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Things to do in Cartagena

Our most recommended things to do in Cartagena

Cartagena: Roman Theater, Forum, Castle and Panoramic Lift

1. Cartagena: Roman Theater, Forum, Castle and Panoramic Lift

Save money and visit 4 top museums and archaeological sites in Cartagena with this convenient combo ticket and optional audio guide. Get 1-time entry to the Roman Theater, Roman Forum Museum, Panoramic Lift, and Conception Castle and take advantage of transportation discounts. Start with any of the 4 attractions and get up to 15 days to visit each one after the first activation. Get exclusive discounts on tourist transports by simply showing your confirmation voucher at the tickets counter. Visit the Roman Theater Museum and journey into one of the most surprising discoveries of the city in recent decades. Marvel at the most important part of the site: the Roman Theater itself, one of the largest in Spain with a seating capacity of 7,000. Head to the Roman Forum Museum that stands at the entrance to one of the largest urban archaeological parks in Spain. Throughout its various halls, where a careful selection of pieces is exhibited, learn about the long history of the old Carthago Nova. Stroll through important remains of the glorious Roman era. Spot the Curia, or local senate, with its richly decorated marble pavement. See the Colonial Forum, the city’s neuralgic center, the distribution of which symbolized at various levels the hierarchy between the divine and the human. Visit the Sanctuary of Isis where the mystery cults of the Egyptian gods were celebrated, the old roads with cart tracks, and the port’s thermal baths and its magnificent entrance portico with its original flooring. Finish your visit to the Roman Forum Museum at the atrium building, with its high walls and pictorial decorations that transport you to the great banquets of the Roman Empire. Witness next the fortress of the Castillo de la Concepción (Conception Castle), one of the best points to discover the city and acquire an overview of its 3,000 years of history. Take in the best panoramic views of the city and its natural harbor atop the fortress, which is easily reached via the Panoramic Lift (included) to avoid having to walk up the hill.

Cartagena, Spain: Walking Tour with Food and Drinks Tasting

2. Cartagena, Spain: Walking Tour with Food and Drinks Tasting

The “Tapa” has become a hallmark of the Spanish culture. On this excursion you’ll be able to enjoy several exquisite tapas and beverages during a delightful tour in the city of Cartagena. Your visit will begin at Cartagena harbor where you’ll meet your professional guide, who will answer any questions you have about local gastronomy and the history and culture of Cartagena. Truly emblematic places will be visited, such as the Consistorial Palace, Calle Mayor (a great example of Modernism in the city), the Casino, the Gran Hotel, San Francisco square, Casa Maestre, San Francisco Square, and Casa Maestre of Cartagena.. Several stops will be made during the visit to taste typical Spanish tapas, a real pleasure for all senses.

Cartagena : Roman Theatre Museum Entry Ticket

3. Cartagena : Roman Theatre Museum Entry Ticket

Learn about the historical processes by which the Roman Theater in Cartagena was buried until its re-discovery. Step into the "Passageway of History” and learn about the development of the theater site dating back to the 1st century B.C. Find out how plays were performed during Roman times and the political implications of the Roman art world. See the remains of a Roman house with mosaic tiles, which was destroyed during the construction of the theater. Discover the history of Roman Spain with an entry ticket to the fascinating Roman theater in Cartagena.

Cartagena: Ancient Roman Walking Tour with Entry Tickets

4. Cartagena: Ancient Roman Walking Tour with Entry Tickets

Enjoy a trip back in time as you discover Cartagena’s Roman history on a 2-hour walking tour. Visit some of the city's most important Roman monuments and ruins, archeological sites, and buildings, stopping for a drink and a tapa along the way. Follow your guide through the city’s streets and along the Roman Route as you learn about the city's Roman history. Take in some of Cartagena’s stunning 19th and 20th-century buildings as well. During this complete city tour your guide will provide commentary on all of Cartagena’s emblematic sites.

Cartagena: Panoramic Double-Decker Bus Tour

5. Cartagena: Panoramic Double-Decker Bus Tour

Climb aboard a double-decker bus and go on a tour of Cartagena. The bus is equipped with a spoken explanation of the city’s highlights so you don’t miss any details. Enjoy the bus tour before stopping for an hour of free time to explore the city center and Cala Cortina beach. Ride through the old Cartagena and see its walls, buildings, and archaeological remains. Then, drive into the modern Cartagena, entering the commercial city center. Enjoy an hour of free time to explore your way. See city monuments and other places of interest as you stroll around. Take in views of the city’s waterfront and bay with its numerous “shore batteries.” If you’d like, head to the only urban beach in the city, Cala Cortina. At the end of the tour, head back to the meeting point.

Cartagena: Roman Forum Entrance Ticket

6. Cartagena: Roman Forum Entrance Ticket

Experience the Roman Forum in Cartagena, Spain, a museum that allows you to delve into the 19th- and 20-century histories of the Cerro del Molinete Archeological Park. Throughout its three floors, see a selection of the most significant pieces found in the excavations around the Forum, which includes the painting Apollo and the Muses, and many other famous works of art. Conclude the tour by viewing sites and remains from the glorious Roman era. There is the Colonial Forum, the Sanctuary of Isis, the port's thermal baths and ancient roads, and the Atrium House. Marvel at the beauty throughout this magnificent museum and be transported back to the Roman Empire.

