Below are a variety of ways to help you get an introduction to Cartagena; most have links for further information.
1. Visit the Tourist Office for information—pick up a city map, a copy of the monthly tourist newspaper “Donde” (Spanish only), and anything else they may have. Locations:
*In baggage claim at the airport (kiosk–seasonal)
*Outside the old city wall & to the right of the Clock Tower (kiosk–seasonal)
*At the tourist dock where boats for the islands depart (mornings)
2. Free Old City walking tours
Please see site for tours offered & timing; registration requested. Meet at Plaza Santa Teresa, near the Naval Museum
3. Walk the Wall You can almost walk the entire way around the San Diego & Centro sections of the Old City with great views of the sea and the city. (Unfortunately one section of the wall was destroyed in the early 1900s in the name of “progress.”) There is a bit more wall just a little further south, in the Getsemaní area. Walking the wall is best done in the morning or late afternoon when it’s not so hot. Also it can be tricky at night as the pavement is not always level and there are no railings or lights, so please be careful.
4. Guided tours You will find a variety of great tour options with Cartagena Connections, Alex Rocha at The Real Cartagena, and EcoTours Boquilla.
5. Chiva Tours can be done as day time sightseeing tours (but note that these are open air buses and there is no air conditioning) or as nighttime parties that bring you all over the city and to a nightclub at the end. Cartagena Connections has a good description of them; Alex Rocha at The Real Cartagena, among others, offer Chiva tours.
6. Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour 90 minutes total if you do the whole trip at once, but you can of course hop on & off and make a longer tour! Ticket valid for 2 days; includes an afternoon walking tour of the Old City.
7. Evening Bay Cruise:
*Sibarita has a number of options; their 90 minute sunset cruise includes an open bar of rum & soft drinks in the price with additional drinks & food are available for purchase.
*Bona Vida Catamaranes allows you to see the sunset from a sailboat (among other options offered) – two hour tour includes a beverage & snack; cash bar in addition.
8. Rent A Bike Bike rental locations seem to come and go, but you should be able to find one in the Old City without trying very hard. Wearing a helmet & a reflective vest at night is recommended. Be very careful; drivers are crazy & streets are not well maintained!
9. Do a kayak or paddle board tour! Karib Kayak y Paddle offers tours around the bay (starting in Manga), to Tierrabomba (from Castillogrande), and more. Most are geared to beginners but there are more advance options also.
10. Old City Squares
Plaza Santo Domingo is a great place for people watching, having a beer or a bite, & seeing live dance performances, but aggressive street vendors are ever present.
Plaza Fernandez de Madrid is a favorite – popular with tourists and locals. Often there are acrobats, mimes, and musical performers. It also has some good restaurant choices.
Plaza San Diego is near the Hotel Santa Clara and in the evenings has (not so aggressive) vendors and often street performers. There are a lot of restaurants around that square also.
Plaza San Pedro is in front of the famous church. There are a couple of nice restaurants and fewer street vendors than at the other squares.
Parque de Bolivar is home to a couple of museums. In the center are several water features and a park with huge trees-very scenic. Traditional dance groups often perform here in the evening.
Plaza de la Trinidad is in Getsemaní; check out the bars and restaurants around the plaza. Neighborhood families often sit around the square in the evening (as do many backpacker type tourists) having a beer while kids kick a soccer ball around.