia

From the Clock Tower to San Pedro’s Quiet Plaza

Start at the city’s iconic gate, then slow into its soul

Essential Cartagena: Famous Sights & Local Secrets

Step into the walled city past the sweet-laced stalls of Portal de los Dulces, where local textures lead the way. Then pause at leafy Plaza de San Pedro Claver, where sculpted bronze and worn stone hint at deeper stories.

Artisan Backstreets & Everyday Craft

Local life behind wooden doors and sunlit courtyards

Turn into lesser-trodden lanes around Calle de la Mantilla, where the buzz softens. This is a place where everyday craft lingers quietly, courtyards with worn tiles, half-open studios, and sunlit stillness. Guests often say this is where the city opens up.

Murals, Plaza Moments & Getsemaní’s Pulse

Cross into color, rhythm, and lived-in resistance

In Getsemaní, walls speak louder than words, layered with politics, memory, and pride. You might follow your host past corner cafés and domino games to reach Plaza de la Trinidad, where local life plays out in slow motion.

Rooftop Pause or Sea-Breezed Wall Walk

Choose a view: up high with a drink or wide with the wind

As Cartagena’s light softens, you might head skyward for a drink and breezy rooftop views or take to the top of the city’s walls for a stroll along the edge of the Caribbean. Either way, it’s a chance to exhale and take in the layered horizon.

Optional Close: Books, Bougainvillea, or the Sea

End quietly, with stories, sketches, or the sea

If time allows, you could stroll toward Baluarte de San Francisco Javier, where the sea and sky meet in the evening light. Some guests choose to wander one last alley in Getsemaní, following painted walls or lingering beneath bougainvillea before the day gently closes.

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories

Spiritual heritage and shared awe behind every arch

Sun-drenched streets and new friendships unfolding

Stories in every step—inside a Latin American landmark

Gliding through green waters and laughter-filled memories

Lively patterns, local joy, and playful perspectives

From street scenes to spontaneous chats—travel that moves

To new flavors, fresh company, and the rhythm of the day

Ceramic colors, warm smiles, and timeless beauty

Laughs and Landmarks on a Historic Stroll

Savoring Traditional Flavors Over a Friendly Toast

Taco Feast with a Side of Great Company

Authentic Street Eats Shared with Locals

See what happens when you travel unscripted!

17,500+ 5-Star Reviews and Counting

Trusted and recommended by travelers worldwide, including 99% on Google and TripAdvisor.

recommended by 99% of travelers on google

recommended by 99% of travelers on tripadvisor

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Here’s what travelers think of our experiences worldwide

Anshu Aug 2025

Connie was extremely kind and knew Montreal in great detail having grown up there. She was accommodating as we made some changes from the original plan and showed me different areas that I would not have known to see otherwise. I'd definitely go on another tour with her someday!

Richard H Aug 2025

Our tour was exceptional. Stella was outstanding. We gained a significant amount of knowledge from Stella and she was delightful to be around. This beautiful city is steeped in history. Stella also provided insight into the origins of the Horse Race and we witnessed immense pride among the people involved. Furthermore, Stella went above and beyond to ensure we located the meeting point, as it was our first time driving in Italy, and she also assisted us in finding our way back to the parking area. Her helpfulness was greatly appreciated.

Christina Aug 2025

Patrick was knowledgeable and customized the experience for us. He was patient and helpful when we wanted to explore shops and allowed us move along the tour at our own pace.

Mary Aug 2025

We loved our tour of Monmartre with Pascal. The tour was fun and hit all of the spots where artists lived and painted. We stopped in the area center and bought lovely watercolor pieces to take home. I highly recommend.

Oksana Aug 2025

My tour guide was Ana Maria. She was wonderful. She planned the day perfectly, so not I was only able to see the things on my list but also much much more. Ana Maria was easy going and a pleasure to spent the day with. Thank you for this great experience.

Sarah Aug 2025

Mat provided a beautifully customized tour of Munich for us as first time visitors. He took us to city highlights and off the beaten path locations. We learned history, fun facts and so much about the people of Munich and how they compare to other regions of Germany. There was never a dull moment during our six hour walking tour. Mat is a wealth of knowledge - history, culture, political and social topics. He also made the BEST restaurant recommendation for our dinner that night. It was the highlight of our trip.

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FAQs

Your questions, answered

Is this a traditional tour or something different?

This isn’t a traditional tour with a fixed script. It’s a fully personalized day shaped around your interests, whether it’s culture, history, neighborhoods, or hidden local spots. Your host is a knowledgeable local, more like a friend showing you their city. It’s flexible, one-on-one, and tailored entirely to you.

How does personalization work?

After booking, you’ll receive a short questionnaire where you can share your interests, travel style, and any must-see spots. Based on that, we’ll match you with a local host who’ll reach out to plan your personalized itinerary..

Will I see famous landmarks or just hidden gems?

Both! Your host will take you to iconic sights if you want to see them, but they’ll also introduce you to places and stories most travelers miss.

What if I don’t know what I want to explore?

That’s completely fine! Select an experience theme or a flexible discovery experience, and after booking, answer a few questions so your host can design the perfect experience for you.

Can I request specific places or types of stops?

Yes! After booking, you will receive a questionnaire where you can highlight must-visit spots and anything else you’d like to include, and your host will craft your experience around them.

How much walking is involved?

This depends on the experience, but your host can adjust the pace to suit your comfort level.

Can I change the meeting place?

Yes, you will be in touch with your host before your experience, and you can agree on a different meeting point with them. Your host can meet you anywhere central that’s convenient.

Can my host meet me at my accommodation?

Hotel meet-ups are available upon request in central areas. If you're staying outside the city, your host will recommend the best meeting spot and guide you with directions.