Hello again! Thanks for visiting La Carta. 

Here we want to show you everything about Cartagena—not only the beautiful beaches, hotels, available tours, and the most popular events, but also the things that you should simply skip, What NOT to Do in Cartagena? I’ll tell you about it.

Like in every new place we visit, we arrive with curiosity and the freedom to think that we can do everything we normally do in our daily life and just replicate it in our vacation destination. But there are places that not only have written rules or regulations, they also have “unwritten rules” that every local knows, but visitors are not always warned about.

Cartagena is one of the most sought-after destinations in Colombia: a city that never sleeps, full of history, with enviable beaches, picturesque streets, and a warm culture that captivates. But, like in any tourist destination in the world, there are also certain mistakes that travelers often make.

Today, in La Carta, we’re giving you a list of things you should NOT do in Cartagena, with local tips that can make the difference between an unforgettable vacation… and a nightmare.

You might be wondering: What should I keep in mind for my trip to the Caribbean to make sure everything goes smoothly?

Here’s a short but super useful list of things you should avoid on your next visit to La Heroica.

1.Don’t drink tap water

In Cartagena, there is a water treatment plant, but the water contains many minerals and chemicals that can be harsh on the stomach of a foreigner or anyone who hasn’t been used to it since childhood.

What can you do to stay hydrated?

Buy bottled or purified water, which you can easily find in supermarkets, shops, and even at your accommodation. You can also bring a filtered bottle if you want to reduce plastic use. In many hotels, they’ll even refill your bottle with safe water so you can avoid using plastic.

2.Never consume slushies, seafood, or juices from street vendors

I know it may sound tempting to enjoy a shrimp or seafood cocktail on the beach while sunbathing and sipping a good Colombian beer, but the hygiene standards and ingredients used in these street stalls are not always guaranteed to be safe for your health.

For many street vendors, buying bottled water for their preparations drastically increases costs. That’s why many of them use tap water. And if it’s a juice, slushie, or smoothie—you can imagine the type of water being used.

The other problem with seafood—shrimp, oysters, shellfish—is that as you know, seafood is very delicate. If it’s not fresh, it can easily cause food poisoning. Many street vendors spend hours selling under the hot sun, which can spoil the food and upset your stomach. If you want to enjoy exquisite seafood, I recommend reading our article about the best seafood in Cartagena.

If you absolutely want to enjoy a shrimp cocktail by the sea, on a beach chair, make sure to buy it from places with good turnover and local recommendations. Order it to go—and simply enjoy.

3. Don’t pull out your phone just anywhere

Here, as in many parts of Colombia and the world, you should avoid “giving papaya” (making yourself an easy target). It may sound unfortunate, but it’s better to prevent than to regret—especially at night. If you find yourself on empty streets, avoid showing valuables like your phone, wallet, or anything else of worth.

Of course, just like in many places, Cartagena has many areas where peace and safety prevail, and you can walk freely without worrying while talking on the phone or texting. Just always stay aware of your surroundings and avoid doing so late at night or on deserted streets.

What we usually recommend is carrying a small, secure waist bag or fanny pack, so you can keep your most valuable belongings in a place that’s not so easy for pickpockets to reach.

If you’re dining at an outdoor restaurant, don’t leave your belongings on the table—someone might walk by and take them in a split second without you noticing. 

On the beaches, take the same precautions, especially on public and crowded ones. If you’re staying at or spending the day in private beaches nearby, then you don’t need to worry as much. Click here to learn more about the best beaches in the Rosario Islands and Barú.

4. Don’t walk alone at night in certain neighborhoods

Now, let’s talk about some areas where you can walk around freely, even at night. Cartagena is very much a night city, and you’ll find many streets well-lit and lively until the early hours of the morning.

The Historic Center and Getsemaní are vibrant, tourist-friendly areas where you can walk at night with relative safety. However, if you’re leaving a bar or nightclub very late and staying in less touristy neighborhoods, especially if you’re alone, you could put yourself at risk.

Ask at your accommodation which areas are safe to walk around at night. Always use safe transport options like Uber or InDriver if you need to get around late. I recommend always sharing your driver’s license plate with your hotel reception or sending it to a friend. If you’re in a group, even better.

Safe areas: Bocagrande, Laguito, Castillo Grande, the Historic Center, San Diego, and Getsemaní. These are very touristy places, always full of activity day and night, making them less attractive for blatant theft. Still, be cautious in alleys or empty corners of these neighborhoods.

Keep in mind that if a place is crowded, pickpockets may try the so-called “cosquilleo” (sneaky pickpocketing). So yes, it’s safe to walk around, but always keep an eye on your belongings.

Now, the areas I’d say you should definitely avoid at night—because they are considered among the most dangerous in Cartagena—are: El Paraíso, Sector La Magdalena, La María, Olaya, and El Pozón. I also wouldn’t recommend walking at night near the Castillo de San Felipe or the India Catalina statue.

