Hey there! I’m Alejandra, VP of Marketing here at La Carta magazine, and if there’s something I know well, it’s the power of a great Instagram picture. Cartagena is a photographer’s dream, full of color, history, and vibrancy, offering countless opportunities for the best Cartagena Instagram photos. Whether you’re a local or visiting, there’s no shortage of jaw-dropping spots to capture. Here are my seven favorite Instagrammable places in Cartagena that you absolutely need to add to your feed!

1. Pie de La Popa  

Pie de popa
This area not only provides access to the stunning views atop La Popa but also features colorful architecture and lively street life

Pie de la Popa is a place that gives you the perfect juxtaposition of colonial architecture and modern life, making it ideal for the best Cartagena Instagram photos. What I love most about this area is its authenticity—you’ll capture both traditional street scenes and a real sense of everyday Cartagena life. With the backdrop of the majestic La Popa hill, it’s not only visually stunning but offers an intimate peek into Cartagena’s history. The winding, cobbled streets and colonial facades make it a real gem for moody, dramatic shots.

2. Café del Mar (Flag View)

 

Cafe del Mar Cartagena
Located along the city walls of Cartagena, Café del Mar provides an ideal vantage point for capturing breathtaking sunsets, blending natural beauty with the vibrant culture of the city

Café del Mar has become iconic, not only for the food and drinks but for the unforgettable sunsets. The reason this spot is so popular on Instagram is clear—perched on the walls of Cartagena’s Old City, you get sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea, with the Colombian flag adding that perfect touch of national pride to your pictures. Whether you’re capturing the golden hour or a lively night out, this is one of my personal favorites for showing off Cartagena’s spirit. Pro tip: Come early to snag the best spot for sunset shots!

3. Calle de la Iglesia

Calle de la iglesia Cartagena
Wander down Calle de la Iglesia, where charming streets and vibrant colors create perfect photo ops

This picturesque street is everything Instagram dreams are made of. Located in the heart of the Old City, Calle de la Iglesia is lined with brightly colored colonial buildings, balconies overflowing with flowers, and street vendors adding life to the scene. It’s the type of place that feels like stepping into a postcard. Personally, I love capturing shots here in the early morning when the light hits just right and the street is a little less crowded—makes it all the more magical.

4. La Torre del Reloj

Torre del reloj Cartagena
Cartagena’s iconic clock tower and a must-see landmark

No list of Cartagena’s most Instagrammable places is complete without La Torre del Reloj (the Clock Tower). It’s one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks and stands proudly at the entrance of the Old City. This place is always bustling with energy, and I think that’s why it works so well for Instagram—it encapsulates the vibrant pulse of Cartagena. Try playing with different angles to frame the tower with the surrounding colonial architecture or catch a horse-drawn carriage passing by for that extra historical touch.

5. Calle de San Juan

calle san juan cartagena
Every step on Calle San Juan reveals a new photo opportunity with its stunning facades

If there’s one place in Cartagena that showcases its colorful soul, it’s Calle de San Juan. This street in Getsemaní is a favorite of mine, especially for its street art and murals, which are perfect for the best Cartagena Instagram photos. The vibrant, artistic vibe of the neighborhood really comes alive here. Every corner is bursting with culture and creativity, making it the perfect place to take a walk and snap some incredible photos. Whether it’s the intricate murals or the colorful buildings, you won’t leave here without at least a dozen perfect shots.

6. Barrio Getsemaní – Calle 29

Barrio getsemani
Immerse yourself in the artistic vibes of Getsemaní—every wall is a canvas!

Getsemaní is the bohemian heartbeat of Cartagena, and Calle 29 is the epicenter of its Instagrammable charm, perfect for capturing the best Cartagena Instagram photos. The street art here tells stories, and the brightly colored houses make for an incredible backdrop. It’s one of those places where you don’t have to look hard to find beauty; it’s around every corner. Personally, I love the vibe here because it feels raw and real—like you’re part of a living canvas. It’s also a place where Cartagena’s history and its modern-day cultural renaissance meet.

7. Movich Rooftop

Movich Rooftop Best Cartagena Instagram photos
The sunset at Movich Rooftop will take your breath away

For a modern twist on Cartagena’s historical charm, the Movich Rooftop is where you need to go. What I love most about this spot is that it gives you a bird’s-eye view of the Old City with the sea stretching out in the background. This luxurious rooftop offers the perfect contrast of old and new, making it a killer location for sunset shots or panoramic views. With the city’s iconic domes and bell towers in the distance, it’s an absolute must for anyone looking to add a bit of grandeur to their feed.

Each of these spots has its own unique charm, and trust me, your followers will thank you for showing them the most stunning places in Cartagena, perfect for the best Cartagena Instagram photos. I’ve spent so much time exploring these areas, and they never fail to take my breath away. Cartagena is a city of contrasts—old meets new, vibrant color meets timeless history—and I think that’s what makes it one of the most photogenic cities in the world

So get your camera (or phone) ready, and happy Instagramming!