Cartagena with Kids: Walled Cities, Caribbean Beaches, and Coconut Cookies

El Bistro Cartagena

A relaxed, family-friendly restaurant tucked into a colonial courtyard on Calle del Torno, known for its fresh fish, arepas, and fresh-squeezed juices that kids love. The open-air patio is shaded and

Plaza de los Coches

Start your orientation walk at this iconic gateway square just inside the Clock Tower gate, where horse-drawn carriages line up and vendors sell fresh fruit in cups. It gives kids an immediate sense o

Las Murallas (City Walls Walk)

Walk a section of the 400-year-old fortified walls that circle the old city, with wide flat pathways and sweeping views over the Caribbean Sea. Kids enjoy running the ramparts and spotting cannons whi

Castillo San Felipe de Barajas

This massive 17th-century Spanish fortress is one of the best-preserved military castles in the Americas, with tunnels, ramps, and hidden passages that turn into an adventure for kids aged 5 and up. B

Museo Naval del Caribe

Located in the old town, this naval museum inside a colonial building tells the story of Caribbean pirates, Spanish galleons, and Sir Francis Drake's failed attack on Cartagena in 1586. The ship model

La Paleteria Artesanal de Cartagena

A short taxi ride from the castle, this beloved local paleta shop in the Manga neighborhood serves handmade fruit ice pops in flavors like tamarind, passion fruit, and corozo berry that kids will want

La Cevicheria

Widely regarded as Cartagena's best ceviche restaurant, La Cevicheria serves coastal Colombian classics including shrimp ceviche, octopus, and fried fish in a cheerful open-front space. It is casual e

Playa de Bocagrande

Cartagena's most accessible city beach is a long stretch of Caribbean shoreline within walking distance of most hotels in this neighborhood, with calm enough water for younger kids to splash safely. A

Aquarium Mundo Marino Cartagena

A small but engaging aquarium near Bocagrande with Caribbean fish species, touch tanks, and shark feeding demonstrations that younger kids find thrilling. Sessions are short enough to keep attention s

Lanchas from Muelle de la Bodeguita to Islas del Rosario

Fast boat ferries depart from the Muelle de la Bodeguita dock each morning and reach the Rosario archipelago in about 45 minutes, passing through open Caribbean water that kids find exhilarating. Book

Snorkeling at Playa Blanca, Isla Baru

The reefs just off Playa Blanca offer some of the clearest shallow water snorkeling near Cartagena, with parrotfish, sea fans, and the occasional sea turtle visible in less than three meters of water.

Lunch at Restaurant El Corales, Isla Grande

This open-air waterfront restaurant on Isla Grande is a staple for day-trippers, serving grilled red snapper, coconut rice, and patacones at plastic tables right beside the water. It is simple, fresh,

Mercado de Bazurto

Cartagena's main public market is chaotic, fragrant, and completely alive with vendors selling tropical fruits, fresh fish, spices, and street snacks that you cannot find anywhere else in the city. Go

Getsemani Neighborhood Street Art Walk

Getsemani is Cartagena's most vibrant neighborhood and its walls are covered in massive murals by Colombian and international artists, making it one of the best outdoor art galleries in South America.

Crepes and Waffles Cartagena

A Colombian chain beloved by families, the Cartagena location in El Centro serves reliable sweet and savory crepes, waffles with tropical fruit toppings, and ice cream in a clean and air-conditioned s

Helados Jahir

A tiny old-school ice cream cart institution in the San Diego neighborhood where a single vendor has been scooping homemade flavors like nispero, mamoncillo, and cafe con leche for decades. Prices are

Alma Colombian Cooking Class

Alma offers hands-on cooking classes designed for families where participants make traditional Colombian dishes including sancocho, arepas de choclo, and coconut flan under the guidance of a local che

Las Bovedas Artisan Market

Built into the old city walls, Las Bovedas is a row of 23 vaulted chambers that now house vendors selling Colombian crafts, hammocks, tagua nut jewelry, and painted mochila bags. It is a manageable, s

Sunset from Cafe del Mar, Cartagena

Perched directly on top of the old city walls, Cafe del Mar is the classic Cartagena sunset spot with an outdoor terrace, fresh tropical cocktails for adults, and fruit drinks and snacks for kids. Arr

Restaurante La Boquilla

Right on the beach at the fishing village of La Boquilla, this open-sided seafront restaurant serves whole fried fish, fried shrimp, and coconut lemonade at long communal tables overlooking the water.

Kayaking Through the La Boquilla Mangroves

The mangrove channels at La Boquilla, just north of Cartagena, can be explored by kayak on guided tours that last about two hours and are calm enough for kids aged 7 and up. Local guides from the Afro