Cartagena walking tour: Walled City and Getsemaní street art

Colonial plazas, 18th-century dungeons, and street art in one morning

A two-and-a-half-hour walking tour of Cartagena covers the Walled City's colonial landmarks and the bohemian Getsemaní neighborhood with a bilingual local guide. You start in San Diego, walk through Las Bóvedas (former military storage now lined with artisan shops), cross Plaza de Santo Domingo and the Cathedral, then move into Getsemaní to see the Umbrella Street and Plaza de la Trinidad. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Isla Grande15m
2. Las Bóvedaspassing by
3. Plaza de San Diego15m
4. Cartagena Cathedral15m
5. Bolivar Square15m
6. Santo Domingo Churchpassing by

Walking tour of Cartagena highlights

• Drive to San Diego neighborhood
• Visit Las Bovedas arches
• Explore Plaza de San Diego
• Walk colonial streets to Cathedral
• Tour Cathedral of Saint Catherine
• Visit Simón Bolívar park
• Pass Plaza de Santo Domingo
• See the Clock Tower
• Relax at Parque Centenario
• Enjoy coffee at Cartagena Convention Center
• Walk Umbrella Street in Getsemaní
• End at Plaza de la Trinidad

The experience

The tour starts in the San Diego neighborhood within the Walled City, where colonial architecture sets the tone for what comes next. Las Bóvedas (built in the early 18th century as dungeons and military storage) now houses local artisans selling crafts inside the ancient arches. After at least 20 minutes of walking through preserved colonial streets, you reach the Cathedral of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, a Baroque structure built starting in the early 17th century and constructed partly from coral stone. The guide shares the cathedral's role in the city's history while you stand in front of Simón Bolívar park, a major green space honoring the independence leader.

The route then moves through Plaza de Santo Domingo and past the Clock Tower (a gathering point for local events and festivals) before crossing into Getsemaní. This neighborhood is the opposite of the Walled City's formal plazas: street art and murals cover the walls, and the vibe blends tradition with modern bohemian energy. You'll see the Umbrella Street, where a canopy of colorful umbrellas creates a backdrop for photos, and end at Plaza de la Trinidad, where street parties and local celebrations happen, especially during festivals.

A bilingual guide leads the whole route and knows where to eat, what to see beyond the main stops, and how to move through the city like someone who lives there. The group stays small, so the pace is personal and relaxed rather than rushed. Hotel, Airbnb or cruise terminal pickup and drop-off are included, so you don't arrange transport yourself.

What’s included

• Professional bilingual guide who shares stories and local tips.
• pickup and drop-off from your hotel, Airbnb or cruise terminal in Cartagena.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 17:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (18 to 55 years) · Senior (56 and older) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 40 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Cartagena Tour Guides and Experiences

Is this one for you?Small groups keep the pace relaxed and personal, so you move through the colonial plazas and street art without feeling rushed. If you're traveling with an infant or small child, strollers are welcome, and the guide can adjust the route to suit your group's comfort.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (3 to 10 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Las Bóvedas and why is it on this tour?

Las Bóvedas is a series of arches built in the early 18th century that originally served as dungeons and military storage for the colonial garrison. Today, local artisans work inside these ancient chambers crafting goods that reflect Colombian culture, so you see both the historical structure and the living craft tradition at once.

How much walking is involved in this tour?

The tour is two and a half hours long and includes at least 20 minutes of continuous walking through the preserved colonial streets between San Diego and the Cathedral, plus walking through each neighborhood and between stops. The pace is designed for all fitness levels, and you'll have time to look around at each site.

What is Getsemaní and how is it different from the Walled City?

Getsemaní is a lively neighborhood full of street art, murals, music, and a bohemian atmosphere that blends tradition with modern flair. Unlike the formal colonial plazas of the Walled City, Getsemaní is where the city's contemporary culture shows: in the Umbrella Street's colorful canopy and Plaza de la Trinidad's street parties and local celebrations.

Does the guide speak English?

Yes, the guide is bilingual and leads the tour in English, sharing stories about each landmark and offering tips on where to eat and explore beyond the main stops.

Is hotel pickup really included, or is there an extra charge?

Hotel, Airbnb or cruise terminal pickup and drop-off in Cartagena are included in the tour price, so you don't arrange separate transport.