23 Top Things to do in Cartagena, Spain and nearby

From ancient Roman theatres, castles, fortresses and magnificent views to Modernista architecture, museums and coffee with a kick. Have you considered a city break in Cartagena, Spain?

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The Spanish walled city of Cartagena lies on the Costa Calida, on the southeastern coast of Spain. Although it’s one of the largest cities in the region of Murcia, it generally isn’t as popular as bigger and better-known Spanish cities like Barcelona, Seville, or Valencia. And that’s one of the reasons I particularly like it. 

Whether you’re a cruise passenger visiting for a shore excursion or enjoying a holiday in southern Spain, my guide to the best places to visit and the top things to do in Cartagena will help you plan your city sightseeing. I’ve visited both ways, more recently on our Viking cruise ‘Trade Routes of the Middle Ages’ and other times whilst staying with my sister who lives nearby – and a little local knowledge goes a long way! 

The best things to do in Cartagena, Spain

This beautiful old city has been inhabited for over 2000 years, and its compact, easily walkable, city centre is packed with historic sites. Ancient ruins sit side-by-side with the newer architecture of modern Cartagena. 

Many of the historic buildings are within a short walk of each other through the narrow streets of the Old Town. All of this makes the city the perfect location for a day trip or short city break. There are plenty of things to do in Cartagena, Spain (not be be confused with Cartagena, Colombia) and more to see nearby. So, let’s discover the best places to see in Cartagena, Spain.

Cartagena’s Roman Theatre and Museum

Your first stop will most likely be the incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Museo Teatro Roman. As Cartagena attractions go this is one you shouldn’t miss. I’ve been twice and seen something different each time.

The Romans controlled ‘Hispania’ (the Iberian peninsula) for around 700 years from the 2nd century BC to the 5th century AD. The legacy of the Roman Empire can be seen throughout Spain, from the ancient ruins of the Roman Temple of Augustus in Barcelona to the Roman Theatre in Malaga.

The Teatro Romano de Cartagena dates back to the first centuries BC. It’s a highly significant archaeological site and undoubtedly the main attraction in Cartagena’s historic centre.

These Roman ruins were re-discovered in the 1990s and have been carefully restored to showcase the grandeur of Cartagena’s Roman past. The museum entrance is just a short walk from Plaza del Ayuntamiento, just opposite the Town Hall, so you can easily add it to your walking tour of Cartagena.

A visit to the Roman Theatre transports you from the modern city back in time to the days of the Roman Empire. You’ll enter through the museum of the Roman Theatre of Cartagena (Museo Teatro Romano), which leads you on a captivating journey through the site’s discovery and excavation. Artefacts on display include everyday objects as well as sculptures and mosaics.

Next, you’ll emerge from the museum into the ruins of the huge theatre, which once seated around 7000 spectators. You can admire the stage area and impressive tiers of seating, and some remnants of original decoration can still be seen. It gives you a good impression of how the Romans living in the ancient city of Carthago Nova would have enjoyed performances nearly 2000 years ago.

Part of the Teatro’s foundations still lie underneath the nearby ruins of the Cathedral of Santa María la Vieja. This was destroyed in 1939 when Cartagena was shelled by Nationalist forces in the Spanish Civil War. Unfortunately, there isn’t much of the cathedral left to see, but the ruins are occasionally open for visitors to look around.

If you’re not into museums you can see the Roman theatre from above. Look down from the castle grounds, it won’t cost you a cent, although you won’t be able to walk down to the stage area. 

Castillo de la Concepción

Thanks to Cartagena’s military history, you’ll see castles and fortresses dotted all around the city on hills and rocky outcrops. You’ll even find a castle right in the heart of Cartagena, which makes Castillo de la Concepción an easy addition to your sightseeing tour. It’s one of the top two places to see in Cartagena.

Head up the hill from the Teatro Romano, it’s quite a steep path, but you’ll soon reach the picturesque Parque Torres, a tranquil park with lush planting and amazing panoramic views of the city and harbour. Castillo de la Concepción stands at the park’s high point. If you don’t fancy the walk a glass panoramic elevator will carry you swiftly up the 45 metres for just a couple of euros.

