Cartagena.
Colombia's most beautiful city. A UNESCO World Heritage walled city on the Caribbean, where colonial facades glow gold in the afternoon light.
Why Expats Choose Cartagena
Cartagena is unlike any other city in Colombia. The walled city (Ciudad Amurallada) is one of the best-preserved colonial centres in the Americas — pastel-coloured mansions dripping with bougainvillea, horse-drawn carriages on cobblestone streets, rooftop bars where the Caribbean breeze makes the heat bearable.
For expats it's the most straightforward lifestyle in Colombia. Getsemaní, once edgy and overlooked, is now the city's most creative neighbourhood — street art, boutique hotels, independent restaurants, and a genuine local energy. Bocagrande is the modern beach district, Laguito the quietest waterfront option.
The trade-off: Cartagena is the most expensive city in Colombia for foreigners, and the heat (31°C year-round, high humidity) isn't for everyone. But those who choose it rarely leave.
The Perfect 24 Hours in Cartagena
One day in Cartagena — start slow, finish late.
7am: Walk the Walls
Walk the full circuit of the Old City walls before the heat sets in. The views from Baluarte de San Francisco are exceptional. Stop at the Clock Tower (Torre del Reloj), the main entrance to the walled city.
9am: Getsemaní
Walk south to Getsemaní, the coolest neighbourhood in the city. Trinidad Square for breakfast. See the extraordinary street murals. Browse the art galleries on Calle Larga.
1pm: Rosario Islands Boat Trip
A 45-minute speedboat from the Muelle de los Pegasos to Isla Grande or Playa Blanca. Coral reefs, white sand, crystal Caribbean water. Return by 5pm to beat the afternoon crowds.
7pm: Old City Rooftops
Pre-dinner drinks at Café del Mar on the walls or El Baron in Getsemaní. Dinner at La Cevichería (the best ceviche in Colombia — worth the queue) or Carmen (rooftop, fine dining). Walk the lit-up walls after dinner.
A Week in Cartagena
Seven days lets you peel back the layers — from visitor to almost-local.
Walled City Orientation
Full day in the Ciudad Amurallada. Palacio de la Inquisición, Museo de Oro Zenú, Cathedral of Saint Catherine. Lunch at El Santísimo. Evening: rooftop bars on the walls.
Getsemaní Deep Dive
Spend a full day in the neighbourhood. Morning: street art walking tour. Lunch at De Olivo or La Mulata. Afternoon: take a cooking class. Evening: live music at Plaza Trinidad.
Rosario Islands or Playa Blanca
Full day beach trip. Choose Rosario Islands for coral reefs and snorkelling, or Playa Blanca for the white-sand experience. Bring cash — the vendors don't take cards.
Bocagrande + Marbella
Explore the modern beach district of Bocagrande. Walk the malecón. Swim at Marbella beach (locals' favourite, calmer than Bocagrande). Lunch at any of the seafood restaurants on Av. del Retiro.
Day Trip: Palenque
San Basilio de Palenque is one of the most historically significant African-Colombian towns in the world — the first free Black town in the Americas (1603). An extraordinary cultural experience, 45 minutes from Cartagena. Go with a guide.
Sailing Day
Rent a private sailboat or join a shared catamaran tour. Most boats anchor off the reef islands for snorkelling and include lunch, open bar, and a sunset return. Book through your hotel or on Airbnb Experiences.
Cartagena Like a Local
Morning market at Bazurto — the real Cartagena, not the tourist version. Eat the freshest ceviche you've ever had. Afternoon: slow coffee at a Getsemaní café. Evening: watch the sunset from the walls.
Making Cartagena Home
Everything you need to actually live here — not just visit.
Which Neighborhood?
Ciudad Amurallada (Old City): the most beautiful, the most expensive ($1,200–$2,500/mo). Getsemaní: creative, affordable, authentic ($600–$1,000/mo — rapidly rising). Bocagrande: modern, beachy, condo lifestyle ($800–$1,500/mo). Manga: quiet, residential, a local mix ($500–$900/mo). Laguito: the quietest waterfront area for long-stay expats.
The Heat Reality
Cartagena is hot. 30–33°C year-round with 80%+ humidity. Air conditioning is not a luxury here — it's a necessity. Budget $50–80/month for electricity. Most expats adapt within 2–3 weeks; some never do. Mornings and evenings are manageable; 1–4pm is fierce.
Beach Life
Bocagrande beach is accessible year-round. The Rosario Islands are 45 minutes by boat for coral reef swimming. Playa Blanca on Barú is the best day trip beach. For real seclusion, charter a boat to the uninhabited islands near Isla Grande.
Healthcare
Clínica Universitaria San Juan de Dios is the main private hospital. Medical care is noticeably more limited than Bogotá or Medellín — for complex procedures, most expats travel to Barranquilla or Medellín. Prepagada plans from Coomeva or Sura available.
Coworking & Remote Work
The fastest fibre in the Old City is patchy — thick colonial walls weren't designed for Wi-Fi. Bocagrande and Getsemaní have better connectivity. Selina Cartagena is the main expat coworking space ($90–150/mo). Most boutique hotels have reliable business-grade internet.
Safety
The Old City and Getsemaní are very tourist-safe. Bazurto market area and the south of the city are not for solo night walks. Keep phones in pockets on the walls after dark. Petty theft targets distracted tourists — stay aware and you'll have zero problems.
Getting Around
The Old City is walkable. Taxis are cheap ($2–5 for most trips) — always agree on the price first or use InDriver. Water taxis run to the beach islands. Renting a bicycle is viable in the early mornings before traffic builds.
Medical and legal information is general in nature. Always consult qualified professionals for your personal situation. Not professional advice.
Six cities. Six completely different lives.
Every Colombian city has its own character. Find your perfect match.