Hello everyone! I'm heading to Cartagena for about 5 days in a few weeks and I'm looking for suggestions on things to see and do, as well as any budget-friendly day trips from Cartagena? Thanks!

Visit the mud volcano

Cartagena_Tours

I did a day trip to Islas del Rosario when I was in Cartagena and it was a lot of fun, if you're looking for some beach/water time: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/colombia/islas-del-rosario

http://restaurantequebracho.com
Delicious

Take a bus to santa Marta and stay there for couple of days...
Much nicer city than Cartagena..5 days is way too much for Cartagena in my opinion...

Not sure if it’s safe to do so now, but we went to a fishing village on the coast and another small trip into the mountains to see a coffee plantation- the locals are super friendly and generous!

Following. Going to Cartagena in October.. where are you staying? If anyone’s has recommendations please let us know!

Getsemani is much more affordable than the walled city and walking distance away. I stayed at a small hotel called Casa Mary and it was great.

Awesome! Thanks

Getsemani is not a very good area
I will recommend you look for hotels in Bocagrande, Crespo o La Boquilla área
Hotel Las Americas is my favourite but it is a bit expensive
Renting a condo in Morros through vrbo or in Booking are also good options

Decameron. All inclusive tho

Owen Goddard

They have these bus tours that take you to the fortress (Castillo San Felipe de Barajas) and the monastery (La Popa). Both are beautiful, but also elevated, giving you an amazing view of the entirety of the city. You don't need to book more than a day in advance and they're selling them EVERYWHERE in the walled city. I took a day trip to Isla Baru, which has nicer beaches than the city. There are many options. We went on a small speedboat to a private little beach, but there are also very large party boats.

Insider Tours for interesting local tours with locals! The market tour was a lot of fun and outside of the usual touristy fare. Highly recommend.

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Del Kuypers

Only stopped there on a cruise a very long time ago and loved the day there the best. We went up on a tour of the monastery then a walk around the historical walled fortress and then shopped at the emerald jewellery stores

This may sound strange but eating at Pollo Tropical in Cartagena was one of our favorite meals to have for lunch, cheap and unbelievable chicken. Full of locals every day. If you are adventurous try their Mondongo soup (it's tripe, local dish). La Esquina de Pan de Bono is a great cheap bakery to pop by for breakfast (guava pastries, ham and cheese pastries, etc. all cheap but fresh). They have sweet and savory snacks as well as smoothies with tropical fruit. Try lulada or lulo fruit if you get the chance anywhere. La Laguna Azul Cocktails for quick cheap but delicious and fresh cevice ( where locals eat, skipping other overrated cevicerias). Alquimico Bar for good drinks and great patio (head straight to the rooftop terrace). Demente for an evening meal in a casual but hip setting. Just skip Boca Grande area altogether and be mindful of tourist traps because there are many.

There were several of us and we got a small bus that took us to a volcano bath. It was awesome. U never touch bottom or sink. Leave jewellery at home.

how much was it?

Terri I don’t recall sorry. I wasn’t the one who booked it.

Terri https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=1...

Maria Smith thank you

I went for a week and stayed at the Hilton in the walled city. ( breakfast only package ) and walked everywhere. Make sure you do the Chiva Bus tour.... ( 4 hours for $ 13 ) . I did a full day trip to a beach ( white sand ) 45 minutes away. And the old Monastry. Don’t miss the night life with the very old bars.... Very affordable place to eat out and safe.

Cande Restaurant so good and lovely place as well

Esther Cyrus