Discover things to do in Centro, Cartagena

Immerse yourself in the history of Cartagena’s Centro neighborhood when you stay at Hotel Casa La Factoria by Faranda Boutique, a member of Radisson Individuals. Less than a block from your hotel room, Santo Domingo Square is a lively hub where the centuries-old Church of Santo Domingo provides a picturesque backdrop for outdoor dining and live music. You can see fascinating artifacts of the city’s colonial past at museums like the Palace of the Inquisition before shopping for jewelry, leather goods, and designer clothing nearby. If you’re looking for romantic things to do, you’ve come to the right place—tour the narrow streets of the old city by horse-drawn carriage or sip cocktails on the sand at a Bocagrande beach club.

Select what to see in a map

  • Beach
  • Culture
  • Landmark

Heredia Theater

0.13 mi / 0.21 km from the hotel
Although performing arts are the biggest draw at this venue, officially Teatro Adolfo Mejía, the architecture is also noteworthy. Take a tour to see the beautiful wooden balconies, Italian marble statues, and a ceiling fresco by painter Enrique Grau.

Castle of San Felipe de Barajas

0.88 mi / 1.42 km from the hotel
Originally constructed in the 16th century, this former Spanish fortress is located atop San Lázaro hill and provides the perfect spot for snapping a photo of the cityscape.

Palace of the Inquisition

0.15 mi / 0.24 km from the hotel
A trial site during the Spanish Inquisition, this 18th-century building now serves as a museum of city history with artifacts such as old church bells, pre-Columbian artwork, maps, and Inquisition torture devices.

San Pedro Claver Church and Monastery

0.22 mi / 0.36 km from the hotel
Named after a Spanish priest who dedicated his life to helping slaves in Cartagena in the 1700s, this gorgeous church is home to a museum of Afro-Caribbean art.

The Gate and Clock Tower

0.25 mi / 0.41 km from the hotel
Built as a main entrance to the historic Walled City in the 17th century, when it featured a drawbridge, the Puerta del Reloj gained its iconic clock tower in 1888.

The Vaults

0.5 mi / 0.81 km from the hotel
Built for storage in the 1700s, repurposed as a prison during the civil war of the 1900s, and now functioning as an art, retail, and restaurant epicenter, this site has a story you won't want to miss. Visit the namesake vaults before you buy souvenirs.

Zenú Gold Museum

0.16 mi / 0.25 km from the hotel
This free museum houses a vast collection of intricate gold artifacts from the Zenú people and other indigenous Colombian groups.

Sweets Gate

0.24 mi / 0.38 km from the hotel
Browse the marshmallows, meringues, and other treats at the Sweets Gate, or “El Portal de los Dulces.” The Sweets Gate is part of Coachmen’s Plaza, widely considered the most beautiful section of the old city.

Santo Domingo Square

0.05 mi / 0.09 km from the hotel
Choose from one of the many tables in the center of this plaza to dine alfresco and enjoy the local music of street performers. Be sure to visit the Church of Santo Domingo and the famous Gertrude sculpture by Fernando Botero.

Church of Santo Domingo

0.05 mi / 0.09 km from the hotel
Tour one of the city’s oldest churches to see a beautiful marble altar, an impressive wood carving of Christ, and a floor paved with tombstones from the 19th century.

Simón Bolívar Park

0.14 mi / 0.23 km from the hotel
Named after the famous liberator, this urban park features 360 hectares of green space, large shade trees, fountains, and statues of historic figures.

Bocagrande Beach

1.58 mi / 2.55 km from the hotel
Backdropped by gleaming apartment towers and upscale hotels, this popular sandy strip stretches along a peninsula a few kilometers from Cartagena’s historic center. Souvenir vendors, beach bars, and seafood spots create a lively, cosmopolitan scene.