This impressive castle has played an essential role in Cartagena’s history, which is why it features prominently on the city’s coat of arms. Castillo de la Concepción has an interesting mix of elements from different historical eras. The medieval castle was built on the site of a Roman temple and then became a Moorish fortress. Aspects of its Moorish past can still be seen in the castle’s lighthouse. Heading up to the castle’s roof is the best way to get a stunning view over the whole of Cartagena. It’s one of my favourite things to do in Cartagena, Spain.

The castle’s small museum tells the story of Cartagena’s rich history from Punic and Roman times through its Islamic era to Spain’s position as an 18th century maritime power.

You can explore Castillo de la Concepción and the castle’s gardens on your own or join a guided tour. Castle and elevator opening times vary so check the Cartagena tourism website before visiting.

La Casa de la Fortuna

Visiting la Casa de la Fortuna is a great way to learn more about Cartagena’s significance in Roman times. The nearby mountain range was rich in silver and lead which led to the city’s wealth. The name Casa Fortuna, meaning ‘house of fortune’, is taken from a Latin inscription inside the courtyard and refers to its owner’s good luck.

Inside the well-preserved house, you can view several rooms including the dining room’s colourful frescos, the salon where guests would have been received, traces of intricate mosaic floors, and the household’s private bedrooms.

Personal objects and jewellery, dishes, lamps and other household objects provide an intriguing snapshot of the daily life of Cartagena’s Roman elite. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in Roman history.

Palacio Consistorial de Cartagena

The Palacio Consistorial de Cartagena is a Modernista architectural masterpiece that stands in Plaza Ayuntamiento. You can’t miss this elegant Neo-Baroque building which is located just opposite the entrance to the museum of the Roman Theatre of Cartagena.

It’s the first building you’ll see as you head up from the port. This central location is an ideal starting point for history fans who want to explore the city’s historical quarter and nearby attractions like the Calle Mayor. The tourist office is next door. 

Cartagenta’s Modernista town hall was built in the early 20th century to replace the original 16th-century city hall. The distinctive triangular building has a white marble facade with sculpted balconies and distinctive zinc domes.

Drop in to view the Imperial white marble staircase with its ornate carvings, balustrades and stained glass window displaying the city’s coat of arms. Alternatively pay a small fee to join a guided tour and learn more about the history of this striking building.

Calle Mayor

Calle Mayor is Cartagena’s buzzy main street, known for its elegant facades and stunning Belle Époque and Art Nouveau architecture. There are some beautiful buildings here so don’t forget to look up!

Whether you’re browsing boutique shops, enjoying coffee at a terrace cafe, or sampling small plates at a tapas bar, Calle Mayor is a great place to experience Cartagena’s vibrant atmosphere.

Modernista Archictecture in Cartagena

Calle Mayor is home to some of the city’s most picturesque buildings, including the gorgeous Art Nouveau Gran Hotel, the Modernist architecture of Casa Cervantes and of course the Palacio Consistorial de Cartagena (the town hall) which I’ve already mentioned.

The Grand Hotel

This striking building is a beautiful example of Modernista architecture in Cartagena. Started by one architect and finished by Victor Beltri, it’s a building of two personalities. Classical on the lower floors with more extravagant floral decoration on the upper floors the hotel opened in 1916.

The Casino de Cartagena 

The Casino of Cartagena was originally built as a palatial house in the late 18th century but sustained extensive damage during bombing in 1873 when Caragena attempted independent rule from the Spanish Republic. It was remodelled in the late 19th century with floral swags, ironwork balconies and new interior with a central patio which is worth checking out with its white marble pillars.

Casa Cervantes

The very first Modernista house in Cartagena is Casa Cervantes, a white wedding cake of a building with a marble and brick facade and ornate ironwork.

Palacio de Aguirre and the Gaudi-esque Casa Maestre are two more notable buildings. Sadly no photots but I’ll check them out next time I’m visiting Cartagena, Spain.