Cartagena: Panoramic Lift & Conception Castle Entry Ticket

7. Cartagena: Panoramic Lift & Conception Castle Entry Ticket

Enjoy a hilltop castle from the Middle Ages along with city views, a history center & a panoramic lift in the center of the city of Cartagena. Set out on this journey through history from the Castillo de la Concepción. The medieval fortress of the Castillo de la Concepción is the best starting point to discover the city. The audio guides allow you to soak in the sight at your own pace. Acquire an overview of its 3,000 years of history. The Castillo de la Concepción stands on the hill of the same name, which has been home to a Roman temple dedicated to Asclepius, a Moorish fortress, a medieval castle, and a siren from the Civil War. Get panoramic views of the city and its natural harbor from the fortress. Get into the panoramic glass cabin to enjoy views of some of the most emblematic buildings of the city such as the remains of the Roman amphitheater with the superimposed Bullring or the military constructions of the 18th century, the Autopsy Pavilion, the Marina Hospital and the Antiguones Barracks. Reach the highest point of the Concepción Hill with the Panoramic Lift. Its 45 meters save the existing height between Gisbert Street and the top of the hill where the Torres Park and the Concepción Castle await you with the best views of the city and its bay. Admire the fishing port of Santa Lucía and the building of the Auditorium and Palacio de Congresos El Batel.

Cartagena: Tapas Guided Walking Tour with Roman Theater

8. Cartagena: Tapas Guided Walking Tour with Roman Theater

Sample delicious local food and delightful different drinks on a tapas walking tour of the port city of Cartagena. Hear all about local history as you stroll its streets, and top off your experience with a visit to the city's imposing Roman Theater. Meet your guide for a walking tour of the city. Learn about local culture, customs, and food as you taste a variety of tapas from the city's traditional bars and restaurants. Immerse yourself in an experience where each tapas is accompanied by a different drink. Eat and drink like a local with tapas featuring local products and the locations often off the tourist track. Listen to explanations from your guide as you eat and drink your way round this evocative city. Complete your experience with a visit to the Roman Theater at Carthago Nova. Marvel at a venue dating from the 1st century BC and regarded as one of the most important Roman theaters in the Iberian Peninsula.

Cartagena: Guided City Private Walking Tour

9. Cartagena: Guided City Private Walking Tour

Explore the sights of Cartagena with a guide and learn about the history of this ancient city. See the Casa de Cervantes, the Murcia Casino, and the Roman Theater. Meet your guide near the port at the Plaza Héroes de Cavite. Admire the building facades on the waterfront as you make your way to the historical district. Pass by the imposing 18th-century city wall to the old town square. Take a moment to appreciate the town hall building, a stunning example of modernist architecture. Next, walk down Mayor Street, the city's main commercial artery. Check out the impressive collection of modernist Art Nouveau buildings, such as the casino, the Casa de Cervantes, and the Gran Hotel. Finish your tour with a walk around the stunningly-restored Roman Theater.

Cartagena: Touristic Trolley Bus Tour

10. Cartagena: Touristic Trolley Bus Tour

Ride the picturesque bus trolley Almirante and explore all there is to know about the city of Cartagena, one of Spain's oldest. You will be able to see the main landmarks and go to the most scenic locations in town. Begin your journey at the Plaza Héroes de Cavite and work your way around the most emblematic destinations the port city of Cartagena has to offer. Its historical legacy comes to life with every stop you visit. From the pier, you'll make your way to the historic City Center where you'll be surrounded by early 20th-century architecture. The Town Hall is one of the first buildings you'll encounter. This gem of modernist architecture was built entirely with white marble and topped with domes. Even if this represents the modernity of the city, landmarks like the ancient ruins of the Punic Wall, dating back to the 3rd century B.C. Additional sights you'll see include the 18th-century arsenal, the 110-year-old Plaza de Espana and the Roman Casa Fortuna.

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What people are saying about Cartagena

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 310 reviews

Carmelo (Melo) was absolutely amazing! So many details that you would not have noticed walking through the street. So much history! Melo was very detailed and thorough in the history and very knowledgeable. I ended up being the only person to turn up so I had a private tour. The food was delicious, Melo was a delight and I am happy to be more knowledgeable on the history of Cartagena. I recommend this tour to everyone :)

We have been on many guided tours over the years but this was by far one of the best. The guide was very knowledgeable, engaged with a warm and inviting personality. The combination of learning about Cartagena history and the stops to try local tapas was perfect.

Bruno, our guide, was very very nice. Very knowledgeable, he gave us some good ideas where to go and what to see. It was a pleasure to walk through Cartagena with him. And his tips were excellent !! All is all a tour well worth doing.

our guide has been very friendly and very enjoyable. the diversity that has taught us and explained Cartagena, adapting to our needs has made the tour very enjoyable and pleasant

The experience has been very good, the treatment was great, the guide Jorge was great, if we hadn't had the guided tour it wouldn't have been the same.