City in Bolívar, Colombia
Cartagena for solo travelers
Is Cartagena good for solo travel?
Walled colonial old town, Caribbean sunsets and boat trips to the Rosario Islands. Great for first-time visitors; heat, humidity, beach vendors and high old-town prices are the trade-offs.
Solo travel at a glance
| Solo travel | 4/5 · Very good for solo travel |
|---|---|
| Locals | Friendly |
| English | Limited |
| Safety | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Solo women | Solo women visit regularly. Expect catcalling and vendors' persistence; watch drinks and use ride apps late. |
How to meet people in Cartagena
Getsemaní hostels, rooftop pool parties, walking tours, free salsa nights, snorkeling and island boat tours, and dive shops all draw solo travellers.
Good things to do alone
- Walk the old walls at sunset
- Eat arepa de huevo and ceviche in Getsemaní
- Day-trip to Playa Blanca or the Rosario Islands
- Visit the Convento de la Popa for views
- Join a street-art tour in Getsemaní
Where to stay in Cartagena
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Getsemaní | Backpackers and nightlife: street art, hostels, plazas |
| Old Town (Centro Histórico) | Colonial streets, boutique hotels; pricey and tourist-heavy |
| Bocagrande | Beach high-rises, malls, apartments and hotels |
| El Laguito and Manga | Quieter residential stays; calmer, less walkable |
Solo travel across Colombia
| Place | Solo | English |
|---|---|---|
| Medellín | 5/5 | Limited |
| Cartagena | 4/5 | Limited |
| Bogotá | 4/5 | Limited |
| Santa Marta | 4/5 | Limited |
| Cali | 4/5 | Limited |
| Salento | 4/5 | Limited |
| San Andrés | 4/5 | Common in tourist areas |
| Minca | 4/5 | Limited |
| Palomino | 4/5 | Limited |
| San Gil | 4/5 | Limited |
| Pereira | 4/5 | Limited |
| Guatapé | 3/5 | Limited |
| Villa de Leyva | 3/5 | Limited |
| Jardín | 3/5 | Rare |
| Barranquilla | 3/5 | Limited |
| Leticia | 3/5 | Limited |
Quick answers
Is Cartagena good for solo travelers?
Very good for solo travel (4/5). Walled colonial old town, Caribbean sunsets and boat trips to the Rosario Islands.
How do you meet people in Cartagena?
Getsemaní hostels, rooftop pool parties, walking tours, free salsa nights, snorkeling and island boat tours, and dive shops all draw solo travellers. On SoloSquare you can also join small plans with other travelers who are there now.
Do people speak English in Cartagena?
Limited.
Is Cartagena safe for solo female travelers?
Solo women visit regularly. Expect catcalling and vendors' persistence; watch drinks and use ride apps late.
More about Cartagena
Going to Cartagena solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Cartagena meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.