Street Art

Art plays a big part in Spanish culture, and street art lovers will find many murals to admire in Cartagena. The high number of archaeological sites discovered in Cartagena has led to many buildings being closed down and part-demolished, leaving just the building front behind. Some now carry murals relating to the store that used to be there. While other murals have a historical theme and others are simply modern art.

You’ll also come across many statues and sculptures around the city which is packed with public art.

Barco Turístico tourist boat

If you’d like to escape the city streets for a short while and see the city from the sea, the Barco Turístico is a relaxing way to spend 40 minutes traversing the Mediterranean waters. This scenic boat tour explores Cartagena’s beautiful coastline, offering a unique perspective on the city’s maritime heritage.

The audio commentary available in English and Spanish points out all the major historic landmarks, including the fortifications around the port of Cartagena and the lighthouse at the Curra wharf. Barco Turístico sails into Cartagena harbour roughly every hour in the summer months, less frequently in the low season, and a ticket costs just €6. You’ll find the boat just to the left of the whale tail sculpture to the right-hand side of the port as you look out to sea.

Solaz Lines also offer excursions from the same dock to Palomas Island, a special protected area for birds and other tours around the Cartagena coast ranging from 1 hour to 75 minutes from €15.

Cartagena Port

Cartagena’s port has been a major naval port and commercial centre for centuries. Today, it’s both a major cruise destination and one of Spain’s busiest freight hubs.

Passengers on cruise ships arriving at Cartagena cruise port have just a 10-minute walk from the cruise pier to the city and major sights like the Calle Major. This also makes the port area an ideal place to explore for visitors staying in the city.

The waterfront promenade has been revived in recent years, and it’s now palm-lined with statues, sculptures and beautiful gardens. We enjoyed the terrace cafes where you can sit with a drink and indulge in a spot of people-watching.

Muralla del Mar (Sea Wall)

The Muralla del Mar is an 18th century defensive wall that runs along by Cartagena’s waterfront. Its commanding towers and fortifications were designed to protect the city from seaborne attack.

The city walls were built during the reign of King Charles III of Spain, when the Iberian peninsula faced a growing threat of attack from the British Navy. Cartagena was a vital naval stronghold at this time, and the Muralla del Mar protected the important naval base and its fleet.

Today, the Muralla del Mar is a peaceful location for a leisurely stroll, where you can enjoy a sweeping panoramic view of the city port and the Mediterranean Sea beyond. Many of the wall’s original features have been preserved, making it an important historical monument to an era when Spain was a naval superpower.

Mercado Santa Florentina

Sampling the local cuisine is always one of my favourite parts of exploring a new city. As well as the wide range of terrace cafes and tapas bars, you’ll find a delicious taste of local culture in Cartagena’s main market, the Mercado Santa Florentina. Inside the lively market hall, friendly stallholders compete for their customers’ attention, creating a fun and vibrant ambience.

Along with stalls selling fruit, vegetables, and fresh seafood, you’ll also find some of Murcia’s local delicacies, such as salted fish and cured sausages. It all makes the Mercado Santa Florentina a must-visit for food lovers looking to experience Cartagena’s gastronomy. Pick up some lunch and enjoy a picnic on one of the port waterfront benches.

Try Asiático coffee 

Don’t leave Cartagena without trying Café Asiático in a cafe or at the food market. This coffee drink, which is local to the Costa Calida area, is made with condensed milk (the Asian way), cognac and laced with a splash of Spanish Licor 43. Delicious, decadent and best enjoyed paired with a spot of people watching at an outdoor cafe.

Muralla Púnica (the Punic Wall)

The Muralla Púnica is one of the oldest and most important ancient sites in Cartagena. It dates back to the third century BC, when the ancient city was controlled by the Carthaginians, also known as the Punic people.

The Punic Wall played a significant role in the Second Punic War between 218 and 201 BC. This was the second of three conflicts between Carthage and Rome, the major powers in the western Mediterranean at that time.

This small museum is a good alternative if you don’t have time to visit the larger Molinete Roman Forum Museum. You can explore the ruins of the defensive walls and watchtowers, and get a glimpse into the life of the Punic people at the Punic Wall Interpretation Centre.

