Begun in 1575, when this was a very rough neighborhood, its unfinished fortifications were destroyed in 1586 during a tiff with Sir Francis Drake and his pirate crew, and rebuilt by 1602. There's no need to dig deep into your pockets in Cartagena. A popular spot for a selfie or ten, the monument was created by the sculptor Hector Lombana as a reference to the popular poem, “Mi Ciudad Nativa,” by local poet, and one of South America’s most respected writers, Luis Carlos López. The following won't cost a penny. Thankfully, there are about a million things to do in Cartagena, and its colorful old city is sure to enchant many visitors. The most popular things to do in Cartagena with kids according to Tripadvisor travellers are: InterContinental (IHG) Hotels in Cartagena, Things to do near Walled City of Cartagena, Things to do near Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, Things to do near Plaza Bocagrande Centro Comercial, Things to do near Plazoleta de Blas de Lezo, Things to do near Tours in Rosario islands, Things to do near GIOVANNI PRECIADO — Private Tour Guide, Things to do near Rafael Nunez Airport (CTG), Things to do near Hyatt Regency Cartagena, Things to do near Hotel Las Americas Torre del Mar, Things to do near Holiday Inn Cartagena Morros, Things to do near Estelar Playa Manzanillo - All Inclusive, Things to do near InterContinental Cartagena De Indias, Things to do near Ermita, Cartagena, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Things to do near Hotel Ibis Cartagena Marbella, See all attractions in Cartagena on Tripadvisor, See all outdoor activities in Cartagena on Tripadvisor, From Cartagena: Rosario Islands day trip at Isla del Sol, Full Day Excursion Isla Grande - Islas del Rosario Caribe, Bendita Beach Rosario Islands Cartagena de Indias, See all day trips from Cartagena on Tripadvisor, See all kid friendly things to do in Cartagena on Tripadvisor. Free Things to Do in Cartagena . Nearby La Popa hill offers views of the old city, the harbor, and the 17th-century Santa Cruz monastery. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in South Africa. Quickly access bookings. The top attractions to visit in Cartagena are: What are the best outdoor activities in Cartagena? The best things to do in Cartagena are spread far and wide across the city and beyond, from white-sand beaches to volcanic mud baths, but don’t forget to slow down and take the time to wander the streets, observing and absorbing the day-to-day activities and laid back Latino life all around you. Cartagena Article Contents. You can purchase a multi-ticket to get access to Cartagena’s numerous Roman sites to understand the complicated ancient history of the city. Surrounded by some of the city’s finest architecture, and filled with umbrella-shaded café tables, the plaza is also a magnet for souvenir vendors. The following won't even cost a dollar. Opened in 1982, Cartagena's Gold Museum (Museo de Oro Zenu) is dedicated to Colombia's indigenous Zenu people. Free Things to Do in Cartagena . Legend has it that Totumo Volcano used to spew out fire and lava, but a local priest, believing such hellfire to be the work of the devil, used holy water to turn it all to mud. As with any old, colonial city there are plenty of plazas to wander around, all filled with colour & some with churches, museums & of course bars & restaurants where you can sit & watch the world go by.