Cartagena, a beautiful city located in the south of Spain, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. With its rich history, beautiful beaches, and delicious food, it’s no wonder that millions of people visit Cartagena every year. If you’re planning to spend 3 days in Cartagena, we’ve got you covered with our travel tips, routes, and must-see places.
What to See in Cartagena
Cartagena has a lot to offer to tourists, so it’s important to plan your visit carefully. Here are some of the most important places that you should definitely see:
- Cartagena Roman Theatre: Built in the 1st century BC, this ancient theatre is one of the most important historical sites in the city. You can take a guided tour to learn more about its history.
- The Old Town: Cartagena’s old town is a beautiful maze of narrow streets, colorful buildings, and charming squares. Take a walk and explore its many shops, restaurants, and bars.
- Cartagena Naval Museum: This museum is dedicated to the naval history of Cartagena, and it’s a must-visit for anyone interested in ships and seafaring.
- Castillo de San Felipe: This 16th-century castle is one of the most impressive fortifications in the city. It offers great views of Cartagena and the sea.
- Bateria de Castillitos: This battery of coastal artillery is located on a hill near Cartagena. It’s a great place to visit if you want to enjoy stunning views of the coast and take some amazing photos.
- Plaza del Ayuntamiento: This is the main square of Cartagena, and it’s surrounded by some of the city’s most important buildings, such as the City Hall and the Palace of the Consistorial.
Routes in Cartagena
If you want to make the most of your time in Cartagena, you can follow one of these routes:
- The Roman Route: This route will take you to the most important Roman sites in the city, such as the Roman Theatre and the Roman Forum.
- The Modernist Route: Cartagena has a rich modernist heritage, and this route will take you to some of the city’s most beautiful modernist buildings, such as the Casino and the Grand Hotel.
- The Naval Route: This route is perfect for anyone interested in the naval history of Cartagena. It will take you to the Naval Museum, the Arsenal, and other important naval sites.
- The Beach Route: Cartagena has some of the most beautiful beaches in Spain, and this route will take you to some of the best ones, such as Playa de Calblanque and Playa de los Nietos.
Where to Sleep in Cartagena
Cartagena has a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Here are some of our recommendations:
- Hotel Cartagonova: This modern hotel is located in the city center, and it offers comfortable rooms and great amenities, such as a rooftop pool and a gym.
- Hotel NH Cartagena: This hotel is located near the train station, and it offers spacious and stylish rooms, as well as a restaurant and a bar.
- Hostel Albergue Juvenil Cartagena: This budget-friendly hostel is located in the old town, and it offers clean and comfortable dormitories and private rooms.
- Airbnb: If you’re looking for a more authentic experience, you can rent an apartment or a room on Airbnb. There are many options available in Cartagena, and they can offer great value for money.
Where to Eat in Cartagena
Cartagena is famous for its delicious food, so make sure to try some of these dishes:
- Caldero: This traditional dish is made with rice, fish, and a special broth. It’s a must-try for any foodie.
- Arroz y Habichuelas: This is a popular dish made with rice and beans, and it’s a great option for vegetarians.
- Tapas: Cartagena has a great tapas culture, and you can find many bars and restaurants that offer delicious tapas at reasonable prices.
- Paella: This iconic Spanish dish is also popular in Cartagena, and you can find many restaurants that offer different varieties of paella.
Here are some of our recommendations for restaurants in Cartagena:
- La Marquesita: This restaurant is located in the old town, and it offers traditional Spanish cuisine with a modern twist. Try their octopus with potato foam.
- Casa Tomás: This family-owned restaurant is famous for its seafood dishes, especially the grilled sardines.
- La Catedral: This restaurant is located in a historic building near the cathedral, and it offers a wide range of Mediterranean dishes, as well as a great wine list.
- El Rincón de los Sabores: This cozy restaurant is located in the fishing village of Cabo de Palos, and it offers fresh fish and seafood dishes.
Free Tours in Cartagena
If you’re on a tight budget, you can still enjoy Cartagena’s many attractions by taking one of these free tours:
- Cartagena Free Tour: This tour will take you to the most important sites in the old town, such as the Roman Theatre and the Cathedral. The tour is offered in English and Spanish.
- Cartagena Modernist Tour: This tour will take you to some of the most beautiful modernist buildings in the city, such as the Casino and the Grand Hotel. The tour is offered in English and Spanish.
- Cartagena Naval Tour: This tour is perfect for anyone interested in the naval history of Cartagena. It will take you to the Naval Museum, the Arsenal, and other important naval sites. The tour is offered in English and Spanish.
- Cartagena Tapas Tour: This tour will take you to some of the best tapas bars in the city, and you’ll get to try different tapas and learn about the local food culture. The tour is offered in English and Spanish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cartagena safe?
Cartagena is a safe city for tourists, but you should still take some basic precautions, such as avoiding dark alleys at night and not leaving your belongings unattended in public places.
What is the best time to visit Cartagena?
The best time to visit Cartagena is in spring or autumn, when the weather is mild and there are fewer tourists. However, if you want to enjoy the beaches, summer is the best time to visit.
Do I need a visa to visit Cartagena?
If you’re a citizen of the European Union, you don’t need a visa to visit Cartagena. If you’re a citizen of a non-EU country, you should check with the Spanish embassy in your country to see if you need a visa.
Cartagena is a beautiful and historic city that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, food, or beaches, you’ll find plenty of things to do and see in Cartagena. Make sure to follow our travel tips, routes, and recommendations to make the most of your 3 days in Cartagena . And don’t forget to try some of the delicious food and wine that the city has to offer!
If you want more information about Cartagena, you can visit the official tourism website of the city: https://www.spain.info/en/destination/cartagena/