Cartagena’s Museums

For such a small city there are plenty of museums in Cartagena to explore.

Fans of maritime history can explore Cartagena’s sea-faring past in the popular Museo Naval (Cartagena Naval Museum), which features exhibits of uniforms, ship models and historical artefacts. You can also see the Peral submarine, which first launched in 1888 and is considered to be the first submarine entirely powered by electric batteries.

For anyone interested in weaponry or military history head to the Military Museum of Cartagena where you’ll find displays of all kinds of weapons from cannons to hand weapons, military uniforms and flags. Pick up and English leaflet as you enter which’ll guide you around the museum. Entry is free.

The ARQVA Museo (National Museum of Underwater Archaeology) is also worth visiting for its fascinating collection of items salvaged from shipwrecks and excavations in the Mediterranean Sea.

Cartagena Spanish Civil War Museum is also worth dropping by if you’re interested in Spanish history.

Things to do near Cartagena, Spain

If you have time to spare and access to a car, these local landmarks are also worth a visit.

Cala Cortina Beach

Cartagena has more beaches carrying the ICTE “Q for Quality” certification than any other Spanish city. One of these, Cala Cortina, is around a 10-minute drive from the city centre. Its crystal-clear waters and golden sands are sheltered by rocky cliffs, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

This small crescent-shaped bay is ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing, and the beach is well-equipped with amenities, including sunbed rentals and a beachfront seafood restaurant.

The promenade is the perfect place for a leisurely walk after lunch, and the scenic coastal road offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.

Cabo de Palos Lighthouse

If you know me, you’ll know I love a lighthouse, so I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to visit Cabo de Palos Lighthouse which is around 30 minutes east of Cartagena. This spectacular lighthouse stands guard on a rocky headland overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

The light was first lit in 1865, and this stunning lighthouse is still in operation. You can enjoy breathtaking views if you climb to the top and the area is also an excellent spot for divers with diverse marine life and underwater caves. There’s a small beach nearby where you can dip your toes in the Med and there’s also a cafe.

Batería de Castillitos

Batería de Castillitos is a military fortress overlooking the coast in a strategic location around 50 minutes west of Cartagena. Although it looks like a medieval fortress built in the Middle Ages, this historical site was actually only built in the 1930s!

The fortress was designed to defend Cartagena along with Batería de Cenizas at Cape Negrete, which lies eastwards along the Mediterranean coast. The dramatic clifftop setting, fairytale towers and panoramic coastline views make Batería de Castillitos well worth a visit.

When to visit Cartagena

Cartagena’s got that classic southern Spain vibe—hot, sunny, and pretty much bone-dry all summer long. Expect temps to hover around 76°F 24.5°C in June, then heat up to the low 80s (27°C ish) in July and August. Don’t worry though, those sea breezes usually cool things down just enough.

Since the Murcia region is pretty dry (we’re talking semi-desert here), rain in the summer is a rare sight. So pack your sunblock, throw in a hat, and get ready to soak up all that sunshine while you’re out exploring the city.

Shoulder season is always a good time visit when it’s less busy but the weather is warm and hotel rates aren’t at their peak.

If you don’t like crowds I should mention that it gets busier in summer time when cruise lines dock in the small port city for shore excursions. However, when I was there with Viking in mid-September it didn’t seem any more crowded than our other visits in Spring time.

Check out these European cities to visit in Spring.

Why Cartagena, Spain?

Cartagena is the perfect city for a shore excursion on a cruise holiday or for a longer visit, with plenty of historic sites and modernist architecture to explore within the small city center.

History lovers will enjoy learning the history of the city through fascinating museums and historical sites, while food lovers can indulge in local cuisine at restaurants or the lively market hall.

And if that all sounds too energetic, you can simply take a gentle stroll down the pretty waterfront or sip on a coffee in one of Cartagena’s outdoor cafes. Whether you stay for a few hours or a few days, you’re sure to have the best time exploring beautiful Cartagena!

Ready to plan your trip?

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I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide on things to do in the city and Cartagena’s top attractions. I’ll add to this guide each time I visit so stay tuned and sign up for email updates, travel offers and newsletter.