Walking during the day is different from walking at night, which is why I also suggest avoiding these neighborhoods at night, especially if you’re alone: Crespo, Marbella, Zona Norte, Torices. Some of these areas, as you can see, are quite beautiful—even high-income neighborhoods. But because they get very empty at night, thieves take advantage.

5. Avoid Wearing Flashy Jewelry

I know you love looking your best for those dream photos (click here to see the most Instagrammable spots), and that your outfit wouldn’t be complete without your favorite earrings, bracelets, rings, and beautiful necklaces.

Even if they’re made of “cheap” materials, if they look flashy, you could easily become an easy target for thieves.
Especially if you usually wear gold chains, branded watches, expensive sunglasses, or designer bags, you may attract the wrong kind of attention—particularly in areas with high poverty or informal activity.

Aside from being at greater risk, flashy items also catch the eye of street vendors or informal “guides.” If they see you carrying valuables, they may try to charge you more for any product or service.

Leave your most valuable items in the hotel safe and wear simple accessories instead. Cartagena is not the place to show off luxury; it’s a city to walk light, wear fresh clothes, and focus on the experience.

6. Don’t Negotiate with Motorcycle Taxis on the Streets

In many areas of Cartagena—if not all—you’ll see motorcycle taxi drivers offering fast and cheap transportation. While it may sound tempting, this type of service is not well-regulated and offers no safety guarantees or fixed fares.

We’ve heard of cases where tourists, especially foreigners, accepted a ride and were taken to remote areas to be extorted or even robbed.
They don’t carry insurance in case of accidents, and their driving can be very reckless.

I recommend always checking with your hotel reception for transportation options, or using apps like Uber or InDriver.

7. Be Careful with Some Beaches: The Sea Can Get Rough

In Cartagena, you’ll find many beach options, and while some regulated areas may have lifeguards, many others don’t.

When I say “rough sea,” I mean when the waves get strong, making it unsafe to swim too far out. Even if you know how to swim, it can be dangerous.
Although the Caribbean Sea often looks calm and inviting, not all beaches in Cartagena are safe for swimming, especially if you’re not an experienced swimmer.

Some areas may have strong currents, jellyfish, or sharp rocks. Plus, not all beaches have active lifeguards, so it’s important to get informed before heading into the water.

Whether you’re a strong swimmer or not, ask your hotel, guide, or a local about the safest beaches to swim at.
Avoid going into the sea at night or under the influence of alcohol. Urban beaches like Bocagrande, for example, have areas with warnings about dangerous currents.

8. Don’t Accept Drinks from Strangers

In Cartagena, where tourists from all over the world arrive every day, it’s common to see people enjoying a lively party atmosphere and hanging out with strangers.
I’m not saying you shouldn’t make new friends—just be careful about who you trust and from whom you accept something to drink. As anywhere else, it’s all about using common sense.

Always try to keep your own bottle of liquor, water, or beer in hand, and don’t leave it unattended.
If someone approaches you in a friendly way and offers you a drink, it may seem harmless, but it isn’t always.

There have been documented cases of tourists being drugged with scopolamine or other substances mixed into drinks. I don’t mean to scare you, but these situations happen so criminals can rob you, strip you of your belongings without you remembering, or worse.

My advice: always keep your drink in sight. If you’re going to accept one, make sure it’s poured in front of you or by a trusted bartender. And if you’re going out alone, be even more cautious. Cartagena’s nightlife is fascinating, but you need to move with awareness.

9. Don’t Leave Your Accommodation to Chance During High Season

Cartagena is probably one of those cities—both in Colombia and worldwide—where it feels like high season all year round. You’ll always find it bustling with people.

However, the most popular months can be pure chaos if you don’t plan ahead for accommodation, tours, and activities.
During dates like Holy Week, Christmas, or mid-year vacations, prices skyrocket and availability drops drastically.

Arriving without a reservation could mean ending up in a low-quality or unsafe place, or paying abusive rates. Even in areas like Barú or the Rosario Islands, the best spots sell out weeks—or even months—in advance.

I recommend planning early. If you can’t find hotels, look for hostels or Airbnbs that guarantee a safe, comfortable night’s rest. Always book through reliable platforms, check reviews, and if you’re staying on an island, make sure you understand how to get there and back. Cartagena is not a city for improvisation—especially if you value comfort and peace of mind.

10. Don’t Assume Everything Is Included in Your Island Tours

Many “day trip” packages to the islands or cultural tours may look all-inclusive, but sometimes they don’t cover essentials like towels, drinks, snacks, snorkeling equipment, port taxes, or transportation to the pier.

Read carefully what your package includes. Carry extra cash (preferably in small bills), and ask all your questions before paying. Don’t hesitate to request the terms in writing or by message if you’re booking through WhatsApp.

At La Carta, we want your stay in Cartagena to be unforgettable—that’s why you shouldn’t overlook the advice we share here. We’re a team passionate about La Heroica, and we know the city inside and out, so your Caribbean vacation can be nothing short of spectacular.

La Carta: What NOT to Do in Cartagena